Isaiah 11:13

KJV

The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

KJV (with Strong's)

The envy {H7068} also of Ephraim {H669} shall depart {H5493}, and the adversaries {H6887} of Judah {H3063} shall be cut off {H3772}: Ephraim {H669} shall not envy {H7065} Judah {H3063}, and Judah {H3063} shall not vex {H6887} Ephraim {H669}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Efrayim's jealousy will cease - those who harass Y'hudah will be cut off, Efrayim will stop envying Y'hudah, and Y'hudah will stop provoking Efrayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the jealousy of Ephraim will depart, and the adversaries of Judah will be cut off. Ephraim will no longer envy Judah, nor will Judah harass Ephraim.

American Standard Version

The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and they that vex Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 11:13 is a profound prophetic declaration embedded within a larger vision of the Messiah's reign, foretelling a future era of unparalleled peace and unity. This verse specifically addresses the long-standing and bitter animosity between the northern kingdom, represented by Ephraim, and the southern kingdom, represented by Judah. It proclaims the definitive end of their mutual envy and vexation, signifying a complete reconciliation and restoration of the divided people of God under the righteous rule of the promised Branch of Jesse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 11:13 is situated within the highly messianic and eschatological chapter of Isaiah 11. The chapter opens with the prophecy of a "shoot from the stump of Jesse" and a "branch from his roots" who will bear fruit, signifying the coming Messiah and His righteous rule over all the earth ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")). The preceding verses describe the Messiah's character, His divine wisdom and understanding, His just judgment, and the profound peace and harmony that will characterize His kingdom, even extending to the animal kingdom. Verse 12 speaks of the Lord raising a signal for the nations and gathering the dispersed of Israel and the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth ([Isaiah 11:12](/isaiah/11-12 "Isaiah 11:12 - The Gathering of Israel")). This sets the immediate stage for verse 13, which describes the internal peace and unity that will prevail among the reunited people, a necessary complement to their external gathering. The cessation of internal strife is a hallmark of the Messianic age, where all forms of division are overcome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prophecy is the deep-seated division between the northern kingdom of Israel (often called Ephraim due to its dominant tribe) and the southern kingdom of Judah. This schism began after the death of King Solomon, around 931 BC, leading to centuries of political rivalry, occasional warfare, and religious divergence. Ephraim, representing the ten northern tribes, established its own kingship and often fell into idolatry, while Judah, comprising the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, maintained the Davidic line and the Jerusalem temple. This division was a source of constant weakness and internal strife, making them vulnerable to foreign powers. Isaiah's prophecy speaks to a future beyond the immediate historical reality of a divided and often hostile Israel, envisioning a time when these ancient wounds would be healed, and the people would live in harmony, reflecting God's original design for a united nation.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Isaiah 11:13 is **Reconciliation and Unity**. It prophesies the complete cessation of the bitter rivalry and animosity that had plagued the relationship between Ephraim and Judah for centuries. Their historical "envy" and "vexation" will be entirely removed, ushering in an era of internal harmony. This unity is a direct consequence of the **Messianic Peace** brought by the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")). The Messiah's just and peaceful reign extends beyond external tranquility to foster internal accord among His people. The verse also strongly contributes to the theme of the **Restoration of Israel**. It points to a future time when the entire nation of Israel will be reunited under one head, free from the divisions that led to their downfall and exile, fulfilling God's covenant promises to His people. This restoration encompasses both physical return and spiritual transformation, culminating in a unified and peaceful community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Envy (Hebrew, _qinʼâh'_):** From the root H7065 (qânâʼ), this word (H7068) signifies jealousy or envy, representing the deep-seated rivalry and animosity that characterized the relationship between the northern (Ephraim) and southern (Judah) kingdoms of Israel. It denotes a zealous, often negative, competitive spirit that fueled their historical contention.
* **Depart (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This primitive root (H5493) means "to turn off," "to remove," or "to withdraw." In this context, it powerfully conveys the complete cessation and removal of the envy, indicating a definitive end to the historical antagonism and a transition to a new state of peace and harmony.
* **Vex (Hebrew, _tsârar'_):** From the primitive root H6887, meaning "to cramp," "to distress," "to harass," or "to oppress." It describes the active hostility and trouble that Judah would inflict upon or experience from Ephraim. Its departure signifies the end of mutual oppression, conflict, and the cessation of any action that causes distress between the two entities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The envy also of Ephraim shall depart":** This clause specifically addresses the removal of the deep-seated jealousy, rivalry, and animosity that the northern kingdom (Ephraim) harbored against the southern kingdom (Judah). It signifies a complete and permanent cessation of this negative emotion, indicating a fundamental change in their relationship.
* **"and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off":** This refers to the elimination of those who acted as opponents or sources of distress for Judah. While "adversaries" could imply external enemies, in the immediate context of the internal strife between Ephraim and Judah, it strongly suggests that the antagonistic actions or elements from Ephraim that vexed Judah will be definitively removed or destroyed. The phrase "cut off" (H3772, _kârath_) implies a decisive and complete termination.
* **"Ephraim shall not envy Judah":** This reiterates and reinforces the first clause, explicitly stating that the specific emotion of envy will no longer characterize Ephraim's attitude towards Judah. The negative "not" emphasizes the absolute absence of this contentious spirit.
* **"and Judah shall not vex Ephraim":** This parallels the second clause, confirming that Judah will no longer act as an oppressor or source of distress for Ephraim. It signifies the end of any active hostility or harassment from Judah's side, ensuring a mutual cessation of conflict.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 11:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of reconciliation. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, with the verse structured to reinforce its central theme through repetition and restatement. "The envy also of Ephraim shall depart" is paralleled by "Ephraim shall not envy Judah," and "the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off" is paralleled by "Judah shall not vex Ephraim." This synonymous parallelism not only emphasizes the completeness and certainty of the promised reconciliation but also highlights the mutual nature of the ceased animosity. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is central to the verse's meaning, as "Ephraim" and "Judah" serve as representative names for the entire northern and southern kingdoms of Israel, respectively. Ephraim, being the most prominent tribe of the northern kingdom, often stood for the whole, allowing the prophet to encapsulate centuries of inter-kingdom rivalry in these two names. The concept of "envy" and "adversaries" being "cut off" or "departing" also contains an element of **Personification**, treating these abstract concepts as tangible entities that can be removed, thereby underscoring the definitive end to the internal strife.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 11:13 paints a vivid picture of a future where God's people, long divided by internal strife and animosity, are finally reunited in peace. This prophecy extends beyond mere political reconciliation, touching on the deeper theological truth that God's ultimate plan is one of harmony and restoration. The cessation of "envy" and "vexation" speaks to a transformation of the heart, a spiritual healing that allows for genuine unity. This internal peace is a direct outflow of the Messiah's righteous reign, demonstrating that true societal and relational harmony can only be achieved under divine leadership. It foreshadows the breaking down of all dividing walls, not just between Israelite factions, but ultimately between all peoples, as God gathers His redeemed from every nation into one unified family.

* [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"): "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"): "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
* [John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity"): "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 11:13 offers profound hope and a challenging call to action for believers today. The vision of Ephraim and Judah, historical rivals, laying aside their envy and vexation under the Messiah's reign serves as a powerful reminder that no division is too deep for God's redemptive power. In our own lives, families, communities, and churches, we often encounter "Ephraim and Judah" dynamics—long-standing disagreements, petty rivalries, and entrenched animosities that hinder unity and witness. This verse encourages us to actively pursue reconciliation, to lay down our own "envy" and cease "vexing" others, trusting that the same Spirit who can unite ancient kingdoms can heal our contemporary divides. It calls us to embody the peace of Christ, fostering environments where mutual respect, forgiveness, and love triumph over bitterness and strife, thereby reflecting the character of God's coming kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "envy" or "vexation" dynamics exist in my own relationships or community that need to "depart" or "be cut off"?**
* **How can I actively contribute to reconciliation and unity in areas where there is division, rather than perpetuating strife?**
* **What does it mean for me to live as if the Messiah's reign of peace and unity is already breaking into the present?**

### FAQ
**Who were Ephraim and Judah, and why were they in conflict?**

Answer: Ephraim and Judah represent the two primary kingdoms into which ancient Israel divided after the death of King Solomon around 931 BC. Ephraim was the most prominent tribe of the northern kingdom, often used as a metonym for the entire ten-tribe northern kingdom (also called Israel). Judah represented the southern kingdom, comprising the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which maintained the Davidic dynasty and the Jerusalem temple. Their conflict stemmed from political rivalry, religious differences (the northern kingdom often embraced idolatry), and historical grievances, leading to centuries of animosity, border disputes, and even warfare, as seen in various accounts throughout [1 and 2 Kings](/1-kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom") and [2 Chronicles](/2-chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The History of Judah").

**How does this prophecy of unity relate to the New Testament and the church?**

Answer: This prophecy finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Christ is presented as the one who breaks down "the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) between Jews and Gentiles, creating "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Humanity in Christ")). Just as Ephraim and Judah were reconciled, so too are diverse peoples brought together in the church, where "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). The unity prophesied in Isaiah 11:13 foreshadows the spiritual unity found in the body of Christ, where all believers, regardless of background, are reconciled to God and to one another.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 11:13, with its vision of Ephraim's envy departing and Judah's adversaries being cut off, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Branch from the roots of Jesse" ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")) is none other than Jesus, the Messiah, whose reign inaugurates a new era of peace and reconciliation. While the immediate context speaks to the historical division within Israel, the New Testament reveals that Christ's redemptive work extends this reconciliation to all humanity, breaking down far greater walls of hostility. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus became "our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He not only reconciles humanity to God but also reconciles people to one another, creating a new spiritual Israel, the church, where the distinctions that once caused strife—whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free—are transcended in a profound unity ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"); [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - No Division in Christ")). The cessation of envy and vexation in Isaiah 11:13 is a prophetic glimpse into the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ, enabling believers to live in harmony and mutual love, reflecting the very character of the kingdom of God where true peace reigns under the eternal King ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of David")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 3:18

In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.

Ezekiel 37:16

Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and [for] all the house of Israel his companions:

Ezekiel 37:24

And David my servant [shall be] king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

Hosea 1:11

Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great [shall be] the day of Jezreel.

Isaiah 9:21

Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Isaiah 7:1

¶ And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, [that] Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

Isaiah 7:6

Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, [even] the son of Tabeal: