Isaiah 9:19

Isaiah 9:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

By the wrath of the LORD of Hosts the land is scorched, and the people are fuel for the fire. No man even spares his brother.

King James Version KJV

Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

American Standard Version ASV

Through the wrath of Jehovah of hosts is the land burnt up; and the people are as the fuel of fire: no man spareth his brother.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The land was dark with the wrath of the Lord of armies: the people were like those who take men's flesh for food.

Free Bible Version FBV

The anger of the Lord Almighty burns the land. People are like fuel for the fire, and nobody tries to help anyone else.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

By the wrath of the Lord of hostes shall the land be darkened, and the people shall be as the meate of ye fire: no man shall spare his brother.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

In the wrath of Jehovah of Hosts Hath the land been consumed, And the people is as fuel of fire; A man on his brother hath no pity,

World English Bible WEB

Through the LORD of Armies’ wrath, the land is burned up; and the people are the fuel for the fire. No one spares his brother.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

By the wrath of the Lord of hosts the land is troubled, and the people shall be as fuel for the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

Translation for Translators T4T

It is as though the whole land is burned black because the Commander of the armies of angels is extremely angry with the Israeli people. They will become like [SIM] fuel for that great fire, and no one will try to rescue even his own brother from that fire.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 9:19

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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 9:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּגְזֹ֤ר עַל יָמִין֙ וְ/רָעֵ֔ב וַ/יֹּ֥אכַל עַל שְׂמֹ֖אול וְ/לֹ֣א שָׂבֵ֑עוּ אִ֥ישׁ בְּשַׂר זְרֹע֖/וֹ יֹאכֵֽלוּ

וַ/יִּגְזֹ֤ר gâzar H1504 to cut Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

יָמִין֙ yâmîyn H3225 Ben]jamin N-fs

וְ/רָעֵ֔ב râʻêb H7456 be hungry Conj | V-Qal-3ms

וַ/יֹּ֥אכַל ʼâkal H398 to eat Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שְׂמֹ֖אול sᵉmôʼwl H8040 left N-ms

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

שָׂבֵ֑עוּ sâbaʻ H7646 to satisfy V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

בְּשַׂר bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms

זְרֹע֖/וֹ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 arm N-cs | Suff

יֹאכֵֽלוּ ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 9:19

וַ/יִּגְזֹ֤ר gâzar H1504 "to cut" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to cut or divide something, like cutting down a tree or deciding a matter. It is used in various ways, such as cutting off or destroying something. This word appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: 1) to cut, divide, cut down, cut off, cut in two, snatch, decree 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in two, divide 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to cut off, destroy, exterminate 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off, separated, excluded 1b2) to be destroyed, cut off 1b3) to be decreed

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: cut down (off), decree, divide, snatch. See also: 1 Kings 3:25; Psalms 88:6; Psalms 136:13.

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.

יָמִין֙ yâmîyn H3225 "Ben]jamin" N-fs

Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)

Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.

וְ/רָעֵ֔ב râʻêb H7456 "be hungry" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

To be hungry is what this Hebrew verb means, and it is used in stories like Exodus and Matthew to describe physical need. Hunger is a basic human experience, and the Bible often uses it to illustrate spiritual longing.

Definition: 1) to be hungry, be voracious 1a) (Qal) to be hungry 1b) (Hiphil) to allow one to be hungry, allow to hunger

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (suffer to) famish, (be, have, suffer, suffer to) hunger(-ry). See also: Genesis 41:55; Proverbs 19:15; Psalms 34:11.

וַ/יֹּ֥אכַל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

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.

שְׂמֹ֖אול sᵉmôʼwl H8040 "left" N-ms

This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.

Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

שָׂבֵ֑עוּ sâbaʻ H7646 "to satisfy" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To satisfy means to fill someone with enough of something, like food or desire, and can also mean to have too much of something.

Definition: 1) to be satisfied, be sated, be fulfilled, be surfeited 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be sated (with food) 1a2) to be sated, be satisfied with, be fulfilled, be filled, have one's fill of (have desire satisfied) 1a3) to have in excess, be surfeited, be surfeited with 1a3a) to be weary of (fig) 1b) (Piel) to satisfy 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to satisfy 1c2) to enrich 1c3) to sate, glut (with the undesired)

Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of. See also: Exodus 16:8; Proverbs 12:11; Psalms 17:14.

אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

בְּשַׂר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms

The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.

זְרֹע֖/וֹ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 "arm" N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.

Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)

Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.

יֹאכֵֽלוּ ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Study Notes — Isaiah 9:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 9:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 9:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 9:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 9:19
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 9:19
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 9:19
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 9:19
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 9:19
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 9:19
Sermons on Isaiah 9:19

Context — Judgment against Israel’s Unrepentance

17Therefore the Lord takes no pleasure in their young men; He has no compassion on their fatherless and widows. For every one of them is godless and wicked, and every mouth speaks folly. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. 18For wickedness burns like a fire that consumes the thorns and briers and kindles the forest thickets, which roll upward in billows of smoke.

19By the wrath of the LORD of Hosts the land is scorched, and the people are fuel for the fire. No man even spares his brother.

