Isaiah 2:11

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

The lofty {H1365} looks {H5869} of man {H120} shall be humbled {H8213}, and the haughtiness {H7312} of men {H582} shall be bowed down {H7817}, and the LORD {H3068} alone shall be exalted {H7682} in that day {H3117}.

The proud looks of man will be humiliated; the arrogance of men will be bowed down; and when that day comes, ADONAI alone will be exalted.

The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

The lofty looks of man shall be brought low, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and Jehovah alone shall be exalted in that day.

Commentary

Context

Isaiah 2:11 is a powerful declaration embedded within Isaiah's prophetic vision of the "Day of the Lord." This section of Isaiah (chapters 2-4) focuses on a future time of divine judgment and purification, particularly for Judah and Jerusalem, but ultimately encompassing all nations. The preceding verses (Isaiah 2:6-10) detail the various forms of human pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry prevalent in society—from reliance on wealth and military might to the worship of man-made idols. This verse serves as a direct consequence and theological summation of those sins, highlighting God's response to human arrogance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment on Human Pride: The core message is God's absolute opposition to human arrogance and self-exaltation. "The lofty looks of man" and "the haughtiness of men" represent every form of human pride that seeks to elevate itself above God or deny His sovereignty. This judgment is not arbitrary but a necessary consequence of humanity's rebellion against its Creator.
  • God's Exclusive Exaltation: The verse culminates in the declaration, "and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day." This signifies that the ultimate purpose of divine judgment is to strip away all human pretension and idolatry, leaving only God's glory and supreme authority acknowledged. It points to a time when all creation will recognize God as truly preeminent, as foretold in Philippians 2:10-11.
  • The Necessity of Humbling: The humbling of humanity is presented not merely as punishment, but as a prerequisite for God's glory to be fully revealed and recognized. When human pride is "bowed down," the true and unchallengeable majesty of the LORD shines forth without rival. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, reminding us that pride goes before destruction.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Lofty looks" (Hebrew: gavhuth einey adam - גַּבְהוּת עֵינֵי אָדָם): This phrase literally means "haughtiness of the eyes of man." It vividly portrays visual arrogance—a proud, disdainful gaze that reflects an inward sense of superiority and self-importance.
  • "Haughtiness" (Hebrew: rum adam - רוּם אָדָם): This term means "height of man" or "loftiness of man." It encompasses any form of human self-exaltation, whether intellectual, social, or military, where individuals or nations trust in their own strength rather than in God.
  • "Exalted" (Hebrew: nisgav - נִשְׂגָּב): This word, used for the LORD, means "to be high," "to be lifted up," "to be unapproachable," or "to be mighty." It speaks to God's supreme elevation, His unchallengeable authority, and His incomparable majesty. The passive form emphasizes that He will be exalted by His own actions and by the unfolding of His divine plan.

Practical Application

Isaiah 2:11 offers a timeless and profound warning against human pride and a call to humble reverence for God. In an age often characterized by self-promotion and reliance on human achievement, this verse reminds us that true security and ultimate significance are found only in acknowledging God's sovereignty. It urges us to examine our own hearts for any "lofty looks" or "haughtiness" that might obscure God's rightful place. Cultivating a spirit of humility, recognizing our dependence on God, and giving Him the glory He deserves are essential for spiritual well-being and align us with the ultimate purpose of history—the exaltation of the LORD alone.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 5:15

    And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:

  • Isaiah 5:16

    But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

  • Psalms 18:27

    For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.

  • Isaiah 2:17

    And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

  • Isaiah 13:11

    And I will punish the world for [their] evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

  • Isaiah 12:4

    ¶ And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

  • Isaiah 24:21

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones [that are] on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.
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