Isaiah 47:3

KJV

Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet [thee as] a man.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy nakedness {H6172} shall be uncovered {H1540}, yea, thy shame {H2781} shall be seen {H7200}: I will take {H3947} vengeance {H5359}, and I will not meet {H6293} thee as a man {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your private parts will be exposed; yes, your shame will be seen. I am going to take vengeance, and no one will stand in my way."

Berean Standard Bible

Your nakedness will be uncovered and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.”

American Standard Version

Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and will spare no man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:3 delivers a stark prophetic declaration of divine judgment against Babylon, personified as a proud "virgin daughter." It vividly portrays her complete humiliation and public disgrace through imagery of exposed nakedness and shame, signifying the utter stripping away of her power, dignity, and perceived invincibility. The verse culminates in God's resolute promise to execute vengeance, emphasizing that His judgment will be absolute and unhindered by any human limitation or sentimentality, underscoring His sovereign and formidable nature as the ultimate judge of nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 47 is a powerful prophetic oracle specifically directed against Babylon, a dominant world power in the ancient Near East. This chapter is part of a larger section in Isaiah (chapters 40-55) often referred to as "Second Isaiah," which focuses on God's comfort for His people, His sovereignty over history, and the coming redemption through the Servant. Immediately preceding verse 3, the prophet commands Babylon, personified as a proud queen, to descend from her throne, sit in the dust, and perform the tasks of a slave woman, such as grinding meal and lifting skirts to cross streams, as detailed in [Isaiah 47:1-2](/isaiah/47-1-2 "Isaiah 47:1-2 - Babylon's Humiliation Foretold"). This sets the stage for the profound humiliation described in verse 3, emphasizing the dramatic reversal of her fortunes from a position of power and luxury to one of abject servitude and public shame. The imagery is designed to shock and to highlight the depth of her fall.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Babylon, particularly the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II, was the superpower of its day, renowned for its military might, impressive architecture (like the Hanging Gardens and the Ishtar Gate), and its perceived invincibility. It was the empire that conquered Judah and exiled its people to Babylon in the 6th century BCE. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public nakedness was not merely a physical state but a profound symbol of utter disgrace, vulnerability, and complete subjugation. Conquered enemies, especially women, were often stripped and paraded as a sign of their defeat and the victor's absolute triumph. This act was designed to inflict maximum psychological and social humiliation. The concept of "shame" (Hebrew: *cherpâh*) carried immense weight in honor-shame cultures, representing a loss of reputation, dignity, and social standing that was often worse than physical suffering.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 47:3 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, where God is portrayed as the sovereign ruler of history who holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly their pride and oppression. Babylon, despite being used by God as an instrument against Judah, exceeded her divine mandate through excessive cruelty and self-exaltation, thus incurring God's wrath, as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-15](/isaiah/10-5-15 "Isaiah 10:5-15 - Assyria as God's Instrument, then Judged"). Another key theme is **Utter Humiliation and Disgrace**, which vividly depicts the reversal of fortunes for the proud and powerful. Babylon's fall serves as a powerful illustration of the principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," as articulated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction"). Finally, the verse underscores **God's Unwavering Justice and Absolute Sovereignty**, emphasizing that His judgment is not limited by human weakness or sentimentality, but is executed with divine power and resolve, distinct from any human interaction or negotiation. This highlights God's unique and formidable nature as the ultimate judge, as seen in His declarations of absolute power over all creation and history in [Isaiah 45:5-7](/isaiah/45-5-7 "God's Sovereignty and Uniqueness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nakedness (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be bare," this term denotes nudity, often specifically referring to the pudenda. Figuratively, it conveys disgrace, blemish, or shame. In this context, it signifies the stripping away of all covering, protection, and honor, leading to complete exposure and vulnerability, a profound state of dishonor.
* **vengeance (Hebrew, _nâqâm'_):** This term refers to retribution or revenge, often implying a just act of repaying wrongdoing. In the context of divine action, it signifies God's righteous judgment and the execution of justice against those who have defied Him and oppressed His people. It is not an act of petty revenge, but a necessary fulfillment of divine justice.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From a root meaning "ruddy," this refers to a human being, an individual, or mankind in general. In this context, it emphasizes the contrast between God's divine, unlimited nature and the limitations, weaknesses, and emotional responses characteristic of human beings. God will not act with human pity, compromise, or restraint in His judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen:"** This powerful parallelism vividly describes Babylon's complete humiliation. "Nakedness" and "shame" are synonymous in this context, both pointing to a public, disgraceful exposure. The passive voice ("shall be uncovered," "shall be seen") implies that this is an inevitable, divinely ordained event, not something Babylon can prevent. It signifies the stripping away of her glory, power, and perceived invincibility, revealing her true state of vulnerability and moral depravity to the world.
* **"I will take vengeance,"** This clause declares God's active and intentional role in Babylon's downfall. It is not a random historical event but a deliberate act of divine retribution. God, as the righteous judge, is taking action to repay Babylon for her pride, cruelty, and oppression, particularly against His people. This emphasizes His sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice.
* **"and I will not meet thee as a man."** This concluding statement is crucial. It signifies that God's judgment will be absolute, unmitigated by human limitations, sentimentality, or negotiability. A human encounter might involve pity, compromise, or a change of mind. But God's confrontation will be entirely on His terms, executed with divine power and unwavering resolve, without any human-like weakness or mercy that might soften the blow. It underscores the unique and formidable nature of God's justice.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:3 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of impending judgment. **Personification** is central, as Babylon is addressed as a "virgin daughter" (implied from the preceding verses) whose "nakedness" and "shame" are exposed, giving a human face to the empire's downfall. This makes the humiliation more visceral and relatable. The use of **parallelism** in "Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen" intensifies the message, repeating the core idea of public disgrace through slightly different but reinforcing terms. This rhetorical technique emphasizes the certainty and totality of Babylon's exposure. Furthermore, the phrase "I will not meet thee as a man" is a powerful **simile** (or a form of **negative analogy**), contrasting God's divine, unyielding judgment with the potential for human weakness, pity, or negotiation. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and the uncompromising nature of His justice, setting Him apart from any earthly ruler. The imagery itself is highly **symbolic**, with nakedness representing vulnerability, loss of honor, and utter defeat, a common motif in prophetic literature to depict the subjugation of conquered nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:3 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of divine sovereignty over all nations and the certainty of God's righteous judgment against pride and oppression. It serves as a stark reminder that no empire, no matter how powerful or self-assured, can escape the ultimate accountability before the Almighty. This passage reinforces the consistent prophetic message that God uses nations as instruments, but He also judges them when they overstep their bounds and act with excessive cruelty or self-exaltation. The humiliation of Babylon is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice for His people and for all who suffer under oppressive regimes. It underscores the principle that ultimate power and authority rest with God alone, not with human empires.

