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Isaiah 28:2

Isaiah 28:2 in Multiple Translations

Behold, the Lord has one who is strong and mighty. Like a hailstorm or destructive tempest, like a driving rain or flooding downpour, he will smash that crown to the ground.

Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.

Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one; as a tempest of hail, a destroying storm, as a tempest of mighty waters overflowing, will he cast down to the earth with the hand.

See, the Lord has a strong and cruel one; like a rain of ice, a storm of destruction, like the overflowing of a strong river, he will violently overcome them.

Watch out, for the Lord has someone who is strong and powerful! He is going to smash it to the ground like a hailstorm and a tornado, like a torrential rain and an overwhelming flood.

Beholde, the Lord hath a mightie and strong hoste, like a tempest of haile, and a whirlewinde that ouerthroweth, like a tempest of mightie waters that ouerflowe, which throwe to the ground mightily.

Lo, a mighty and strong one [is] to the Lord, As a storm of hail — a destructive shower, As an inundation of mighty waters overflowing, He cast down to the earth with the hand.

Behold, the Lord has one who is mighty and strong. Like a storm of hail, a destroying storm, and like a storm of mighty waters overflowing, he will cast them down to the earth with his hand.

Behold, the LORD hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.

Behold the Lord is mighty and strong, as a storm of hail: a destroying whirlwind, as the violence of many waters overflowing, and sent forth upon a spacious land.

Listen to this: Yahweh will cause a great army to attack Samaria. Their soldiers will be like [SIM] a huge hailstorm or a very strong wind; they will be everywhere, like the water of a huge flood, and they will smash to the ground the buildings in Samaria.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 28:2

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 28:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הִנֵּ֨ה חָזָ֤ק וְ/אַמִּץ֙ לַֽ/אדֹנָ֔/י כְּ/זֶ֥רֶם בָּרָ֖ד שַׂ֣עַר קָ֑טֶב כְּ֠/זֶרֶם מַ֣יִם כַּבִּירִ֥ים שֹׁטְפִ֛ים הִנִּ֥יחַ לָ/אָ֖רֶץ בְּ/יָֽד
הִנֵּ֨ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
חָזָ֤ק châzâq H2389 strong Adj
וְ/אַמִּץ֙ ʼammîyts H533 strong Conj | Adj
לַֽ/אדֹנָ֔/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord Prep | N-mp | Suff
כְּ/זֶ֥רֶם zerem H2230 storm Prep | N-ms
בָּרָ֖ד bârâd H1259 hail N-ms
שַׂ֣עַר saʻar H8178 shuddering N-ms
קָ֑טֶב qeṭeb H6986 destruction N-ms
כְּ֠/זֶרֶם zerem H2230 storm Prep | N-ms
מַ֣יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
כַּבִּירִ֥ים kabbîyr H3524 mighty Adj
שֹׁטְפִ֛ים shâṭaph H7857 to overflow V-Qal
הִנִּ֥יחַ yânach H3240 to rest V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
לָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs
בְּ/יָֽד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 28:2

