Isaiah 64:3
Isaiah 64:3 in Multiple Translations
When You did awesome works that we did not expect, You came down, and the mountains trembled at Your presence.
When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.
When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains quaked at thy presence.
While you do acts of power for which we are not looking, and which have not come to the ears of men in the past.
In the past you did things we weren't anticipating. You came down and the mountains trembled in your presence!
When thou diddest terrible things, which we looked not for, thou camest downe, and the mountaines melted at thy presence.
In Thy doing fearful things — we expect not, Thou didst come down, From Thy presence did mountains flow.
When you did awesome things which we didn’t look for, you came down, and the mountains quaked at your presence.
When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.
When thou shalt do wonderful things, we shall not bear them: thou didst come down, and at thy presence the mountains melted away.
You have done awesome things which we were not expecting you to do; the mountains shook when you came down at Horeb Mountain.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 64:3
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 64:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מֵ/עוֹלָ֥ם
לֹא
שָׁמְע֖וּ
לֹ֣א
הֶאֱזִ֑ינוּ
עַ֣יִן
לֹֽא
רָאָ֗תָה
אֱלֹהִים֙
זוּלָ֣תְ/ךָ֔
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
לִ/מְחַכֵּה
לֽ/וֹ
וּ/מֵ/עוֹלָ֥ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Conj | Prep | N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שָׁמְע֖וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הֶאֱזִ֑ינוּ
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
עַ֣יִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
רָאָ֗תָה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
זוּלָ֣תְ/ךָ֔
zûwlâh
H2108
exception
Prep | Suff
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִ/מְחַכֵּה
châkâh
H2442
to wait
Prep | V-Piel
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 64:3
וּ/מֵ/עוֹלָ֥ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
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.
שָׁמְע֖וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לֹ֣א
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.
הֶאֱזִ֑ינוּ
ʼâzan
H238
"to listen"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To listen or hear is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying obedience or paying attention to what is being said, as in 1 Kings 3:9.
Definition: 1) to hear, listen 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to hear, listen, give ear 1a2) to be obedient, harken 1a3) to hear or listen to prayers (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken). See H239 (אָזַן). See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 77:2; Psalms 5:2.
עַ֣יִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לֹֽא
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.
רָאָ֗תָה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
זוּלָ֣תְ/ךָ֔
zûwlâh
H2108
"exception"
Prep | Suff
This word means exception or removal, like scattering something away, and is used in phrases like except or besides. The KJV translates it as beside, but, only, or save. It is often used to make exceptions in biblical commands.
Definition: 1) a removal, a putting away prep 2) except, besides, with the exception of, with removal of conj 3) except that
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: beside, but, only, save. See also: Deuteronomy 1:36; 2 Kings 24:14; Psalms 18:32.
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לִ/מְחַכֵּה
châkâh
H2442
"to wait"
Prep | V-Piel
To wait patiently is what this Hebrew word means, as when David waited for God's deliverance in the Psalms. It involves trusting and expecting God's help, like when the prophet Isaiah encouraged the Israelites to wait on God.
Definition: 1) to wait, wait for, await 1a) (Qal) to wait for 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, tarry 1b2) to wait (in ambush) 1b3) to wait for, long for
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: long, tarry, wait. See also: 2 Kings 7:9; Isaiah 8:17; Psalms 33:20.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Isaiah 64:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 64:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 64:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 64:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 64:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 64:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 64:3
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 64:3
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 64:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 64:3
- Sermons on Isaiah 64:3
Context — A Prayer for God’s Power
1If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence,
2as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence!
3When You did awesome works that we did not expect, You came down, and the mountains trembled at Your presence.
4From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. 5You welcome those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. Surely You were angry, for we sinned. How can we be saved if we remain in our sins?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 34:10 | And the LORD said, “Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will perform wonders that have never been done in any nation in all the world. All the people among whom you live will see the LORD’s work, for it is an awesome thing that I am doing with you. |
| 2 | Psalms 65:5–6 | With awesome deeds of righteousness You answer us, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. You formed the mountains by Your power, having girded Yourself with might. |
| 3 | Psalms 66:3 | Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You. |
| 4 | Habakkuk 3:3 | God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 10:21 | He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome wonders that your eyes have seen. |
| 6 | Psalms 106:22 | wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. |
| 7 | Psalms 66:5 | Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind. |
| 8 | Judges 5:4–5 | O LORD, when You went out from Seir, when You marched from the land of Edom, the earth trembled, the heavens poured out rain, and the clouds poured down water. The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 9 | Habakkuk 3:6 | He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations; the ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting. |
| 10 | Psalms 105:27–36 | They performed His miraculous signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. He sent darkness, and it became dark— yet they defied His words. He turned their waters to blood and caused their fish to die. Their land teemed with frogs, even in their royal chambers. He spoke, and insects swarmed— gnats throughout their country. He gave them hail for rain, with lightning throughout their land. He struck their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country. He spoke, and the locusts came— young locusts without number. They devoured every plant in their land and consumed the produce of their soil. Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor. |
Isaiah 64:3 Summary
[Isaiah 64:3 reminds us that God is a powerful and surprising God who can do amazing things that we don't expect. When God acts, even the mountains tremble with fear, as we see in Psalm 97:5. This verse encourages us to trust in God's power and presence in our lives, even when things seem impossible or unexpected, and to remember that God is always working for our good (Romans 8:28).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of awesome works is Isaiah referring to in Isaiah 64:3?