* [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - Call for Archers Against Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:2-8](/revelation/18-2-8 "Revelation 18:2-8 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God as the Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:3 offers profound lessons for both individuals and nations in every age. For those who feel oppressed or witness injustice, this verse is a powerful reminder that God sees, God remembers, and God will act. It instills hope that even the most formidable powers will ultimately face divine accountability, and that God's justice will prevail. For those in positions of power, whether in government, business, or even within the church, it serves as a sobering warning against the dangers of pride, self-sufficiency, and the abuse of authority. The fall of Babylon, a seemingly invincible empire, demonstrates that human strength and arrogance are ultimately fleeting when confronted by divine power. We are called to humility, justice, and compassion, remembering that our ultimate accountability is to God. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and systems for any lingering pride or oppressive tendencies, urging us to align our lives and actions with God's righteous character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or the institutions I am part of, exhibit forms of pride or self-sufficiency that could lead to a "fall"?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against injustice encourage me in times of oppression or despair?**
* **What practical steps can I take to advocate for justice and humility in my sphere of influence, reflecting God's character?**
* **How does understanding God's "not meeting as a man" affect my view of His holiness and justice versus His mercy?**

### FAQ

**What does "Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen" mean in a cultural context?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public nakedness was the ultimate symbol of humiliation, disgrace, and complete subjugation. It was often inflicted upon conquered enemies, especially women, to strip them of all honor, dignity, and perceived power. For Babylon, a proud and opulent empire, this imagery signifies the total reversal of her fortunes, from a position of glory and perceived invincibility to one of utter public shame and vulnerability. It means that all her hidden sins, her moral corruption, and her true weakness will be exposed for the world to see, leaving her utterly without defense or respect. This is not merely a physical state but a profound spiritual and social degradation.

**Why does God say, "I will not meet thee as a man"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the absolute and uncompromising nature of God's judgment. When a human "meets" another, there is often room for negotiation, sentimentality, pity, or a change of mind. Human interactions are limited by emotions, physical constraints, and fallibility. However, God declares that His encounter with Babylon will be devoid of any such human weakness or restraint. He will not be swayed by appeals for mercy, nor will His power be limited. It signifies that His vengeance will be executed with divine resolve, absolute power, and unwavering justice, ensuring that Babylon receives the full measure of her deserved judgment without any human-like mitigation. It highlights God's unique and formidable nature as the ultimate sovereign judge, distinct from any earthly ruler or human interaction. This concept is echoed in other passages emphasizing God's unchangeable character and the certainty of His word, such as [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 47:3 directly prophesies the judgment of literal Babylon, its profound theological principles find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The exposure of "nakedness" and "shame" points to the universal human condition of sin and spiritual vulnerability before a holy God, a shame that no human effort or earthly power can cover. It is in Christ that humanity's true shame is addressed. He, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly took on the "nakedness" and "shame" of the cross, bearing the full weight of divine vengeance against sin, so that those who believe might be clothed in His righteousness, as powerfully articulated in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). The declaration "I will not meet thee as a man" underscores God's absolute holiness and the uncompromising nature of His justice against sin. Yet, in Christ, this divine justice is met not with human weakness, but with divine love and sacrifice. God, in His infinite wisdom, met humanity's sin not with a human-like compromise, but with a divine solution: sending His Son to be the propitiation for our sins, as revealed in [1 John 4:10](/1_john/4-10 "1 John 4:10 - God's Love in Sending His Son"). Thus, the terrifying judgment against Babylon foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin itself, which was fully absorbed by Christ on the cross, offering a path to reconciliation and covering for all who trust in Him, rather than facing God's unmitigated wrath. The fall of Babylon also prefigures the ultimate downfall of all oppressive systems and the "Babylon the Great" of Revelation, which will finally be judged by the Lamb who reigns supreme, as depicted in [Revelation 18:2-8](/revelation/18-2-8 "Revelation 18:2-8 - The Fall of Babylon the Great") and [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Rider on the White Horse").

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

Nahum 3:5

Behold, I [am] against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.

Jeremiah 51:20

Thou [art] my battle axe [and] weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;

Jeremiah 51:24

And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.

Revelation 16:19

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Jeremiah 50:27

Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

Jeremiah 50:28

The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.

Jeremiah 13:22

¶ And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, [and] thy heels made bare.