Isaiah 30:16

Isaiah 30:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster.

King James Version KJV

But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

American Standard Version ASV

but ye said, No, for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Saying, No, for we will go in flight on horses; so you will certainly go in flight: and, We will go on the backs of quick-running beasts; so those who go after you will be quick-footed.

Free Bible Version FBV

You replied, “No! We'll escape on horseback! We'll get away on fast horses!” But the fast ones will be the ones chasing you!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For ye haue sayd, No, but we wil flee away vpon horses. Therefore shall ye flee. We will ride vpon the swiftest. Therefore shall your persecuters be swifter.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And ye say, No, for on a horse we flee? Therefore ye flee, And on the swift we ride! Therefore swift are your pursuers.

World English Bible WEB

but you said, “No, for we will flee on horses;” therefore you will flee; and, “We will ride on the swift;” therefore those who pursue you will be swift.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But have said: No, but we will flee to horses: therefore shall you flee. And we will mount upon swift ones: therefore shall they be swifter that shall pursue after you.

Translation for Translators T4T

You said, ‘No, we will escape on horses that the army of Egypt will give us!’ So, you will try to flee. You said, ‘We will escape from the army of Assyria by riding on swift horses!’ But those who pursue you will also ride swiftly.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 30:16

BAB

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 30:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תֹּ֨אמְר֥וּ לֹא כִ֛י עַל ס֥וּס נָנ֖וּס עַל כֵּ֣ן תְּנוּס֑וּ/ן וְ/עַל קַ֣ל נִרְכָּ֔ב עַל כֵּ֖ן יִקַּ֥לּוּ רֹדְפֵי/כֶֽם

וַ/תֹּ֨אמְר֥וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

כִ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

ס֥וּס çûwç H5483 swallow N-ms

נָנ֖וּס nûwç H5127 to flee V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כֵּ֣ן kên H3651 right Part

תְּנוּס֑וּ/ן nûwç H5127 to flee V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

קַ֣ל qal H7031 swift Adj

נִרְכָּ֔ב râkab H7392 to ride V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כֵּ֖ן kên H3651 right Part

יִקַּ֥לּוּ qâlal H7043 to lighten V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp

רֹדְפֵי/כֶֽם râdaph H7291 to pursue V-Qal | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 30:16

וַ/תֹּ֨אמְר֥וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

כִ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

ס֥וּס çûwç H5483 "swallow" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.

Definition: swallow, swift

Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.

נָנ֖וּס nûwç H5127 "to flee" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.

Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

כֵּ֣ן kên H3651 "right" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

תְּנוּס֑וּ/ן nûwç H5127 "to flee" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

קַ֣ל qal H7031 "swift" Adj

This word means swift or light, describing something or someone that moves quickly, like the swift horses in Solomon's chariots in 1 Kings 4:26.

Definition: 1) swift, light, fleet 1a) swift 1b) one who is swift

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: light, swift(-ly). See also: 2 Samuel 2:18; Isaiah 30:16; Isaiah 5:26.

נִרְכָּ֔ב râkab H7392 "to ride" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

כֵּ֖ן kên H3651 "right" Part

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

יִקַּ֥לּוּ qâlal H7043 "to lighten" V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp

The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.

Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro

Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.

רֹדְפֵי/כֶֽם râdaph H7291 "to pursue" V-Qal | Suff

To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.

Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase

Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.

Study Notes — Isaiah 30:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 30:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 30:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 30:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 30:16
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 30:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 30:16
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 30:16
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 30:16
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 30:16
Sermons on Isaiah 30:16

Context — The Worthless Treaty with Egypt

14It will break in pieces like a potter’s jar, shattered so that no fragment can be found. Not a shard will be found in the dust large enough to scoop the coals from a hearth or to skim the water from a cistern.” 15For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence— but you were not willing.”

16“No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster.

17A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. 18Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 31:1	Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.
2	Isaiah 31:3	But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.
3	Deuteronomy 28:25	The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.
4	Psalms 33:17	A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.
5	Jeremiah 4:13	Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!
6	Amos 9:1	I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Topple them on the heads of all the people, and I will kill the rest with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape.
7	Isaiah 5:26–30	He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come! None of them grows weary or stumbles; no one slumbers or sleeps. No belt is loose and no sandal strap is broken. Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away from deliverance. In that day they will roar over it, like the roaring of the sea. If one looks over the land, he will see darkness and distress; even the light will be obscured by clouds.
8	Micah 1:13	Harness your chariot horses, O dweller of Lachish. You were the beginning of sin to the Daughter of Zion, for the transgressions of Israel were found in you.
9	Psalms 147:10	He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man.
10	Amos 2:14–16	Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life. The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet of foot will not escape, and the horseman will not save his life. Even the bravest of mighty men will flee naked on that day,” declares the LORD.

