The prophet announces Yahweh’s judgment on Shebna in verses 17-19.

Behold introduces and draws Shebna’s attention to what Yahweh will do (see the comments on 3.1).

The LORD will hurl you away violently is literally “Yahweh casting you out a casting-out.” In Hebrew this clause is a very forceful expression since it combines a participle and a noun from the same root meaning “cast out” or “throw away.” Revised Standard Version uses the adverb violently to express the emphasis. Another possible adverb is “certainly.” Bible en français courant and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch speak of being struck down “with one blow.” Another possible rendering is “far away” (see the next verse). This whole clause is figurative. It means Yahweh will send Shebna into exile (see the next verse). It also means he will take away Shebna’s authority and position (see verse 19).

O you strong man renders one Hebrew noun, which means “strong man” or “warrior.” Good News Translation says “You may be important.” Since the position of steward was not one of physical or military power but one of influence, this is probably appropriate. It certainly fits the picture of Shebna’s self-importance as demonstrated by the magnificent tomb he made for himself. A minority of scholars emend the Hebrew text here to read “as a garment.” Revised English Bible follows this emended text with “as a garment is shaken to rid it of lice” (similarly New English Bible). We advise against this rendering since there is no textual support for it. Hebrew Old Testament Text Project recommends Masoretic Text.

He will seize firm hold on you begins another description of Shebna being hurled away, which is completed in verse 18. This clause is literally “and seizing you to seize.” The Hebrew construction here is similar to that of the previous clause. Revised Standard Version adds the adjective firm to strengthen the expression. It speaks of Yahweh in anthropomorphic (or human) terms as physically taking hold of Shebna.

Throughout this verse there is alliteration with the repeated “t” sound in Hebrew: hinneh yahweh metaltelka taltelah geber weʿoteka ʿatoh.

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• Look, Yahweh will cast you away completely, you big man.
He will take firm hold of you, ….

• Well, know this, Yahweh will throw you out, strong man that you are.
He will take a firm grip on you, ….

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .