Isaiah 31:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 31:2 mean?

Isaiah 31:2 says that God is wise and will bring judgment, keeping His word and rising up against those who do evil and those who help them. The verse emphasizes that God’s plans cannot be reversed, and He will act against both wrongdoers and their supporters.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them not to rely on Egypt or human help instead of trusting God. The verse points out that God’s wisdom and determination mean He will not overlook injustice, and He will act against both those who commit evil and those who support it, no matter how powerful they seem.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 31:2

• "wise" (חָכָם, ḥākām): This word means skillful or wise, highlighting that God’s actions are not rash or mistaken but are carried out with perfect understanding.
• "bring" (יָבִיא, yābî’): This verb means to cause or bring about, showing that God is actively involved in bringing about the consequences He has spoken.
• "evil" (רַע, ra‘): Here, "evil" refers to disaster or calamity, not moral wickedness. It means God will bring judgment or hardship as a consequence.
• "evildoers" (מֵרֵעִים, mērē‘îm): This word means those who do harm or act wickedly, making clear that God’s opposition is directed at those who persist in wrongdoing.

Why Isaiah 31:2 matters

• Isaiah 31:2 makes it clear that God’s wisdom and power are greater than any human plan or alliance, correcting the idea that people can outsmart or avoid God’s judgment.
• The verse emphasizes that God holds both wrongdoers and those who support them accountable, showing that enabling evil is also subject to judgment.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by reinforcing the theme that trusting in human strength (like Egypt) instead of God leads to disappointment and judgment.