Isaiah 3:1 Meaning and Explanation
“For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will remove all support and provision from Judah.
The Context of Isaiah 3:1
God pronounces judgment on Jerusalem and Judah, beginning with the withdrawal of essential support.
What Does Isaiah 3:1 Mean?
Isaiah announces that the Lord—commander of all forces—is withdrawing the things that sustain life: bread, water, and leadership. The repetition of 'stay and staff' emphasizes the totality of what is being removed, leaving the people defenseless and unable to sustain themselves.
This judgment comes as divine discipline. The removal of food, water, and capable leaders signals the severity of God's response to the nation's unfaithfulness and prepares for the catalogue of failures that follow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 3:1
What does Isaiah 3:1 mean?
God will remove all support and provision from Judah.
What is the context of Isaiah 3:1?
God pronounces judgment on Jerusalem and Judah, beginning with the withdrawal of essential support.