And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a desperate society so depleted of men that women, who would normally be courted, are now aggressively seeking a husband, even offering to provide for themselves. They aren't asking for financial support; their primary plea is for the name of marriage to remove the deep societal reproach of being unmarried and childless.
And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse follows a prophecy in chapter 3 detailing the judgment and downfall of Jerusalem, particularly focusing on the vanity and corruption of its women. As a consequence of the impending destruction and the scarcity of men, women are depicted in extreme desperation, willing to accept drastically reduced marital status and provide for themselves just to escape the shame of being unmarried and childless. This scene sets the stage for the hope offered in the following verses, which speak of a future cleansing and remnant.
Imagine a world where the balance has tipped so dramatically that a shocking proposal becomes the only option for survival. This verse paints a stark picture of a society in crisis.
The Devastation of War
The context of Isaiah 4:1 is crucial. The preceding chapters (Isaiah 2-3) detail impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem due to their sin and arrogance. This judgment, depicted as a devastating war and societal collapse, leads to an extreme scarcity of men.
A Reversed World
Normally, men sought wives, and societal roles were clearly defined. However, the prophecy describes a world turned upside down. The number of men is so drastically reduced that women, who would typically be sought after, must now desperately pursue men for marriage. The phrase 'seven women shall take hold of one man' highlights this extreme imbalance and the desperation it creates.
Beyond Modesty and Custom
This desperate act goes against the natural modesty and customs of the time. Women are taking the initiative, not just asking, but 'taking hold,' indicating an urgent and perhaps even forceful plea. This underscores the severity of the situation.
In many cultures, including ancient Israel, being unmarried carried a heavy social stigma. This verse reveals the depth of that shame and the lengths people would go to escape it.
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More Than Just Being Single
The women's plea, 'only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach,' goes beyond simply wanting a husband. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a woman's primary purpose and honor were often tied to marriage and childbearing. To be unmarried and childless was seen as a sign of God's displeasure or a personal failing.
The Desire for Legacy and Belonging
Being 'called by his name' meant being recognized as part of his family, his lineage, and his household. It provided a sense of belonging, security, and a place within the community. The 'reproach' they sought to remove was the shame of being overlooked, disconnected, and without a future legacy through children.
Practical Surrender
Their offer to 'eat our own bread and wear our own clothes' is remarkable. It signifies their willingness to forgo the traditional financial support a husband was expected to provide. This further emphasizes that their primary motivation wasn't economic gain, but the desperate need to escape the deep social stigma of being unmarried and childless.
Understand the original words
ba-yom ha-hu · Hebrew Noun phrase
A phrase referring to a future time of divine intervention, judgment, or restoration, often associated with the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom.
cherpah · Hebrew Noun
A source of shame, disgrace, or public dishonor, often resulting from barrenness or social isolation, which in Israelite culture carried significant spiritual and communal weight.
This verse paints a stark picture of a society devastated by war and its aftermath, where the scarcity of men leads women to desperate measures to secure a name and avoid the societal reproach of childlessness. It reflects the profound consequences of national sin and divine judgment.
740 BC
King Uzziah Dies
The prosperous reign of Uzziah ends, marking a significant shift in Judah's political and spiritual landscape. His successor, Jotham, continues his father's policies but bequeaths a troubled future.
c. 735 BC
Ahaz Becomes King
Jotham's son, Ahaz, ascends the throne. His youth and inexperience, coupled with a corrupt and superstitious reign, create a spiritual and political vacuum that invites disaster.
c. 735-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War Begins
Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel invade Judah, attempting to depose Ahaz and install their own candidate. This invasion plunges Jerusalem into crisis and highlights the nation's vulnerability.
c. 732 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophecies on Judgment
Isaiah delivers powerful prophecies detailing the impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem due to their sin and corruption, including the severe social and demographic consequences.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The northern kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of its people. This event serves as a stark warning to Judah about the consequences of unfaithfulness.
This passage describes a similar desperation for marriage and family in the face of loss and societal reproach, echoing the women's plea in Isaiah.
1 Samuel 1:6Hannah's intense suffering due to her barrenness, which brought her great reproach, highlights the deep cultural significance of childbearing and marriage that underpins the women's desperation in Isaiah 4.
Luke 1:25Elizabeth's acknowledgement that the Lord has 'looked favorably on me to remove my disgrace among the people' shows that, in that culture, barrenness and being unmarried carried a significant social stigma.
Jeremiah 31:22This verse speaks of the Lord creating something new, where 'a woman shall protect a man,' which offers a contrasting and hopeful future after judgment, unlike the desperate situation described in Isaiah 4:1.
Ezekiel 16:46This passage uses the imagery of older sisters (Samaria and Sodom) being brought low as a consequence of their actions, paralleling Isaiah's depiction of judgment affecting the women of Jerusalem due to their sin.
barnesIsaiah 4:1: "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."
In that day - The time of calamity referred to in the close of the previous chapter. This is a continuation of that prophecy, and there was no reason why these six verses should have been made a separate chapter. That the passage refers to the Messiah, is apparent from what has been stated in the note at…
pooleIsaiah 4:1: "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."
In the extremity of evils, Christ’s glorious kingdom should appear to those who are left alive, Isaiah 4:1,2 . They shall be holy, Isaiah 4:3 ; purged, Isaiah 4:4 . A glory and defence upon them, Isaiah 4:5 . A sanctuary from evils, Isaiah 4:6 . In that day, of which he hath hitherto been speaking, Isaiah…
This verse reveals a desperate society so depleted of men that women, who would normally be courted, are now aggressively seeking a husband, even offering to provide for themselves. They aren't asking for financial support; their primary plea is for the name of marriage to remove the deep societal reproach of being unmarried and childless.
This verse follows a prophecy in chapter 3 detailing the judgment and downfall of Jerusalem, particularly focusing on the vanity and corruption of its women. As a consequence of the impending destruction and the scarcity of men, women are depicted in extreme desperation, willing to accept drastically reduced marital status and provide for themselves just to escape the shame of being unmarried and childless. This scene sets the stage for the hope offered in the following verses, which speak of a future cleansing and remnant.
This verse follows a prophecy in chapter 3 detailing the judgment and downfall of Jerusalem, particularly focusing on the vanity and corruption of its women. As a consequence of the impending destruction and the scarcity of men, women are depicted in extreme desperation, willing to accept drastically reduced marital status and provide for themselves just to escape the shame of being unmarried and childless. This scene sets the stage for the hope offered in the following verses, which speak of a future cleansing and remnant.
"And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.”" — This verse reveals a desperate society so depleted of men that women, who would normally be courted, are now aggressively seeking a husband, even offering to provide for themselves. They aren't askin…
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Last reviewed October 2026