Isaiah 47:11

KJV

Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, [which] thou shalt not know.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore shall evil {H7451} come {H935} upon thee; thou shalt not know {H3045} from whence it riseth {H7837}: and mischief {H1943} shall fall {H5307} upon thee; thou shalt not be able {H3201} to put it off {H3722}: and desolation {H7722} shall come {H935} upon thee suddenly {H6597}, which thou shalt not know {H3045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet disaster will befall you, and you won't know how to charm it away; calamity will come upon you, and you won't be able to turn it aside; ruin will overcome you, suddenly, before you know it.

Berean Standard Bible

But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly.

American Standard Version

Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know the dawning thereof: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it away: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou knowest not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:11 delivers a severe prophetic judgment against Babylon, personified as a proud and self-assured queen. It declares that an overwhelming and multifaceted calamity—described as evil, mischief, and desolation—will suddenly and unexpectedly befall her. Despite her reliance on divination and perceived wisdom, Babylon will be utterly ignorant of its origin and powerless to avert its devastating impact, underscoring the futility of human arrogance and false wisdom against divine decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Isaiah's "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-55), specifically within a series of oracles against foreign nations (chapters 13-23, though this chapter is later in the book, it shares thematic continuity). Chapter 47 is a scathing indictment of Babylon, portraying her as a once-powerful "lady of kingdoms" as highlighted in [Isaiah 47:5](/isaiah/47-5 "Isaiah 47:5 - Babylon, Lady of Kingdoms"), who has cruelly oppressed God's people. The preceding verses detail Babylon's arrogance and self-sufficiency, boasting, "I shall be a lady forever" (see [Isaiah 47:7](/isaiah/47-7 "Isaiah 47:7 - Babylon's Eternal Boast")). She is also condemned for her extensive practice of sorcery, enchantments, and astrology, in which she trusts for security, as detailed in [Isaiah 47:9-10](/isaiah/47-9 "Isaiah 47:9-10 - Babylon's Sorceries and False Security"). Verse 11 serves as God's direct, unyielding response to this hubris and false trust, declaring the inescapable and bewildering nature of her impending downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy targets the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which rose to prominence in the 7th and 6th centuries BC, famously conquering Judah and destroying Jerusalem in 586 BC. Babylon was renowned for its immense wealth, architectural marvels (like the Hanging Gardens), and its formidable military power. Culturally, Babylon was a center of astronomical observation and astrological divination, believing that celestial movements could predict and influence earthly events. This reliance on occult practices was deeply ingrained in their society, informing their political and personal decisions. The city itself was considered impregnable, with massive walls and the Euphrates River flowing through it, contributing to its inhabitants' sense of invincibility. Isaiah's prophecy directly challenges this perceived invincibility and the efficacy of their trusted wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 47:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's power transcends all earthly empires and their boasted strength. The verse underscores God's **Righteous Judgment** against national pride, oppression, and reliance on false gods or occult practices, showing that sin inevitably leads to consequence. A prominent theme is the **Futility of Human Wisdom and Self-Reliance** when confronted with God's decree; Babylon's extensive knowledge and divination will prove utterly useless against the unexpected nature of God's judgment. Furthermore, it emphasizes the **Suddenness and Inescapability** of divine retribution, a concept echoed in other prophetic warnings where judgment comes "like a thief in the night" (as seen in [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")). This serves as a stark warning against placing ultimate trust in anything other than the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word, while capable of meaning moral evil, primarily refers in this context to disaster, calamity, or misfortune. It denotes the destructive and harmful nature of the impending judgment, emphasizing that what comes upon Babylon is a severe affliction, a direct consequence of her actions and pride.
* **Mischief (Hebrew, _hôvâh'_):** Derived from H1943, this term signifies ruin, destruction, or calamity. It often carries the connotation of a violent downfall or a gaping chasm of ruin, suggesting a profound and devastating collapse rather than a mere setback.
* **Desolation (Hebrew, _shôwʼ'_):** From H7722, this word describes a tempest, a storm of destruction, or utter ruin. It paints a vivid picture of overwhelming and absolute devastation, akin to a violent storm that sweeps everything away, leaving nothing but waste. The progression from "evil" to "mischief" to "desolation" illustrates an escalating and comprehensive judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore shall evil come upon thee":** This clause establishes the direct causal link between Babylon's arrogance and oppressive actions (described in preceding verses) and the impending divine retribution. The "evil" here refers to a calamitous judgment, not moral wickedness.
* **"thou shalt not know from whence it riseth":** This highlights the unexpected and bewildering nature of the judgment. Despite Babylon's renowned astrologers and diviners, the source and precise form of her downfall will be completely unknown to her, rendering her boasted wisdom and foresight utterly useless.
* **"and mischief shall fall upon thee":** This reiterates and intensifies the coming calamity. "Mischief" (ruin, destruction) emphasizes the devastating impact, suggesting a violent and unavoidable collapse.
* **"thou shalt not be able to put it off":** This declares the inescapability and irreversibility of the judgment. Babylon will have no means to avert, appease, or atone for the coming doom. Her power, wealth, and sorceries will be impotent against God's decree.
* **"and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, [which] thou shalt not know":** This final clause emphasizes the swiftness and overwhelming nature of the judgment. "Desolation" (utter ruin, tempest) signifies complete destruction, and its sudden arrival, combined with Babylon's utter ignorance of its nature, underscores the divine surprise and the futility of her self-reliance. The repetition of "thou shalt not know" powerfully reinforces the theme of intellectual and spiritual blindness in the face of God's sovereign plan.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending doom. **Personification** is evident as Babylon is addressed directly with the pronoun "thee," giving the abstract nation a human-like quality and making the judgment feel more personal and immediate. The most striking device is **Repetition**, with the phrase "thou shalt not know" appearing twice. This anaphora emphasizes Babylon's profound ignorance and lack of foresight regarding her own downfall, ironically contrasting with her reputation for divination and wisdom. There is also a clear **Climax** or **Progression** in the types of judgment mentioned: "evil," "mischief," and "desolation." This escalating sequence conveys the increasing severity and comprehensiveness of the divine wrath, painting a picture of total ruin. Finally, **Irony** pervades the verse, as Babylon, a nation priding itself on its knowledge and ability to discern the future through occult practices, is precisely told that she will "not know" the origin or nature of her destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:11 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and righteous judgment over all earthly powers. It underscores that no nation, no matter how mighty, intelligent, or self-assured, can stand against the divine will or escape the consequences of its pride, oppression, and spiritual rebellion. Babylon's reliance on human wisdom and occult practices is exposed as utterly futile, revealing that true knowledge and security come only from the Almighty. This passage affirms that God is the ultimate arbiter of history, bringing down the proud and exalting the humble, ensuring that justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 5:25](/daniel/5-25 "Daniel 5:25-31 - The Writing on the Wall and Babylon's Fall")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:11, though a prophecy against ancient Babylon, resonates with timeless truths applicable to individuals and nations today. It serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of arrogance, self-sufficiency, and placing our trust in anything other than God. When we rely solely on our own intellect, resources, or perceived invincibility, whether personally or corporately, we set ourselves up for an inevitable and often sudden fall. The verse challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate security—is it in our financial stability, our intellectual prowess, our societal status, or in the fleeting wisdom of the world? It reminds us that God's justice is certain, and His plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes or occult practices. Therefore, humility before God, acknowledging His supreme authority, and placing our unwavering trust in His wisdom and power are not merely pious ideals but essential for true security and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in my society do I see "Babylonian" pride or self-sufficiency manifesting?**
* **What "wisdom" or "security measures" am I trusting in that might ultimately prove futile when confronted with God's sovereign plan?**
* **How does the sudden and inescapable nature of Babylon's judgment encourage me to live with greater humility and dependence on God today?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thee" in this verse, and why is judgment pronounced against them?**