הִנֵּ֨ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
חָזָ֤ק châzâq H2389 "strong" Adj
Strong refers to something or someone powerful, but often in a bad sense, like being severe or hard, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: 1) strong, stout, mighty 1a) strong 1a1) severe, sharp, hot 1a2) firm, hard 1b) a strong one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er). See also: Exodus 3:19; 1 Kings 18:2; Psalms 35:10.
וְ/אַמִּץ֙ ʼammîyts H533 "strong" Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for strong or mighty, used to describe courageous people like King David. It appears in 1 Samuel 31:12, where the men of Jabesh-gilead show strength in rescuing Saul's body. This word emphasizes bravery and power.
Definition: strong, mighty
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: courageous, mighty, strong (one). See also: 2 Samuel 15:12; Isaiah 28:2; Isaiah 40:26.
לַֽ/אדֹנָ֔/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" Prep | N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
כְּ/זֶ֥רֶם zerem H2230 "storm" Prep | N-ms
This word describes a storm or heavy rain shower, like a strong downpour. It is used in the Bible to describe powerful natural events, such as floods and tempests, often symbolizing God's judgment or presence.
Definition: rain-shower, thunderstorm, flood of rain, downpour, rain-storm
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: flood, overflowing, shower, storm, tempest. See also: Job 24:8; Isaiah 28:2; Isaiah 4:6.
בָּרָ֖ד bârâd H1259 "hail" N-ms
Hail is a sign of God's judgment in the Bible, with hailstones sometimes used as a symbol of His power. It appears in stories of destruction and chaos.
Definition: 1) hail 1a) of God's judgment (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: hail(stones). See also: Exodus 9:18; Exodus 10:15; Psalms 18:13.
שַׂ֣עַר saʻar H8178 "shuddering" N-ms
A storm or tempest is what this Hebrew word describes, also implying a sense of terror or fear. It is used in the Bible to describe a frightening or intimidating event, such as a severe storm.
Definition: terror, horror
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: affrighted, [idiom] horribly, [idiom] sore, storm. See H8181 (שֵׂעָר). See also: Job 18:20; Ezekiel 27:35; Isaiah 28:2.
קָ֑טֶב qeṭeb H6986 "destruction" N-ms
Destruction or ruin, often referring to the consequences of sin or God's judgment, as described in the prophetic books of the Bible.
Definition: destruction Also means: qo.tev (קֹטֶב "destruction" H6987)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: destroying, destruction. See also: Deuteronomy 32:24; Psalms 91:6; Isaiah 28:2.
כְּ֠/זֶרֶם zerem H2230 "storm" Prep | N-ms
This word describes a storm or heavy rain shower, like a strong downpour. It is used in the Bible to describe powerful natural events, such as floods and tempests, often symbolizing God's judgment or presence.
Definition: rain-shower, thunderstorm, flood of rain, downpour, rain-storm
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: flood, overflowing, shower, storm, tempest. See also: Job 24:8; Isaiah 28:2; Isaiah 4:6.
מַ֣יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
כַּבִּירִ֥ים kabbîyr H3524 "mighty" Adj
This word means mighty or powerful, describing something as vast or great in extent, power, or number. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power or the strength of a large group. It conveys a sense of grandeur or importance.
Definition: mighty, great, powerful, many, much
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, mighty, most, much, strong, valiant. See also: Job 8:2; Job 34:24; Isaiah 16:14.
שֹׁטְפִ֛ים shâṭaph H7857 "to overflow" V-Qal
This verb means to overflow or gush, often used to describe a strong flow of water. It can also imply cleansing or conquering, as seen in various Old Testament passages, including Psalm 69. The word is used to describe powerful natural events.
Definition: 1) to wash, rinse, overflow, engulf, rinse or wash off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overflow 1a2) to flow, run 1a3) to rinse or wash off 1b) (Niphal) to be swept away, be rinsed out 1c) (Pual) to be rinsed, be scoured and rinsed
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: drown, (over-) flow(-whelm, rinse, run, rush, (throughly) wash (away). See also: Leviticus 6:21; Isaiah 28:17; Psalms 69:3.
הִנִּ֥יחַ yânach H3240 "to rest" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To rest or settle down, implying a sense of calmness or stillness, as described in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: bestow, cast down, lay (down, up), leave (off), let alone (remain), pacify, place, put, set (down), suffer, withdraw, withhold. (The Hiphil forms with the dagesh are here referred to, in accordance with the older grammarians; but if any distinction of the kind is to be made, these should rather be referred to H5117 (נוּחַ), and the others here.) See also: Genesis 2:15; 1 Kings 13:30; Psalms 17:14.
לָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
בְּ/יָֽד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

Study Notes — Isaiah 28:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 30:30 And the LORD will cause His majestic voice to be heard and His mighty arm to be revealed, striking in angry wrath with a flame of consuming fire, and with cloudburst, storm, and hailstones.
2 Nahum 1:8 But with an overwhelming flood He will make an end of Nineveh and pursue His enemies into darkness.
3 Ezekiel 13:11 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.
4 Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent —Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea.
5 Isaiah 29:6 you will be visited by the LORD of Hosts with thunder and earthquake and loud noise, with windstorm and tempest and consuming flame of fire.
6 Isaiah 40:10 Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.
7 Isaiah 25:4 For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall,
8 Ezekiel 30:10–11 This is what the Lord GOD says: I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. He and his people with him, the most ruthless of the nations, will be brought in to destroy the land. They will draw their swords against Egypt and fill the land with the slain.
9 Revelation 18:8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day— death and grief and famine— and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”
10 Isaiah 28:15–19 For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place. Your covenant with death will be dissolved, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be trampled by it. As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror.

Isaiah 28:2 Summary

[Isaiah 28:2 is a warning from God that He will judge those who are proud and disobedient, using the image of a powerful storm to convey the idea of overwhelming destruction. This verse reminds us that God is strong and mighty, and that He will not tolerate sin and rebellion forever, as seen in Psalm 96:13. We are called to humility and surrender, recognizing that God is the one who will ultimately bring justice and righteousness to the earth, as seen in Revelation 19:11-16. By acknowledging God's power and majesty, we can cultivate a sense of reverence and awe, and live in a way that is pleasing to Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the strong and mighty one that the Lord has in Isaiah 28:2?

The strong and mighty one is likely a reference to the Assyrian army, which God will use to judge Ephraim, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-6, where God calls the Assyrian king the rod of His anger.

What is the crown being referred to in Isaiah 28:2?

The crown refers to the pride and glory of Ephraim, which has been corrupted by drunkenness and idolatry, as seen in Isaiah 28:1, where it is called the majestic crown of Ephraim's drunkards.

What does the image of the hailstorm and flooding downpour signify in Isaiah 28:2?

The image of the hailstorm and flooding downpour signifies the overwhelming and destructive power of God's judgment, as seen in Psalm 18:13-14, where God's voice is compared to thunder and hailstones.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on God's judgment?

