Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version That is all they are to you— these you have dealt with and labored with since childhood. All of them go on in their error; there is not one that can save you. New Living Translation And all your friends, those with whom you’ve done business since childhood, will go their own ways, turning a deaf ear to your cries. English Standard Version Such to you are those with whom you have labored, who have done business with you from your youth; they wander about, each in his own direction; there is no one to save you. Berean Standard Bible This is what they are to you—those with whom you have labored and traded from youth—each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you. Berean Literal Bible Thus they have become to you—those with whom you have labored and traded from youth! Each man in his direction, they go astray; none can save you. King James Bible Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee. New King James Version Thus shall they be to you With whom you have labored, Your merchants from your youth; They shall wander each one to his quarter. No one shall save you. New American Standard Bible “So have those become to you with whom you have labored, Those who have done business with you from your youth; Each has wandered in his own way; There is no one to save you. NASB 1995 “So have those become to you with whom you have labored, Who have trafficked with you from your youth; Each has wandered in his own way; There is none to save you. NASB 1977 “So have those become to you with whom you have labored, Who have trafficked with you from your youth; Each has wandered in his own way. There is none to save you. Legacy Standard Bible Thus they have become for you, those among whom you have labored, Who have traded with you from your youth; Each has wandered in his own way; There is none to save you. Amplified Bible “This is how they have become to you, those [astrologers and sorcerers] with whom you have labored, Those who have done business with you from your youth; Each has wandered in his own way. There is no one to save you. Berean Annotated Bible This is what they are to you—those with whom you have labored and traded from youth—each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you. Christian Standard Bible This is what they are to you — those who have wearied you and have traded with you from your youth — each wanders on his own way; no one can save you. Holman Christian Standard Bible This is what they are to you— those who have wearied you and have traded with you from your youth— each wanders on his own way; no one can save you.” American Standard Version Thus shall the things be unto thee wherein thou hast labored: they that have trafficked with thee from thy youth shall wander every one to his quarter; there shall be none to save thee. Contemporary English Version These are the fortunetellers you have done business with all of your life. But they don't know where they are going, and they can't save you. English Revised Version Thus shall the things be unto thee wherein thou hast laboured: they that have trafficked with thee from thy youth shall wander every one to his quarter; there shall be none to save thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation This is how it will be for those who have worked with you, for those who have been with you ever since you were young. They will go their own ways, and there will be no one to save you. Good News Translation That is all the good they will do you--those astrologers you've consulted all your life. They all will leave you and go their own way, and none will be left to save you." International Standard Version So will they be to you—those with whom you toiled and did business since your childhood— they wander about, each in his own direction; there is not one who can save you. NET Bible They will disappoint you, those you have so faithfully dealt with since your youth. Each strays off in his own direction, leaving no one to rescue you." New Heart English Bible Thus shall the things be to you in which you have labored: those who have trafficked with you from your youth shall wander everyone to his quarter; there shall be none to save you. Webster's Bible Translation Thus shall they be to thee with whom thou hast labored, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis is what they are to you—those with whom you have labored and traded from youth—each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you. World English Bible The things that you labored in will be like this: those who have trafficked with you from your youth will each wander in his own way. There will be no one to save you. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSo they have been to you with whom you have labored, "" Your merchants from your youth, "" They have each wandered to his passage, "" None is saving you!” Berean Literal Bible Thus they have become to you—those with whom you have labored and traded from youth! Each man in his direction, they go astray; none can save you. Young's Literal Translation So have they been to thee with whom thou hast laboured, Thy merchants from thy youth, Each to his passage they have wandered, Thy saviour is not! Smith's Literal Translation Thus shall they be to thee for whom thou didst labor, thy merchants, from thy youth; they wandered a man to his other side; none saving thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSuch are all the things become to thee, in which thou best laboured: thy merchants from thy youth, every one hath erred in his own way, there is none that can save thee. Catholic Public Domain Version So have all these things, in which you have labored, become to you. Your merchants from your youth, each one has erred in his own way. There is no one who can save you. New American Bible Thus do your wizards serve you with whom you have toiled from your youth; They wander their separate ways, with none to save you. New Revised Standard Version Such to you are those with whom you have labored, who have trafficked with you from your youth; they all wander about in their own paths; there is no one to save you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThus have become to you your merchants with whom you have labored from your youth: they have wandered every one to his quarter, and there is none to save you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated In this way they have been to you your Merchants with whom you labored from your youth, and they have gone astray, each man, beside himself, and there is none who saves you OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thus shall they be unto thee With whom thou hast laboured; They that have trafficked with thee from thy youth Shall wander every one to his quarter; There shall be none to save thee. Brenton Septuagint Translation these shall be thy help. Thou hast wearied thyself with traffic from thy youth: every man has wandered to his own home, but thou shalt have no deliverance. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Fall of Babylon Predicted…14Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. There will be no coals to warm them or fire to sit beside. 15This is what they are to you— those with whom you have labored and traded from youth— each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you. Cross References This is what they are to you— Obadiah 1:7 All the men allied with you will drive you to the border; the men at peace with you will deceive and overpower you. Those who eat your bread will set a trap for you without your awareness of it. Isaiah 30:5 everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They bring neither help nor benefit, but only shame and disgrace.” Lamentations 1:19 I called out to my lovers, but they have betrayed me. My priests and elders perished in the city while they searched for food to keep themselves alive. those with whom you have labored and traded from youth— Ezekiel 27:13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise. Ezekiel 27:17 Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, cakes and honey, oil and balm for your merchandise. Revelation 18:15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn, each one strays in his own direction; Isaiah 53:6 We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 56:11 Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: Jeremiah 50:16 Cut off the sower from Babylon, and the one who wields the sickle at harvest time. In the face of the oppressor’s sword, each will turn to his own people, each will flee to his own land. not one of them can save you. Psalm 60:11 Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. Psalm 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. Isaiah 43:11 I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me. Revelation 18:10-19 In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” / And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— / cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; … Jeremiah 51:8-9 Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed. / “We tried to heal Babylon, but she could not be healed. Abandon her! Let each of us go to his own land, for her judgment extends to the sky and reaches to the clouds.” Nahum 3:4-7 because of the many harlotries of the harlot, the seductive mistress of sorcery, who betrays nations by her prostitution and clans by her witchcraft. / “Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show your nakedness to the nations and your shame to the kingdoms. / I will pelt you with filth and treat you with contempt; I will make a spectacle of you. … Ezekiel 27:29-32 All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore. / They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. / They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning. … Treasury of Scripture Thus shall they be to you with whom you have labored, even your merchants, from your youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save you. thy merchants Isaiah 56:11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Ezekiel 27:12-25 Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs… Revelation 18:11-19 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: … they shall. Jeremiah 51:6-9 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence… Revelation 18:15-17 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, … Jump to Previous Childhood Direction Earliest Flight Goes Great Labored Merchants Passage Profit Quarter Save Saviour Small Straight Trafficked Wander Wandered Way YouthJump to Next Childhood Direction Earliest Flight Goes Great Labored Merchants Passage Profit Quarter Save Saviour Small Straight Trafficked Wander Wandered Way YouthIsaiah 47 1. God's judgment upon Babylon and Chaldea6. For their unmercifulness 7. Pride 10. And over-boldness 11. Shall be irresistible This is what they are to you— This phrase addresses the Babylonians, specifically the sorcerers and astrologers who were trusted advisors. In the broader context of Isaiah 47, God is pronouncing judgment on Babylon, a nation known for its reliance on magic and divination. The phrase indicates a shift from reliance on these practices to the realization of their futility. those with whom you have labored and traded from youth— each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you. Persons / Places / Events 1. BabylonThe city and empire addressed in Isaiah 47, symbolizing pride and self-reliance. Babylon is depicted as a fallen power due to its arrogance and idolatry. 2. Merchants and Traders Those who have engaged in commerce with Babylon, representing alliances and dependencies that ultimately fail. 3. Isaiah The prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Babylon, emphasizing the futility of relying on human strength and alliances. 4. God's Judgment The event of divine retribution against Babylon for its pride and idolatry, illustrating the theme of God's sovereignty over nations. 5. The Exile The broader context of Israel's exile, during which Babylon was a dominant power, serving as a backdrop for the prophecy. Teaching Points The Futility of Worldly AlliancesTrusting in human alliances and economic power, as Babylon did, ultimately leads to disappointment and failure. Our ultimate reliance should be on God. The Sovereignty of God God's judgment on Babylon demonstrates His control over nations and history. We should live with the awareness of God's sovereignty in our lives. The Danger of Pride Babylon's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Humility before God is essential for spiritual well-being. The Importance of Spiritual Preparedness Just as Babylon's allies abandoned her, worldly supports can fail us. We must be spiritually prepared and rooted in faith. The Call to Repentance The prophecy invites reflection on our own lives and a call to turn away from idolatry and towards God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 47:15?2. How does Isaiah 47:15 illustrate the futility of relying on false gods? 3. What lessons can we learn about God's sovereignty from Isaiah 47:15? 