Isaiah 4 1

Isaiah 4:1 kjv

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 4:1 nkjv

And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, "We will eat our own food and wear our own apparel; Only let us be called by your name, To take away our reproach."

Isaiah 4:1 niv

In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, "We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!"

Isaiah 4:1 esv

And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, "We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach."

Isaiah 4:1 nlt

In that day so few men will be left that seven women will fight for each man, saying, "Let us all marry you! We will provide our own food and clothing. Only let us take your name so we won't be mocked as old maids."

Isaiah 4 verses

Isaiah 4 1 Meaning

Isaiah 4:1 describes a desolate future, likely a consequence of divine judgment and war, where societal norms are severely inverted. In this time of overwhelming male scarcity, seven women will desperately seek one man, offering to forsake the traditional marital expectation of support (food and clothing). Their sole plea will be to be called by his name, signifying acceptance and identity within a household, thereby alleviating the deep social "reproach" or shame of being unmarried or childless in ancient Israelite society. The verse vividly portrays a desperate desire for belonging and relief from social stigma amidst severe societal upheaval.

Isaiah 4 1 Context

Isaiah 4:1 immediately follows the detailed pronouncements of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem in Isaiah chapter 3, particularly targeting the proud and self-indulgent "daughters of Zion" (Isa 3:16-24). The verse describes the dire demographic consequences of this divine judgment, which would involve widespread male casualties through war (Isa 3:25) and famine. The preceding chapters (Isa 1-5) establish Judah's spiritual rebellion and idolatry, which merit the severe discipline prophesied. This verse depicts the extreme humiliation and social upheaval resulting from God's wrath, a reversal of social norms as women, stripped of their finery (Isa 3:18-24), become desperate to secure even minimal familial status due to the decimated male population. This desperate plea serves as a bleak foreshadowing that prepares the way for the Messianic hope described in the subsequent verses of Isaiah 4, depicting the future purified remnant and the glory of the Lord.

Isaiah 4 1 Word analysis

• And in that day (וְהָיָה בַיּוֹם הַהוּא): This common prophetic phrase indicates an appointed future time of significant divine intervention, often marked by both judgment and subsequent deliverance or restoration. Here, it specifically links to the judgment pronounced in the preceding chapter, particularly Isaiah 3:18, signaling a culmination of these events.
• Seven women (שֶׁבַע נָשִׁים): The number "seven" (sheba') signifies completeness or overwhelming abundance in various contexts; however, in this case, it emphasizes the profound demographic imbalance and the sheer number of women left without traditional support or social standing due to a scarcity of men. It exaggerates the reality to underscore the desperation.
• Shall take hold (וְהֶחֱזִיקוּ): The Hebrew verb 'khazak' (to take hold, grasp, seize) implies an urgent, forceful, almost desperate action. It indicates a vigorous seizing, unlike a polite request, highlighting the extreme circumstances and the women's proactive, survival-driven initiative to secure a husband.
• Of one man (בְּגֶבֶר אֶחָד): 'Gebher' (man, able-bodied male) implies a rare surviving, robust individual, not just any male. 'Echad' (one) emphasizes the singular, scarce nature of eligible men. This stands in stark contrast to polygynous practices of the time where one man might seek multiple wives, highlighting a complete reversal.
• Saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel (נַאכַל לַחְמֵנוּ וּבְגָדֵנוּ נִלְבָּשׁ): This is a profound and revolutionary declaration. Typically, a husband was legally obligated to provide food, clothing, and marital rights (Exo 21:10). The women’s offer to forgo these basic provisions—sustaining themselves financially—demonstrates an unparalleled level of desperation and a willingness to compromise on traditional marital benefits, valuing name and protection above all else. This subverts typical social structure.
• Only let us be called by thy name (רַק שִׁמְךָ יִקָּרֵא עָלֵינוּ): To "be called by one's name" (or "thy name") signified legal adoption, ownership, or inclusion in one's household/clan, especially for women in marriage (Ruth 4:10). This bestows identity, protection, and legitimate status. It means accepting his patriarchal authority and the legal recognition that comes with being linked to him. This is their absolute minimum requirement and central desire.
• To take away our reproach (אֱסֹף חֶרְפָּתֵנוּ): 'Cherpâ' (reproach, shame, disgrace) specifically refers to the profound social dishonor associated with being unmarried or childless in ancient Israel (Gen 30:23, Lk 1:25). A woman without a husband and children often lacked security, status, and recognition within the community, making her vulnerable and ostracized. This desperation is driven by deep social need and a desire for dignity.

Isaiah 4 1 Bonus section

This verse's bleakness sets up the transition to hope in Isaiah 4:2-6, which describes the purified remnant and the future glory of the Lord. The desperate "man" sought in Isaiah 4:1 provides a stark human contrast to the divine and glorious "Branch of the LORD" presented immediately thereafter, subtly pointing from earthly despair to spiritual redemption. The physical shame sought to be removed (unmarried status) can also be seen to parallel the spiritual reproach (sin) from which Israel, and ultimately humanity, needs cleansing and a new name (the name of God/Christ) for true restoration. This shift from physical judgment to spiritual redemption is a hallmark of Isaiah's prophecy.

Isaiah 4 1 Commentary

Isaiah 4:1 depicts the devastating social and demographic fallout from the judgments prophesied in chapter 3. The luxurious and proud "daughters of Zion" (Isa 3:16-24) are brought to utter desperation, ironically willing to strip away their pride and even their expectation of marital provision, simply to attain a husband's name. This highlights the severity of God's disciplinary actions, where the once privileged are brought low, utterly dependent on a desperate plea. The women's offer to support themselves—a complete reversal of the typical patriarchal system—underscores the dire scarcity of men, a consequence of war and divine visitation. Their profound desire to avoid "reproach" reveals the powerful cultural significance of marriage and family for identity and social acceptance in that era. While a picture of extreme human suffering, the verse, placed immediately before Isaiah 4:2, serves as a dark backdrop against which the glory of the "Branch of the Lord" (Messiah) will shine even brighter, promising purification and a new spiritual identity for the remnant of Israel after such profound desolation.