New International Versionthis is the word the LORD has spoken against him: “Virgin Daughter Zion despises and mocks you. Daughter Jerusalem tosses her head as you flee.
New Living Translationthe LORD has spoken this word against him: “The virgin daughter of Zion despises you and laughs at you. The daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head in derision as you flee.
English Standard Versionthis is the word that the LORD has spoken concerning him: “‘She despises you, she scorns you— the virgin daughter of Zion; she wags her head behind you— the daughter of Jerusalem.
Berean Standard Biblethis is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.
King James BibleThis is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
New King James Versionthis is the word which the LORD has spoken concerning him: “The virgin, the daughter of Zion, Has despised you, laughed you to scorn; The daughter of Jerusalem Has shaken her head behind your back!
New American Standard Biblethis is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: “She has shown contempt for you and derided you, The virgin daughter of Zion; The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head behind you!
NASB 1995this is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: “She has despised you and mocked you, The virgin daughter of Zion; She has shaken her head behind you, The daughter of Jerusalem!
NASB 1977 this is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: “She has despised you and mocked you, The virgin daughter of Zion; She has shaken her head behind you, The daughter of Jerusalem!
Legacy Standard Bible this is the word that Yahweh has spoken against him: “She has despised you and mocked you, The virgin daughter of Zion; She has shaken her head behind you, The daughter of Jerusalem!
Amplified Biblethis is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: “She has shown contempt for you and mocked you, The Virgin Daughter of Zion (Jerusalem); She has shaken her head behind you, The Daughter of Jerusalem!
Christian Standard Biblethis is the word the LORD has spoken against him: Virgin Daughter Zion despises you and scorns you; Daughter Jerusalem shakes her head behind your back.
Holman Christian Standard Biblethis is the word the LORD has spoken against him: Virgin Daughter Zion despises you and scorns you: Daughter Jerusalem shakes her head behind your back.
American Standard Versionthis is the word which Jehovah hath spoken concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion hath despised thee and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
English Revised Versionthis is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion hath despised thee and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThis is the message that the LORD speaks to him, 'My dear people in Zion despise you and laugh at you. My people in Jerusalem shake their heads behind your back.
Good News Translationthe LORD had said, "The city of Jerusalem laughs at you, Sennacherib, and makes fun of you.
International Standard VersionThis is the message that the LORD has spoken in opposition to him: "'The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem— she tosses her head behind you as you flee.
NET Biblethis is what the LORD says about him: "The virgin daughter Zion despises you--she makes fun of you; daughter Jerusalem shakes her head after you.
New Heart English Biblethis is the word which the LORD has spoken concerning him. The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you and ridiculed you. The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you.
Webster's Bible TranslationThis is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and derided thee; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethis is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.
World English Biblethis is the word which Yahweh has spoken concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you and ridiculed you. The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthis [is] the word that YHWH spoke concerning him: Trampled on you, laughed at you, "" Has the virgin daughter of Zion, "" The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken the head behind you.
Young's Literal Translation this is the word that Jehovah spake concerning him: Trampled on thee, laughed at thee, Hath the virgin daughter of Zion, Behind thee shaken the head hath the daughter of Jerusalem.
Smith's Literal TranslationThis the word that Jehovah spake concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion despising to thee, deriding to thee; the daughter of Jerusalem shook her head after thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThis is the word which the Lord hath spoken of him: The virgin the daughter of Sion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn: the daughter of Jerusalem hath wagged the head after thee.
Catholic Public Domain Versionthis is the word that the Lord has spoken over him: The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you and mocked you. The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you.
New American BibleThis is the word the LORD has spoken concerning him: She despises you, laughs you to scorn, the virgin daughter Zion; Behind you she wags her head, daughter Jerusalem.
