Isaiah 25:11

KJV

And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth [his hands] to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall spread forth {H6566} his hands {H3027} in the midst {H7130} of them, as he that swimmeth {H7811} spreadeth forth {H6566} his hands to swim {H7811}: and he shall bring down {H8213} their pride {H1346} together with the spoils {H698} of their hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will spread out their hands in Mo'av, like a swimmer using his hands to tread water; but their pride will be humbled and sunk, no matter how clever the strokes of their hands.

Berean Standard Bible

He will spread out his hands within it, as a swimmer spreads his arms to swim. His pride will be brought low, despite the skill of his hands.

American Standard Version

And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst thereof, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim; but Jehovah will lay low his pride together with the craft of his hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 25:11 powerfully depicts the inevitable and humiliating downfall of a proud entity, often understood as Moab, under the sovereign hand of God. Through the striking simile of a swimmer flailing desperately in deep waters, the verse illustrates the utter futility of human resistance against divine judgment. It emphasizes that God will decisively humble the arrogant, stripping away their self-exalted status and any ill-gotten gains, thereby demonstrating His absolute power over all earthly boasts and achievements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 25:11 is situated within a profound prophetic section of the book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 24-27, often referred to as "Isaiah's Little Apocalypse." This segment transitions from specific judgments against individual nations to a broader, eschatological vision encompassing global judgment and the ultimate establishment of God's righteous kingdom. Immediately preceding this verse, [Isaiah 25:10](/isaiah/25-10 "Isaiah 25:10 - God Treads Down Moab") explicitly identifies Moab as the object of divine wrath, describing God treading them down "as straw is trodden down for the dunghill." This vivid imagery sets the stage for the desperate struggle portrayed in verse 11, which further elaborates on Moab's unavailing efforts against an overwhelming divine force. The broader context of [Isaiah 25](/isaiah/25 "Isaiah 25 - God's Triumph and Feast") consistently contrasts the glorious future and secure dwelling of God's redeemed people with the destruction and humiliation awaiting His enemies, underscoring the themes of divine justice and ultimate triumph.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the immediate prophetic target is most commonly identified as Moab, the imagery in Isaiah 25:11 serves as a broader archetype for any nation characterized by excessive pride and opposition to God's people. Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a long-standing adversary of Israel, consistently condemned for its arrogance and idolatry, as seen in narratives like [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam and Balak") and prophetic condemnations such as [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab"). Their inherent pride (*gaʼăvâh*) was a recurring motif in divine pronouncements against them. The "spoils of their hands" likely refers to their accumulated wealth, military might, or any perceived strength that fueled their haughtiness and defiance. The act of "spreading forth hands" in swimming would have been a common and relatable sight in the ancient world, making the simile particularly poignant. It emphasizes a frantic, desperate, and ultimately unavailing struggle for survival rather than graceful or purposeful movement, resonating with the geopolitical realities of the ancient Near East where empires rose and fell, but God's sovereignty remained supreme.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment on Pride**. God consistently opposes the proud and exalts the humble, a foundational principle echoed throughout Scripture, from [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") to [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud"). The explicit targeting of Moab's "pride" (H1346, *gaʼăvâh*) underscores this divine opposition. Secondly, the desperate swimming imagery vividly illustrates the **Futility of Resistance Against God**. No human strength, strategy, or self-reliance can withstand God's judgment or thwart His sovereign will. This reinforces God's **Absolute Sovereignty** over all nations and human endeavors, demonstrating His power to bring down even the mightiest and most arrogant earthly powers. Finally, the mention of "spoils of their hands" touches upon the theme of **Justice Regarding Ill-Gotten Gains**, implying that wealth, power, or achievements acquired or held in defiance of God will ultimately be stripped away as part of His comprehensive judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pride (Hebrew, _gaʼăvâh'_):** From H1346, this term denotes arrogance, haughtiness, or a swelling of self-importance. In Isaiah 25:11, it refers to the inflated self-exaltation and defiant spirit of Moab (and by extension, any proud nation) that God is determined to humble. It signifies not merely self-confidence but a presumptuous elevation of oneself in opposition to divine authority, often leading to self-destruction.
