Isaiah 22:2
Isaiah 22:2 in Multiple Translations
O city of commotion, O town of revelry? Your slain did not die by the sword, nor were they killed in battle.
Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.
O thou that art full of shoutings, a tumultuous city, a joyous town; thy slain are not slain with the sword, neither are they dead in battle.
You, who are full of loud voices, a town of outcries, given up to joy; your dead men have not been put to the sword, or come to their death in war.
There are shouts and commotion all over the city with people celebrating. Your dead weren't killed by the sword or in battle.
Thou that art full of noise, a citie full of brute, a ioyous citie: thy slaine men shall not bee slaine with sworde, nor die in battell.
Full of stirs — a noisy city — an exulting city, Thy pierced are not pierced of the sword, Nor dead in battle.
You that are full of shouting, a tumultuous city, a joyous town, your slain are not slain with the sword, neither are they dead in battle.
Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.
Full of clamour, a populous city, a joyous city: thy slain are not slain by the sword, nor dead in battle.
Everyone in the city seems to be shouting. There are a lot of corpses in the city, but they were not killed by their enemies’ swords. They did not die in battles; instead, they died from diseases and hunger.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 22:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 22:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תְּשֻׁא֣וֹת
מְלֵאָ֗ה
עִ֚יר
הֽוֹמִיָּ֔ה
קִרְיָ֖ה
עַלִּיזָ֑ה
חֲלָלַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
לֹ֣א
חַלְלֵי
חֶ֔רֶב
וְ/לֹ֖א
מֵתֵ֥י
מִלְחָמָֽה
תְּשֻׁא֣וֹת
tᵉshuʼâh
H8663
shout
N-fp
מְלֵאָ֗ה
mᵉlêʼâh
H4395
fruit
Adj
עִ֚יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
הֽוֹמִיָּ֔ה
hâmâh
H1993
to roar
V-Qal
קִרְיָ֖ה
qiryâh
H7151
town
N-fs
עַלִּיזָ֑ה
ʻallîyz
H5947
jubilant
Adj
חֲלָלַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
châlâl
H2491
slain
Adj | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חַלְלֵי
châlâl
H2491
slain
Adj
חֶ֔רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
וְ/לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
מֵתֵ֥י
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 22:2
תְּשֻׁא֣וֹת
tᵉshuʼâh
H8663
"shout"
N-fp
Teshuah refers to a loud, crashing noise, like a shout or clamor. This word is used in the Bible to describe the sounds of a storm or a crowd.
Definition: noise, clamour Also means: sha.vah (שָׁוָה "storm" H7738)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: crying, noise, shouting, stir. See also: Job 36:29; Isaiah 22:2; Zechariah 4:7.
מְלֵאָ֗ה
mᵉlêʼâh
H4395
"fruit"
Adj
It means a fruitful harvest or abundance, like the first ripe fruits in Deuteronomy 26:2, representing God's blessing and provision.
Definition: fulness, full produce
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (first of ripe) fruit, fulness. See also: Exodus 22:28; Isaiah 1:21; Isaiah 22:2.
עִ֚יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הֽוֹמִיָּ֔ה
hâmâh
H1993
"to roar"
V-Qal
To make a loud noise, like roaring or moaning, is what this Hebrew word means. It can also imply a state of turmoil or commotion, like in the book of Jeremiah where it describes a city in uproar.
Definition: 1) to murmur, growl, roar, cry aloud, mourn, rage, sound, make noise, tumult, be clamorous, be disquieted, be loud, be moved, be troubled, be in an uproar 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to growl 1a2) to murmur (fig. of a soul in prayer) 1a3) to roar 1a4) to be in a stir, be in a commotion 1a5) to be boisterous, be turbulent
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clamorous, concourse, cry aloud, be disquieted, loud, mourn, be moved, make a noise, rage, roar, sound, be troubled, make in tumult, tumultuous, be in an uproar. See also: 1 Kings 1:41; Song of Solomon 5:4; Psalms 39:7.
קִרְיָ֖ה
qiryâh
H7151
"town"
N-fs
This word refers to a town or city, a place where people live and work. It is used in the Bible to describe various urban areas.
