Isaiah 22:3 Meaning and Explanation
“All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Leadership abandons the city; survivors are captured or forced to scatter as the siege closes in.
The Context of Isaiah 22:3
Jerusalem's leadership fails to defend or retain the city.
What Does Isaiah 22:3 Mean?
The rulers flee together, as though in panic and coordination. Their capture 'by the archers' suggests enemy forces closing off escape routes and pursuing those who try to flee. This depicts a collapse of command and protective hierarchy.
The phrase 'all that are found in thee are bound together' conveys that anyone remaining in the city—leaders and common folk alike—end up captured or bound, whether through military siege or forced exile. The word 'fled from far' may suggest refugees from outlying areas who sought safety in Jerusalem but found none.
Isaiah 22:3 in the Original Language
qashath (קָשַׁת), 'archers'—armed soldiers drawing bows, representing enemy siege forces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 22:3
What does Isaiah 22:3 mean?
Leadership abandons the city; survivors are captured or forced to scatter as the siege closes in.
What is the context of Isaiah 22:3?
Jerusalem's leadership fails to defend or retain the city.