Isaiah 33:16
Isaiah 33:16 in Multiple Translations
he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.
He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
He shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks; his bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
He will have a place on high: he will be safely shut in by the high rocks: his bread will be given to him; his waters will be certain.
They will live on high; they will be protected by the mountain fortresses; they will always be provided with food and will always have water.
He shall dwell on hie: his defence shall be the munitions of rockes: bread shalbe giuen him, and his waters shalbe sure.
He high places doth inhabit, Strongholds of rock [are] his high tower, His bread hath been given, his waters stedfast.
he will dwell on high. His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks. His bread will be supplied. His waters will be sure.
He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
He shall dwell on high, the fortifications of rocks shall be his highness: bread is given him, his waters are sure.
they are the people who will live safely [MTY]; they will find places to be safe in the caves in the mountains. They will have plenty of food and water.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 33:16
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 33:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֚וּא
מְרוֹמִ֣ים
יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן
מְצָד֥וֹת
סְלָעִ֖ים
מִשְׂגַּבּ֑/וֹ
לַחְמ֣/וֹ
נִתָּ֔ן
מֵימָ֖י/ו
נֶאֱמָנִֽים
ה֚וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מְרוֹמִ֣ים
mârôwm
H4791
height
N-mp
יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מְצָד֥וֹת
mᵉtsad
H4679
stronghold
N-fp
סְלָעִ֖ים
çelaʻ
H5553
crag
N-mp
מִשְׂגַּבּ֑/וֹ
misgâb
H4869
high refuge
N-ms | Suff
לַחְמ֣/וֹ
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs | Suff
נִתָּ֔ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Niphal
מֵימָ֖י/ו
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp | Suff
נֶאֱמָנִֽים
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Niphal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 33:16
ה֚וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מְרוֹמִ֣ים
mârôwm
H4791
"height"
N-mp
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
מְצָד֥וֹת
mᵉtsad
H4679
"stronghold"
N-fp
A stronghold or fort, often in a mountainous area, providing a safe place for people to hide or defend themselves, like the castle of David in 2 Samuel 5:7. It represents a secure and protected location.
Definition: 1) fort, stronghold, fastness 1a) mountain-fastness 1b) stronghold
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: castle, fort, (strong) hold, munition. See also: Judges 6:2; 1 Chronicles 12:9; Isaiah 33:16.
סְלָעִ֖ים
çelaʻ
H5553
"crag"
N-mp
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.
מִשְׂגַּבּ֑/וֹ
misgâb
H4869
"high refuge"
N-ms | Suff
Misgab refers to a high place or tower that provides defense and refuge, like a fortress. It is also the name of a place in Moab, mentioned in Jeremiah 48:1. The KJV translates it as Misgab.
Definition: 1) high place, refuge, secure height, retreat 1a) stronghold 1b) refuge (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Misgab. See also: 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalms 59:18; Psalms 9:10.
לַחְמ֣/וֹ
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
נִתָּ֔ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Niphal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מֵימָ֖י/ו
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp | Suff
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.
נֶאֱמָנִֽים
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
Study Notes — Isaiah 33:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 33:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 33:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 33:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 33:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 33:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 33:16
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 33:16
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 33:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 33:16
- Sermons on Isaiah 33:16
Context — The LORD Is Exalted
14The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling grips the ungodly: “Who of us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting flames?”
15He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil—
16he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.
17Your eyes will see the King in His beauty and behold a land that stretches afar. 18Your mind will ponder the former terror: “Where is he who tallies? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 12:29–31 | And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it. For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added unto you. |
| 2 | Isaiah 32:18 | Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure places of rest. |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:33 | But whoever listens to me will dwell in safety, secure from the fear of evil.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 49:10 | They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. |
| 5 | Proverbs 18:10 | The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. |
| 6 | Psalms 37:3 | Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. |
| 7 | Psalms 107:41 | But He lifts the needy from affliction and increases their families like flocks. |
| 8 | Psalms 90:1 | Lord, You have been our dwelling place through all generations. |
| 9 | Psalms 111:5 | He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever. |
| 10 | Psalms 33:18 | Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion |
Isaiah 33:16 Summary
This verse, Isaiah 33:16, talks about a person who trusts in God and lives a righteous life, and as a result, they get to experience God's protection and provision. It's like having a safe and secure place to live, where all their needs are met, similar to what Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33. The person in this verse can trust that God will take care of them, just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4. By trusting in God and living a life that honors Him, we can experience this kind of security and peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to dwell on the heights in Isaiah 33:16?
Dwelling on the heights refers to living a life of spiritual elevation, where one's trust and refuge are in God, as seen in Psalm 91:1-2, which describes God as our refuge and shelter.
How can I be assured of my food and water, as mentioned in this verse?
The assurance of food and water is not just physical, but also spiritual, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
What is the mountain fortress that serves as a refuge in this verse?
The mountain fortress symbolizes God's presence and protection, similar to the concept in Psalm 46:1-3, where God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Is this verse promising a life of ease and comfort for the righteous?
While this verse does promise provision and refuge, it's essential to remember that the Christian life is not promised to be easy, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:12, where we are told that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can trust God to be my refuge and provider, just like the one described in this verse?
- How can I, like the one in this verse, walk righteously and speak with sincerity, especially in challenging situations?
- In what ways can I seek to dwell on the heights, spiritually speaking, and experience the assurance of God's presence and provision in my life?
- What are some 'mountain fortresses' in my life that I rely on for security, and how can I ensure that my ultimate trust is in God alone?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 33:16
He shall dwell on high,.... And so in safety: this is opposed to the fears of hypocrites, the grovelling life of a worldling, and the low life of many professors, and is expressive of the security of good men.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 33:16
He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. He shall dwell on high - heights inaccessible to the foe (Isaiah 26:1).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 33:16
He shall dwell on high; out of the reach of danger. Bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure; God will furnish him with all necessaries.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 33:16
Isaiah 33:16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure.Ver. 16. He shall dwell on high.] Extra iactum, out of the gunshot, the reach of evils and enemies. Or in heaven shall he dwell with God in safety who is to the wicked a consuming fire. His place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks.] Rocks within rocks; rocks beneath, above rocks; rocks so deep no pioneer can undermine them, so thick no cannon can pierce them, so high no ladder can scale them, &c. Bread shall be given him; his waters shall not fail.] He shall have all that his heart can wish, or need require.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 33:16
(15, 16) He that walketh righteously . . .—The answer to the question shows that the words point not to endless punishments, but to the infinite holiness of God. The man who is true and just in all his dealings can dwell in closest fellowship with that holiness which is to others as a consuming fire. To him it is a protection and defence, a “rock fortress,” in which he can dwell securely, where he will find all that he needs for the sustenance of soul and body, the bread and the water of life. The picture of the righteous man is in part an echo, probably a conscious echo, of Psalms 15, 24
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 33:16
16. he shall dwell on high] (lit. “inhabit heights”), i.e. in absolute security, as is said of Jehovah Himself in Isaiah 33:5. the munitions of rocks] inexpugnable rock-fortresses. bread shall be given …] The image of a siege is still kept up: the righteous inhabits a fortress that shall never be starved into surrender.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 33:16
He shall dwell on high - See the margin. Heights, or high places, were usually places of safety, being, inaccessible to an enemy.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 33:16
13-16. And then, as if this judgment were accomplished, the prophet turns to the sinners by whom himself, as counsellor to the pious king, has been so long baffled in Jerusalem.
Sermons on Isaiah 33:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Barrel of Meal Wasted Not by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unwavering faithfulness of divine love through the story of a widow during a time of famine who, despite her dire circumstances, finds her needs met da |
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The Word Brought Nigh to the Sorrowful by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes God's compassionate presence in times of sorrow, illustrating how He cares for even the most distressed individuals, like Hagar, and reassures them through |
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The Cause of Spiritual Stupidity by George MacDonald | George MacDonald preaches on the disciples' lack of understanding when Jesus warned them about the leaven of the Pharisees, focusing on their preoccupation with material concerns l |
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Epistle 400 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in God's love, patience, and truth, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's Word and the need to abide in it. He encourages liv |
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Epistle 221 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in the power of the Lord God, His light, truth, and spirit, to maintain peace and discernment in the midst of challenges and te |
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Soon Your Little Crosses by Anne Dutton | Anne Dutton preaches about finding peace in the midst of troubles by fleeing to Christ, the mighty Savior, and committing our souls daily into His hands for salvation from sin and |
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God's Calls by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of turning away from the call of God. He shares a story about a father who had done everything for his son, but the son wasted hi |