Isaiah 4:4

KJV

When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

KJV (with Strong's)

When the Lord {H136} shall have washed away {H7364} the filth {H6675} of the daughters {H1323} of Zion {H6726}, and shall have purged {H1740} the blood {H1818} of Jerusalem {H3389} from the midst {H7130} thereof by the spirit {H7307} of judgment {H4941}, and by the spirit {H7307} of burning {H1197}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Adonai washes away the filth of the women of Tziyon and cleanses Yerushalayim from the blood shed in it with a blast of searing judgment,

Berean Standard Bible

when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.

American Standard Version

when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 4:4 presents a profound prophetic vision of divine purification for Jerusalem and its inhabitants, metaphorically referred to as the "daughters of Zion." This verse declares that the Lord Himself will meticulously cleanse the city of its profound moral and spiritual defilement, symbolized by "filth" and "blood." This radical purification will be executed not through human effort, but by the sovereign "spirit of judgment" and "spirit of burning," instruments of God's holy justice designed to refine and restore His people for a glorious future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 4:4 serves as the climactic conclusion to a significant prophetic section spanning chapters 2-4, which meticulously details Judah's spiritual and moral decay, followed by a promise of future restoration for a purified remnant. Chapters 2 and 3 vividly portray the nation's pride, idolatry, and social injustice, culminating in a dire prophecy of impending judgment and humiliation, particularly for the arrogant "daughters of Zion" described in [Isaiah 3:16-26](/isaiah/3-16-26 "Isaiah 3:16-26 - The Haughtiness and Humiliation of Zion's Daughters"). Following this severe indictment, chapter 4 shifts tone, introducing a glimmer of hope. It envisions a future, sanctified remnant that will survive the divine judgment and dwell in a restored Jerusalem under God's glorious protection. Verse 4 specifically outlines the necessary divine action—a thorough spiritual cleansing—that must precede this promised era of blessing and holiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by widespread moral and spiritual apostasy. The nation was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and corruption, from its leadership down to its common citizens. Jerusalem, as the capital and religious heart, was deeply implicated in this pervasive defilement. The phrase "daughters of Zion" (H1323, _bath_), while literally referring to the women of Jerusalem, functions as a powerful metonymy for the city itself and its inhabitants, embodying its collective pride, luxurious excess, and moral degradation. The concepts of "filth" (H6675, _tsôwʼâh_) and "blood" (H1818, _dâm_) are not merely literal but speak to the deep-seated spiritual pollution—including the guilt of bloodshed, injustice, and moral culpability—that had contaminated the land and its people, rendering divine intervention absolutely essential for any hope of restoration.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Purification**, emphasizing that God (H136, _ʼĂdônây_) alone possesses the sovereign power and unwavering will to cleanse His people from the pervasive stain of sin. Secondly, it highlights **Judgment as Redemptive Cleansing**, portraying God's righteous judgment not merely as punitive but as a refining process. The "spirit of judgment" (H4941, _mishpâṭ_) and "spirit of burning" (H1197, _bâʻar_) act as a divine crucible, consuming impurities and dross, thereby preserving and purifying a holy remnant, a concept powerfully echoed in [Malachi 3:2-3](/malachi/3-2-3 "Malachi 3:2-3 - The Refiner's Fire and Fuller's Soap"). Finally, the verse points toward **Holiness and Restoration**, asserting that the radical removal of sin is an indispensable prerequisite for God's renewed presence, protection, and blessing, paving the way for the glorious future of Jerusalem described in [Isaiah 4:5-6](/isaiah/4-5-6 "Isaiah 4:5-6 - God's Glory and Protection Over Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **filth (Hebrew, _tsôwʼâh'_):** From H6675, this term literally denotes excrement or refuse, but is employed here with profound figurative force to represent deep moral and spiritual pollution. Its strong, repulsive connotation vividly emphasizes the utterly defiled and abhorrent state of Jerusalem in God's holy sight, underscoring the severity and pervasive nature of the sin that necessitates such radical divine cleansing.
* **purged (Hebrew, _dûwach'_):** From H1740, this primitive root means "to thrust away" or "to cleanse." In this context, it signifies a thorough, decisive, and forceful act of removal and purification, specifically targeting the "blood" (H1818, _dâm_) or bloodguilt. This indicates God's active and complete eradication of the stain of violence, injustice, and moral culpability from the very heart of the city.
* **burning (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** From H1197, this word means "to kindle" or "to consume by fire." When paired with "spirit" (H7307, _rûwach_), it powerfully evokes the image of a consuming, purifying fire. This "spirit of burning" is not merely destructive but functions as a refining agent, consuming impurities and dross, leaving behind only what is pure and holy, akin to the transformative process of a refiner's fire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion":** This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and the primary object of purification. "The Lord" (H136, _ʼĂdônây_) is unequivocally presented as the sovereign agent of cleansing, emphasizing that this profound transformation is not accomplished by human effort but solely by God's omnipotent power. "Washed away" (H7364, _râchats_) signifies a complete and thorough removal, while "the filth" (H6675, _tsôwʼâh_) represents the pervasive moral and spiritual corruption of Jerusalem, powerfully personified by its "daughters" (H1323, _bath_), who embody the city's pride, vanity, and sin.
