Isaiah 11:13
The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.
Original Language Analysis
אֶפְרָֽיִם׃
Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרָֽיִם׃
Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
3 of 16
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וִֽיהוּדָ֖ה
Judah
H3063
וִֽיהוּדָ֖ה
Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
5 of 16
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
יִכָּרֵ֑תוּ
shall be cut off
H3772
יִכָּרֵ֑תוּ
shall be cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
6 of 16
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אֶפְרָֽיִם׃
Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרָֽיִם׃
Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
7 of 16
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְקַנֵּ֣א
shall not envy
H7065
יְקַנֵּ֣א
shall not envy
Strong's:
H7065
Word #:
9 of 16
to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וִֽיהוּדָ֖ה
Judah
H3063
וִֽיהוּדָ֖ה
Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
11 of 16
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וִֽיהוּדָ֖ה
Judah
H3063
וִֽיהוּדָ֖ה
Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
12 of 16
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָצֹ֥ר
and the adversaries
H6887
יָצֹ֥ר
and the adversaries
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
14 of 16
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
Cross References
Jeremiah 3:18In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.Hosea 1:11Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.
Historical Context
Ephraim and Judah were often rivals or enemies (1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 28:12). Prophesies reconciliation that never fully occurred politically but is fulfilled spiritually in church. Jews and Gentiles, historically hostile, are reconciled in Christ (Ephesians 2:16). The principle extends to all human divisions—race, class, nationality—all overcome in Christ. The cutting off of adversaries ensures nothing threatens this unity.
Questions for Reflection
- What historical enmities has Christ reconciled in His church?
- How do we overcome envy and vexation toward fellow believers from different backgrounds?
- What role does the removal of adversaries play in maintaining unity among God's people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ancient enmity between Ephraim (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom) will cease. 'The envy also of Ephraim shall depart' and 'Judah shall not vex Ephraim' promise mutual reconciliation. 'The adversaries of Judah shall be cut off' eliminates all opposition. This depicts comprehensive peace—not just absence of conflict but removal of envy, vexation, and adversarial attitudes. In Christ, former enemies become brothers, historical grudges dissolve, and perfect harmony emerges.