And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
ISAIAH 4:1KJVWhat does Isaiah 4:1 mean?
Isaiah 4:1 describes a time when seven women will approach one man, asking to be associated with his name (as in marriage), even though they promise to provide for themselves, just so their “reproach” or shame is removed. This shows a situation of social desperation and imbalance, where being unmarried is seen as a disgrace.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem and Judah, warning them of coming judgment and hardship. The verse paints a picture of a future time when war or disaster has left so few men that many women will compete for the protection and status that marriage brings, even offering to give up traditional expectations. The “reproach” refers to the shame of being unmarried in that culture.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 4:1
- “Seven” (שֶׁבַע, shevaʿ): The number seven often symbolizes completeness or totality in Hebrew writing, so this may suggest a widespread or complete situation, not just a literal count.
- “Reproach” (חֶרְפָּה, ḥerpah): This word means disgrace or shame. In ancient Israel, not being married or not having children was often seen as a public shame for women.
- “Take hold” (חָזַק, ḥazaq): This verb means to seize or grasp firmly, showing the women’s desperation and determination in seeking out the man.
Why Isaiah 4:1 matters
- Isaiah 4:1 clears up that the verse is not about polygamy being encouraged, but about a crisis where normal social patterns are upended by disaster.
- The verse highlights the deep social and emotional impact of judgment on the community, especially on women, who would face insecurity and shame.
- This verse connects to the wider section of Isaiah, which warns of coming judgment but also points toward hope and restoration in later verses.