Isaiah 51:23
But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.
Isaiah 51:23 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to comes from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. In this passage, God is speaking to Israel about the fate of their oppressors. God promises that He will deliver those who have afflicted Israel into their hands. The ones who have commanded Israel to bow down and trample over them will themselves be humbled and defeated. The imagery used in this verse paints a vivid picture of the oppression and subjugation that Israel has faced at the hands of their enemies. By putting the oppressors into the hands of Israel, God is promising justice and retribution for the suffering that His people have endured. This verse serves as a reminder of God's ultimate power and authority over all things, and His promise to protect and vindicate those who belong to Him.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the imagery used is powerful and evocative, depicting a scene of oppression and subjugation. The phrase "But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee" indicates that God will ultimately deliver justice to those who have oppressed the speaker. The verse describes a situation where the speaker has been forced to bow down and be trampled upon by their enemies. This act of dehumanization and degradation is a vivid portrayal of the suffering endured by the speaker at the hands of their oppressors. The word "afflict" implies a sense of ongoing harm and persecution, highlighting the sustained nature of the injustice faced by the speaker. The use of imagery such as "laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over" reinforces the sense of devaluation and humiliation experienced by the speaker. Overall, this verse underscores the theme of endurance in the face of adversity and the promise of eventual justice and restoration through divine intervention.
Isaiah 51:23 in other translations
American Standard Version
and I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee, that have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over; and thou hast laid thy back as the ground, and as the street, to them that go over.
World English Bible
and I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, who have said to your soul, ‘Bow down, that we may walk over you;’ and you have laid your back as the ground, and as the street, to those who walk over.”
Douay-Rheims
And I will put it in the hand of them that have oppressed thee, and have said to thy soul: Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as a way to them that went over.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But I will put it into their hande that spoile thee: which haue said to thy soule, Bowe downe, that wee may goe ouer, and thou hast layde thy bodie as the grounde, and as the streete to them that went ouer.