2 Take millstones and grind flour; take off your veil. Lift up your skirts, bare your legs, and wade through the streams.

Other Translations of Isaiah 47:2

King James Version

2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

English Standard Version

2 Take the millstones and grind flour, put off your veil, strip off your robe, uncover your legs, pass through the rivers.

The Message

2 Get a job, any old job: Clean gutters, scrub toilets. Hock your gowns and scarves, put on overalls - the party's over.

New King James Version

2 Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, Take off the skirt, Uncover the thigh, Pass through the rivers.

New Living Translation

2 Take heavy millstones and grind flour. Remove your veil, and strip off your robe. Expose yourself to public view.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 47:2

Commentary on Isaiah 47:1-6

(Read Isaiah 47:1-6)

Babylon is represented under the emblem of a female in deep distress. She was to be degraded and endure sufferings; and is represented sitting on the ground, grinding at the handmill, the lowest and most laborious service. God was righteous in his vengeance, and none should interpose. The prophet exults in the Lord of hosts, as the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel. God often permits wicked men to prevail against his people; but those who cruelly oppress them will be punished.