Isaiah 4:1 Meaning and Explanation
“And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Women desperate for social legitimacy after great loss seek one man's name to restore their honor.
The Context of Isaiah 4:1
Following the judgment announced in Isaiah 3, the surviving women face both survival and social vulnerability.
What Does Isaiah 4:1 Mean?
In the aftermath of judgment when men have been decimated, the imbalance of population creates a crisis. Women approach a man with an unusual proposal: they will provide their own sustenance and clothing, asking only that he allow them to bear his name—a symbol of protection and belonging in their society.
The root of their plea is reproach: shame and dishonor in a culture where a woman's identity and security were bound to family standing. By bearing a man's name, they regain the social status needed to survive and be respected in their community.
Isaiah 4:1 in the Original Language
shem (שֵׁם), 'name' — more than a label; in Hebrew thought, a name carries identity, reputation, and relational power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 4:1
What does Isaiah 4:1 mean?
Women desperate for social legitimacy after great loss seek one man's name to restore their honor.
What is the context of Isaiah 4:1?
Following the judgment announced in Isaiah 3, the surviving women face both survival and social vulnerability.