This verse is consistent with the Bible's teaching on God's judgment, as seen in Romans 11:22, where Paul warns of the severity of God's judgment, and in Hebrews 10:31, where it is said that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the things in my life that I have elevated to a place of pride and glory, and how might God be calling me to humility and surrender?
  2. How do I respond to the idea of God's judgment, and what does it mean for me to take His warnings seriously?
  3. What are some ways that I can cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God's power and majesty, as seen in Isaiah 28:2?
  4. How can I apply the lesson of Isaiah 28:2 to my own life, and what are some areas where I need to be more mindful of God's judgment and discipline?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 28:2

Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one,.... That is, a powerful king, with a mighty army, meaning Shalmaneser king of Assyria; whom the Lord had at his beck and command, and could use at his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 28:2

Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand. Strong one - the Assyrian (Isaiah 10:5).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 28:2

The Lord hath, to wit, at his command, prepared and ready to execute his judgments, a mighty and strong one; the king of Assyria. Shall cast down; understand it, the crown of pride; or them, the drunkards of Ephraim. With the hand; or, by his hand; either by that king’ s force or strong hand; or by the hand of God, which shall strengthen and succeed him in this work.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 28:2

Isaiah 28:2 Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, [which] as a tempest of hail [and] a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.Ver. 2. Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and a strong one,] viz., Shalmaneser, king of Assyria. For whereas Ephraim might say, Who is there that can or dare pull off the flower of our goodly gallantry? God answereth that he hath at hand one that can do it, and do it with a turn of a hand, with little ado.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 28:2

(2) The Lord hath a mighty and strong one . . .—The Hebrew may be either neuter, as in the LXX. and Targum, or masculine, as in the Authorised Version. In either case it refers to the King of Assyria as the instrument of Jehovah’s vengeance, the similitudes employed to describe his action reproducing those of Isa 8:7-8; Isaiah 25:4. Here the picture is that of the “destroying storm,” the pestilent or blasting tempest withering, and the flood sweeping away, the beautiful “garland” of Samaria.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 28:2

Verse 2. Behold the Lord hath a mighty and strong one - "Behold the mighty one, the exceedingly strong one"] אמץ לאדני ammits ladonai, fortis Domino, i.e., fortissimmus, a Hebraism. For לאדני ladonai, to the Lord, thirty-eight MSS. Of Dr. Kennicott's and many of De Rossi's, with some of my own, and two editions, read ליהוה laihovah, to JEHOVAH.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 28:2

2. The reason for the woe of Isa 28:1. Render: Behold Jehovah hath a mighty and strong one, like a tempest of hail, a destroying storm; like a flow of mighty overflowing waters, which casts down to the earth with violence. a mighty and strong one] i.e. the Assyrian, Jehovah’s instrument (ch. Isaiah 10:5). a destroying storm] Delitzsch renders, less suitably perhaps, “a pestilential wind.” The word occurs again only in Deuteronomy 32:24; Psalms 91:6; but a closely related one in Hosea 13:14 (A.V. “destruction”). The image of the storm, here presented in three forms, recurs in Isaiah 28:15; Isaiah 28:18 f. shall cast] Better, casts (perf. of experience, Davidson, Synt. § 40, e) The subj. is the storm of waters. with the hand] i.e. with force.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 28:2

Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one - The Hebrew of this passage is, ‘Lo!

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 28:2

2. A mighty and strong one — An invading army, no doubt, is meant. Ravages which this should make on the country would surely have a fiercer description than that furnished in the picture given below.

Sermons on Isaiah 28:2

SermonDescription
William Kelly The Tribulation, and Those Who Are to Pass Through It. by William Kelly William Kelly preaches about the great tribulation, emphasizing the distinction between the tribulation that the Christian must endure in this world and the specific trouble at the
Horatius Bonar Darkness Pursuing the Sinner. by Horatius Bonar Horatius Bonar delivers a powerful sermon on Nahum 1:8, emphasizing that darkness pursues those who are enemies of God, as exemplified by Nineveh and Assyria. He describes the sinn
Kent Hovind Seminar 3 - Dinosaurs and the Bible by Kent Hovind This seminar addresses the perceived conflict between dinosaur fossils and the biblical account of creation, exploring the field of cryptozoology to shed light on hidden animals li
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 27:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of family and the breakdown of the family unit in society. He uses the metaphor of a vineyard to describe God's people a
Allan Halton The Sword in the Shadow by Allan Halton Allan Halton emphasizes the danger of spiritual dullness caused by information overload, urging believers to carefully and prayerfully engage with God's Word to avoid becoming dese
Carter Conlon The Power of Gentle Hands by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Isaiah chapter 40 verse 10, which describes the coming of the Lord with a strong hand and His arm ruling for Him. The speaker highlights the
Jim Cymbala Powerful but Tender by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of comfort and mercy from God. He begins by discussing the meaning of the Hebrew word for comfort, which implies speaking tenderl

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