The jealousy of Ephraim shall depart, and those who harass Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not be jealous of Judah, and Judah shall not harass Ephraim.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a profound shift: not only will former enemies be silenced, but the very root of their conflict – envy and hostility – will vanish. It’s a promise of internal reconciliation, where the divisions that fractured God's people will be healed, leading to a unified and peaceful existence.
The jealousy of Ephraim shall depart, and those who harass Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not be jealous of Judah, and Judah shall not harass Ephraim.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prophecy occurs within a larger vision of a peaceful, restored kingdom under a descendant of Jesse. It directly follows descriptions of unprecedented peace among wild and domestic animals and the universal knowledge of the Lord. The verse addresses the historic division and animosity between the northern kingdom of Israel (often called Ephraim) and the southern kingdom of Judah, promising an end to their bitter rivalry and internal strife.
Ever felt the sting of old grudges, or seen how past conflicts cast long shadows? This verse points to a radical healing that goes deeper than mere forgiveness.
The Deep Roots of Division
For centuries, the tribes of Israel were fractured. The northern kingdom, often called Ephraim (representing the ten tribes), and the southern kingdom, Judah, were locked in bitter rivalry. This wasn't just political; it was a deep-seated jealousy and animosity born from history, pride, and competition for prominence.
The Messiah's Peacemaking Power
Isaiah paints a picture of the Messianic era where this ancient strife is utterly dissolved. The envy of Ephraim will vanish, and those who acted as adversaries will be removed. This isn't just a cease-fire; it's a transformation where the very causes of animosity are dealt with. The verse states it plainly: Ephraim will no longer be jealous of Judah, and Judah will cease its harassment of Ephraim. It’s a prophetic vision of complete reconciliation and restored unity, made possible by the reign of the Messiah.
Ask a follow-up
When enemies are 'cut off,' does that mean they're destroyed? This verse suggests a nuanced outcome that focuses on the cessation of hostility.
From Adversaries to Absence
The phrase 'adversaries of Judah shall be cut off' might sound severe, but within the context of the verse, it's about the end of opposition. It doesn't necessarily mean annihilation, but rather that the forces or individuals actively working against Judah (and by extension, God's people) will no longer have power or the will to do so.
Understand the original words
qin'ah · Hebrew Noun
A strong emotion characterized by intensity and protectiveness. While often associated with sinful envy, in relation to God, it refers to His zeal for His covenant and His intolerance of rivals or the mistreatment of His people.
tsarar · Hebrew Verb
A person or group who causes distress, vexation, or hostility. Biblically, it describes those who oppress or inflict suffering upon God’s people.
Isaiah 11:13 speaks to the deep historical rift between the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and the southern kingdom of Judah. The prophecy envisions a future under a righteous ruler where this ancient animosity, born of political division and tribal jealousy, finally ceases, and a unified people live in peace.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following the death of King Solomon, the united monarchy of Israel splits into two kingdoms: the northern Kingdom of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim due to the prominence of that tribe) and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division fuels centuries of rivalry and conflict.
c. 840-722 BC
Intermittent Wars and Tensions
The northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah engage in frequent conflicts and political maneuvering, often involving alliances with foreign powers like Syria and Assyria. This period is marked by deep animosity and mistrust between the two Israelite kingdoms.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting its population and effectively ending its existence as a distinct entity. This event leaves Judah as the sole surviving Israelite kingdom, but the memory of the divided kingdom persists.
c. 609-586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Kingdom of Judah faces devastating invasions by the Neo-Babylonian Empire, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the exile of its people. This period marks a low point for both kingdoms, highlighting the consequences of internal division.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Following the Persian conquest of Babylon, Cyrus the Great allows the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks a significant step towards reunification, though the historical divisions and their impacts linger.
1st century AD— this verse
Messianic Expectations
During the Roman period, intense anticipation for a Messiah who would restore Israel's glory and bring peace is widespread. This hope often includes the idea of a reunified and harmonious people of God.
This passage also speaks of the reunification of the divided kingdoms of Israel (Ephraim) and Judah, emphasizing God's power to bring them back together as one nation under one king.
Galatians 3:28This verse, in the context of spiritual unity in Christ, echoes the theme of overcoming old divisions and animosities, stating there is 'neither Jew nor Greek' in the body of Christ.
Romans 12:18Paul's exhortation to 'live peaceably with all' directly reflects the ideal presented in Isaiah 11:13, where former adversaries cease to vex and harass one another.
John 17:20-23Jesus' prayer for unity among believers mirrors the prophetic vision of harmony between Ephraim and Judah, demonstrating that true unity is a divine gift and a mark of Christ's work.
wesleyIsaiah 11:13: "The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim."
11:13 Ephraim - Of the ten tribes, frequently called by the name of Ephraim. Of enemies they shall be made friends. The adversaries - Not the body of Ephraim, for they are supposed to be reconciled, and they shall not be cut off, but live in love with Judah, as we see by the next clause; but those few of them who continue in their e…
barnesIsaiah 11:13: "The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim."
The envy also - The word "envy" here, is used in the sense of "hatred," or the hatred which arose from the "ambition" of Ephraim, and from the "prosperity" of Judah. Ephraim here, is the name for the kingdom of Israel, or the ten tribes. The reasons of their envy and enmity toward Judah, all arising from their ambition, were the fol…
This verse highlights a profound shift: not only will former enemies be silenced, but the very root of their conflict – envy and hostility – will vanish. It’s a promise of internal reconciliation, where the divisions that fractured God's people will be healed, leading to a unified and peaceful existence.
This prophecy occurs within a larger vision of a peaceful, restored kingdom under a descendant of Jesse. It directly follows descriptions of unprecedented peace among wild and domestic animals and the universal knowledge of the Lord. The verse addresses the historic division and animosity between the northern kingdom of Israel (often called Ephraim) and the southern kingdom of Judah, promising an end to their bitter rivalry and internal strife.
This prophecy occurs within a larger vision of a peaceful, restored kingdom under a descendant of Jesse. It directly follows descriptions of unprecedented peace among wild and domestic animals and the universal knowledge of the Lord. The verse addresses the historic division and animosity between the northern kingdom of Israel (often called Ephraim) and the southern kingdom of Judah, promising an end to their bitter rivalry and internal strife.
"The jealousy of Ephraim shall depart, and those who harass Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not be jealous of Judah, and Judah shall not harass Ephraim." — This verse highlights a profound shift: not only will former enemies be silenced, but the very root of their conflict – envy and hostility – will vanish. It’s a promise of internal reconciliation,…
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Last reviewed October 2026