New Revised Standard Versionthis is the word that the LORD has spoken concerning him: She despises you, she scorns you— virgin daughter Zion; she tosses her head—behind your back, daughter Jerusalem. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThis is the word which the LORD has spoken concerning him: The virgin, the daughter of Zion, has despised you and laughs you to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem wags her head at you.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThis is the word that he spoke about him: “LORD JEHOVAH has contempt for you and the virgin daughter of Zion mocks at you and the daughter of Jerusalem wags her head at you OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917this is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion Hath despised thee and laughed thee to scorn; The daughter of Jerusalem Hath shaken her head at thee.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThis is the word which God has spoken concerning him; The virgin daughter of Sion has despised thee, and mocked thee; the daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at thee.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Fall of Sennacherib Prophesied21Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to Me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, 22this is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you. 23Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!…
Cross References 2 Kings 19:21This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.
Isaiah 10:12So when the Lord has completed all His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the fruit of his arrogant heart and the proud look in his eyes.
Isaiah 10:24-25Therefore this is what the Lord GOD of Hosts says: “O My people who dwell in Zion, do not fear Assyria, who strikes you with a rod and lifts his staff against you as the Egyptians did. / For in just a little while My fury against you will subside, and My anger will turn to their destruction.”
Isaiah 14:24-27The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. / I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” / This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. ...
Isaiah 30:28His breath is like a rushing torrent that rises to the neck. He comes to sift the nations in a sieve of destruction; He bridles the jaws of the peoples to lead them astray.
Isaiah 31:8-9“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor. / Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 33:22For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.
Isaiah 36:18-20Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? / Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? / Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”
Isaiah 54:4-5Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; do not be intimidated, for you will not be humiliated. For you will forget the shame of your youth and will remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. / For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.
Micah 4:11-13But now many nations have assembled against you, saying, “Let her be defiled, and let us feast our eyes on Zion.” / But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD or understand His plan, for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. / Rise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron and hooves of bronze to break to pieces many peoples. Then you will devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of all the earth.
Nahum 1:9-11Whatever you plot against the LORD, He will bring to an end. Affliction will not rise up a second time. / For they will be entangled as with thorns and consumed like the drink of a drunkard—like stubble that is fully dry. / From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD, a counselor of wickedness.
Zephaniah 3:14-15Sing for joy, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! / The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s King, the LORD, is among you; no longer will you fear any harm.
Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Luke 1:51-52He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. / He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.
Luke 10:21At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
Isaiah 23:12
And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest. Jeremiah 14:17
Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow. Lamentations 1:15
The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress. the daughter Isaiah 1:8
And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. Isaiah 10:32
As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem. Isaiah 62:11
Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. hath despised Isaiah 8:9,10
Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces… 1 Samuel 17:36,44-47
Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God… Psalm 2:2-4
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, … shaken Job 16:4
I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. Psalm 22:7,8
All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, … Matthew 27:39
And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, Jump to Previous Daughter Derided Despised Despises Despiseth Eyes Flee Head Jerusalem Laughed Mocked Mocks Ridiculed Scorn Scorns Shaken Shamed Sport Tosses Trampled Virgin Virgin-Daughter Wags Word ZionJump to Next Daughter Derided Despised Despises Despiseth Eyes Flee Head Jerusalem Laughed Mocked Mocks Ridiculed Scorn Scorns Shaken Shamed Sport Tosses Trampled Virgin Virgin-Daughter Wags Word ZionIsaiah 37 1. Hezekiah mourning, sends to Isaiah to pray for them6. Isaiah comforts them8. Sennacherib, going to encounter Tirhakah, sends a blasphemous letter to Hezekiah14. Hezekiah's prayer21. Isaiah's prophecy of the destruction of Sennacherib, and the good of Zion36. An angel slays the Assyrians37. Sennacherib is slain at Nineveh by his own sons.this is the word that the LORD has spoken against him:This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and certainty of God's message. In the context of Isaiah 37, "him" refers to the Assyrian king Sennacherib, who threatened Jerusalem. The phrase underscores the prophetic role of Isaiah as a mouthpiece for God, delivering a message of judgment against Assyria. This reflects the biblical theme of God’s sovereignty over nations, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 10:5-19, where Assyria is described as an instrument of God's wrath. The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you;
"Virgin Daughter of Zion" is a poetic term for Jerusalem, symbolizing purity and the city's special status as God's chosen place. The use of "virgin" suggests inviolability, despite the Assyrian threat. The imagery of despising and mocking indicates a reversal of fortunes; the once-threatened city now stands in defiance of its oppressor. This reflects the biblical motif of God defending His people, as seen in Psalm 2:4, where God laughs at the plans of the wicked. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and protection God provides, a theme fulfilled in Christ's victory over sin and death. the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.
