Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” New Living Translation They said, “We will replace the broken bricks of our ruins with finished stone, and replant the felled sycamore-fig trees with cedars.” English Standard Version “The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.” Berean Standard Bible “The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with finished stone; the sycamores have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” Berean Literal Bible “The bricks have fallen down, and with hewn stone we will rebuild; the sycamores are cut down, and with cedars we will replace them.” King James Bible The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. New King James Version “The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with hewn stones; The sycamores are cut down, But we will replace them with cedars.” New American Standard Bible “The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with smooth stones; The sycamores have been cut down, But we will replace them with cedars.” NASB 1995 “The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with smooth stones; The sycamores have been cut down, But we will replace them with cedars.” NASB 1977 “The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with smooth stones; The sycamores have been cut down, But we will replace them with cedars.” Legacy Standard Bible “The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with cut stones; The sycamores have been cut in pieces, But we will replace them with cedars.” Amplified Bible “The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild [all the better] with ashlar (hewed stones); The sycamores have been cut down, But we will replace them with [expensive] cedars.” Berean Annotated Bible “The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with finished stone; the sycamores have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars. Christian Standard Bible “The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with cut stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars.” Holman Christian Standard Bible The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with cut stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars.” American Standard Version The bricks are fallen, but we will build with hewn stone; the sycomores are cut down, but we will put cedars in their place. Contemporary English Version "Houses of brick and sycamore have fallen to the ground, but we will build houses with stones and cedar." English Revised Version The bricks are fallen, but we will build with hewn stone: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with hand-cut stones. Fig trees have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars." Good News Translation "The brick buildings have fallen down, but we will replace them with stone buildings. The beams of sycamore wood have been cut down, but we will replace them with the finest cedar." International Standard Version The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamore trees have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars.' NET Bible "The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with chiseled stone; the sycamore fig trees have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars." New Heart English Bible "The bricks have fallen, but we will build with cut stone. The sycamore fig trees have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place." Webster's Bible Translation The bricks have fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones; the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with finished stone; the sycamores have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” World English Bible “The bricks have fallen, but we will build with cut stone. The sycamore fig trees have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Bricks have fallen, and we build hewn work, "" Sycamores have been cut down, and we renew cedars.” Berean Literal Bible “The bricks have fallen down, and with hewn stone we will rebuild; the sycamores are cut down, and with cedars we will replace them.” Young's Literal Translation 'Bricks have fallen, and hewn work we build, Sycamores have been cut down, and cedars we renew.' Smith's Literal Translation The bricks fell, and we will build with hewn stone: the sycamores were cut down, and the cedars we will renew. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe bricks are fallen down, but we will build with square stones: they have cut down the sycamores, but we will change them for cedars. Catholic Public Domain Version “The bricks have fallen, but we will build with squared stones. They have cut down the sycamores, but we will replace them with cedars.” New American Bible “Bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with cut stone; Sycamores have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” New Revised Standard Version “The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWe shall lay bricks and hew stones; the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “We shall lay bricks and we shall cut piles of wood and we shall cut sycamores and we shall exchange cedars” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The bricks are fallen, but we will build with hewn stones; The sycamores are cut down, but cedars will we put in their place.' Brenton Septuagint Translation The bricks are fallen down, but come, let us hew stones, and cut down sycamores and cedars, and let us build for ourselves a tower. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judgment Against Israel's Pride…9All the people will know it—Ephraim and the dwellers of Samaria. With pride and arrogance of heart they will say: 10“The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with finished stone; the sycamores have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” 11The LORD has raised up the foes of Rezin against him and joined his enemies together.