* **"and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof":** This segment specifies another critical aspect of the city's defilement—"the blood" (H1818, _dâm_), which most likely refers to the pervasive bloodguilt, injustice, and violence that permeated the city of Jerusalem (H3389, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim_). To "purge" (H1740, _dûwach_) it "from the midst thereof" (H7130, _qereb_) emphasizes a deep, internal cleansing, removing the ingrained moral stain from the very heart and core of the city's being.
* **"by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning":** This concluding phrase reveals the divine instruments through which this profound purification is accomplished. The "spirit of judgment" (H7307, _rûwach_ H4941, _mishpâṭ_) signifies God's righteous verdict and discerning action, bringing justice and exposing sin with divine precision. The "spirit of burning" (H7307, _rûwach_ H1197, _bâʻar_) denotes a powerful, consuming, and purifying fire, often associated with God's unapproachable holiness and His active removal of impurity. Together, these "spirits" represent the powerful, transformative, and refining aspects of God's sovereign and holy intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 4:4 is exceptionally rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The "filth of the daughters of Zion" and "blood of Jerusalem" serve as potent metaphors for the deep moral and spiritual corruption, pervasive idolatry, and the guilt of bloodshed that had permeated the city. The actions of "washed away" and "purged" are vivid metaphors for divine cleansing and expiation, indicating a comprehensive and absolute removal of sin. The "spirit of judgment" and "spirit of burning" are profound symbols of God's active, holy, and refining presence and power. The "spirit of burning" particularly employs the **Analogy** of a refiner's fire, which consumes impurities and dross to produce pure, refined metal. There is also a subtle yet significant **Personification** in "daughters of Zion," where the women represent the entire city and its collective moral and spiritual state. Furthermore, the phrase "by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning" exhibits a clear form of **Parallelism**, presenting two distinct but complementary divine instruments that work in concert to achieve the singular, overarching goal of purification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 4:4 profoundly underscores God's absolute holiness and His unwavering commitment to the purity of His people and His dwelling place. It reveals that human sin, powerfully symbolized by "filth" and "blood," is an intolerable affront to His divine nature, necessitating radical and decisive divine intervention. The verse highlights the dual nature of God's judgment: while it is certainly punitive for sin, it is also profoundly redemptive and purifying, acting as a refining fire to sanctify a remnant for His glory. This cleansing is not a superficial act but a deep, transformative work, preparing a people fit for God's presence and blessing, thereby demonstrating His ultimate desire for restoration, fellowship, and the establishment of a holy kingdom.
* [Ezekiel 36:25-27](/ezekiel/36-25-27 "Ezekiel 36:25-27 - Cleansing with Water and a New Spirit")
* [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - A Fountain Opened for Sin and Uncleanness")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 4:4 offers a powerful message of both sobering challenge and profound hope for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that God is not indifferent to sin, whether it manifests in the broader society or within the intimate confines of our individual lives. Just as ancient Jerusalem required a profound and radical cleansing, so too do we, as individuals and as the collective Church, stand in constant, desperate need of God's purifying work. This verse encourages us to embrace God's refining processes, even when they involve difficult circumstances, painful self-examination, or periods of intense scrutiny, recognizing that His ultimate purpose is our sanctification and restoration to holiness. It calls us to honestly examine our own lives for "filth" and "blood"—any moral impurities, unconfessed sins, lingering guilt, or unrighteous actions—and to trust implicitly in God's sovereign power to cleanse us thoroughly through His Spirit. Ultimately, it fosters a hopeful anticipation of a future where God's people will dwell in perfect purity, reflecting His glory without blemish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "filth" or "blood"—representing moral impurities, unconfessed sins, or unrighteous actions—in my own life or in the Church today might God be seeking to wash away or purge?**
* **How do I typically respond to God's "spirit of judgment" or "spirit of burning" when it manifests in challenging circumstances, personal conviction, or difficult seasons? Do I perceive it as punitive or as a purifying, refining process?**
* **What concrete steps can I take to more fully cooperate with God's ongoing work of sanctification in my life, allowing Him to refine me and make me more like Christ?**
* **How does the promise of a purified people and dwelling place in Isaiah 4:4 deepen my understanding of God's ultimate plan for humanity and the new creation?**

