Isaiah 21:15 Meaning and Explanation
“For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →People flee violence and warfare, seeking escape from weapons and the horror of conflict.
The Context of Isaiah 21:15
Description of the desperate flight of those caught in the violence surrounding the fall of Babylon.
What Does Isaiah 21:15 Mean?
The verse clarifies who the refugees are: those fleeing from swords, drawn swords, and bent bows—the instruments and reality of warfare. The grievousness of war speaks to its overwhelming burden and horror. This is not glamorous conquest but the desperate flight of civilians and soldiers overwhelmed by violence.
The accumulation of images (swords, drawn sword, bent bow) emphasizes the totality of the threat. There is no safety in staying, no negotiation possible—only flight. Yet the previous verse revealed that flight was not hopeless; merciful peoples provided succor. The two verses together paint the reality of war and the fragile but real compassion that persists within it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 21:15
What does Isaiah 21:15 mean?
People flee violence and warfare, seeking escape from weapons and the horror of conflict.
What is the context of Isaiah 21:15?
Description of the desperate flight of those caught in the violence surrounding the fall of Babylon.