Isaiah 47:7

KJV

¶ And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: [so] that thou didst not lay these [things] to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou saidst {H559}, I shall be a lady {H1404} for ever {H5769}: so that thou didst not lay {H7760} these things to thy heart {H3820}, neither didst remember {H2142} the latter end {H319} of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

You said, 'I will be mistress forever.' so you didn't consider these things or think about the consequences.

Berean Standard Bible

You said, ‘I will be queen forever.’ You did not take these things to heart or consider their outcome.

American Standard Version

And thou saidst, I shall be mistress for ever; so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:7 vividly portrays the arrogant self-assurance of Babylon, personified as a mighty queen, on the precipice of its catastrophic downfall. This verse encapsulates Babylon's fatal presumption of eternal dominion, revealing its profound spiritual blindness and refusal to consider the inevitable consequences of its oppressive actions and unbridled pride, setting the stage for divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 47 is a powerful prophetic oracle against Babylon, often referred to as "the daughter of Babylon" or "the virgin daughter of Babylon," depicting its dramatic fall from power. The preceding verses (Isaiah 47:1-6) describe Babylon's humiliation: being stripped of its royal attire, forced into servitude, and made to grind meal like a slave, a stark contrast to its former glory. This immediate context amplifies the shock of the judgment, moving from its past splendor to its impending disgrace. Verse 7 specifically hones in on the internal disposition that led to this downfall – a deep-seated pride and an utter disregard for divine warnings or the lessons of history. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 47:8-15) further elaborate on Babylon's sorceries, false sense of security, and the futility of its reliance on astrologers and diviners, all of which will prove useless in the day of its judgment. The entire chapter serves as a stark warning against national pride and oppression.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BCE, though some scholars place parts of Isaiah 40-66 later, during the Babylonian exile), Babylon was either a rising power or the dominant world empire, depending on the specific historical period referenced within the book of Isaiah. It had been used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people (as detailed in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem")). Babylon was renowned for its immense wealth, military might, impressive architecture (like the Hanging Gardens and the Ishtar Gate), and its sophisticated religious practices, including astrology and divination. Culturally, it embodied the pinnacle of human achievement and imperial power, leading to an inflated sense of invincibility. The phrase "lady for ever" reflects the common ancient Near Eastern belief among dominant empires that their rule was divinely ordained and perpetual, a belief often reinforced by their polytheistic religions and military successes. This cultural hubris is precisely what God challenges through Isaiah's prophecy.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 47:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting that no earthly power, no matter how mighty or self-assured, can escape God's ultimate control and judgment. Babylon, despite its boasts, is merely an instrument in God's hand, and its excessive cruelty and pride will not go unpunished (a theme echoed in [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon")). Secondly, it underscores the destructive nature of **Pride and Self-Deception**. Babylon's declaration "I shall be a lady for ever" exemplifies extreme hubris and a delusional refusal to acknowledge its own mortality or accountability. This spiritual blindness prevents it from "laying these things to its heart" or remembering "the latter end of it," which is a profound failure of wisdom and foresight. This connects to the wisdom literature's warnings about pride, such as in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Impermanence of Earthly Empires** versus the eternal nature of God's kingdom. Babylon's fall serves as a powerful object lesson that all human constructs, no matter how imposing, are temporary and subject to God's overarching plan, a truth frequently emphasized in prophetic literature concerning other nations as well.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lady (Hebrew, _gᵉbereth'_):** This feminine noun (H1404) signifies a "mistress" or "lady," often used in contexts of authority or dominion. In Isaiah 47:7, it personifies Babylon as a queen or sovereign ruler, emphasizing her perceived status of absolute power and unchallenged authority. The term highlights Babylon's self-perception as the supreme and unassailable power, ruling over other nations.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This word (H5769) denotes "eternity," "perpetuity," or "time without end." Babylon's declaration of being a "lady for ever" reveals a profound and arrogant belief in its own unending dominion and invincibility. It signifies a refusal to acknowledge the transient nature of earthly power and a direct challenge to the sovereignty of the eternal God, who alone reigns forever.
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root (H2142) means "to mark (so as to be recognized)," "to remember," or "to be mindful." Coupled with "latter end" (H319, _ʼachărîyth_) and "heart" (H3820, _lêb_), the phrase "neither didst remember the latter end of it" implies a deliberate and profound failure of foresight and introspection. Babylon actively chose not to bring to mind the ultimate consequences of its actions, the lessons of history, or the warnings of divine judgment. This lack of remembrance is not merely forgetfulness but a willful disregard for accountability and destiny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever:"** This clause captures the essence of Babylon's hubris. The "thou" refers to Babylon, personified as a woman of power. Her declaration reflects an entrenched belief in her own permanence and unassailable authority. This statement is not just a boast but a deep-seated conviction that her reign is eternal and divinely sanctioned, mirroring the pride that often precedes a fall in biblical narratives.
* **"[so] that thou didst not lay these [things] to thy heart,"** This phrase indicates a profound internal failure. "To lay to thy heart" (Hebrew: *sûwm...lêb*) means to take something seriously, to consider it deeply, to internalize its meaning, or to reflect upon it. The "these things" likely refers to the warnings of judgment, the transient nature of power, the lessons from the downfall of other empires, or perhaps even the suffering inflicted upon others. Babylon deliberately refused to ponder these crucial realities, choosing instead to remain in a state of willful ignorance and self-deception.
* **"neither didst remember the latter end of it."** This final clause reinforces the previous one, emphasizing Babylon's lack of foresight and accountability. "The latter end" (Hebrew: *ʼachărîyth*) refers to the ultimate outcome, the destiny, or the consequences. Babylon, in its arrogance, failed to consider the inevitable conclusion of its actions, its oppressive rule, and its defiance of God. This active refusal to remember or contemplate its destiny sealed its fate, as its heedlessness prevented any possibility of repentance or change.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:7 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Personification** is central, as Babylon is addressed directly as "thou," a "lady," giving the abstract entity human qualities of speech, pride, and heedlessness. This makes the judgment more personal and impactful. **Hyperbole** is evident in Babylon's declaration, "I shall be a lady for ever," which is an exaggerated claim of eternal dominion, highlighting its inflated self-perception. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows, and the prophet declares, that Babylon's reign is far from eternal, making her boast tragically misguided. The phrase "didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it" utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where two clauses express a similar idea in different words, emphasizing the depth of Babylon's spiritual blindness and lack of foresight. This repetition underscores the deliberate nature of her heedlessness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:7 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment against human pride and the transient nature of earthly power. It underscores the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Babylon's self-deification and refusal to acknowledge its vulnerability or accountability directly provoke God's righteous judgment. This verse is a powerful reminder that true wisdom involves not only understanding the present but also discerning the ultimate consequences of one's actions and recognizing the sovereign hand of God over all of history. The fall of Babylon, predicted here, stands as a testament to God's unwavering control over nations and His commitment to justice, ensuring that no empire, no matter how mighty, can defy His will indefinitely.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation")
* [Revelation 18:7](/revelation/18-7 "Revelation 18:7 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:7 offers a timeless warning that resonates deeply with individuals and societies today. The self-assured declaration of Babylon, "I shall be a lady for ever," serves as a stark mirror for our own tendencies towards self-reliance, arrogance, and a refusal to acknowledge our limitations or dependence on God. In a world that often glorifies power, success, and self-sufficiency, this verse calls us to humility, reminding us that all earthly achievements and positions are fleeting. The failure to "lay these things to thy heart" and "remember the latter end of it" highlights a dangerous spiritual blindness that can afflict anyone. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of thoughtful reflection, to genuinely consider the long-term implications of our choices, and to heed the wisdom of God's Word, which consistently warns against pride and calls for a life lived in humble accountability. True security is not found in human strength or perceived invincibility, but in acknowledging God's sovereignty and aligning our lives with His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "Babylonian" pride, believing myself invincible or indispensable?**
* **What "things" might God be calling me to "lay to my heart" – warnings, lessons, or truths – that I have been neglecting or refusing to consider?**
* **How does remembering "the latter end" – both the ultimate consequences of sin and the eternal hope in Christ – shape my daily decisions and priorities?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of humility and dependence on God in a world that often promotes self-exaltation?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Babylon being called a "lady for ever" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "lady for ever" (Hebrew: *gᵉbereth ʻôwlâm*) signifies Babylon's extreme arrogance and self-deception. It reflects the empire's belief in its own perpetual and unchallengeable dominion, a common boast among ancient Near Eastern empires. Theologically, it represents a direct challenge to God's eternal sovereignty, as only God's kingdom is truly "for ever." This boast highlights the very pride that will lead to its dramatic downfall, as described throughout [Isaiah 47](/isaiah/47 "Isaiah 47 - The Fall of Babylon").

