Isaiah 47:15 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 47:15 mean?

Isaiah 47:15 says that those whom Babylon depended on—its merchants and business partners—will abandon it in its time of disaster, each going back to their own land, and no one will be able to rescue Babylon from its downfall. The verse shows the complete isolation and helplessness Babylon will experience when judgment comes.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to Babylon, warning that all the people and nations it worked with from its early days will leave it behind. The merchants, who once brought wealth and connections, will scatter and not offer any help. This is part of a larger prophecy describing the fall of Babylon and the end of its pride and power.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 47:15

• "laboured" (יָגַע, yāgaʿ): This word means to work hard or toil. Here, it points to the long-standing efforts and partnerships Babylon invested in with other nations, showing these relationships were built over time and with effort.
• "merchants" (סָחַר, sāchar): This word refers to traders or business people. Their mention highlights Babylon’s role as a commercial center and how its wealth depended on international trade.
• "wander" (תָּעָה, tāʿāh): This word means to stray or go astray. The idea is that the merchants will scatter in confusion or fear, not staying to help but each looking out for themselves.
• "quarter" (עֵבֶר, ʿēver): This means a region or side, suggesting that each person will return to their own territory or homeland, leaving Babylon alone.
• "save" (יָשַׁע, yāshaʿ): This word means to deliver or rescue. Its use here underlines that no one, not even close allies, will be able to help Babylon escape its fate.

Why Isaiah 47:15 matters

• Isaiah 47:15 clears up any idea that Babylon’s alliances or business relationships could protect it from judgment; even those who benefited most from Babylon will abandon it.
• The verse emphasizes the totality of Babylon’s downfall—its isolation is not just military or political, but economic and relational as well.
• This verse ties into the wider chapter, which describes Babylon’s pride and self-confidence, showing that all its sources of strength will fail when God’s judgment comes.