Isaiah 3:1

KJV

¶ For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,

KJV (with Strong's)

For, behold, the Lord {H113}, the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, doth take away {H5493} from Jerusalem {H3389} and from Judah {H3063} the stay {H4937} and the staff {H4938}, the whole stay {H4937} of bread {H3899}, and the whole {H3605} stay {H4937} of water {H4325},

Complete Jewish Bible

For see! The Lord, ADONAI-Tzva'ot, will remove from Yerushalayim and Y'hudah every kind of support all reserves of food and water;

Berean Standard Bible

For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water,

American Standard Version

For, behold, the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah stay and staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:1 introduces a stark prophecy of divine judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, declaring that the sovereign God, the LORD of hosts, will strip away every form of support and sustenance from His people. This removal encompasses not only the foundational provisions of bread and water, signifying severe famine and deprivation, but also all societal pillars, leadership, and stability, illustrating the comprehensive nature of God's impending retribution for their unfaithfulness and rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 3:1 initiates a new section of prophecy (chapters 3-5) within the larger book of Isaiah, following the general indictment of Judah's sin and rebellion in chapters 1-2. While chapter 1 outlines the nation's spiritual sickness and calls for repentance, and chapter 2 contrasts Judah's current state with a future glorious kingdom, chapter 3 pivots sharply to detail the specific consequences of their unrepentant sin. This verse sets the stage for a comprehensive dismantling of Judah's societal structure, leadership, and basic provisions, which is further elaborated in the subsequent verses that describe the removal of various societal leaders and the resulting chaos and oppression. The "For, behold" serves as a strong emphatic marker, signaling the immediate and certain nature of the coming judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the 8th century BC, a period of relative political stability and economic prosperity for the Southern Kingdom of Judah, particularly under kings Uzziah and Jotham. However, this outward prosperity masked deep internal spiritual decay, social injustice, and idolatry. The people, especially the ruling elite, had become arrogant, oppressive towards the poor, and had abandoned the covenant principles of justice and righteousness. Culturally, "bread and water" were the most fundamental necessities for life, and their removal signified the most extreme form of deprivation, often associated with siege warfare or divine curse (cf. [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - Consequences of Disobedience")). The "stay and staff" were common metaphors for support and reliance, applicable to both physical aids and societal pillars like wise leadership and stable governance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing that God is not a passive observer but the active agent who "doth take away" (cf. [Isaiah 1:24](/isaiah/1-24 "Isaiah 1:24 - God's Judgment on His Adversaries")). The title "LORD of hosts" reinforces His absolute authority over all creation and human affairs, including the fate of nations. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, illustrating that spiritual rebellion and moral corruption inevitably lead to tangible, often devastating, repercussions, as seen in the removal of essential provisions and societal stability (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Ultimate Dependence on God**, revealing that all human security and sustenance ultimately derive from Him. When God withdraws His blessings, human self-sufficiency proves futile, and even the most basic necessities become unattainable (cf. [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalm/104-27 "Psalm 104:27-28 - God's Provision for Creation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal," emphasizing God's immutable nature, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His absolute sovereignty. Its use here, especially in conjunction with "Lord" (H113, _ʼâdôwn_, meaning sovereign or master), underscores the ultimate authority and personal involvement of the covenant God in the impending judgment.
* **take away (Hebrew, _çûyr'_):** From H5493, this primitive root means "to turn off," "remove," or "withdraw." The active voice "doth take away" highlights God's direct and deliberate action. It is not a passive consequence but an intentional divine act of judgment, demonstrating His control over the circumstances and His people's fate.
* **stay (Hebrew, _mishʻên'_):** From H4937, this word refers to a "support" (concretely) or "protector/sustenance" (figuratively). It implies something one leans upon for stability or survival. Its repetition in the verse ("the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water") emphasizes the comprehensive nature of what is being removed – every form of reliance, both physical and metaphorical.
* **staff (Hebrew, _mishʻênâh'_):** From H4938, this is the feminine form of _mishʻên_, meaning "support" (abstractly), "sustenance," or a "walking-stick." Paired with "stay," it forms a common Hebrew idiom for complete support or reliance. While "stay" might refer more broadly to sustenance, "staff" often specifically denotes a physical aid for walking or a symbol of authority (as in a scepter), thus encompassing both physical and leadership support.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine agent of the coming judgment. "For, behold" serves as an emphatic warning, drawing immediate attention. "The Lord" (Adonai, H113) signifies mastership, while "the LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) refers to God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal involvement. "Of hosts" (Sabaoth, H6635) portrays God as the commander of heavenly armies, highlighting His omnipotence and His ability to execute His will with irresistible power. This powerful divine title underscores the certainty and inevitability of the declared action.
* **"doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah"**: This clause specifies the target and the action. "Take away" (H5493) is a direct, active verb, indicating God's deliberate removal. "Jerusalem" (H3389) is the capital city, the religious and political heart, while "Judah" (H3063) refers to the entire Southern Kingdom. This shows the judgment is comprehensive, affecting both the spiritual center and the broader populace.
* **"the stay and the staff,"**: This phrase employs a common Hebrew idiom, a merism, to signify all forms of support and reliance. "Stay" (H4937) and "staff" (H4938) represent physical aids, sustenance, and metaphorically, the pillars of society such as wise leadership, stability, and security. Their removal implies a complete collapse of societal order and the withdrawal of all means of support.
* **"the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,"**: This further specifies and intensifies the nature of the "stay and staff" being removed. "Bread" (H3899) and "water" (H4325) are the most basic necessities for human survival. The repetition of "the whole stay of" (H3605, _kôl_ meaning "all" or "whole") emphasizes the absolute and complete deprivation. This is a prophecy of severe famine, indicating that God will cut off even the most fundamental provisions, leaving the people utterly destitute and dependent.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of impending judgment. **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "the stay and the staff," where two closely related terms are used to express a single, comprehensive idea of support. This is further extended in the subsequent phrase, "the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water," which uses a similar structure to emphasize the totality of the deprivation. The phrase "the stay and the staff" also functions as **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts represent the whole, signifying all forms of support, both physical and societal. **Symbolism** is pervasive; "bread" and "water" are not just literal foodstuffs but potent symbols of life, sustenance, and divine provision. Their removal symbolizes the withdrawal of God's blessing and the onset of utter desolation. The "stay and staff" likewise symbolize the pillars of national stability, including leadership, economy, and security. The opening "For, behold" serves as a powerful **Exclamatory Interjection**, drawing the reader's immediate attention to the gravity and certainty of the divine declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:1 profoundly underscores the theological principle of divine justice and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. God, as the sovereign LORD of hosts, is not merely a distant deity but actively intervenes in human history to uphold His righteousness. When His people, despite being in a covenant relationship with Him, persist in rebellion and injustice, He will withdraw His sustaining hand. This judgment, though severe, is a just response to their deliberate turning away from Him, serving as a stark reminder that true security and provision come only from God. The removal of basic necessities and societal pillars reveals the fragility of human institutions and the ultimate dependence of humanity on divine grace for every aspect of life.