* **Spread forth (Hebrew, _pâras'_):** From H6566, this primitive root means to stretch out, extend, or scatter. In the context of swimming, it describes the outward extension of hands. Here, it vividly depicts the frantic, desperate movements of one struggling to stay afloat in an overwhelming situation, emphasizing intense but ultimately fruitless exertion against an irresistible, unseen force.
* **Hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to the open hand, often symbolizing power, means, or agency. In this verse, the "hands" are the instruments of the swimmer's desperate struggle, highlighting their futile efforts to resist. They also represent the source of the "spoils," emphasizing the material possessions, achievements, or perceived strengths that fueled the nation's pride.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth [his hands] to swim":** This clause introduces the central, vivid simile of the verse. The initial "he" refers to the proud entity or nation (e.g., Moab) that is the object of divine judgment. The action of "spreading forth his hands" is explicitly likened to a swimmer's movements. Crucially, this is not a depiction of graceful or purposeful swimming towards safety, but rather a desperate, flailing attempt to stay above water in a chaotic, overwhelming situation. The repetition of the action ("spreadeth forth [his hands] to swim") emphasizes the intensity, futility, and frantic nature of this struggle for mere survival against an irresistible, submerging force.
* **"and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands."** This second clause reveals the decisive outcome and the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. The "he" here shifts to God, the divine agent who will "bring down" (H8213, *shâphêl*, meaning to abase, humble, or make low) the nation's "pride" (H1346, *gaʼăvâh*). This humiliation is total, extending not only to their inherent arrogance and haughtiness but also to the "spoils of their hands" (H698, *ʼorŏbâh*), which represent their material wealth, power, achievements, or any ill-gotten gains that were sources of their self-exaltation. God's judgment is absolute, stripping them of both their internal haughtiness and the external manifestations of their perceived power.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 25:11 employs powerful **Imagery** and a vivid **Simile** to convey its profound message. The central image of a swimmer desperately spreading forth hands is a striking simile, comparing the struggling nation to someone flailing in water. This is not a swim of progress or escape, but one of futile exertion against an overwhelming, perhaps even drowning, current. The **Repetition** of "spreadeth forth his hands" emphasizes the frantic, unavailing nature of the struggle. Furthermore, the verse uses **Personification** by attributing "pride" to the nation as something that can be "brought down," highlighting its inherent character as an active force. The "spoils of their hands" serves as **Metonymy**, where "hands" represent the nation's efforts, power, and acquisitions. The overall tone is one of **Irony**, as the very actions taken to survive (spreading hands to swim) ultimately become a symbol of unavoidable doom when faced with divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 25:11 serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering opposition to human pride and His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. It underscores the biblical truth that no nation, no individual, and no human achievement can withstand the divine will when it moves to humble the arrogant. This principle is not merely punitive but also redemptive, clearing the way for God's righteous reign and the establishment of His kingdom, where humility and dependence on Him are paramount. The downfall of the proud is consistently portrayed as a necessary precursor to God's ultimate triumph and the vindication of His humble people, demonstrating that true strength and stability are found only in submission to the Creator.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.")
* [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - Mary's Magnificat: He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 25:11 offers a stark and timeless warning against the insidious nature of pride, reminding us that true security and flourishing are found not in self-exaltation or material accumulation, but in humble submission to God. For individuals, this means consistently examining our hearts for any trace of arrogance, self-sufficiency, or a spirit that trusts in its own strength or possessions rather than in the Lord. For communities and nations, it serves as a call to reject nationalistic pride, economic hubris, or military might as ultimate sources of power, recognizing that all human endeavors are ultimately subject to divine judgment. The verse reassures the humble and oppressed that God sees their plight and will ultimately bring justice to those who have exalted themselves at the expense of others. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of humility, gratitude, and dependence on God, understanding that He alone has the power to abase the proud and lift up the lowly, ensuring that His justice and righteousness prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on my own strength or achievements, rather than humbly depending on God?**
* **How does the imagery of the struggling swimmer challenge my perceptions of control and self-sufficiency?**
* **What "spoils" or possessions in my life might be fostering pride, and how can I reorient my heart towards God's purposes?**
* **How can I actively cultivate humility in my daily interactions and decisions, reflecting God's character?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "swimming" imagery in this verse?**