4. How does Isaiah 47:15 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? 5. In what ways can we avoid the mistakes of Babylon in Isaiah 47:15? 6. How can Isaiah 47:15 encourage us to trust in God's ultimate authority? 7. What is the historical context of Isaiah 47:15 in Babylonian society? 8. How does Isaiah 47:15 reflect God's judgment on idolatry? 9. What does Isaiah 47:15 reveal about the limitations of human wisdom? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 47? 11. How does God value the lost and found? 12. Where can I find my lost sheep? 13. Doesn't Jesus' command in Mark 10:21 to 'sell everything' conflict with modern economic realities and social responsibilities? 14. Where is the extra-biblical evidence supporting the sudden fall of Moab suggested by Isaiah 15? What Does Isaiah 47:15 Mean This is what they are to you• Isaiah points to the utter worthlessness of Babylon’s helpers. They are like chaff in the fire (Isaiah 47:14). • The verse shifts from description to verdict: “This is what they are”—nothing more than empty promises. • Jeremiah makes a similar declaration about the futility of idols: “Surely our fathers have inherited falsehood” (Jeremiah 16:19). • Trusting anything other than the LORD ends in disappointment (Psalm 146:3-4). those with whom you have labored and traded from youth • Babylon’s alliances were built over centuries—merchants, sorcerers, astrologers (Isaiah 47:9, 12-13). • Long familiarity breeds confidence; yet length of association does not equal reliability (1 Timothy 6:17). • Like Tyre, Babylon boasted in commercial strength (Ezekiel 27:3-9), but God exposes the bankruptcy beneath the wealth. each one strays in his own direction • When crisis hits, self-interest rules; partners scatter instead of stand together (Proverbs 19:4, 7). • The phrase recalls Zechariah 13:7, “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered,” underscoring isolation in judgment. • Human alliances lack covenant faithfulness; only the LORD remains steadfast (Deuteronomy 31:6). not one of them can save you • Salvation is God’s exclusive domain (Isaiah 43:11). • Babylon’s gods and allies cannot deliver; they themselves go into captivity (Isaiah 46:1-2). • The New Testament echoes this truth: “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12). • Dependence on anything other than the Lord brings ruin (Matthew 7:26-27). summary Isaiah 47:15 strips Babylon of every false security. Lifelong partners and carefully cultivated networks prove useless when God judges. Each ally turns selfishly away, leaving the proud city helpless. The verse calls every reader to forsake misplaced trust and cling solely to the Lord, the only Savior who never fails. (15) Thy merchants, from thy youth . . .--The commerce of Babylon is specially prominent in all descriptions. (Comp. Herod. i. 194-196; Ezekiel 17:4.) The time was coming when those who had thronged her markets would desert her and leave her to her desolation.Verse 15. - Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured. The foreigners who have participated in the toils and labours of Babylon shall share in her punishment. The flame of judgment shall not spare even them. Even thy merchants. Babylonian commerce is the subject of an important chapter in Heeren's 'Asiatic Nations' (vol. 2, pp. 190-260), and is discussed also in the present writer's 'Egypt and Babylon' (ch. 8, pp. 127-144). It was carried on both by land and sea, and was very extensive, including both a large import and a large export trade. Her merchants were, in part natives, in part foreigners. It is the latter who are here specially intended. Seeing the gradual closing in upon Babylon of the Persian armies, and anticipating the worst, they fly in haste from the doomed city, each one making for his own country, and having no thought of interposing to save the people which have so long encouraged and protected them. Probably the greater number of these foreign merchants were either Phoenicians or Arabians. They shall wander every one to his quarter. Not his own quarter of the town, but his own quarter of the earth; i.e. his own country (comp. Isaiah 13:14, "They shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.").
Hebrew This is whatכֵּ֥ן (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus they are הָיוּ־ (hā·yū-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be to you— לָ֖ךְ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's Hebrew those with whom אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you have labored יָגָ֑עַתְּ (yā·ḡā·‘at) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 3021: To gasp, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil and traded סֹחֲרַ֣יִךְ (sō·ḥă·ra·yiḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person feminine singular Strong's 5503: To go around or about, travel about from youth— מִנְּעוּרַ֗יִךְ (min·nə·‘ū·ra·yiḵ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person feminine singular Strong's 5271: Youth, the state, the persons each one אִ֤ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person strays תָּע֔וּ (tā·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8582: To vacillate, reel, stray in his own direction; לְעֶבְרוֹ֙ (lə·‘eḇ·rōw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side not one of them אֵ֖ין (’ên) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle can save you. מוֹשִׁיעֵֽךְ׃ (mō·wō·šî·‘êḵ) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor Links Isaiah 47:15 NIVIsaiah 47:15 NLT Isaiah 47:15 ESV Isaiah 47:15 NASB Isaiah 47:15 KJV Isaiah 47:15 BibleApps.com Isaiah 47:15 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 47:15 Chinese Bible Isaiah 47:15 French Bible Isaiah 47:15 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 47:15 Thus shall the things be to you (Isa Isi Is) |
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