Isaiah is likely referring to the mighty works of God in the history of Israel, such as the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31 or the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai in Exodus 19:16-25, which demonstrated God's power and presence among His people.
Why did the mountains tremble at God's presence?
The mountains trembled at God's presence because of His awe-inspiring power and holiness, as described in Psalm 114:7 and Hebrews 12:26, where God's voice causes the earth to tremble.
Is Isaiah 64:3 a reference to a past event or a future hope?
Isaiah 64:3 appears to be a reference to a past event, but it also expresses a longing for God to act in a similar way in the present or future, as seen in the preceding verse, Isaiah 64:1-2, where Isaiah cries out for God to rend the heavens and come down.
How does Isaiah 64:3 relate to our lives today?
Isaiah 64:3 reminds us of God's power and presence in our lives, and encourages us to trust in His ability to work in unexpected ways, as promised in Ephesians 3:20 and Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'awesome works' that God has done in my life that I did not expect, and how have I responded to them?
- How can I cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God's power and presence in my daily life?
- In what ways do I need to trust in God's ability to work in unexpected ways, and how can I apply the promise of Isaiah 64:3 to my current circumstances?
- What are some 'mountains' in my life that need to tremble at God's presence, and how can I pray for God to work in those areas?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 64:3
When thou didst terrible things, which we looked not for, thou camest down,.... Referring to the wonderful things God did in Egypt, at the Red sea, and in the wilderness, and particularly at Mount
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 64:3
When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence. When thou didst. Supply from Isaiah 64:2, As when, etc.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 64:3
When thou didst terrible things: this may relate to what he did among the Egyptians, though it be not recorded, and afterward in the wilderness. Which we looked not for, viz. our forefathers, of whose race we are; before we expected them; or such things as we could never expect. The mountains flowed down: q.d. Seeing thou hast made the mountains thus to melt, thou canst do the same again. This may allude either, 1. To those showers of rain that fell with that terrible thunder and lightning, and so ran violently down those mountains, and the adjacent, as is usual in such tempests. Or rather, 2. The running along of the fire upon the ground, ,24. It is possible it may allude to those mountains that do cast forth sulphurous matter, running down into the valleys and sea, like melted streams of fire. And kings, princes, and potentates may also metaphorically be understood by these mountains.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 64:3
Isaiah 64:3 When thou didst terrible things [which] we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.Ver. 3. When thou didst terrible things.] Or, As when thou didst &c.; as thou didst of old for our forefathers. Which we looked not for.] See Deuteronomy 4:32-33, where God himself extolleth them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 64:3
(3) When thou didst terrible things . . .—The latter clause, “thou camest down . . .” is supposed by some critics to be an accidental repetition from Isaiah 64:1. By others it is taken as an intentional repetition, emphasising the previous assertion, after the manner of Hebrew poetry. The latter view seems to have most in its favour.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 64:3
3. The second part of the verse, being (in the original) verbally repeated from Isaiah 64:1, ought probably to be omitted as a copyist’s error. The passage gains in compactness by its excision. Isaiah 64:1-3 will then form a single sentence, the last clause of which runs: while thou doest terrible things which we hoped not for; i.e. surpassing all our expectations. terrible things] A standing phrase, as Cheyne remarks, for the marvels of the Exodus, the type of the great final deliverance. Cf. Deuteronomy 10:21; 2 Samuel 7:23; Psalms 106:22.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 64:3
When thou didst terrible things - In delivering the people from Egypt, and in conducting them to the promised land. Which we looked not for - Which we had never before witnessed, and which we had no right to expect.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 64:3
3. Thou didst terrible things — Examples were in the deliverance from Egypt, and in the entrance to Canaan. We looked not for — That is, no one before ever witnessed such phenomena, and they were unexpected when they occurred.
Sermons on Isaiah 64:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 34:10-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses God's covenant with Moses for the children of Israel. God promises to do marvelous works that have never been seen before, to protect the Isra |
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The Final Paradox by Elton Trueblood | Elton Trueblood delves into the profound theological reflections of Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing his unwavering belief in the sovereignty and guidance of God in the midst of great |
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Letter 98 by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches to Mr. T. 0. about the importance of experiencing God's judgments and discipline, which reveal the hidden sins and inventions of our hearts. Through this comm |
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Unbelievers Contemn the Glory and Excellency of Christ by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about how unbelievers contempt the glory and excellency of Christ, highlighting their refusal to acknowledge the greatness of Christ's person, work, and o |
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Letter 99 by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the prevalence of superficial religious professions and the need for true humility and repentance before God. He highlights the importance of recognizing ou |
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Canaan on Earth by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the journey of a man who was initially an infidel but eventually found Christianity and became a preacher. The man went through a period of self-den |
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Letter 74 by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches about the refining fire of God's work in the lives of believers, using the analogy of cedar work consumed by fire to represent the destruction of vain confide |