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Isaiah 31:9

Isaiah 31:9 in Multiple Translations

Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem.

And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

And his rock shall pass away by reason of terror, and his princes shall be dismayed at the ensign, saith Jehovah, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

And his rock will come to nothing because of fear, and his chiefs will go in flight from the flag, says the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and his altar in Jerusalem.

Their “rock” will be scared to death, and their officers will be terrified and in panic at the sight of the battle flag, declares the Lord, who has his fire in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

And he shall go for feare to his towre, and his princes shall be afraide of the standart, sayeth the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and his fornace in Ierusalem.

And [to] his rock from fear he passeth on, And affrighted by the ensign have been his princes — an affirmation of Jehovah, Who hath a light in Zion, And who hath a furnace in Jerusalem!

His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his princes will be afraid of the banner,” says the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

And his strength shall pass away with dread, and his princes fleeing shall be afraid: the Lord hath said it, whose die is in Sion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

Even their very strong soldiers [MTY] will be terrified; they will abandon their battle flags and run away! Yahweh will cause his enemies who attack Jerusalem to be destroyed. Yahweh’s presence on Zion Hill is like a fire, like a furnace that blazes in Jerusalem; and that is what Yahweh says about what will happen to the Assyrian army!

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 31:9

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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 31:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/סַלְע/וֹ֙ מִ/מָּג֣וֹר יַֽעֲב֔וֹר וְ/חַתּ֥וּ מִ/נֵּ֖ס שָׂרָ֑י/ו נְאֻם יְהוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁר א֥וּר ל/וֹ֙ בְּ/צִיּ֔וֹן וְ/תַנּ֥וּר ל֖/וֹ בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
וְ/סַלְע/וֹ֙ çelaʻ H5553 crag Conj | N-ms | Suff
מִ/מָּג֣וֹר mâgôwr H4032 terror Prep | N-ms
יַֽעֲב֔וֹר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/חַתּ֥וּ châthath H2865 to to be dismayed Conj | V-Qal-3cp
מִ/נֵּ֖ס nêç H5251 ensign Prep | N-ms
שָׂרָ֑י/ו sar H8269 ruler N-mp | Suff
נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms
יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
א֥וּר ʼûwr H217 flame N-ms
ל/וֹ֙ Prep | Suff
בְּ/צִיּ֔וֹן Tsîyôwn H6726 Zion Prep | N-proper
וְ/תַנּ֥וּר tannûwr H8574 oven Conj | N-ms
ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 31:9

וְ/סַלְע/וֹ֙ çelaʻ H5553 "crag" Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.
Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.
מִ/מָּג֣וֹר mâgôwr H4032 "terror" Prep | N-ms
Mâgôwr means fear or terror, describing a state of being afraid. In the Bible, it is used to express the fear or dread that people experience, such as in Deuteronomy 32:25 where it says 'The sword without, and terror within'.
Definition: fear, terror
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fear, terror. Compare H4036 (מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב). See also: Psalms 31:14; Jeremiah 20:10; Isaiah 31:9.
יַֽעֲב֔וֹר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
וְ/חַתּ֥וּ châthath H2865 "to to be dismayed" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
מִ/נֵּ֖ס nêç H5251 "ensign" Prep | N-ms
A nes is a flag or banner, often used as a signal or standard. It can also refer to a sail or flagstaff, and is sometimes used figuratively as a symbol or token.
Definition: 1) something lifted up, standard, signal, signal pole, ensign, banner, sign, sail 1a) standard (as rallying point), signal 1b) standard (pole) 1c) ensign, signal
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: banner, pole, sail, (en-) sign, standard. See also: Numbers 21:8; Isaiah 31:9; Psalms 60:6.
שָׂרָ֑י/ו sar H8269 "ruler" N-mp | Suff
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
א֥וּר ʼûwr H217 "flame" N-ms
This word means flame or fire, and also refers to the East as a region of light. In the Bible, it appears in books like Isaiah and Job, symbolizing God's presence and guidance. Light is a powerful symbol in scripture.
Definition: flame, light of fire
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fire, light. See also H224 (אוּרִים). See also: Isaiah 24:15; Isaiah 47:14; Isaiah 31:9.
ל/וֹ֙ "" Prep | Suff
בְּ/צִיּ֔וֹן Tsîyôwn H6726 "Zion" Prep | N-proper
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
וְ/תַנּ֥וּר tannûwr H8574 "oven" Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word for oven or furnace is used in the Bible to describe a place of fire and heat, as seen in Genesis. It can also symbolize God's refining fire, where His people are purified and transformed, like in Isaiah.
Definition: 1) furnace, oven, fire-pot, (portable) stove 1a) for cooking 1b) of God's wrath, His furnace (fig) 1c) of hunger, desire for evil 1d) fire-pot
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: furnace, oven. See also: Genesis 15:17; Nehemiah 12:38; Psalms 21:10.
ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