* [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Psalm 105:16](/psalm/105-16 "Psalm 105:16 - God's Control Over Famine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:1 serves as a timeless and sobering warning, prompting deep reflection on the sources of our security and the consequences of our choices. In a world often characterized by self-reliance and the pursuit of material comfort, this verse challenges us to examine where our true "stay and staff" lie. Do we place our ultimate trust in economic stability, political leaders, or personal accomplishments, or do we acknowledge God as the ultimate provider and sustainer of all life? It reminds us that even the most fundamental aspects of our existence are gifts from His hand, and His withdrawal of blessing can lead to profound societal and personal distress. This passage calls us to a life of humble dependence on God, urging us to prioritize righteousness, justice, and faithfulness in our individual lives and within our communities, recognizing that societal well-being is intricately linked to our spiritual health.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "stays and staffs" in my life or society that I might be relying on more than God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper dependence on God for my daily provisions and overall security?**
* **In what ways might unfaithfulness or injustice in my own life or community invite God's disciplinary hand?**

### FAQ
**What does "the Lord, the LORD of hosts" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "the Lord, the LORD of hosts" is a powerful and significant divine title. "The Lord" (Adonai) signifies God as the sovereign Master, while "the LORD" (Yahweh or Jehovah) is God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His self-existence and faithfulness. "Of hosts" (Sabaoth) portrays God as the commander of vast armies, both earthly and heavenly. In Isaiah 3:1, this combined title underscores God's absolute authority, omnipotence, and His personal, active involvement in the affairs of humanity. It highlights that the judgment described is not arbitrary but a deliberate act by the all-powerful, covenant-keeping God who has the might to execute His will, whether in blessing or in judgment (see also [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Seraphim and God's Holiness")).

**What is the meaning of "the stay and the staff"?**

Answer: "The stay and the staff" is a Hebrew idiom, a form of parallelism, referring to all forms of support and reliance. A "stay" (Hebrew _mishʻên_) is something one leans on for support, while a "staff" (Hebrew _mishʻênâh_) is a walking stick or a symbol of authority. Together, they represent comprehensive support—both physical sustenance and the societal pillars that provide stability, security, and guidance. This includes literal food and water, but also metaphorical support like wise leadership, a strong economy, and social order. The removal of these signifies a complete breakdown of society and the withdrawal of all means of human and divine assistance (compare [Psalm 23:4](/psalm/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - The Shepherd's Rod and Staff")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 3:1 speaks of God's judgment and the removal of earthly sustenance and support from an unfaithful people, it ultimately points to the profound truth that humanity's deepest need is for a divine "stay and staff" that cannot be taken away. In the New Covenant, this fulfillment is found supremely in Jesus Christ. He is the true bread of life, declaring, "[I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" (John 6:35). Unlike the physical bread and water that can be withheld, Christ offers spiritual sustenance that eternally satisfies. Furthermore, as the Good Shepherd, Jesus is the ultimate "staff" and "stay" for His people, providing unfailing guidance, protection, and comfort (as promised in [Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd")). Where Judah's leaders failed and their earthly provisions were removed due to sin, Christ stands as the unshakeable foundation and the eternal source of life and security. He bears the judgment for our unfaithfulness, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice so that those who believe might never experience the spiritual famine of separation from God, but rather find in Him all the "stay and staff" they could ever need, leading to abundant life (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")).

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

Leviticus 26:26

[And] when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver [you] your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

Ezekiel 14:13

Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:

Isaiah 1:24

Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:

Ezekiel 4:16

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:

Ezekiel 4:17

That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.

Isaiah 51:22

Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

Psalms 105:16

Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.