Isaiah 4:1
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהֶחֱזִיקוּ֩
shall take hold
H2388
וְהֶחֱזִיקוּ֩
shall take hold
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 18
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
שֶׁ֨בַע
seven
H7651
שֶׁ֨בַע
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
2 of 18
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
בְּאִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
בְּאִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 18
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)
בַּיּ֤וֹם
And in that day
H3117
בַּיּ֤וֹם
And in that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 18
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
הַהוּא֙
H1931
הַהוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 18
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
לַחְמֵ֣נוּ
our own bread
H3899
לַחְמֵ֣נוּ
our own bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
9 of 18
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
נִלְבָּ֑שׁ
and wear
H3847
נִלְבָּ֑שׁ
and wear
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
רַ֗ק
H7535
רַ֗ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
יִקָּרֵ֤א
only let us be called
H7121
יִקָּרֵ֤א
only let us be called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
14 of 18
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שִׁמְךָ֙
by thy name
H8034
שִׁמְךָ֙
by thy name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
15 of 18
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
עָלֵ֔ינוּ
H5921
עָלֵ֔ינוּ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Genesis 30:23And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:Isaiah 2:17And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.Isaiah 13:12I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.Luke 21:22For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.Luke 1:25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.Isaiah 17:7At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture valued progeny highly; childlessness brought shame. The numerical disproportion (seven to one) reflects catastrophic military losses leaving few marriageable men.
Questions for Reflection
- How do social reversals and upheavals reveal the depth of divine judgment?
- What 'reproach' drives us to desperate seeking of what only God can provide?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The desperation of seven women seeking one man reverses typical marriage patterns, illustrating the devastating male population loss from war (3:25). Their offer to provide their own sustenance ('eat our own bread...wear our own apparel') and merely seek to remove reproach shows cultural stigma of childlessness. This depicts covenant curse outworking (Deuteronomy 28:30, 62), yet also transitions to restoration hope (4:2-6) as the purified remnant emerges from judgment.