Isaiah 30:16 Summary

[Isaiah 30:16 is a warning that when we try to solve our problems on our own, without trusting in God, we will ultimately fail. This is because our own strength and resources are limited, and we will always be outrun by our challenges. In contrast, when we trust in God and wait for Him, as mentioned in Isaiah 30:18, we can have quiet confidence that He will deliver us, as seen in Psalm 27:14. By repenting and turning to God, we can find true strength and salvation.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to flee on horses in Isaiah 30:16?

In this context, fleeing on horses means relying on human strength and resources for deliverance, rather than trusting in God, as seen in Isaiah 30:15 where repentance and rest are offered as the path to salvation.

Why will the pursuers be faster than those who flee on horses?

The pursuers will be faster because God is not with those who are fleeing, and without His help, human strength will ultimately fail, as stated in Psalm 20:7-8, where trust in horses and chariots is contrasted with trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Is Isaiah 30:16 a promise of judgment or a call to repentance?

While Isaiah 30:16 does contain a warning of judgment, the larger context of Isaiah 30:18 suggests that God's ultimate desire is to show compassion and be gracious to His people, if they will turn to Him in repentance and trust.

How does Isaiah 30:16 relate to the idea of quiet confidence mentioned in Isaiah 30:15?

The idea of quiet confidence in Isaiah 30:15 is contrasted with the boastful claim to flee on horses in Isaiah 30:16, highlighting the difference between trusting in God's strength and relying on human power, as also seen in Proverbs 28:26, where the one who trusts in his own heart is a fool.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I try to flee from my problems or challenges, rather than facing them with faith and trust in God?
How can I cultivate a spirit of quiet confidence, trusting in God's strength rather than my own?
In what areas of my life do I need to repent and turn to God, rather than relying on my own resources and abilities?
What does it mean for me to wait for God, as mentioned in Isaiah 30:18, and how can I practice this in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 30:16

But ye said, No, for we will flee upon horses,.... Hither and thither to get help and assistance; go down to Egypt for it on them, or thither for them, as some render it; and then face the enemy,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 30:16

But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 30:16

We will flee out of this land from the king of Assyria; which is very probable divers of the richer sort did, having sent their treasures before them, as we read .

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 30:16

Isaiah 30:16 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.Ver. 16. But ye said, No.] We will not return or rest. This is a golden rule of life, In silentio et spe fortitudo vestra; but these refractories would have none of it, they knew a better way to work than all that came to. Politicians are like tumblers, that have their heads on the earth and their heels against heaven. Cross-grained they are for the most part to all good. For we will flee upon horses.] Whereof Egypt was full, and for which it was famous of old, and so is yet, for the Mamelukes’ horses especially. Therefore shall ye flee.] But in another sense, sc., fusi fugatique ab hoste, with the enemy at your heels.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 30:16

(16) We will flee upon horses.—These were expected as the Egyptian contingent of the forces of Judah. With them and the prestige attaching to their fame, the generals and statesmen reckoned on being able to resist Assyria. Isaiah, with his keen insight into the present temper of Egypt, tells them that the only use of the horses will be for a more rapid retreat, not for the charge of battle.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 30:16

16. we will flee] Translate: we will fly (against the enemy). The word, which in the next clause (as in every other instance) means “flee,” is chosen because in Hebr. it resembles in sound the word for “horses.” upon the swift] (coursers). In ch. Isaiah 36:8 the Rabshakeh seems to taunt the Judæans with their childish fondness for horsemanship.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 30:16

But ye said, No - Ye who proposed an alliance with Egypt. For we will flee upon horses - The word ‘flee’ (נוּס nûc), usually signifies to flee before or from any person or thing.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 30:16

15-17. The same Holy One continues. On condition alone of your turning back from Egypt and resting in my commands and counsels, can you be saved.

Sermons on Isaiah 30:16

	Sermon	Description
	The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole
	Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns	This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo
	Trusting God in Stead of Man by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for the words spoken to be transformed from water into wine, symbolizing a powerful and impactful message. The preacher then discusse
	Look to God and Not to Egypt by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on worldly wealth and success. He shares a story about a visit from an older person who
	The Spirit of Egypt - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon reflects on a time of imminent danger during the Japanese invasion of Madras, where the speaker's father used the opportunity to preach the gospel. It emphasizes seekin
	Gone Down Into Egypt by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer explores Abram's journey into Egypt during a famine in Canaan, emphasizing the challenges faced by those who separate themselves for God's purpose. He highlights the imp