Study Notes — Isaiah 31:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Malachi 4:1 “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.”
2 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.
3 Leviticus 6:13 The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.
4 Isaiah 4:4 when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.
5 Deuteronomy 32:37 He will say: “Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge,
6 Isaiah 18:3 All you people of the world and dwellers of the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it; when a ram’s horn sounds, you will hear it.
7 Isaiah 10:17 And the Light of Israel will become a fire, and its Holy One a flame. In a single day it will burn and devour Assyria’s thorns and thistles.
8 Zechariah 2:5 For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’”
9 Isaiah 30:33 For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its funeral pyre is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood. The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze.
10 Isaiah 11:10 On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.

Isaiah 31:9 Summary

[This verse is saying that the things that the people of Assyria are relying on for strength and security will ultimately fail them, and they will be filled with fear and panic when they see the power of God. This is a reminder that our ultimate security and strength come from God, not from human sources, as seen in Psalm 46:1-3. We can trust in God's presence and power to guide and protect us, even in the midst of uncertainty and fear. By trusting in God, we can find peace and comfort, as described in Isaiah 26:3-4.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rock that will pass away for fear in Isaiah 31:9?

The rock in this verse likely refers to a source of strength or security that the people of Assyria have been relying on, which will prove to be unreliable in the face of God's judgment, as seen in Isaiah 31:8 and Deuteronomy 32:4

Who are the princes that will panic at the sight of the battle standard?

The princes mentioned in this verse are likely the leaders of the Assyrian army, who will be filled with fear and panic when they see the battle standard, which is a symbol of God's presence and power, as described in Exodus 17:15 and Song of Solomon 6:4

What is the significance of the Lord's fire being in Zion and His furnace being in Jerusalem?

The Lord's fire and furnace represent His refining and purifying presence, which is centered in Zion and Jerusalem, as seen in Isaiah 4:4 and Malachi 3:2-3, and will ultimately bring judgment and purification to His people

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is part of a larger prophecy against Assyria, in which God declares that He will bring judgment and destruction upon them, as seen in Isaiah 31:7-8, and will ultimately exalt and redeem His people, as seen in Isaiah 31:1-6

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some things in my life that I am relying on for strength and security, and how might God be calling me to trust in Him instead?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's power and presence in my life, as described in this verse?
  3. What are some ways in which I can apply the principle of trusting in God's presence and power, rather than in human strength or ingenuity, to my everyday life?
  4. How can I use this verse to encourage and comfort others who may be facing fear or uncertainty, and to point them to the rock of God's presence and power?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 31:9

And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear,.... This is said of the king of Assyria, departing in haste from the siege of Jerusalem, to some strong hold in his own country, particularly his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 31:9

And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 31:9

He shall pass over to his strong hold; Sennacherib shall flee away, with all speed, from Jerusalem, to his strong city of Nineveh, . Or, as it is in the margin, and as the words lie in the Hebrew text, his rock (i.e. his strength, the greatest champions of his army, to whom he trusted) shall pass away (shall flee with all speed from Jerusalem) for fear, lest the sword of the destroying angel should overtake them. Of the ensign; either, 1. Of any ensign. This dreadful judgment shall strike them with such a terror, that they shall not dare to look any enemy in the face. Or, 2. Of the Lord’ s ensign, which he hath lifted up against them. Whose fire is in Zion: so the sense is either, 1. Whose fire is continually burning upon the altar in Zion; which signifies his presence and residence there. Or rather, 2. Who is and will appear to be in Zion, like a fire, to defend his people, and to consume their enemies; for which end God promiseth that he would be unto Jerusalem a wall of fire round about, , &c.; and that he would make the governor of Judah like a hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and that they should devour all the people round about. Possibly these and the following words may be thus rendered, and that very agreeably to the Hebrew words, who will be a fire (to wit, a consuming fire) to him (to the king of Assyria, of whom he is here speaking) in Zion, (from whence he will send forth that fire which shall consume his army: or, for Zion; for Zion’ s sake; for the prefix here rendered in frequently signifies for, as hath been proved,) and a furnace to him in or for Jerusalem. But this I only propose, leaving it to the judgment of the intelligent reader. His furnace in Jerusalem; the same thing repeated in other words.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 31:9