Answer: The "swimming" imagery in Isaiah 25:11 is highly significant, portraying a desperate and futile struggle rather than a graceful or successful act. It depicts the proud nation (often understood as Moab) flailing its hands in an attempt to stay afloat against an overwhelming, irresistible force—God's judgment. Unlike a purposeful swimmer, this entity is not moving towards safety or victory but is engaged in a frantic, unavailing effort to avoid being submerged. This vivid simile underscores the absolute power of God and the utter futility of human resistance when confronted with His sovereign will. It emphasizes that no amount of exertion or self-reliance can save those whom God has determined to humble, highlighting the inescapable nature of divine judgment.

**Who is the "he" that spreads forth his hands, and who is the "he" that brings down pride?**

Answer: In the first part of the verse, "he" refers to the proud entity or nation (e.g., Moab) that is being judged. This "he" is the one struggling desperately, spreading forth his hands like a swimmer trying to stay afloat. This depicts the nation's futile attempts to resist its impending doom. In the second part of the verse, "he" refers to God. It is God who "shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands." The clear shift in the subject of the action highlights God's ultimate sovereignty: the nation struggles in vain, but it is God who decisively acts to humble them and strip away their sources of pride and power. This demonstrates God's active and irresistible role in executing judgment against arrogance. This divine action is consistent with God's character throughout the biblical narrative, as seen in passages like [Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The Lord's Right Hand") where God's "right hand, O Lord, glorious in power, your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy."

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's judgment against pride in the Bible?**

Answer: Isaiah 25:11 is a powerful illustration of a consistent biblical theme: God's unwavering opposition to pride and His commitment to humbling the arrogant. From the tower of Babel in [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel"), where human pride led to confusion and dispersion, to the downfall of Pharaoh in [Exodus](/exodus "The Book of Exodus"), and the numerous prophetic pronouncements against various proud nations, Scripture repeatedly asserts that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")). New Testament passages like [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud") and [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Humble Yourselves") reiterate that "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." This verse in Isaiah thus serves as a specific, vivid example of this universal divine principle, demonstrating God's active intervention to abase those who exalt themselves, paving the way for His righteous kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 25:11, while depicting God's judgment against the pride of nations, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the eventual humbling of all human arrogance but preeminently in the profound humility and subsequent exaltation of Jesus Christ. The "he" who brings down pride is ultimately the God revealed in Christ. While human pride leads to desperate, futile struggles and ultimate downfall, Christ exemplified perfect humility, choosing to "empty himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He did not grasp at divine prerogatives but willingly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). It is through this ultimate act of humility that God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, while Isaiah 25:11 speaks of God bringing down the pride of the world, Christ's life and sacrifice demonstrate the divine pattern: true exaltation comes through profound humility. Furthermore, Christ's return will be the ultimate bringing down of all human pride and opposition, as every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Christ")). He is the one who will finally "tread down" all enemies and establish a kingdom where pride has no place, inviting all to enter through humble faith in Him, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Isaiah 16:14

But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant [shall be] very small [and] feeble.

Isaiah 16:6

¶ We have heard of the pride of Moab; [he is] very proud: [even] of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: [but] his lies [shall] not [be] so.

Isaiah 14:26

This [is] the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this [is] the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

Isaiah 5:25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

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.

Isaiah 65:2

I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;

Jeremiah 50:31

Behold, I [am] against thee, [O thou] most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time [that] I will visit thee.