And 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 2:17KJV
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Isaiah 2:17 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 2:17 mean?

Isaiah 2:17 describes how human pride and arrogance will be humbled, and only the LORD will be honored and lifted up on a future day of judgment. The verse says that people’s self-importance will be brought low, while God alone will stand exalted.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, warning them about a coming time when God will judge human pride. This verse is part of a larger passage where Isaiah describes a future “day of the LORD,” a time when God’s power will be unmistakable and all human boasting will be silenced. The focus is on the contrast between human arrogance and God’s true greatness.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 2:17

  • “Loftiness” (גַּבְהוּת, gavhuth) refers to being high or elevated, often used for pride or self-importance. Here, it points to people thinking highly of themselves.
  • “Haughtiness” (רוּם, rum) means being lifted up or exalted, especially in an arrogant way. Isaiah uses it to show how people put themselves above others.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that only God—not any human—will be exalted.
  • “Exalted” (שָׂגַב, sagav) means to be set on high or made inaccessible. The verse uses it to stress that God’s greatness will be unmatched on that day.

Why Isaiah 2:17 matters

  • Isaiah 2:17 clears up any idea that human power or status can last when compared to God’s authority; the verse insists that all human pride will eventually be brought down.
  • The verse highlights the main theme of this section of Isaiah: the “day of the LORD” is not about human achievement but about God’s ultimate rule and glory.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by repeating the idea found in Isaiah 2:11 and 2:12, making it clear that God’s exaltation is the central point, not just a side note.

Where else these words appear

“loftiness” Hebrew H1365 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 2:11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

“haughtiness” Hebrew H7312 · used in 6 verses

  • Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
  • Proverbs 25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
  • Isaiah 10:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.

“exalted” Hebrew H7682 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:
  • Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
  • Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

“down” Hebrew H7817 · used in 21 verses

  • Job 9:13 If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.
  • Psalms 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
  • Isaiah 2:11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.