Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.

ISAIAH 37:23KJV
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Isaiah 37:23 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:23 mean?

Isaiah 37:23 is a direct challenge to the arrogance of the Assyrian king, asking him whom he has insulted and spoken against so boldly; the verse makes clear that his prideful words and actions are actually directed against the Holy One of Israel, not just against people or nations. The verse highlights that the real offense is against God Himself.

In this scene, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to King Sennacherib of Assyria, who has been threatening Jerusalem and mocking Israel’s God. The verse uses courtroom-like language to confront Sennacherib’s pride and blasphemy, showing that his boasting is not just political arrogance but a spiritual affront to the God of Israel.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:23

  • "Reproached" (חָרַף, ḥāraph) means to insult or taunt. Here, it emphasizes that the Assyrian king’s words are not just criticism but deep disrespect.
  • "Blasphemed" (גָּדַף, gāḏaph) carries the sense of speaking evil or slander against God, highlighting the seriousness of Sennacherib’s offense.
  • "Exalted" (רוּם, rūm) means to lift up or raise, often in the sense of pride or arrogance. The verse points out that Sennacherib has lifted his voice and eyes in a way that shows self-importance and contempt.
  • "Holy One" (קָדוֹשׁ, qādôsh) refers to God’s set-apartness and unique holiness. Calling God "the Holy One of Israel" stresses that the insult is not against an ordinary being, but against the uniquely holy God of Israel.

Why Isaiah 37:23 matters

  • The verse clarifies that prideful words against God’s people are ultimately an attack on God Himself, not just on human leaders or nations.
  • Isaiah 37:23 exposes the spiritual dimension behind political events, showing that what seems like a military or political conflict is also a confrontation with God.
  • The verse sets up the response that follows in the chapter, where God will act to defend His name and His people, making clear that He is not powerless or indifferent.

Where else these words appear

“blasphemed” Hebrew H1442 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 15:30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
  • 2 Kings 19:22 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
  • Isaiah 37:6 And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

“reproached” Hebrew H2778 · used in 40 verses

  • Leviticus 19:20 And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
  • 2 Kings 19:23 By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
  • Psalms 89:51 Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

“high” Hebrew H4791 · used in 52 verses

  • Judges 5:18 Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.
  • Psalms 92:8 But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore.
  • Isaiah 37:24 By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, and the forest of his Carmel.

“One” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Kings 19:22 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
  • Isaiah 17:7 At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.