… Cross References The bricks have fallen, Nehemiah 1:3 And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” 2 Kings 25:10 And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem. Lamentations 2:9 Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD. but we will rebuild with finished stone; 1 Kings 6:7 The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built. 1 Kings 5:17 And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones. 1 Kings 7:9 All these buildings were constructed with costly stones, cut to size and trimmed with saws inside and out from the foundation to the eaves, and from the outside to the great courtyard. the sycamores have been felled, 1 Chronicles 27:28 Baal-hanan the Gederite was in charge of the olive and sycamore trees in the foothills. Joash was in charge of the stores of olive oil. 1 Kings 10:27 The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills. Amos 7:14 “I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. but we will replace them with cedars.” 1 Kings 5:6 Now therefore, order that cedars of Lebanon be cut down for me. My servants will be with your servants, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there are none among us as skilled in logging as the Sidonians.” 1 Kings 5:8 Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber. 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants have skill to cut timber there. And indeed, my servants will work with yours Amos 5:11 Therefore, because you trample on the poor and exact from him a tax of grain, you will never live in the stone houses you have built; you will never drink the wine from the lush vineyards you have planted. Jeremiah 45:4 Thus Jeremiah was to say to Baruch: “This is what the LORD says: Throughout the land I will demolish what I have built and uproot what I have planted. Ezekiel 13:10-12 Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built, / tell those whitewashing the wall that it will fall. Rain will come in torrents, I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth. / Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’ Malachi 1:4 Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever. Treasury of Scripture The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. bricks 1 Kings 7:9-12 All these were of costly stones, according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the coping, and so on the outside toward the great court… 1 Kings 10:27 And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance. Malachi 1:4 Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever. Jump to Previous Bricks Build Buildings Cedars Change Changed Cut Dressed Fallen Felled Fig Hewn Rebuild Renew Replace Smooth Stone Stones Sycamore Sycamores Trees WorkJump to Next Bricks Build Buildings Cedars Change Changed Cut Dressed Fallen Felled Fig Hewn Rebuild Renew Replace Smooth Stone Stones Sycamore Sycamores Trees WorkIsaiah 9 1. What joy shall be in the midst of afflictions, by the birth and kingdom of Christ8. The judgments upon Israel for their pride 13. For their hypocrisy 18. And for their unrepentance The bricks have fallen This phrase reflects the aftermath of destruction, likely due to an invasion or natural disaster. In the context of Isaiah, it refers to the Assyrian invasion that devastated the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The use of "bricks" suggests structures that were not built to last, symbolizing human efforts and pride that are easily toppled. Biblically, this can be connected to the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:3), where bricks were used in an attempt to reach the heavens, representing human arrogance and defiance against God. but we will rebuild with finished stone the sycamores have been felled but we will replace them with cedars Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe northern kingdom of Israel is the primary audience of this prophecy. They are experiencing judgment due to their disobedience and pride. 2. Prophet Isaiah The author of the book, Isaiah is delivering God's message to the people of Israel, warning them of the consequences of their actions. 3. Assyrian Invasion The historical context involves the Assyrian Empire's invasion, which led to the destruction of parts of Israel, symbolized by the fallen bricks and cut-down sycamores. 4. Bricks and Dressed Stone Symbolic of Israel's defiance and determination to rebuild stronger despite God's judgment. 5. Sycamores and Cedars Represent the nation's pride and self-reliance, choosing to replace what was lost with something perceived as superior. Teaching Points Pride and Self-RelianceThe verse highlights the danger of relying on human strength and wisdom instead of seeking God's guidance and help. Divine Judgment and Response It serves as a reminder that God's judgment is an opportunity for repentance, not defiance. True Restoration True restoration comes from aligning with God's will, not merely rebuilding with better materials. Symbolism of Materials The choice of materials (bricks vs. dressed stones, sycamores vs. cedars) symbolizes the futility of human pride and the need for humility before God. Lessons from History Reflect on historical examples of nations or individuals who faced similar situations and learn from their responses. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 9:10?2. How does Isaiah 9:10 reflect human pride and self-reliance against God's will? 3. What are the consequences of ignoring God's warnings, as seen in Isaiah 9:10? 4. How does Isaiah 9:10 connect with the Tower of Babel's story in Genesis? 5. In what ways can we ensure our plans align with God's purposes today? 6. How can Isaiah 9:10 guide us in responding to national or personal crises? 7. How does Isaiah 9:10 relate to God's judgment on nations? 