Isaiah 37:22
This 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.
Original Language Analysis
הַדָּבָ֔ר
This is the word
H1697
הַדָּבָ֔ר
This is the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֥ר
hath spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
hath spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 18
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עָלָ֑יו
H5921
עָלָ֑יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לָעֲגָ֣ה
thee and laughed
H3932
לָעֲגָ֣ה
thee and laughed
Strong's:
H3932
Word #:
9 of 18
to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly
בְּתוּלַת֙
concerning him The virgin
H1330
בְּתוּלַת֙
concerning him The virgin
Strong's:
H1330
Word #:
11 of 18
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
בַּ֖ת
the daughter
H1323
בַּ֖ת
the daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
12 of 18
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
צִיּ֔וֹן
of Zion
H6726
צִיּ֔וֹן
of Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
13 of 18
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
אַחֲרֶ֙יךָ֙
at thee
H310
אַחֲרֶ֙יךָ֙
at thee
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
רֹ֣אשׁ
her head
H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ
her head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
15 of 18
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הֵנִ֔יעָה
hath shaken
H5128
הֵנִ֔יעָה
hath shaken
Strong's:
H5128
Word #:
16 of 18
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
Cross References
Job 16:4I 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.Isaiah 1:8And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.Psalms 9:14That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.Jeremiah 14:17Therefore 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.Zechariah 2:10Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.Lamentations 2:13What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee?Zephaniah 3:14Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Feminine personification of cities was common in ancient Near Eastern literature. Jerusalem's "virgin" status emphasized her purity under God's protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God promise to vindicate those who trust Him against mockers?
- What does Jerusalem's protected status teach about God's covenant faithfulness?
- How should the promise of eventual vindication sustain us through present mockery?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The oracle's opening "This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him" identifies Sennacherib as the object of judgment. The personification of Jerusalem as "the virgin, the daughter of Zion" emphasizes her protected status under God's care. The verbs "despised...laughed to scorn" and "shaken her head" depict victorious mockery—a complete reversal where the threatened becomes the mocker. This prophetic poetry assures that God will turn the tables, vindicating His people and humiliating the arrogant.