I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.

ISAIAH 37:25KJV
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Isaiah 37:25 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:25 mean?

Isaiah 37:25 describes someone boasting about their power to dig for water, drink it, and even dry up rivers with their feet, showing off their ability to overcome obstacles and control resources, even in places under siege. The verse uses these images to express confidence in their own strength and achievements.

In this passage, the king of Assyria is being quoted as he brags about his military campaigns and successes to the people of Jerusalem. The verse uses strong, physical language to show how the Assyrian king believes he can conquer any land, even those with natural defenses like rivers or water supplies. This statement is part of a larger message where God, through Isaiah, is exposing the arrogance of the Assyrian king.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:25

  • "digged" (חָפַר, ḥāpar) means to dig or search, often for water; here, it highlights the king’s claim of resourcefulness in hostile territory.
  • "sole" (כַּף, kaf) and "feet" (רֶגֶל, regel) together create a vivid picture of someone using just the bottom of their feet to dry up rivers, emphasizing the boastful exaggeration of the king’s power.
  • "rivers" (יְאֹר, ye’or) refers to streams or canals, which were important defenses for besieged cities; claiming to dry them up suggests overcoming even the strongest barriers.

Why Isaiah 37:25 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the extreme arrogance of the Assyrian king, who sees himself as unstoppable, even against natural obstacles.
  • Understanding the imagery of digging for water and drying up rivers shows how ancient armies depended on water sources, making these claims especially bold.
  • In the wider passage, this verse sets up God’s response, showing the contrast between human pride and God’s ultimate control over nations and events.

Where else these words appear

“places” Hebrew H4693 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:24 I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.
  • Isaiah 19:6 And they shall turn the rivers far away; and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.
  • Micah 7:12 In that day also he shall come even to thee from Assyria, and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain.

“digged” Hebrew H6979 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • 2 Kings 19:24 I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.
  • Isaiah 22:5 For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.

“up” Hebrew H2717 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Isaiah 34:10 It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
  • Jeremiah 51:36 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

“rivers” Hebrew H2975 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
  • Exodus 7:24 And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
  • Isaiah 33:21 But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.