Answer: In Isaiah 47:11, "thee" refers to Babylon, personified as a proud queen or "lady of kingdoms." Judgment is pronounced against Babylon primarily due to her excessive pride, self-exaltation, and cruel oppression of God's people, Judah. She boasted of her eternal reign and relied heavily on sorcery and divination for her security, rejecting the true God. This verse is God's declaration that her perceived invincibility and false wisdom would be utterly useless against His righteous judgment, which would come suddenly and inescapably.

**What is the significance of the repeated phrase "thou shalt not know" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The repetition of "thou shalt not know" (or "not know from whence it riseth" and "which thou shalt not know") is highly significant. It underscores Babylon's profound ignorance and lack of foresight regarding her own impending doom, despite her reputation as a center of astrological and divinatory knowledge. It highlights the unexpected and bewildering nature of God's judgment, emphasizing that it will come from a source and in a manner completely beyond her comprehension or control. This serves as a powerful ironic contrast to Babylon's reliance on occult practices, demonstrating the futility of human wisdom and false spiritual insight when confronted with the sovereign will of God.

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

Answer: Isaiah 47:11 is a powerful illustration of God's unwavering justice. It demonstrates that God is not indifferent to the pride, cruelty, and idolatry of nations. Just as He holds individuals accountable, He also judges nations for their corporate sins. The "evil," "mischief," and "desolation" are not random occurrences but direct, righteous consequences of Babylon's actions and her defiance of God. This passage affirms that God is the ultimate judge of all the earth, ensuring that justice will ultimately prevail and that no power, no matter how great, can escape His divine reckoning. It foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all unrighteousness, as seen in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 47:11 directly prophesies the historical downfall of ancient Babylon, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the triumph of God's kingdom over all forms of spiritual "Babylon"—the systems of the world that oppose God, rely on human wisdom, and oppress His people. Christ, as the true King and ultimate Judge, is the one who perfectly embodies the divine sovereignty that brings down all proud empires and false securities. His first coming inaugurated the breaking of the strongholds of sin and death, which were the ultimate "evil," "mischief," and "desolation" upon humanity, as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities"). He is the true light that exposes the darkness and futility of human wisdom and occult practices, revealing what truly "rises" and what truly "falls," as illuminated in [John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - Light Shines in Darkness"). Furthermore, Christ's second coming will be sudden and unexpected for the unrighteous, bringing ultimate desolation to all who reject Him, while simultaneously ushering in His eternal kingdom for His faithful ones, a truth emphasized in [Matthew 24:36-44](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36-44 - The Day and Hour Unknown"). The final fall of "Babylon the Great" in Revelation, described as a sudden and irreversible judgment, is the ultimate cosmic fulfillment of this prophecy, where the Lamb of God utterly destroys all opposition and reigns supreme (see [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - Fall of Babylon") and [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Victorious Rider")). In Christ, the unexpected judgment becomes the means of ultimate salvation and the establishment of a kingdom that shall never be put off.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Revelation 18:9

¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Exodus 12:29

¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

Exodus 12:30

And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead.

Daniel 5:25

And this [is] the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

Daniel 5:30

¶ In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.