Isaiah 30:22

KJV

Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall defile {H2930} also the covering {H6826} of thy graven images {H6456} of silver {H3701}, and the ornament {H642} of thy molten images {H4541} of gold {H2091}: thou shalt cast them away {H2219} as a menstruous cloth {H1739}; thou shalt say {H559} unto it, Get thee hence {H3318}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will treat as unclean your silver-covered idols and your cast metal images plated with gold; you will throw them away, like menstrual cloths; you will say to them, "Get out of here!"

Berean Standard Bible

So you will desecrate your silver-plated idols and your gold-plated images. You will throw them away like menstrual cloths, saying to them, “Be gone!”

American Standard Version

And ye shall defile the overlaying of thy graven images of silver, and the plating of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as an unclean thing; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 30:22 powerfully anticipates a future moment of profound national repentance for the people of Judah, marked by a radical and contemptuous rejection of their deep-seated idolatrous practices. As God promises to restore and bless those who turn from their rebellion and place their trust solely in Him, this verse describes a pivotal act of spiritual purification: the deliberate defiling and casting away of their once-treasured silver and gold idols, treating them as utterly vile and detestable, thereby signifying a complete and exclusive return to devotion to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 30 is a complex prophetic oracle, primarily a "Woe" oracle directed against Judah's persistent reliance on human alliances, specifically with Egypt, rather than on the Lord's divine protection and counsel. The chapter opens with a stern condemnation of this rebellious behavior, highlighting their refusal to heed God's instruction and their pursuit of a futile, costly alliance ([Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). This is followed by pronouncements of severe judgment for their stubbornness, their rejection of prophetic warnings, and their insistence on hearing only comforting lies ([Isaiah 30:8-17](/isaiah/30-8-17 "Isaiah 30:8-17 - A Rebellious People")). However, characteristic of Isaiah's prophetic style, there is a dramatic shift from judgment to a profound promise of grace, mercy, and restoration for a repentant remnant ([Isaiah 30:18-26](/isaiah/30-18-26 "Isaiah 30:18-26 - God's Mercy and Restoration")). Verse 22 serves as the critical turning point within this section, describing the people's active and decisive renunciation of idolatry, an act of spiritual purification that directly precedes and enables the outpouring of God's promised blessings, including abundant rain, fertile land, and divine spiritual teaching ([Isaiah 30:23-26](/isaiah/30-23-26 "Isaiah 30:23-26 - Promises of Blessing and Abundance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the 8th century BCE, the era of Isaiah's ministry, the Southern Kingdom of Judah faced immense geopolitical pressure, primarily from the formidable Assyrian Empire. In their desperation and political expediency, Judah's leaders and many of its people frequently sought alliances with powerful neighboring nations, particularly Egypt, rather than placing their trust in the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh. This pragmatic approach often led to the adoption of the religious practices and deities of their allies or regional powers, resulting in widespread idolatry even within Jerusalem itself. The "graven images of silver" and "molten images of gold" refer to physical idols, common throughout the ancient Near East, meticulously crafted from precious metals and often believed to embody or serve as dwelling places for various pagan deities. The vivid imagery of a "menstruous cloth" is deeply rooted in Israelite purity laws, specifically those found in the Mosaic covenant ([Leviticus 15:19-30](/leviticus/15-19-30 "Leviticus 15:19-30 - Laws Concerning Menstruation")). According to these laws, a menstruating woman and anything she touched were considered ritually unclean, requiring purification. This cultural understanding of extreme impurity dramatically amplifies the profound contempt and utter rejection depicted in the verse, making the act of discarding idols akin to disposing of the most defiling object imaginable.
* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a powerful illustration of several overarching themes central to the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. It underscores the theme of **idolatry as spiritual adultery**, portraying it as a profound betrayal of the exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, who unequivocally demands singular worship and allegiance ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")). The radical act of defiling and casting away these idols highlights the indispensable nature of **genuine repentance**—a complete and active turning away from sin and a turning toward God. This repentance is not merely a passive cessation of sin but an active, even violent, renunciation of anything that competes with God's rightful sovereignty. Furthermore, the verse powerfully prefigures the theme of **spiritual cleansing and purification**, where the removal of defilement is presented as a necessary prerequisite for experiencing God's full blessings and the restoration of a right relationship with Him, as seen in the subsequent promises of renewal and divine teaching for the repentant people ([Isaiah 30:20-21](/isaiah/30-20-21 "Isaiah 30:20-21 - God's Teachers and Guidance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **defile (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** From H2930, a primitive root meaning "to be foul," especially in a ceremonial or moral sense, implying contamination or pollution. Here, it signifies not merely making something dirty, but rendering it ritually unclean and abhorrent. The people will actively treat their idols as utterly profane, stripping them of any perceived sanctity, power, or value they once held. This is an intentional act of desecration.
* **menstruous cloth (Hebrew, _dâveh'_):** From H1739, derived from a root meaning "sick," particularly referring to menstruation. In ancient Israelite culture, a menstruous woman and anything she touched was considered ritually unclean, requiring purification and separation. Applying this term to idols emphasizes the extreme disgust, revulsion, and utter worthlessness with which the repentant people will regard their former objects of worship. It is an image of the most profound defilement and absolute rejection.
* **Get thee hence (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** From H3318, a primitive root meaning "to go out" or "to bring out," used here as a forceful, imperative command to depart or be gone. It is not a gentle dismissal but an emphatic expulsion, signifying a complete, decisive, and final break from the idols, leaving no room for their return, influence, or even memory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold:"** This opening clause describes the initial, deliberate act of desecration. The people will not merely abandon their idols but actively defile even their precious coverings (H6826, _tsippûwy_, encasement) and adornments (H642, _ʼêphuddâh_, plating). "Graven images" (H6456, _pᵉçîyl_) typically refers to idols carved from wood or stone, often overlaid with metal, while "molten images" (H4541, _maççêkâh_) refers to idols cast from metal. The mention of "silver" (H3701, _keçeph_) and "gold" (H2091, _zâhâb_) underscores that even idols of immense material value, once revered and costly, will be treated with utter contempt, stripped of all perceived worth.
* **"thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth;"** This powerful simile illustrates the depth of the people's revulsion and the totality of their renunciation. The act of "casting away" (H2219, _zârâh_, meaning to toss about, scatter, or winnow) implies a forceful, deliberate, and complete disposal, akin to scattering chaff to the wind. The comparison to a "menstruous cloth" (H1739, _dâveh_) is highly evocative, signifying something ritually unclean, repulsive, and to be discarded without a second thought or any attempt at recovery. It highlights the extreme spiritual disgust for what was once held sacred.
* **"thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence."** This final clause emphasizes the verbal and volitional aspect of their rejection, transforming a physical act into a conscious, decisive declaration. The direct, forceful command "Get thee hence" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_, here in the imperative form, _tse'_) personifies the idols, addressing them as something to be utterly expelled from their presence and lives. It signifies a decisive, conscious, and absolute renunciation, leaving no ambiguity about their complete break from idolatry and their commitment to exclusive worship of the one true God (H559, _ʼâmar_, to say).

