Isaiah 9:21
Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
Original Language Analysis
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
1 of 18
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
Ephraim
H669
וְאֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
3 of 18
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וְאֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
Ephraim
H669
וְאֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
4 of 18
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
6 of 18
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
יַחְדָּ֥ו
and they together
H3162
יַחְדָּ֥ו
and they together
Strong's:
H3162
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְהוּדָ֑ה
shall be against Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
shall be against Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
10 of 18
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁ֣ב
is not turned away
H7725
שָׁ֣ב
is not turned away
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
14 of 18
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אַפּ֔וֹ
For all this his anger
H639
אַפּ֔וֹ
For all this his anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וְע֖וֹד
H5750
וְע֖וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
Cross References
Isaiah 5:25Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.Isaiah 9:12The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.Galatians 5:15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Historical Context
During Israel's collapse, tribal and factional warfare was common (2 Kings 15-17). The split between Ephraim (representing northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom) had existed since Rehoboam (930 BC), but periods of cooperation alternated with conflict. In Israel's final days, internal divisions weakened them before Assyria's final blow. United they might have survived longer; divided, they fell quickly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sin divide even the closest relationships and communities?
- What does persistent impenitence despite escalating judgment reveal about the need for gracious regeneration?
- How can Christians maintain unity in the face of conflicts that threaten to divide us?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Tribal warfare erupts between Manasseh and Ephraim (both sons of Joseph, brother tribes), then they unite against Judah. This intra-family violence shows how sin destroys even closest relationships. Brother fights brother, then both fight their cousins—comprehensive civil war. The refrain returns for the fourth time: despite all this judgment, God's anger isn't satisfied and His hand remains extended in judgment. The repetition emphasizes Israel's hardness—no amount of suffering produces repentance without divine grace enabling it.