Isaiah 37:22
This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
Isaiah 37:22 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament refers to the prophetic message delivered by the LORD concerning the downfall of a particular individual. In this case, it is directed towards the enemies of Zion and Jerusalem. The language used in the verse symbolizes the humiliation and defeat of those who have trespassed against God's chosen people. The term "virgin, the daughter of Zion" is a metaphor for the purity and innocence of the people of Jerusalem, while "the daughter of Jerusalem" signifies the city itself. The act of despising, laughing, and shaking the head at the enemy demonstrates the scorn and contempt felt towards them by the people of Zion and Jerusalem. Overall, this passage conveys a message of divine protection and victory for those who remain faithful to the LORD, while also warning of the consequences for those who oppose His chosen ones.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, the theological interpretation focuses on the concept of divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. The message delivered by the Lord to the people of Zion and Jerusalem highlights their actions of scorn and mockery towards an individual or entity. The use of 'virgin' in this context symbolizes purity and innocence, emphasizing the righteous judgment administered by God upon those who have evoked His wrath. Through the theological lens, this verse underscores the importance of reverence and humility towards the Lord, as well as the significance of recognizing and repenting for one's transgressions. The word study in this verse reveals the depths of disdain and disrespect exhibited by the daughters of Zion and Jerusalem towards the subject of God's judgment. The term 'despised' conveys a sense of contempt and scorn, emphasizing the severity of their actions. Additionally, the act of 'shaking of the head' signifies disapproval and condemnation, further emphasizing the divine retribution awaiting those who have strayed from the path of righteousness.
Isaiah 37:22 in other translations
American Standard Version
this is the word which Jehovah hath spoken concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion hath despised thee and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.
World English Bible
this is the word which Yahweh has spoken concerning him. The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you and ridiculed you. The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you.
Douay-Rheims
This is the word which the Lord hath spoken of him: The virgin the daughter of Sion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn: the daughter of Jerusalem hath wagged the head after thee.
Geneva Bible (1599)
This is the worde that the Lord hath spoken against him, the virgine, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorne: the daughter of Ierusalem, hath shaken her head at thee.