Definition: 1) city, town 1a) in general 1b) in specific 1c) collective 1d) indefinite Aramaic equivalent: qir.yah (קִרְיָה "town" H7149)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: city. See also: Numbers 21:28; Isaiah 22:2; Psalms 48:3.
עַלִּיזָ֑ה
ʻallîyz
H5947
"jubilant"
Adj
This Hebrew word means feeling jubilant or exultant, like being full of joy. It's used to describe people rejoicing in the Bible, such as in Psalm 51. It's about being happy and celebratory.
Definition: exultant, jubilant
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: joyous, (that) rejoice(-ing) See also: Isaiah 13:3; Isaiah 24:8; Isaiah 22:2.
חֲלָלַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Adj | Suff
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חַלְלֵי
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
חֶ֔רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וְ/לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מֵתֵ֥י
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — Isaiah 22:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 22:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 22:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 22:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 22:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 22:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 22:2
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 22:2
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 22:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 22:2
- Sermons on Isaiah 22:2
Context — The Valley of Vision
1This is the burden against the Valley of Vision: What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the rooftops,
2O city of commotion, O town of revelry? Your slain did not die by the sword, nor were they killed in battle.
3All your rulers have fled together, captured without a bow. All your fugitives were captured together, having fled to a distant place. 4Therefore I said, “Turn away from me, let me weep bitterly! Do not try to console me over the destruction of the daughter of my people.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 32:13 | and for the land of my people, overgrown with thorns and briers— even for every house of merriment in this city of revelry. |
| 2 | Isaiah 23:7 | Is this your jubilant city, whose origin is from antiquity, whose feet have taken her to settle far away? |
| 3 | Lamentations 2:20 | Look, O LORD, and consider: Whom have You ever treated like this? Should women eat their offspring, the infants they have nurtured? Should priests and prophets be killed in the sanctuary of the Lord? |
| 4 | Jeremiah 14:18 | If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know.’” |
| 5 | Isaiah 37:36 | Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! |
| 6 | Jeremiah 38:2 | “This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 52:6 | By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. |
| 8 | Amos 6:3–6 | You dismiss the day of calamity and bring near a reign of violence. You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall. You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph. |
| 9 | Isaiah 37:33 | So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. |
| 10 | Isaiah 22:12–13 | On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” |
Isaiah 22:2 Summary
This verse is talking about a city that is very sinful and given over to pleasure and chaos, and it's experiencing a calamity that isn't due to war, but perhaps due to internal corruption or God's judgment (as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15). The city is being called out for its sinful state, much like in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), where the son has to come to his senses and return to his father. It's a call to repentance and a reminder that our actions have consequences, and we must turn to God before it's too late (2 Chronicles 7:14). The city's situation is a reflection of the human heart's tendency to turn away from God and towards its own desires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Valley of Vision mentioned in the surrounding verses?
The Valley of Vision is likely a reference to Jerusalem, as seen in Isaiah 22:1, which is being called to account for its sinful state, much like in the book of Lamentations where Jerusalem is lamented over its destruction (Lamentations 1:1).
Why does the verse say the slain did not die by the sword or in battle?
This statement emphasizes the unexpected nature of the calamity that has befallen the city, much like the unexpected judgment that came upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25), highlighting God's sovereign judgment.
What is the significance of the city being called a 'city of commotion' and a 'town of revelry'?
These names suggest a city given over to sinful pleasures and chaos, similar to the descriptions of Babylon in Revelation 18:3, indicating a city that has turned away from God and towards its own desires.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah?
This verse fits into Isaiah's larger theme of calling Israel to repentance and warning of God's judgment for sin, as seen in Isaiah 1:18-20, emphasizing the need for the people to turn back to God before it's too late.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'commotions' and 'revelries' in my own life that distract me from God's presence and will?
- How can I, like the prophet Isaiah, mourn over the spiritual condition of my city or community (Isaiah 22:4)?
- In what ways can I be a voice of warning and repentance to those around me, as Isaiah was to Jerusalem?
