Isaiah 37:22 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:22 mean?

Isaiah 37:22 describes how Jerusalem, pictured as a young woman or "virgin daughter of Zion," mocks and rejects the threatening enemy, showing no fear but instead scorn toward the invader. The verse uses the image of the city shaking her head in defiance, making clear that the enemy’s threats are not taken seriously.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is delivering God’s message to King Hezekiah of Judah during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. The "virgin daughter of Zion" is a poetic way of referring to Jerusalem itself, emphasizing her purity and vulnerability, yet also her confidence. The verse highlights the reversal of power: instead of being terrified, Jerusalem stands firm and even ridicules the mighty Assyrian king.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:22

• The word "virgin" (בְּתוּלָה, bətulah) stresses the untouched, undefiled nature of Jerusalem, suggesting she has not been conquered or violated by enemies.
• "Despised" (בָּזָה, bazah) means to treat with contempt or to look down on, showing that Jerusalem is not intimidated but instead looks down on the Assyrian threat.
• "Laughed...to scorn" (לָעַג, la‘ag) carries the sense of mocking or ridiculing, underlining Jerusalem’s boldness in the face of danger.
• "Shaken her head" (נָעַר, na‘ar) is a gesture of derision or disbelief, a physical sign of dismissing someone’s threats or claims.

Why Isaiah 37:22 matters

• This verse corrects the idea that Jerusalem was helpless or hopeless during the siege; instead, it shows a city confident in God’s protection.
• The language draws a sharp contrast between the arrogance of the Assyrian king and the faith of Jerusalem, setting up the dramatic outcome of the story.
• The verse connects to the larger theme in Isaiah of God defending His people, even when they seem outmatched by powerful enemies.