Isaiah 17:1 Meaning and Explanation
“The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Damascus, Syria's great capital, will be destroyed and left in ruins.
The Context of Isaiah 17:1
Opening prophecy against Damascus, written during Assyrian expansion era.
What Does Isaiah 17:1 Mean?
Isaiah announces judgment against Syria (Damascus) as the 'burden' or heavy word from God. This was written when Damascus was a powerful kingdom threatening Israel's stability. The oracle declares complete reversal: the city that stood as a center of power becomes only a ruined heap.
The destruction symbolizes God's intervention in the affairs of nations. When a great city becomes a ruin heap, its defenses, trade, and glory vanish. The passage speaks to God's sovereignty over the fate of empires and the consequences of opposing His purposes.
Isaiah 17:1 in the Original Language
massa (מַשָּׂא), 'burden' — a prophetic utterance of judgment or weighty proclamation from God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 17:1
What does Isaiah 17:1 mean?
Damascus, Syria's great capital, will be destroyed and left in ruins.
What is the context of Isaiah 17:1?
Opening prophecy against Damascus, written during Assyrian expansion era.