And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;

ISAIAH 7:21KJV
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Isaiah 7:21 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 7:21 mean?

Isaiah 7:21 describes a future time when a man will have only a young cow and two sheep to care for. This verse paints a picture of scarcity, showing that people will have very few livestock left, which hints at hardship or devastation in the land.

In this chapter, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to King Ahaz of Judah during a time of political crisis and looming invasion. The verse is part of a prophecy about the aftermath of coming troubles: after the land is ravaged, even a small amount of livestock will seem significant because so little will remain. The focus is on how drastically life will change for the people.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 7:21

  • The word for "nourish" is חָיָה (ḥayah), which often means "to keep alive" or "to sustain." Here, it suggests that survival will depend on just a few animals, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
  • The word for "young cow" is עֶגְלָה (ʿeglah), meaning a heifer or young female cow. This detail shows that even basic resources will be limited.
  • The word for "sheep" is צֹאן (tso’n), a general term for small livestock like sheep or goats. The mention of only two emphasizes the scarcity and the humble state people will be left in.

Why Isaiah 7:21 matters

  • Isaiah 7:21 helps clarify that the prophecy is not about prosperity but about survival with minimal resources, countering any assumption that the people will thrive after the invasion.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by illustrating the consequences of ignoring God’s warnings; the land will be so desolate that only a few animals will remain.
  • Understanding this verse highlights the severity of the coming judgment and sets the stage for the hope and restoration promised later in Isaiah.

Where else these words appear

“cow” Hebrew H5697 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Judges 14:18 And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.
  • Jeremiah 48:34 From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, and even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horonaim, as an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate.