Isaiah 37:22 Meaning and Explanation
“This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God declares that Jerusalem will despise and mock Sennacherib, not the reverse.
The Context of Isaiah 37:22
God promises that Jerusalem will mock Sennacherib, not be conquered by him.
What Does Isaiah 37:22 Mean?
God's response inverts the power dynamic completely. Sennacherib, who came to mock and threaten Jerusalem, will instead be mocked by Jerusalem. The virgin, the daughter of Zion is Israel, unconquered and pure, while Jerusalem is called the daughter of Zion. Rather than being conquered and humiliated, Jerusalem will shake her head at Sennacherib in scorn. The one who tried to intimidate is now told he will be the object of ridicule.
This prophetic reversal is a powerful comfort to Hezekiah. God does not simply promise military victory; He promises that Sennacherib's great boasts will be rendered laughable. His mighty threats will become the subject of scorn. This emotional and spiritual victory precedes and underlies any military deliverance—Sennacherib is already defeated in the eyes of God, and soon all nations will see that he is a figure of contempt, not triumph.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 37:22
What does Isaiah 37:22 mean?
God declares that Jerusalem will despise and mock Sennacherib, not the reverse.
What is the context of Isaiah 37:22?
God promises that Jerusalem will mock Sennacherib, not be conquered by him.