### FAQ
**What is meant by "daughters of Zion" in this verse?**

Answer: While literally referring to the women of Jerusalem, "daughters of Zion" (H1323, _bath_) in prophetic literature often functions as a powerful metonymy for the city of Jerusalem itself and its inhabitants. In the immediate literary context of [Isaiah 3:16-26](/isaiah/3-16-26 "Isaiah 3:16-26 - The Haughtiness of the Daughters of Zion"), the phrase specifically highlights the pride, vanity, and moral corruption prevalent among the city's elite women, which symbolized the overall spiritual decay and haughtiness of Jerusalem. Therefore, God's cleansing of the "filth of the daughters of Zion" signifies His comprehensive purification of the entire city and its people from their pervasive sin and moral defilement.

**How does God "wash away filth" and "purge blood" through "judgment" and "burning"?**

Answer: This vivid imagery describes God's active, thorough, and transformative work of purification. "Washing away filth" (H6675, _tsôwʼâh_) and "purging blood" (H1818, _dâm_) are potent metaphors for the complete removal of moral and spiritual impurity, as well as the guilt of bloodshed and injustice. God accomplishes this through His "spirit of judgment" (H4941, _mishpâṭ_) and "spirit of burning" (H1197, _bâʻar_). The "spirit of judgment" refers to God's righteous discerning action, His divine verdict that exposes, condemns, and ultimately leads to the removal of sin. The "spirit of burning" evokes the powerful, consuming fire of God's holiness, which, like a refiner's fire, purifies by consuming impurities and dross. This process is not merely destructive but is profoundly redemptive, designed to refine and sanctify a remnant, making them fit for God's holy presence, as powerfully illustrated in [Malachi 3:2-3](/malachi/3-2-3 "Malachi 3:2-3 - The Refiner's Fire").

**Is God's judgment always destructive, or can it be redemptive?**

Answer: Isaiah 4:4 clearly illustrates that God's judgment, while severe and consuming, is profoundly redemptive in its ultimate purpose. While the "spirit of judgment" and "spirit of burning" imply a powerful, consuming force that removes sin, their ultimate goal here is not annihilation but purification and restoration. The "filth" and "blood" must be removed so that a holy remnant can emerge and dwell in a purified Jerusalem, enjoying God's presence, glory, and protection (as described in [Isaiah 4:5-6](/isaiah/4-5-6 "Isaiah 4:5-6 - God's Glory Over Zion")). This demonstrates God's multi-faceted character as both perfectly just in His condemnation of sin and infinitely merciful in His desire to bring about spiritual renewal and holiness for those who remain faithful to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 4:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament longing for a divine cleansing from "filth" and "blood" points directly to the atoning sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While Isaiah foresaw a future cleansing for Jerusalem through judgment and burning, Christ's death on the cross provided the definitive, perfect, and once-for-all purification for all humanity. His shed blood, unlike the animal sacrifices that could only cover sin, truly [cleanses our consciences from dead works to serve the living God](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood"). The "spirit of judgment" and "spirit of burning" are powerfully fulfilled in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ poured out upon His Church. The Spirit convicts the world of sin and righteousness, and through [the washing of regeneration and renewal](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration"), He purifies and sanctifies believers, making them a holy temple for God. Thus, the promised purification of Zion is realized spiritually in the Church, the new Jerusalem, whose members are [washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Washed, Sanctified, Justified"). Ultimately, this verse anticipates the perfect, sinless state of the New Jerusalem, where [nothing unclean will ever enter it](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - No Uncleanness in New Jerusalem"), a glorious reality secured by Christ's finished work on the cross and His triumphant return.

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

Malachi 3:2

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

Malachi 3:3

And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Ezekiel 22:18

Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they [are] brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are [even] the dross of silver.

Ezekiel 22:22

As silver is melted in the midst of the furnace, so shall ye be melted in the midst thereof; and ye shall know that I the LORD have poured out my fury upon you.

Ezekiel 36:25

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

Matthew 3:12

Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.