**What does it mean to "not lay these things to thy heart" and "not remember the latter end of it"?**

Answer: This phrase describes Babylon's willful spiritual blindness and profound lack of foresight. "To lay to thy heart" (Hebrew: *sûwm 'al-lêb*) means to take something seriously, to consider it deeply, or to internalize its meaning. "To remember the latter end" (Hebrew: *zâkar 'achărîyth*) means to contemplate the ultimate outcome or consequences. Babylon deliberately chose not to reflect on the transient nature of earthly power, the warnings of divine judgment, or the suffering it inflicted upon others. This heedlessness was not accidental forgetfulness but a proud refusal to acknowledge accountability or the inevitable end of its oppressive reign, a theme often seen in prophetic warnings, such as in [Deuteronomy 32:29](/deuteronomy/32-29 "Deuteronomy 32:29 - Consider Their Latter End").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 47:7, with its vivid portrayal of Babylon's arrogant boast and subsequent judgment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Babylon's claim to be a "lady for ever" stands in stark contrast to the eternal kingdom of Christ. While earthly empires rise and fall, Jesus's kingdom is described as one that "shall never be destroyed" and "shall stand forever" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). The impermanence of Babylon's rule foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ's reign over all earthly powers and principalities, as affirmed in passages like [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord"). Secondly, Babylon's pride and refusal to "lay these things to thy heart" and "remember the latter end" highlight the destructive nature of human hubris. In contrast, Christ embodies perfect humility, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility")). His humility led to exaltation, while Babylon's pride led to humiliation. Finally, Babylon's judgment prefigures the ultimate judgment that Christ will execute upon all unrighteousness and pride at the end of the age. Just as Babylon faced consequences for its oppression and defiance, so too will all who reject God's sovereignty and fail to heed His warnings face the righteous judgment of the Lamb ([Revelation 6:16-17](/revelation/6-16 "Revelation 6:16-17 - The Wrath of the Lamb")). Thus, Isaiah 47:7 points to the necessity of Christ's eternal, humble, and just rule as the only true and lasting dominion.

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

Deuteronomy 32:29

O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!

Isaiah 47:5

Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms.

Jeremiah 5:31

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

Ezekiel 29:3

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.

Isaiah 46:8

Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring [it] again to mind, O ye transgressors.

Isaiah 46:9

Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,

Isaiah 42:25

Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid [it] not to heart.