And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.

ISAIAH 25:11KJV
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Isaiah 25:11 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 25:11 mean?

Isaiah 25:11 uses the image of someone spreading out their hands to swim as a way to describe how God will humble the proud and bring down their achievements, no matter how much effort they make to save themselves. The verse says that God will lower their pride along with the things they have gained by their own hands.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking about God’s judgment on a proud and rebellious people, likely representing enemies of Israel or those who oppose God’s ways. The picture of swimming suggests someone struggling to stay afloat, but God’s action ensures their pride and accomplishments will not stand. This verse fits into a larger section where Isaiah describes God’s ultimate victory over those who trust in themselves rather than in Him.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 25:11

  • "Spread forth" (פָּרַשׂ, pāraś): This word means to stretch out or spread, often used for hands or wings. Here, it highlights the effort and desperation of someone trying to keep themselves up, like a swimmer.
  • "Swimmeth" and "swim" (שָׁחָה, shācha): This word carries the idea of swimming or moving through water. The image is not of graceful swimming, but of someone flailing or struggling, emphasizing futility.
  • "Pride" (גַּאֲוָה, ga'avah): This word refers to arrogance or self-exaltation. The verse focuses on God bringing down not just people, but their proud attitude.
  • "Spoils" (אַרְבָּה, arbāh): This word means what someone has gained or collected, especially by their own effort. God’s judgment includes not only the proud themselves but also the things they have worked for.

Why Isaiah 25:11 matters

  • Isaiah 25:11 clarifies that human effort and pride cannot stand against God’s judgment, no matter how determined or skilled someone might be.
  • The verse uses a vivid, everyday image (swimming) to make the point that even the strongest attempts to resist God’s will are ultimately futile.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme in Isaiah 25 of God defeating all forces of pride and oppression, showing that true security is found only in Him, not in human achievement.

Where else these words appear

“swimmeth” Hebrew H7811 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 6:6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

“pride” Hebrew H1346 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Psalms 36:11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
  • Isaiah 9:9 And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,

“down” Hebrew H8213 · used in 27 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
  • Proverbs 25:7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
  • Isaiah 25:12 And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.

“forth” Hebrew H6566 · used in 66 verses

  • Exodus 9:29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
  • 2 Kings 8:15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
  • Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.