Isaiah 22:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →People dig defenses and waterworks but forget the God who created both water and the earth itself.
The Context of Isaiah 22:11
Human labor and ingenuity, severed from faith in God, miss the mark and invite judgment.
What Does Isaiah 22:11 Mean?
A ditch between two walls served as a defensive feature and water retention system. The reference to 'the old pool' suggests they were using or expanding ancient water infrastructure. All this engineering—creating barriers and securing supplies—shows determination and technical skill.
The verse's rebuke comes in the final phrase: 'ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.' The 'maker' and the 'fashioner' refer to God, who created water, earth, and the means of life itself. In their focus on walls, ditches, and supplies, they have forgotten and ignored the one who gives all things. Their preparations are disconnected from worship and reliance on the Living God.
Isaiah 22:11 in the Original Language
yatsar (יָצַר), 'fashioned'—shaped, formed, or molded, used of divine creation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 22:11
What does Isaiah 22:11 mean?
People dig defenses and waterworks but forget the God who created both water and the earth itself.
What is the context of Isaiah 22:11?
Human labor and ingenuity, severed from faith in God, miss the mark and invite judgment.