The "Daughter of Jerusalem" is another term for the inhabitants of the city, emphasizing their collective identity and relationship with God. Shaking the head is a gesture of scorn and derision, indicating the Assyrians' defeat and humiliation. This cultural gesture is echoed in other biblical passages, such as Psalm 22:7, where it signifies mockery. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when the Assyrian army was miraculously defeated, as recorded in Isaiah 37:36-38. This event prefigures the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, as seen in Revelation 19:11-21, where Christ defeats the forces of evil. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Isaiah. 2. The Virgin Daughter of ZionA poetic representation of Jerusalem, symbolizing purity and the chosen status of God's people. 3. The Daughter of JerusalemAnother metaphor for the city of Jerusalem, emphasizing its central role in God's plan. 4. SennacheribThe Assyrian king who threatened Jerusalem, representing the forces opposed to God's people. 5. IsaiahThe prophet through whom God delivers His message to King Hezekiah and the people of Judah. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProtectionGod is in control, even when His people face powerful adversaries. He can turn the tables and bring about deliverance in unexpected ways. The Power of Faithful RepresentationThe imagery of the "Virgin Daughter of Zion" reminds believers of their identity as God's chosen people, called to live in purity and faithfulness. Mocking the EnemyJust as Jerusalem mocks Sennacherib, believers can have confidence in God's power to overcome any spiritual adversary, knowing that the enemy's threats are ultimately empty. The Role of ProphecyIsaiah's role as a prophet underscores the importance of listening to God's word and trusting His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. The Importance of CommunityThe collective identity of Jerusalem as "Daughter of Zion" highlights the strength found in community and shared faith, encouraging believers to support one another. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 37:22?
2. How does Isaiah 37:22 demonstrate God's power over earthly kingdoms and rulers?
3. What can we learn from Jerusalem's response to Assyria's threats in Isaiah 37:22?
4. How does Isaiah 37:22 connect with God's promises in 2 Kings 19:21?
5. How can we apply Jerusalem's confidence in God to our own challenges today?
6. What does Isaiah 37:22 teach about God's protection for those who trust Him?
7. What historical context surrounds Isaiah 37:22 and its message to the Assyrian king?
8. How does Isaiah 37:22 reflect God's power over earthly rulers?
9. What is the significance of Jerusalem being called "the Virgin Daughter of Zion" in Isaiah 37:22?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 37?
11. What are examples of miracles in the Bible?
12. What miracles are described in the Bible?
13. Isaiah 47:1 - How can this prophecy definitively refer to historical Babylon if the text also appears to address a personified enemy not clearly identified in contemporary records?
14. Why does Psalm 102 speak of Zion's restoration without any clear historical fulfillment during the time it was written?What Does Isaiah 37:22 Mean This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him– God Himself answers Sennacherib’s blasphemous boasts (Isaiah 37:11-13) with an authoritative word. – The phrase signals that what follows is not Isaiah’s opinion but the Lord’s settled verdict, echoing earlier prophetic judgments (Isaiah 14:24-27; 30:31). – It comforts Judah: the same God who delivered Israel from Egypt (Exodus 14:13-14) now confronts Assyria. – The personal pronoun “him” pinpoints Sennacherib; God addresses the tyrant directly, just as He later addresses Gog (Ezekiel 38:17-23) and the Beast (Revelation 19:19-21). – Cross reference 2 Kings 19:20-21; the historical record matches Isaiah’s prophecy, underscoring Scripture’s reliability.
