Isaiah 9:9

KJV

And all the people shall know, [even] Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the people {H5971} shall know {H3045}, even Ephraim {H669} and the inhabitant {H3427} of Samaria {H8111}, that say {H559} in the pride {H1346} and stoutness {H1433} of heart {H3824},

Complete Jewish Bible

All the people know it, Efrayim and the inhabitants of Shomron. But they say in pride, in the arrogance of their hearts,

Berean Standard Bible

All the people will know it— Ephraim and the dwellers of Samaria. With pride and arrogance of heart they will say:

American Standard Version

And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in pride and in stoutness of heart,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 9:9 serves as a stark declaration of impending divine judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically targeting its dominant tribe, Ephraim, and its capital, Samaria. The verse highlights the core sin that provokes this judgment: an entrenched spiritual arrogance and stubborn defiance, characterized by "pride and stoutness of heart," which prevents them from acknowledging God's sovereignty or repenting of their persistent rebellion. This pronouncement emphasizes that the consequences of their unyielding self-sufficiency will be undeniable, serving as a clear revelation of God's justice to all.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 9:9 is situated within a larger prophetic oracle spanning [Isaiah 9:8-21](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9:8-21 - God's Judgment on Israel") that details God's unwavering judgment upon Israel. This section is marked by a recurring, ominous refrain: "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still" ([Isaiah 9:12](/isaiah/9-12 "Isaiah 9:12 - God's Unrelenting Anger")). This repetition underscores the relentless nature of Israel's sin and God's persistent, yet just, response. Verse 9:9 specifically introduces the reason for this judgment, pinpointing the nation's defiant attitude as the root cause of the impending calamity. It follows the initial declaration of judgment in [Isaiah 9:8](/isaiah/9-8 "Isaiah 9:8 - The Word Sent to Jacob") and sets the stage for the specific forms of punishment described in the subsequent verses, such as the fall of their cities and the relentless attacks from their enemies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah is primarily directed at the divided kingdom of Israel, with a significant focus on the Northern Kingdom (Israel, often called Ephraim after its largest tribe) and its capital, Samaria. At this time, the Assyrian Empire was a rising superpower, posing an existential threat to the smaller nations of the Levant. The Northern Kingdom, despite repeated warnings from prophets like Isaiah, continued to engage in idolatry, social injustice, and political alliances that defied God's covenant. Their "pride and stoutness of heart" reflects a cultural arrogance and self-reliance, believing their fortified cities and military strength could withstand any threat, rather than trusting in the Lord. This period was characterized by political instability, moral decay, and a stubborn refusal to return to the covenant relationship with Yahweh, ultimately leading to Samaria's fall in 722 BC.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among them is **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to unrepentant sin. The specific sin highlighted is **Pride and Arrogance**, which is consistently depicted in Scripture as an affront to God and a precursor to downfall, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction"). Coupled with pride is **Stubborn Disobedience**, represented by "stoutness of heart," signifying an unyielding, hardened disposition that refuses to heed divine warnings or submit to God's will. The verse also underscores the theme of **Consequences of Unrepentance**, illustrating that persistent rebellion inevitably leads to severe divine discipline, ultimately culminating in the destruction and exile of the Northern Kingdom, a fate detailed throughout [the book of Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely intellectual apprehension but a deep, experiential knowledge. In this context, it implies that "all the people shall know" God's judgment not through theoretical understanding, but through the painful, undeniable experience of its consequences. It is a knowledge that comes through revelation of divine power and justice in action, leaving no room for doubt about the source of their affliction.
* **pride (Hebrew, _gaʼăvâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be high" or "exalted," _gaʼăvâh_ denotes arrogance, haughtiness, and an inflated sense of self-importance. It describes a spiritual posture of self-sufficiency and defiance against God, perceiving oneself as above divine authority or instruction. This is not merely confidence, but a presumptuous and rebellious spirit that rejects dependence on God.
* **stoutness (Hebrew, _gôdel'_):** From the root _gâdal_ ("to be great"), _gôdel_ literally means "magnitude" or "greatness." When paired with "heart," as here, it refers to an inflated or unyielding spirit. It signifies an obstinate, unbending will, a stubborn refusal to humble oneself or to submit to God's warnings. It's a "greatness" of heart that is defiant and unteachable, rather than courageous or noble.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** This term refers to the innermost being, the seat of intellect, emotion, and will. In the phrase "pride and stoutness of heart," _lêbâb_ indicates that the arrogance and stubbornness are not superficial external behaviors, but deeply ingrained dispositions originating from the very core of their being. It points to a fundamental spiritual corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the people shall know":** This opening clause declares the universality and undeniable nature of the impending revelation. The judgment that is about to fall upon Israel will be so profound and unmistakable that everyone, not just the prophets or a select few, will experientially "know" that it is from the Lord. This knowledge will come through the devastating consequences of their actions, leaving no doubt about God's justice and sovereignty.
* **"[even] Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria":** This specifies the primary recipients of the judgment. "Ephraim" refers to the dominant tribe of the Northern Kingdom, often used as a metonym for the entire kingdom of Israel. "Samaria" was its capital city, a symbol of its political and religious identity. By naming them explicitly, the prophecy underscores the direct and targeted nature of God's message and impending action against the heart of the rebellious nation.
* **"that say in the pride and stoutness of heart":** This crucial clause reveals the specific sin that provokes God's wrath. The phrase "that say" indicates a vocalized or implicitly declared defiance, a confident assertion of self-sufficiency. Their "pride" (arrogance, haughtiness) and "stoutness of heart" (stubbornness, unyielding will) describe a spiritual condition of deep-seated rebellion. This is not ignorance, but an active, defiant refusal to acknowledge God's authority, repent of their sins, or heed His warnings, believing themselves immune to divine consequences.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. **Metonymy** is evident in the use of "Ephraim" and "Samaria" to represent the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel; these names serve as shorthand for the people and their rebellious capital. The phrase "pride and stoutness of heart" utilizes **personification**, attributing human qualities of arrogance and stubbornness directly to the "heart," the seat of their will and intellect. This emphasizes that their defiance is deeply internal and volitional. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of **irony** in the declaration "all the people shall know." While they previously refused to "know" God through obedience and covenant faithfulness, they will now be forced to "know" Him through the undeniable experience of His judgment, a bitter and inescapable lesson. The certainty and universality implied in "all the people shall know" also carries an element of **prophetic certainty**, a declaration that what is spoken will inevitably come to pass.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 9:9 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that pride precedes destruction and that God actively opposes the arrogant. This verse connects deeply with the broader theological understanding of God's justice and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. The "pride and stoutness of heart" described here is a fundamental rejection of dependence on God, mirroring humanity's original sin of desiring to be like God ([Genesis 3:5](/genesis/3-5 "Genesis 3:5 - The Temptation in Eden")). God's response is not arbitrary anger but a righteous consequence designed to bring about a recognition of His sovereignty and a call to humility. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, serving as a timeless warning against self-sufficiency and defiance.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")
* [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Humility Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 9:9 serves as a profound mirror for individuals and communities today, challenging us to examine the posture of our own hearts. The "pride and stoutness of heart" of ancient Israel is a pervasive human condition, manifesting as self-reliance, an unwillingness to admit fault, a resistance to correction, or a defiant dismissal of God's Word. This verse calls us to a radical humility, recognizing that true wisdom and security are found not in our own strength or cleverness, but in acknowledging God's sovereignty and submitting to His will. When we persist in a hardened heart, we invite consequences that will inevitably make us "know" the reality of God's truth, often through painful experience. Therefore, the call is to cultivate a teachable spirit, to listen to prophetic warnings, and to repent promptly, lest our own stubbornness lead us down a path of divine discipline.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to operate with "pride and stoutness of heart," relying on my own strength or wisdom rather than God's?**
* **How do I respond to correction or warnings, whether from Scripture, wise counsel, or life circumstances? Do I exhibit a teachable spirit or stubborn resistance?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "know" God, not just intellectually, but experientially, through humility and obedience?**
* **What are the potential consequences, both personal and communal, of unrepentant pride in today's context?**

