Isaiah 3:7
In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.
Original Language Analysis
יִשָּׂא֩
shall he swear
H5375
יִשָּׂא֩
shall he swear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 16
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
בַיּ֨וֹם
In that day
H3117
בַיּ֨וֹם
In that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 16
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֤וּא׀
H1931
הַה֤וּא׀
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
אֶהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
חֹבֵ֔שׁ
I will not be an healer
H2280
חֹבֵ֔שׁ
I will not be an healer
Strong's:
H2280
Word #:
7 of 16
to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule
וּבְבֵיתִ֕י
for in my house
H1004
וּבְבֵיתִ֕י
for in my house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לֶ֖חֶם
is neither bread
H3899
לֶ֖חֶם
is neither bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
10 of 16
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְשִׂימֻ֖נִי
make
H7760
תְשִׂימֻ֖נִי
make
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
14 of 16
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Historical Context
This scenario likely reflects post-exilic conditions where survivors faced overwhelming desolation. Without divine intervention to raise leaders like Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, restoration was impossible.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse inform our understanding of leadership as divine calling rather than personal ambition?
- What 'healing' might God be calling us to attempt despite feeling inadequate?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The refusal—'I will not be an healer'—indicates complete social breakdown when potential leaders reject responsibility. The acknowledgment of lacking food and clothing reveals economic devastation. The phrase 'make me not a ruler' shows that even desperate appeals cannot compel leadership in collapsed society. This reverses biblical patterns where God raises leaders (Judges 2:16); absent divine appointment, chaos reigns. It demonstrates that leadership is divine calling, not human presumption.