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 30:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of radical repentance and spiritual transformation. The most striking is **Simile**, where the discarded idols are explicitly compared to a "menstruous cloth," which vividly communicates an extreme degree of revulsion, impurity, and worthlessness. This **Imagery** is designed to shock the audience and emphasize the utter defilement of what was once worshipped. The act of addressing the inanimate idols directly with the command "Get thee hence" is a powerful instance of **Personification**, lending a dramatic, confrontational, and deeply personal tone to the act of rejection. Furthermore, the meticulous description of defiling not just the idols themselves but their "covering" and "ornament" made of "silver" and "gold" uses **Hyperbole** to underscore the totality and uncompromising nature of the renunciation, implying that no part of the idolatrous practice, however precious or beautiful, will be spared from contempt. This combination of devices creates a powerful and unforgettable picture of spiritual cleansing and renewed devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the foundational biblical principle that true repentance involves a radical and comprehensive turning from all forms of idolatry, whether overt physical images or more subtle spiritual attachments. God, as the sovereign Lord of the covenant, demands exclusive worship and undivided loyalty. Anything that competes for our ultimate loyalty, affection, trust, or hope—whether material possessions, human relationships, career success, or self-reliance—becomes an idol. The act of defiling and casting away these images signifies a necessary spiritual purification, a stripping away of all false dependencies and a commitment to holiness. It underscores that God's abundant blessings and intimate presence are often contingent upon our willingness to remove all obstacles to His rightful sovereignty in our lives, leading to a renewed and unhindered relationship with Him.

