Isaiah 30:22 Meaning and Explanation
“Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judah will abandon and defile their idols as they turn away from false worship.
The Context of Isaiah 30:22
Restoration includes the active rejection and defilement of idols.
What Does Isaiah 30:22 Mean?
True restoration requires the rejection of idolatry. The plural forms—'images,' 'ornament'—suggest widespread false worship that must be decisively removed. The verb 'defile' indicates active desecration, not mere abandonment. Judah will strip away the precious coverings of silver and gold, treating them as spiritually unclean.
The comparison to a menstruous cloth (something ritually unclean in the Torah) emphasizes complete rejection and disgust. No longer will these images be valued, adorned, or treasured. Instead, they will be cast aside with the disgust one would feel for something unclean. This dramatic reversal shows how thorough the spiritual renewal will be—idolatry itself becomes repugnant.
Isaiah 30:22 in the Original Language
defiled (from חלל, chalal) — to profane or make unclean, signifying total rejection of what was once valued.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 30:22
What does Isaiah 30:22 mean?
Judah will abandon and defile their idols as they turn away from false worship.
What is the context of Isaiah 30:22?
Restoration includes the active rejection and defilement of idols.