The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you– “Virgin Daughter of Zion” pictures Jerusalem as undefiled and protected, untouched by invading armies despite siege threats (Psalm 46:4-7). – Her “despising” and “mocking” reveal a dramatic reversal: the besieged city now scorns the invader, because God guarantees her safety (Isaiah 31:5). – Similar divine mockery occurs in Psalm 2:4, where the Lord “laughs” at rebellious kings; here His people echo His confidence. – The literal city stands, proving that no enemy can violate God’s covenant promises (Genesis 12:3; 2 Samuel 7:16). – Paul later applies this principle to the church’s security in Christ (Romans 8:31-39).
The Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you– The head-shake is a gesture of derision (Psalm 109:25; Matthew 27:39). Judah will watch Assyria’s retreating army and respond with amazed disdain. – “Behind you” foretells Assyria’s humiliating withdrawal after the angel strikes 185,000 soldiers (Isaiah 37:36-37). Prophecy and history align perfectly (2 Kings 19:35-36). – The scene previews future deliverances when God turns aggressors into fugitives—Babylon (Jeremiah 50:33-34), the armies of Armageddon (Zechariah 14:3-5; Revelation 16:16). – Believers today can “shake the head” at spiritual foes, confident that Christ already leads the triumphal procession (Colossians 2:15; 2 Corinthians 2:14).
summaryIsaiah 37:22 promises that the living God, not earthly power, determines history. He addresses Sennacherib directly, assures Jerusalem of inviolable protection, and predicts the enemy’s shameful flight. The city that once trembled now mocks her oppressor, illustrating the Lord’s pattern: He exalts His people and humbles proud foes. Trusting His literal word, we share Zion’s confident joy, knowing every threat must ultimately bow before the Sovereign LORD. (22) The virgin, the daughter of Zion.--The same phrase had been used in Isaiah 23:12 of Zidon. There the virgin had been "oppressed," i.e., "ravished" by the invaders, but Zion was to escape the ravisher, and laugh his lust to scorn. Verse 22. - The virgin the daughter of Zion; i.e. Jerusalem (comp. Isaiah 1:8; Isaiah 10:32; Isaiah 16:1; Isaiah 52:2; Isaiah 62:11). The expression, "virgin daughter," is used also by Isaiah of Zidon ( Isaiah 23:12) and of Babylon ( Isaiah 47:1). The personification here is very effective. since it represents Jerusalem as a tender maiden, weak and delicate, yet still bold enough to stand up against Sennacherib and all his host, and bid him defiance. Confident in Jehovah, her Protector, she despises him, and laughs him to scorn; nay, "shakes her head at him," or rather. "after him," pursuing him with scornful gestures as In. retreats before her. (On shaking the head as a gesture of scorn, see Psalm 22:7; Psalm 109:25; Matthew 27:39.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew thisזֶ֣ה (zeh)Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, thatis the wordהַדָּבָ֔ר (had·dā·ḇār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a causethatאֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatthe LORDיְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhas spokenדִּבֶּ֥ר (dib·ber)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdueagainst him:עָלָ֑יו (‘ā·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against‘The Virginבְּתוּלַת֙ (bə·ṯū·laṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1330: A virgin, sometimes, a brideDaughterבַּת־ (baṯ-)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1323: A daughterof Zionצִיּ֔וֹן (ṣî·yō·wn)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalemdespisesבָּזָ֨ה (bā·zāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 959: To disesteemyouלְךָ֜ (lə·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew and mocksלָעֲגָ֣ה (lā·‘ă·ḡāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3932: To deride, to speak unintelligiblyyou;לְךָ֗ (lə·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew the Daughterבַּ֖ת (baṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1323: A daughterof Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (yə·rū·šā·lim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israelshakesהֵנִ֔יעָה (hê·nî·‘āh)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5128: To quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totterher headרֹ֣אשׁ (rōš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The headbehind you.אַחֲרֶ֙יךָ֙ (’a·ḥă·re·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 37:22 This is the word which Yahweh has (Isa Isi Is) |