8. What historical events might Isaiah 9:10 be referencing? 9. Does Isaiah 9:10 foreshadow future events or is it solely historical? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 9? 11. What is the Harbinger? 12. The lavish imagery in Song of Solomon 1 implies a royal court with abundant wealth. Is there corroborating historical evidence that Solomon's kingdom was this prosperous? 13. How can Ezekiel 31:3 liken Assyria to a cedar 'taller than all the trees,' when historical or archaeological evidence doesn't support such an exaggerated greatness? 14. If Solomon truly surpassed all other kings in riches and wisdom (2 Chronicles 9:22), why is this not clearly reflected in other ancient Near Eastern records? What Does Isaiah 9:10 Mean The bricks have fallen“The bricks have fallen” (Isaiah 9:10) pictures the immediate devastation God allowed through enemy invasion. • Bricks—sun-dried clay—symbolize fragile human effort (Genesis 11:3–4). • The collapse fulfilled warnings already voiced in Isaiah 9:8–9; cf. Isaiah 5:5–6; 2 Kings 15:29. • God’s hand was behind the judgment, not random circumstance (Isaiah 10:5–6). The fall of these ordinary structures announced that Israel’s self-made security had shattered. but we will rebuild with finished stone Rather than repent, the people boast, “we will rebuild with dressed stone”. • Dressed (cut) stones were costly, royal-grade materials (1 Kings 5:17). • The resolve sounds heroic yet exposes pride—trusting human resources instead of the Lord (Psalm 127:1; Amos 6:13). • Their vow echoes Babel-like defiance: “Come, let us build for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4). The declaration is not faith; it is self-reliance that invites further discipline (Proverbs 16:18). The sycamores have been felled Sycamore-fig trees, common and inexpensive, had also been destroyed. • God often used nature to signal judgment (Psalm 78:47; Joel 1:7). • The felled trees pointed to economic loss and agricultural collapse (Deuteronomy 28:40). • This was another gracious alarm meant to stir repentance (Isaiah 1:5–6). Yet the people treated the loss as merely an obstacle to overcome. but we will replace them with cedars Cedars were prized, towering evergreens from Lebanon (1 Kings 5:6). • Replacing humble sycamores with majestic cedars amplifies the boast: “We’ll come back stronger.” • The pledge ignores the covenant call to humility (2 Chronicles 7:14) and mocks the God who uproots and plants at will (Isaiah 40:24; Ezekiel 17:22–24). • In Scripture, cedars can symbolize pride destined to fall (Isaiah 2:13; Zechariah 11:2). Their confident plan thus reveals a heart unmoved by discipline and blind to impending greater judgment (Isaiah 9:12). summary Isaiah 9:10 records Israel’s arrogant response to divine warning. Brick walls and sycamore-figs lay in ruins, yet instead of bowing in repentance the nation vows to rebuild bigger and better with cut stones and cedars. Each phrase exposes self-confidence, denial of sin, and refusal to depend on the Lord. The verse warns that national resilience without repentance is pride, and pride positions a people for even heavier judgment. (10) The bricks are fallen down . . .--Sun-dried bricks and the cheap timber of the sycamore (1Kings 10:27) were the common materials used for the dwellings of the poor, hewn stones and cedar for the palaces of the rich. Whatever injury Samaria had sustained (the words are too proverbially figurative to make literal interpretation probable), through the intervention of Tiglath-pileser, was, its rulers thought, but as the prelude to a great and more lasting victory even than that of 2Chronicles 28:6.Verse 10. - The bricks are fallen down, etc.; i.e. we have suffered a moderate damage, but we will more than make up for it; all our losses we will replace with something better. Bricks were the ordinary material for the poorer class of houses in Palestine; stone was reserved for the dwellings of the rich and great (Amos 5:11). Sycamore wood was the commonest sort of timber, cedar the scarcest and most precious, having to be imported from Phoenicia (1 Kings 5:6; 2 Chronicles 2:3; Ezra 3:7). (On the contrast between cedar and sycamore wood, comp. 2 Chronicles 1:15.) Cut down. The Israelites probably alluded to damage done by Tiglath-Pileser in his first invasion. The Assyrians were in the habit of actually cutting down trees in foreign countries, in order to injure and weaken them; but the present passage is, perhaps, rather intended to be figurative.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “The bricksלְבֵנִ֥ים (lə·ḇê·nîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 3843: Brick, tile have fallen, נָפָ֖לוּ (nā·p̄ā·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5307: To fall, lie but we will rebuild נִבְנֶ֑ה (niḇ·neh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 1129: To build with finished stone; וְגָזִ֣ית (wə·ḡā·zîṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1496: Something cut, dressed stone the sycamores שִׁקְמִ֣ים (šiq·mîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 8256: Sycamore tree have been felled, גֻּדָּ֔עוּ (gud·dā·‘ū) Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1438: To fell a, tree, to destroy anything but we will replace נַחֲלִֽיף׃ (na·ḥă·lîp̄) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 2498: To slide by, to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce, change them with cedars.” וַאֲרָזִ֖ים (wa·’ă·rā·zîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 730: A cedar tree Links Isaiah 9:10 NIVIsaiah 9:10 NLT Isaiah 9:10 ESV Isaiah 9:10 NASB Isaiah 9:10 KJV Isaiah 9:10 BibleApps.com Isaiah 9:10 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 9:10 Chinese Bible Isaiah 9:10 French Bible Isaiah 9:10 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 9:10 The bricks have fallen but we will (Isa Isi Is) |
    |