And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.

ISAIAH 22:21KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 22:21 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 22:21 mean?

Isaiah 22:21 describes God’s promise to give authority and responsibility to a new leader by clothing him with the former official’s robe, strengthening him with his girdle, and entrusting him with governing power. This new leader will care for the people of Jerusalem and Judah like a father cares for his children.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah about replacing Shebna, a corrupt official, with Eliakim, who will become the new steward or leader. The verse uses the image of passing on special clothing and a belt to show the transfer of official authority and responsibility. The promise that he will be “a father” to Jerusalem and Judah highlights the expectation that this leader will guide and protect the people with wisdom and compassion.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 22:21

  • “Clothe” (לָבַשׁ, lavash): This word means to put on clothing, but here it symbolizes giving someone an official position or honor, not just a physical garment.
  • “Robe” (מְעִיל, me‘il): This is a special outer garment often worn by people in authority, so passing it on means transferring leadership.
  • “Strengthen” (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to make strong or give support, showing that the new leader will be equipped and empowered for the role.
  • “Girdle” (אֵזוֹר, ’ezor): The girdle or belt was part of official dress, often linked with readiness and authority, so giving it to someone marks them as the new official.
  • “Government” (מֶמְשָׁלָה, memshalah): This word refers to rule or authority, making it clear that real governing power is being handed over.

Why Isaiah 22:21 matters

  • Isaiah 22:21 helps clear up that the transfer of leadership is not just about a job title, but a deep, symbolic act involving clothing and authority, showing a complete change in who leads God’s people.
  • The verse emphasizes that true leadership in God’s eyes involves caring for the people like a father, not just holding power.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing God’s active role in raising up and removing leaders, reminding readers that authority ultimately comes from God, not just human appointment.

Where else these words appear

“girdle” Hebrew H73 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Exodus 28:40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
  • Leviticus 8:7 And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.

“government” Hebrew H4475 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
  • Psalms 103:22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
  • Isaiah 39:2 And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

“robe” Hebrew H3801 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • Exodus 28:40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
  • Leviticus 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.

“clothe” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
  • Isaiah 49:18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.