Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee.

ISAIAH 22:17KJV
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Isaiah 22:17 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 22:17 mean?

Isaiah 22:17 warns that the LORD will take someone away forcefully into captivity and will completely overwhelm or cover them. The verse uses strong language to describe a coming judgment where God Himself is the one acting to remove and humble a person or group.

In this passage, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, specifically addressing a leader or official who has acted with pride and self-reliance. The situation is one of impending crisis, as Jerusalem faces threat and judgment. Isaiah’s words emphasize that no human status or effort can prevent God’s decisive action when He chooses to bring about consequences.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 22:17

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, highlighting that the action comes directly from God Himself, not just from circumstances or enemies.
  • away (גָּלָה, galah): This word often means to uncover or to exile, stressing the idea of being forcibly removed from one’s place, often into foreign captivity.
  • mighty (גֶּבֶר, gever): This word refers to a strong man or warrior, suggesting that the removal will be powerful and not easily resisted.
  • captivity (צָנַף, tsanaph): This word can mean to wrap up or bind, adding the sense of being tightly controlled or restricted, not just taken away.
  • surely/cover (עָטָה, atah): This word is repeated for emphasis and means to cover or envelop, suggesting complete overwhelming or humiliation.

Why Isaiah 22:17 matters

  • Isaiah 22:17 clarifies that the coming judgment is not just a natural disaster or political event, but a direct act of God against prideful leadership.
  • The verse’s strong language about being carried away and covered highlights the totality of the judgment—there is no escape or partial measure.
  • Understanding the original words shows that the imagery is not only about exile but also about being completely overwhelmed and humbled, which connects to the larger theme in Isaiah of God opposing the proud and protecting His purposes.

Where else these words appear

“away” Hebrew H2904 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Samuel 18:11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
  • Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 32:4 Then will I leave thee upon the land, I will cast thee forth upon the open field, and will cause all the fowls of the heaven to remain upon thee, and I will fill the beasts of the whole earth with thee.

“surely” Hebrew H5844 · used in 15 verses

  • Leviticus 13:45 And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean.
  • Psalms 89:45 The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.
  • Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

“mighty” Hebrew H1397 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 10:11 Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.
  • Job 33:17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
  • Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.