- What does it mean for me to 'turn away' from the sinful patterns of the world and towards God, as implied in the surrounding verses?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 22:2
Thou art full of stirs,.... Or, "wast full of stirs"; through the multitude of people walking about in it, and the vast hurry of business done in it; but now all hush and quiet, the streets clear of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 22:2
Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle. Thou that art - rather, wast, for it could not now be said to be "a joyous city" (Isaiah 32:13).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 22:2
Thou art full of stirs; or, thou who wast full of stirs, or noises, to wit, of joyful shouts, as the following words limit it, and as this word is used, , though elsewhere it be taken for doleful cries. Tumultuous; or, streperous; full of noise and clamour, through revelling and jollity. See . Not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle, but either by famine or pestilence in the siege, as many died, 38:2, or in their flight, as others were; both which were inglorious kinds of death.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 22:2
Isaiah 22:2 Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain [men are] not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.Ver. 2. Thou that art full of stirs.] Clamoribus fragosis, How soon hast thou changed thy cheer and thy note? thy joyful acclamations into doleful exclamations? Thy slain men are not slain with the sword.] Sed mortui ex anxietate; but are foreslain with fear, or, as others, by the visible vengeance of God, as Titus acknowledged at the last sack of that city, and as the poet sang of Troy - “ Non tibi Tindaridis facies invisa Lacaenae, Culpatusve Paris; verum inclcmcntia divum Has evertit opes. ” - Virgil. Strepera [?Strepitus.] Joseph., lib. vii. cap. 16.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 22:2
(2) A joyous city . . .—It would seem from Isaiah 32:13 as if this was the characteristic on which Jerusalem, like Athens afterwards (Thucyd. ii. 40), specially prided itself. Thy slain men are not slain with the sword . . .—The words imply something like a reproach of cowardice. Those who had perished had not died fighting bravely in battle, but by the pestilence which then, as at all times, was prevalent in the crowded streets of a besieged city.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 22:2
2. full of stirs] R.V. full of shoutings. joyous city] jubilant city, as ch. Isaiah 32:13. A festive disposition seems to have characterised the inhabitants of Jerusalem in Isaiah’s time; cf. also ch. Isaiah 5:14. That their gladness on this occasion was “the forced gaiety of despair” is indicated by nothing in the passage; it was due to the sense of relief from imminent peril. thy slain … battle] Jerusalem’s warriors have not met a glorious death on the battle-field, but have been taken prisoners and ignominiously executed (see Isaiah 22:3). Some critics, however, take this clause and the next verse as the description of a vision which the prophet has of the future. On that view, which is plausible enough, it would be more natural to think of deaths from famine and pestilence (Lamentations 4:9).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 22:2
Thou that art full of stirs - Of tumult, of commotion, of alarm. Or, perhaps, this whole description may mean that it was formerly a city distinguished for the hum of business, or for pleasure; a busy, active, enterprising city.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 22:2
2. Thy slain men — Or, men destined to perish, as the prophet sees a dire siege at hand. Not slain with the sword — Not to have this honour. They will die inside, not in battle; or, they will die as captives, far away.
Sermons on Isaiah 22:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Isaiah and Jerusalem by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the profound messages of the prophet Isaiah, emphasizing his dual focus on sin and judgment for Jerusalem, alongside a hopeful vision of redemption and restor |
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Isaiah Chapter 4 Isaiah and Jerusalem by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the profound messages of the prophet Isaiah, focusing on the themes of sin, judgment, and eventual redemption for Judah and Jerusalem. He highlights Isaiah's |
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Holy Spirit #29: The Spirit of Revival by Alan Cairns | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer for revival in times of spiritual decline in the Church. He refers to Isaiah 62:6-7, where God sets watchmen on the |
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The Happy Effects of the Pouring Out of the Spirit by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the necessity of a general outpouring of the Holy Spirit for national reformation and individual salvation. He emphasizes the dire consequences of sin |
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The Crisis, or the Uncertain Doom of Kingdoms at Particular Times by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the uncertainty and anxiety faced by nations in times of crisis, using the example of Nineveh's impending doom due to sin. He emphasizes the importance |
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A Letter From the Devil by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about his father's struggles and how the devil tried to tempt him with thoughts of financial success. The preacher emphasizes t |
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An Old Testament Revival - Part 2 by David Ravenhill | This sermon focuses on the story of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles, highlighting the challenges he faced and how he overcame them through faith, prayer, and taking action. Hezekiah's lif |