Isaiah 31:9 And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire [is] in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.Ver. 9. And he shall pass over to his stronghold.] To Nineveh, never thinking himself safe till he come thither. And his princes shall be afraid of the ensign.] Lifted up by God’ s angels in the slaughter of their fellows. Whose fire is in Zion.] Who keeps house there, sumpta metaphora a re oeconomica. An exact metaphore from domestic affairs. There he had his fire and his chimney, sc., in the temple, from whence also came this destruction to the enemy.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 31:9

(9) He shall pass over to his strong hold for fear.—Most recent critics translate, His rock will pass away for terror, the “rock” (not the same word, however, as that elsewhere, e.g., Deuteronomy 32:31, used for God) being the symbol of Assyria’s strength. The laws of parallelism point to our taking the noun as the subject of the sentence, corresponding to “princes” in the next clause, and so exclude the Authorised version. Whose fire is in Zion.—Fire, as the symbol of the Divine glory, giving light and warmth to the faithful, and burning up the evil. (Comp. Isaiah 10:16-17.)

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 31:9

9. he shall pass over to his strong hold] The clause is difficult. R.V. and A.V. marg. take “his Rock” as subj., “Rock” being a figurative designation either of the king of Assyria or its national deity. This view has nothing to commend it. The A.V. gives a good sense, but a better translation perhaps is: “he shall overpass his rock(-refuge) from terror,” the image being that of a hunted animal, which misses its accustomed hiding-place in its fright. his princes shall be afraid of the ensign] This rendering might be explained by ch. Isaiah 18:3 : the Assyrian officers shall be affrighted at the signal which Jehovah sets up. A better rendering, however, is: his officers shall be frighted away from the standard, i.e. “even the officers shall desert the standard in panic” (a pregnant construction). whose fire is … Jerusalem] Better: who hath a fire in Zion and a furnace (lit. “oven”) in Jerusalem. There is perhaps an allusion here to the meaning of “Ariel” in ch. Isaiah 29:1 ff. The expressions symbolise the two aspects of Jehovah’s presence in Zion, light to His friends and destruction to His enemies (as Exodus 14:20). The “oven” is an emblem of the Divine anger in Psalms 21:9; perhaps also in Genesis 15:17.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 31:9

And he shall pass over - Margin, ‘His rock shall pass away for fear.’ The Hebrew would bear this, but it does not convey a clear idea. The sense seems to be this.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 31:9

9. His strong hold — Sennacherib, as some commentators hold, but better, the historic absolute power of Assyria concreted in all her great kings. This is a powerless refuge if Jehovah should rise upon it, as he surely will.

Sermons on Isaiah 31:9

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:9 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the blessings and prosperity that come from living a righteous life. He emphasizes the importance of sowing seeds in well-watered areas
Anne Dutton When We Are in the Furnace by Anne Dutton Anne Dutton preaches about enduring through afflictions, emphasizing that God allows trials to refine His people, not to destroy them. She encourages trusting in God as the Refiner
David Wilkerson A Cry Against the Wicked Youth of America by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man, a Hebrew, who is running through the streets proclaiming that there are only 40 days left before everyone will die because of their
David Wilkerson Christless Pentecost - Part 2 by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for repentance and holiness in the church. He predicts a revival among young people and the downfall of drug abuse, alcoholism, and
C.H. Spurgeon A Vision of the Latter-Day Glories by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unstoppable growth of the church and the gathering of all nations to worship God. He uses the imagery of a dry riverbed gradually fillin
Milton Green (Saved Through the Fire) 01 - the Path of True Salvation by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Malachi 3:1, which speaks of the coming of John the Baptist as a messenger to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. The speaker emphas
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Malachi by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of giving and receiving in accordance with a divine spiritual law. He compares it to the natural laws that govern our universe, s

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