Isaiah 7:16 Meaning and Explanation
“For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Before Immanuel reaches moral awareness, Judah's hostile kings will be defeated.
The Context of Isaiah 7:16
The enemies will be defeated before the child reaches maturity.
What Does Isaiah 7:16 Mean?
This verse anchors the timeline: the period before the child Immanuel reaches maturity—before he gains full moral discernment between good and evil—marks the decisive point when Ahaz's enemies will be vanquished. The land that Ahaz abhors (the territory threatened by the coalition) will be 'forsaken of both her kings.' The enemies' rule will end. This provides immediate encouragement: deliverance is not a distant hope but will come within a generation.
The verse reinforces the dual promise: near-term military relief for Ahaz and Judah, and a longer-term sign of divine presence in the child Immanuel. God's timeline encompasses both immediate political circumstances and the deeper, continuing promise of His presence with His people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 7:16
What does Isaiah 7:16 mean?
Before Immanuel reaches moral awareness, Judah's hostile kings will be defeated.
What is the context of Isaiah 7:16?
The enemies will be defeated before the child reaches maturity.