* [Deuteronomy 7:25-26](/deuteronomy/7-25-26 "Destroying Idols and Their Silver/Gold")
* [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")
* [2 Corinthians 6:16-17](/2_corinthians/6-16-17 "2 Corinthians 6:16-17 - Temple of the Living God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal worship of carved or molten images may be less prevalent in many contemporary societies, the spiritual principle embedded in Isaiah 30:22 remains profoundly relevant and challenging for believers today. The human heart, by its fallen nature, has an innate tendency toward idolatry, constantly seeking to replace God with anything else that promises security, identity, happiness, or control. Modern "idols" can be incredibly subtle and pervasive: an excessive pursuit of wealth, career achievements, social media validation, personal comfort, romantic relationships, intellectual pride, or even self-image. This verse calls us to a radical and honest self-examination, to identify those areas where we place our ultimate trust, affection, or hope outside of God. The command to "cast them away as a menstruous cloth" challenges us to not merely neglect these modern idols but to actively, decisively, and with spiritual disgust renounce them, recognizing their defiling nature and their inherent inability to provide true life, satisfaction, or security. This act of spiritual purification, though often difficult and requiring ongoing vigilance, is a prerequisite for experiencing the abundant blessings and intimate presence of God, leading to genuine freedom, spiritual flourishing, and a life lived in undivided devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "graven images of silver" and "molten images of gold" in my own life that subtly or overtly compete for God's ultimate place and affection?**
* **How can I actively "defile" and "cast away" these modern idols with the same spiritual contempt and decisive action described in the verse?**
* **What does it truly mean to "say unto it, Get thee hence" to something that has held undue influence or control over my heart and decisions?**
* **What spiritual blessings, deeper intimacy with God, or greater freedom might I be missing by clinging to subtle forms of idolatry in my life?**

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

Answer: The imagery of a "menstruous cloth" (Hebrew: _dâveh_, H1739) is profoundly significant because, in ancient Israelite culture, anything associated with menstruation was considered ritually impure according to the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 15:19-30](/leviticus/15-19-30 "Leviticus 15:19-30 - Laws of Purity and Impurity")). This impurity was not a moral failing but a ceremonial state, requiring separation and purification rites. By comparing the once-revered idols to a menstruous cloth, the prophet Isaiah uses a powerful and intentionally repulsive metaphor. It signifies that the people, in their repentance, will view their former objects of worship not just as wrong or useless, but as utterly defiled, disgusting, and worthy only of complete and immediate disposal, without any consideration of their former value or beauty. It underscores the radical shift in their spiritual perception, moving from veneration to extreme abhorrence and total rejection.

**How does this verse apply to believers today, given that physical idol worship is less common?**

Answer: While literal worship of carved images is indeed less common in many contemporary contexts, the spiritual principle of Isaiah 30:22 remains vitally relevant for believers today. The human heart has an innate tendency toward idolatry, constantly replacing God with anything else that promises security, identity, happiness, or control. Modern "idols" can be subtle: an excessive pursuit of wealth, career, relationships, self-image, technology, entertainment, or even spiritual experiences that become ends in themselves rather than means to glorify God. This verse calls believers to a radical internal cleansing, to identify and decisively "cast away" anything that competes for God's supreme place in their lives. It's a call to exclusive devotion to Christ, recognizing that anything that detracts from Him is spiritually defiling and hinders true spiritual flourishing, as the Apostle John warns, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" ([1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")). The act of "casting away" implies a deliberate, active renunciation of these competing allegiances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 30:22, with its vivid portrayal of the radical rejection of idols as a prerequisite for divine blessing, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's relentless call to turn from idolatry and embrace exclusive worship of Yahweh culminates in the New Covenant, where Christ Himself is the supreme object of our worship and the sole means of our purification. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus provides the ultimate spiritual cleansing, enabling us to cast away the defiling idols of our hearts and lives. He liberates us from the slavery of sin and false gods, not merely by external command, but by an internal transformation through the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowering us to truly "say unto it, Get thee hence" to anything that competes with His rightful sovereignty ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified")). In Christ, our worship is no longer bound by physical images or external rituals but is offered "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), as He is the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Image of God")). The promised blessings that followed the repentance in Isaiah's day—spiritual instruction and abundant provision—are fully realized in Christ, who is our true Teacher and the inexhaustible source of all spiritual blessings ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), leading us into a life of genuine freedom, unhindered communion, and eternal delight in 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

Judges 17:3

And when he had restored the eleven hundred [shekels] of silver to his mother, his mother said, I had wholly dedicated the silver unto the LORD from my hand for my son, to make a graven image and a molten image: now therefore I will restore it unto thee.

Judges 17:4

Yet he restored the money unto his mother; and his mother took two hundred [shekels] of silver, and gave them to the founder, who made thereof a graven image and a molten image: and they were in the house of Micah.

Isaiah 31:7

For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you [for] a sin.

Zechariah 13:2

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

Isaiah 46:6

They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, [and] hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.

Isaiah 17:7

At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 17:8

And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect [that] which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.