Isaiah 4:1

KJV

¶ And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in that day {H3117} seven {H7651} women {H802} shall take hold {H2388} of one {H259} man {H376}, saying {H559}, We will eat {H398} our own bread {H3899}, and wear {H3847} our own apparel {H8071}: only let us be called {H7121} by thy name {H8034}, to take away {H622} our reproach {H2781}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day, seven women will grab hold of one man and say, "We will supply our own food and wear our own clothes. Just let us bear your name; take away our disgrace."

Berean Standard Bible

In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”

American Standard Version

And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name; take thou away our reproach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 4:1 presents a stark prophetic image of the devastating consequences of divine judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem, immediately following the pronouncements of societal collapse in the preceding chapter. It depicts a future day of extreme demographic imbalance, where seven women desperately seek to marry a single man, offering to forgo traditional marital provisions in exchange for the social status and removal of the profound "reproach" associated with being unmarried and childless in ancient Israelite society. This verse powerfully illustrates the depth of national calamity and the societal upheaval resulting from widespread sin and rebellion against God, setting the stage for the subsequent promise of a purified remnant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 4:1 serves as a direct and immediate continuation of the pronouncements of judgment found in [Isaiah 3](/isaiah/3 "Isaiah 3 - Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem"). Chapter 3 details the stripping away of Judah's leaders, the societal chaos, the arrogance and impending humiliation of its women, and the desolation of Jerusalem. The phrase "And in that day" (Hebrew: *yôwm*) explicitly links this verse to the severe consequences of the moral and spiritual decay described previously. The decimation of men, hinted at by the scarcity described in [Isaiah 4:1](/isaiah/4-1 "Isaiah 4:1 - Seven Women, One Man"), is a direct result of the wars and divine chastisements outlined in [Isaiah 3:25-26](/isaiah/3-25-26 "Isaiah 3:25-26 - Jerusalem's Men Fall by the Sword"), where Jerusalem's men fall by the sword and her gates lament. This verse, therefore, paints a vivid picture of the aftermath of that judgment, setting the stage for the hope of a purified remnant introduced in [Isaiah 4:2](/isaiah/4-2 "Isaiah 4:2 - The Branch of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, a woman's identity, security, and social standing were intrinsically tied to her husband and her ability to bear children, especially sons. Marriage was not merely a personal union but a crucial component of family lineage, tribal continuity, and economic stability. Being unmarried or childless was considered a profound "reproach" (*cherpâh*), a public disgrace or shame, often perceived as a sign of divine disfavor (see [Genesis 30:23](/genesis/30-23 "Genesis 30:23 - Rachel's Reproach Removed") and [Luke 1:25](/luke/1-25 "Luke 1:25 - Elizabeth's Reproach Removed")). The offer by the seven women to "eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel" is highly significant; it indicates an extreme reversal of traditional marital norms where the husband was the primary provider. This desperate offer underscores the overwhelming social pressure and the severe demographic imbalance caused by war, famine, or plague, leading to a drastic scarcity of eligible men.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating the severe and tangible consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness, leading to societal breakdown and demographic catastrophe. This judgment is a direct consequence of the people's rebellion and idolatry, as detailed throughout [Isaiah 1-5](/isaiah/1-5 "Isaiah 1-5 - Judah's Rebellion and Judgment"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Scarcity and Desperation**, particularly concerning the plight of women in a post-judgment society where basic social structures have collapsed. The women's willingness to forgo traditional marital rights underscores their profound desperation and the inversion of societal norms. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **Identity and Reproach**, illustrating how deeply ingrained the societal value of marriage and progeny was, and the lengths to which individuals would go to remove the stigma of being unnamed or without a family line. This desperation for a "name" foreshadows the later emphasis on God providing a new identity for His remnant, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 62:2](/isaiah/62-2 "Isaiah 62:2 - A New Name for God's People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take hold (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** A primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." In this context, "take hold" signifies a desperate, almost forceful, grasping or seizing. It conveys the women's urgent and determined effort to secure a man, highlighting their dire circumstances and the complete reversal of typical courtship roles where men would pursue women.
* **that day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning to be hot, "yôwm" refers to "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term)." In prophetic literature, "that day" often refers to a specific, decisive period of divine intervention, typically one of judgment, but sometimes also of salvation. Here, it clearly points to a future time of severe calamity for Judah, directly linking to the preceding prophecies of judgment and desolation.
* **reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From a root meaning "to pluck, pull off," this term signifies "contumely, disgrace, the pudenda; rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame." For a woman in ancient Israel, "reproach" was the deep social and emotional shame associated with being unmarried, childless, or barren. It implied a lack of status, security, and the inability to contribute to the continuation of the family line, often seen as a divine curse or a sign of being overlooked by God. The women's plea to have this "reproach" taken away underscores the immense weight of this social stigma.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the extreme demographic imbalance. "That day" refers to the future time of judgment and calamity upon Judah. The ratio of "seven women" to "one man" is a hyperbole, vividly illustrating the catastrophic decimation of the male population, likely due to war, famine, or plague as prophesied in [Isaiah 3](/isaiah/3 "Isaiah 3 - Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem"). The women "taking hold" emphasizes their desperate, active initiative in a society where men typically initiated marriage, highlighting the profound societal disruption.
* **"saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel:"**: This part of the women's plea reveals their willingness to completely subvert traditional marital expectations and patriarchal norms. Normally, a husband was responsible for providing food ("bread") and clothing ("apparel") for his wife, signifying his role as protector and provider. By offering to provide for themselves, the women demonstrate the extreme lengths they are willing to go, sacrificing financial support and traditional security, solely for the sake of gaining a husband's "name."
* **"only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach."**: This final clause articulates the core motivation behind the women's desperate offer. To be "called by thy name" means to be identified as belonging to the man, to be his wife, and thereby gain social status, protection, and the possibility of bearing children to continue a lineage. Their ultimate goal is to "take away our reproach"—the profound shame and disgrace of being unmarried and childless, which in that culture was a significant social and spiritual burden, often seen as a sign of divine disfavor.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 4:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment and desperation. **Hyperbole** is strikingly evident in the exaggerated ratio of "seven women to one man," which vividly underscores the catastrophic loss of life among men and the resulting demographic crisis. This exaggeration serves to heighten the sense of desolation and the severity of God's judgment, emphasizing the utter devastation that will befall Judah. **Symbolism** is also present: "bread" and "apparel" symbolize the basic provisions and security traditionally offered by a husband, while the "name" symbolizes identity, belonging, and social standing within the community. The "reproach" itself is a potent symbol of social disgrace and perceived divine disfavor, a burden the women are desperate to shed. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** in the women's offer. In a patriarchal society where women were traditionally dependent on men for provision and status, the women are now willing to forgo the former (provision) to secure the latter (status and name), highlighting the complete inversion of societal norms due to the severity of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 4:1 serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of national sin and rebellion against God. It illustrates that divine judgment, while spiritual in its origin, often manifests in tangible, societal breakdown, affecting demographics, social structures, and individual well-being. The desperate plea of the women highlights the deep human need for belonging, identity, and the removal of shame, a need that ultimately points beyond human solutions to a divine source of restoration. This verse, though grim, sets the stage for the subsequent verses in [Isaiah 4](/isaiah/4 "Isaiah 4 - The Branch of the Lord"), which introduce the hope of a purified remnant and the "Branch of the Lord," signifying God's ultimate plan for redemption even amidst severe discipline.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Luke 1:25](/luke/1-25 "Luke 1:25 - Elizabeth's Joy at Reproach Removed")
* [Ruth 4:1-12](/ruth/4-12 "Ruth 4 - Boaz Redeems Ruth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 4:1, though depicting a specific historical judgment, carries profound timeless lessons for us today. It serves as a sobering reminder that societal and individual choices have consequences, and persistent rebellion against God's ways can lead to severe forms of brokenness and desolation, both spiritual and tangible. The desperation of the women to escape "reproach" speaks to the universal human longing for acceptance, identity, and worth. In a world often driven by external validation, social media pressures, and the pursuit of superficial status, this verse prompts us to examine where we seek our identity and security. While the women sought a human name to remove their shame, believers find their true name and identity in Christ, where all reproach is ultimately taken away. This passage also encourages us to consider the ripple effects of sin within a community and the importance of seeking God's righteousness, trusting that even in the midst of judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers a path to purification and restoration, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern understanding of societal stability and the potential consequences of moral and spiritual decline?**
* **In what ways might we, like the women in the verse, seek external validation or "names" (e.g., career, possessions, social status) to remove our own sense of inadequacy or perceived "reproach"?**
* **How does the severity of this judgment emphasize the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin in His eyes?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of a secure identity, and where can true security and freedom from reproach be found in our lives today?**

