Isaiah Chapter 13 · Verse 12
I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.
Original Language Analysis
אוֹקִ֥יר
more precious
H3365
אוֹקִ֥יר
more precious
Strong's:
H3365
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, apparently, to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) valuable; causatively, to make rare (figuratively, to inhibit)
אֱנ֖וֹשׁ
H376
אֱנ֖וֹשׁ
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 6
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְאָדָ֖ם
even a man
H120
וְאָדָ֖ם
even a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
4 of 6
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Isaiah 4:1And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.Isaiah 24:6Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.Psalms 137:9Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.Job 28:16It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
Historical Context
Ophir's location remains uncertain (possibly Arabia, India, or East Africa), but its gold was proverbial for excellence. The massive casualties in ancient warfare—siege, famine, plague, slaughter—could indeed depopulate entire regions. Babylon's fall, combined with deportations and resettlement, drastically reduced its population. The principle extends beyond Babylon: God's judgments throughout history have reduced populations, making survivors precious. Eschatologically, the 'narrow way' means few find life (Matthew 7:14)—making the redeemed precious beyond measure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment reveal the true value and rarity of righteousness?
- What does it mean that God's remnant—those who survive judgment through faith—are infinitely precious to Him?
Analysis & Commentary
'I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.' This paradoxical statement means human life will become rare—casualties will be so immense that survivors are as precious as the finest gold. Ophir's gold was legendary for purity and value (1 Kings 10:11). Yet in Babylon's judgment, human scarcity will exceed gold's scarcity. This is both threat (devastating death toll) and promise (the righteous remnant becomes precious). God's judgment removes the wicked and purifies a people. What remains after judgment—true faith, genuine righteousness—is infinitely valuable.