Isaiah 22:18 Meaning and Explanation
“He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord's house.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Shebna will be violently flung into exile far away, where he will die; his former glory and possessions become shame to his master.
The Context of Isaiah 22:18
Shebna's exile is violent and final; his former trappings of power become objects of shame.
What Does Isaiah 22:18 Mean?
The image is degrading: 'turn and toss thee like a ball' portrays Shebna as a plaything, powerless and undignified, being hurled away. The 'large country' is distant exile—a land far from Jerusalem where he will end his life in captivity, stripped of rank and influence.
'The chariots of thy glory'—symbols of his former authority and status—become 'the shame of thy lord's house.' What once displayed his power and high office now embarrasses his master, the king of Judah. Rather than a monument to Shebna's greatness, his abandoned possessions become evidence of his disgrace and the folly of those who trusted him.
Isaiah 22:18 in the Original Language
nogad (נוֹגַד), 'toss'—to roll, turn, or cast about; conveys violent and chaotic motion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 22:18
What does Isaiah 22:18 mean?
Shebna will be violently flung into exile far away, where he will die; his former glory and possessions become shame to his master.
What is the context of Isaiah 22:18?
Shebna's exile is violent and final; his former trappings of power become objects of shame.