### FAQ
**What is the "reproach" that the women want to take away?**

Answer: The "reproach" (Hebrew: *cherpâh*) refers to the deep social shame and disgrace associated with being unmarried and childless in ancient Israelite society. In a culture where a woman's identity, security, and contribution were largely tied to her role as a wife and mother, being without a husband or children was seen as a significant misfortune. This situation was often interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure or a curse, bringing profound public and personal shame. The women's desperate plea highlights the immense cultural pressure to be married and to bear children, thereby securing their social standing and ensuring the continuation of a family line, which was paramount in their society.

**Does this verse imply polygamy is acceptable or commanded?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that polygamy is acceptable or commanded by God. Instead, it describes a dire and abnormal situation resulting from severe divine judgment upon Judah. The scenario of "seven women taking hold of one man" is a hyperbolic depiction of the extreme scarcity of men due to war and calamity, illustrating the profound desperation of the women to escape their social "reproach." It highlights a societal breakdown and a reversal of norms, not a divine endorsement of polygamy. While polygamous practices are recorded in the Old Testament, they are rarely presented as ideal or free from negative consequences, and the New Testament clearly upholds monogamy as God's original design for marriage, as seen in [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus on Marriage and Divorce").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 4:1 graphically portrays the devastating consequences of sin and the resulting human desperation, it subtly points forward to the ultimate solution found in Christ. The "reproach" that the women desperately seek to remove finds its true and complete removal in the person and work of Jesus. He is the one who bears our ultimate reproach, the shame and disgrace of our sin, on the cross, as [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross, Despising the Shame") declares He "endured the cross, despising the shame." Through His sacrifice, believers are no longer defined by their sin or societal standing but are "called by His name," receiving a new identity as children of God (see [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God") and [1 John 3:1](/1_john/3-1 "1 John 3:1 - Called Children of God")). The scarcity of men in [Isaiah 4:1](/isaiah/4-1 "Isaiah 4:1 - Seven Women, One Man") highlights humanity's inability to provide ultimate security or remove deep-seated shame, underscoring the need for a divine solution. This solution is found in Christ, who is the "Branch of the Lord" mentioned in the very next verse ([Isaiah 4:2](/isaiah/4-2 "Isaiah 4:2 - The Branch of the Lord")), the one who brings beauty, glory, and purification, offering a spiritual provision and a secure identity that far surpasses any earthly name or societal status. In Him, all who believe are eternally provided for and freed from every form of reproach, finding their true belonging and worth in the family of God (see [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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

Genesis 30:23

And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:

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 13:12

I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.

Luke 21:22

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Luke 1:25

Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on [me], to take away my reproach among men.

2 Thessalonians 3:12

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

1 Samuel 1:6

And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.