Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh; together they are against Judah. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is how the verse depicts the disintegration of unity even within the closest of relationships. Manasseh and Ephraim, brothers descended from Joseph, are not just fighting each other; they are actively "devouring" one another, a visceral image of self-destruction. This internal conflict, however, doesn't lead to repentance but a united front against their brother Judah, showing how sin can corrupt even deep bonds and turn them outward in destructive ways.
Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh; together they are against Judah. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophecy has been detailing the destructive consequences of Israel's sin, describing internal conflict where brother fights brother. This verse specifically highlights the bitter strife between the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, who were once closely allied as the sons of Joseph, and how they ultimately unite their destructive energy against Judah. Despite these ongoing judgments, God's anger remains, and His hand is still poised to strike, indicating that the nation's punishment is far from over.
What happens when sibling tribes, meant to be close, turn on each other? This verse paints a grim picture of internal conflict.
Isaiah 9:21 vividly describes the destructive infighting within the northern kingdom of Israel. 'Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh' highlights that these were the two primary tribes descended from Joseph, representing a deep familial bond.
A House Divided
Despite their fierce internal battles, these warring tribes find one thing they can agree on: turning against their own kin, Judah.
The verse doesn't just show internal conflict; it reveals a disturbing unity that emerges from that conflict. 'and they together shall be against Judah.'
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A Twisted Alliance
Even after all this infighting and aggression, the verse ends with a sobering reminder of God's ongoing displeasure.
The final phrase, 'For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still,' is a powerful indictment.
Ongoing Wrath
Understand the original words
Menashsheh · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the eldest son of Joseph, representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In prophetic contexts, it often symbolizes the northern kingdom of Israel and their internal strife or rebellion against God.
Ephrayim · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the second son of Joseph, representing a major tribe of the northern kingdom. It is frequently used in parallel with or in contrast to Manasseh to denote the northern tribes of Israel.
akal · Hebrew Verb
The act of consuming or destroying; metaphorically used to describe intense rivalry, warfare, or internal conflict between factions. It signifies total destruction and the "eating up" of one's own kin.
Yehudah · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name of the fourth son of Jacob and the tribe that became the southern kingdom. It often signifies the faithful remnant or the seat of the Davidic dynasty in Jerusalem.
aph · Hebrew Noun
The righteous indignation or settled displeasure of God against sin and rebellion. It is a divine attribute reflecting His holiness and opposition to evil.
yad · Hebrew Noun
An anthropomorphic expression denoting the exercise of God's power, authority, and judgment in history. A "stretched out" hand often signifies active intervention, punishment, or the continuation of divine discipline.
This verse vividly depicts the internal strife within the remaining tribes of Israel, who, despite their devastating civil conflict and mutual destruction, still turn their animosity towards Judah. This infighting occurs during a period of intense foreign threat and divine judgment, highlighting Israel's continued rebellion even as their nation crumbles.
c. 734-732 BC— this verse
Syro-Ephraimite War
The Northern Kingdom of Israel (often represented by Ephraim) and Syria (Aram) ally against Judah, led by King Ahaz. Ahaz seeks help from Assyria, leading to further foreign involvement.
732 BC
Fall of Damascus
The Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III conquers Damascus, the capital of Syria, and deports many of its inhabitants. This marks a significant Assyrian victory in the region.
c. 724-722 BC
Assyrian Siege of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel, now a vassal of Assyria, rebels. The Assyrians, under Shalmaneser V and later Sargon II, lay siege to the capital city, Samaria.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Exile
Samaria falls to the Assyrians, and the northern tribes of Israel are deported, effectively ending the existence of the northern kingdom.
This passage describes a moment where internal conflict and mistrust lead to an unusual alliance against a common enemy, mirroring the dynamic of the northern tribes devouring each other yet uniting against Judah.
2 Chronicles 28:6-8This historical account directly illustrates the scenario in Isaiah, where the Northern Kingdom (represented by Ephraim and Manasseh) not only fights amongst themselves but also wages war against Judah.
Luke 23:12This New Testament passage shows a political alliance formed out of opposition to Jesus, demonstrating how groups in conflict with each other can unite against a third party, similar to the tribes uniting against Judah.
Jeremiah 5:23-24This prophetic passage describes a people who are not moved by God's judgment and continue in their sin, echoing Isaiah's description of Judah's persistent rebellion and God's unyielding anger.
pulpitIsaiah 9:21: "Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
Verse 21. - Manasseh, Ephraim. These two are mentioned as the two principal tribes of the northern kingdom (comp. 1 Chronicles 9:3; 2 Chronicles 30:1, 10, 18; 2 Chronicles 31:1; 2 Chronicles 34:9). It is not to be supposed that civil discord was confined to them. Probably there was a general disorganization. Still, all…
barnesIsaiah 9:21: "Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
Manasseh, Ephraim - This verse is a continuation of the statement in regard to the extent and fearfulness of the faction. Those who were hitherto most tenderly and intimately allied to each other, would now be engaged in furious strife. Manasseh and Ephraim were the two sons of Joseph Genesis 46:20 , and their names ar…
What's striking here is how the verse depicts the disintegration of unity even within the closest of relationships. Manasseh and Ephraim, brothers descended from Joseph, are not just fighting each other; they are actively "devouring" one another, a visceral image of self-destruction. This internal conflict, however, doesn't lead to repentance but a united front against their brother Judah, showing how sin can corrupt even deep bonds and turn them outward in destructive ways.
The prophecy has been detailing the destructive consequences of Israel's sin, describing internal conflict where brother fights brother. This verse specifically highlights the bitter strife between the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, who were once closely allied as the sons of Joseph, and how they ultimately unite their destructive energy against Judah. Despite these ongoing judgments, God's anger remains, and His hand is still poised to strike, indicating that the nation's punishment is far from over.
The prophecy has been detailing the destructive consequences of Israel's sin, describing internal conflict where brother fights brother. This verse specifically highlights the bitter strife between the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, who were once closely allied as the sons of Joseph, and how they ultimately unite their destructive energy against Judah. Despite these ongoing judgments, God's anger remains, and His hand is still poised to strike, indicating that the nation's punishment is far from over.
"Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh; together they are against Judah. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still." — What's striking here is how the verse depicts the disintegration of unity even within the closest of relationships. Manasseh and Ephraim, brothers descended from Joseph, are not just fighting each ot…
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Last reviewed October 2026