### FAQ
**Why is Ephraim and Samaria specifically singled out in this prophecy?**

Answer: Ephraim was the largest and most influential tribe of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often used as a metonym for the entire kingdom itself. Samaria was its capital city, established by Omri and fortified by Ahab, serving as the center of its political power and, unfortunately, its idolatry. By singling them out, Isaiah emphasizes that the judgment is directed at the heart of the Northern Kingdom's religious and political apostasy. This focus highlights their prominence in leading the nation astray and their particular arrogance in defying God, despite repeated warnings from prophets like [Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea") and [Amos](/amos/1 "The Book of Amos").

**What does "stoutness of heart" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Stoutness of heart" (Hebrew _gôdel lêbâb_) literally translates to "greatness of heart." However, in this prophetic context, it carries a negative connotation, signifying an inflated, unyielding, and defiant spirit. It's not about courage or nobility, but about an obstinate, stubborn will that refuses to humble itself before God or acknowledge its sin. It describes a hardened disposition that is resistant to divine instruction and correction, believing itself to be self-sufficient and immune to consequences. This spiritual arrogance is a key reason for the impending judgment.

**How does God make "all the people know" His judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "all the people shall know" implies an experiential and undeniable revelation of God's power and justice. In the context of Isaiah's prophecies against Israel, this "knowing" would come through the devastating consequences of their unrepentant sin, primarily through military defeat, famine, and ultimately, exile at the hands of the Assyrians. These calamities would be so severe and clearly linked to their defiance that no one could deny their divine origin. It's a painful but undeniable lesson in God's sovereignty and the reality of His covenant curses for disobedience, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 9:9 pronounces judgment on Israel's pride, it also implicitly points to the need for a radical humility that only Christ embodies and offers. Israel's "pride and stoutness of heart" led to their downfall, but Jesus, the true Israelite, demonstrated 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, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Where Israel stubbornly refused to "know" God through obedience, Christ perfectly revealed Him, declaring, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus and the Father")). The judgment against sin, which Israel experienced in part, finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the full weight of humanity's pride and rebellion, allowing God's righteous anger to be satisfied ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Propitiation Through Christ")). Thus, the path to truly "know" God and escape the judgment of pride is no longer through painful experience of divine wrath, but through humble repentance and faith in the One who perfectly fulfilled God's righteous demands and offers forgiveness and new life ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repentance and Baptism")).

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

Isaiah 46:12

Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that [are] far from righteousness:

1 Kings 22:25

And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

Malachi 3:13

¶ Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken [so much] against thee?

Ezekiel 30:19

Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Isaiah 26:11

LORD, [when] thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: [but] they shall see, and be ashamed for [their] envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

Ezekiel 7:27

The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Job 21:19

God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know [it].