20They carve out what is on the right, but they are still hungry; they eat what is on the left, but they are still not satisfied. Each one devours the flesh of his own offspring. 21Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; together they turn against Judah. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Micah 7:2	The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net.
2	Micah 7:6	For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
3	Joel 2:2	a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come.
4	2 Peter 2:4	For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;
5	Isaiah 8:22	Then they will look to the earth and see only distress and darkness and the gloom of anguish. And they will be driven into utter darkness.
6	Isaiah 24:6	Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive.
7	Isaiah 13:18	Their bows will dash young men to pieces; they will have no mercy on the fruit of the womb; they will not look with pity on the children.
8	Isaiah 13:9	Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming— cruel, with fury and burning anger— to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it.
9	Acts 2:20	The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and glorious Day of the Lord.
10	Isaiah 1:31	The strong man will become tinder and his work will be a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the flames.

Isaiah 9:19 Summary

This verse, Isaiah 9:19, is talking about a time when God's judgment is so strong that it affects the whole land and the people in it. The people are so caught up in their own selfish desires that they even turn against their own family members, as also seen in Judges 17:6. This is a warning to us to make sure we are living in a way that honors God and loves our neighbors, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and Mark 12:31. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28, we can have hope even in difficult times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the land to be scorched by the wrath of the LORD of Hosts?

This means that God's judgment is so severe that it affects the very earth itself, causing destruction and desolation, as seen in Isaiah 9:19, and is reminiscent of God's judgment in Deuteronomy 28:23.

Why does it say that people are fuel for the fire?

This is a metaphor that describes how people are being consumed by God's judgment, just like fuel is consumed by a fire, highlighting the severity of the judgment, as also seen in Ezekiel 15:4-5.

What does it mean that no man spares his brother?

This indicates a complete breakdown of societal bonds and relationships, where even family members are turning against each other in desperation and selfishness, as also described in Matthew 10:21 and Matthew 24:10.

Is this verse talking about a specific historical event or a future prophecy?

While Isaiah 9:19 is addressed to the Israelites of Isaiah's time, its themes of judgment and societal breakdown are also applicable to future events, as seen in Revelation 6:15-17, and serve as a warning to all people to turn to God.

Reflection Questions

How can I ensure that I am not contributing to the societal breakdown described in this verse, and instead be a force for good and compassion?
What are some ways that I can show love and kindness to my brothers and sisters in Christ, even in difficult times, as a contrast to the selfishness described in this verse?
In what ways can I prepare myself for times of judgment and hardship, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness even in the midst of difficulty, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7?
How can I balance the need to confront sin and wickedness with the need to show compassion and mercy, as seen in God's character in Isaiah 9:17 and Matthew 23:37?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 9:19

Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts is the land darkened,.... Brought into great distress and affliction; sore judgments and calamities being upon it; for not darkness in a natural, but in a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 9:19

Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 9:19

Darkened, either with the smoke last mentioned, or with misery. Or, burnt up, as the LXX., Chaldee, and Arabic interpreters render it. No man shall spare his brother; they shall destroy one another, as they did in their civil wars, which were frequent among them. The name brother is oft largely used among the Hebrews, even of the remoter kindred, yea, of the fellow members of one city, or tribe, or nation.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 9:19

Isaiah 9:19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.Ver. 19. Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts is the land darkened,] viz., By that pride of smoke, or vast pillar of smoke, mentioned Isaiah 9:18. Tristem et miseram rerum faciem designat. No man shall spare his brother.] Wickedness is cruel, and a man had as good deal with a cannibal as with a truly covetous wretch.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 9:19

(19, 20) Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts is the land darkened . . .—The vision of darkness and famine which had come before the prophet’s eyes in Isaiah 8:21 appears once again, and here, as there, it is a question whether the words are to be understood literally or figuratively. The definiteness of the language of Isa 9:20 suggests the thoughts of the horrors of a famine like that of Samaria (2 Kings 6:28-29), or of Deu 28:53-57; Zechariah 11:9. But even that scene of horror might be only typical of a state of chaos and confusion pervading the whole order of society, fierce passions, jealousies, rivalries working out the destruction of the nation’s life; such as Thucydides (iii. 82-84) has painted as the result of the Peloponnesian war. The mention of Ephraim and Manasseh as conspicuous in the self-destructive work confirms the figurative interpretation. They were devouring “the flesh of their own arm” when they allowed their old tribal jealousies (Judges 8:1; Judges 12:1-4; 2 Samuel 19:43) to break up the unity of the nation. And they together shall be against Judah.—This formed the climax of the whole. The only power of union that showed itself in the northern kingdom was to perpetuate the great schism in which it had its origin. The idea that Israel as such was a nation was forgotten. Ephraim and Manasseh could join in a common expedition against Judah when they could join in nothing else. Of this the alliance of Pekah with Rezin was the most striking instance (2 Chronicles 28:6-15). Traces of internal division are found in the conspiracy of the Gileadites of the trans-Jordanic district of Manasseh, against Pekah’s predecessor in Samaria (2 Kings 15:25).

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 9:19

19. darkened] Another translation is “made to glow”; the word is not found elsewhere. no man sparing his brother. The clause shews that the fire is an emblem of ungovernable party strife. The sense would be still clearer if we could adopt Duhm’s hazardous emendation in the preceding clause so as to make it read “and the people became like man-eaters (cannibals).”

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 9:19

Through the wrath - By the anger, or indignation. This spreading desolation is the proof of his anger. Is the land darkened - The word used here - עתם ‛âtham - occurs nowhere else.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 9:19

19. Through the wrath — Prophecy breathes an intense ethical spirit, expressing how God feels toward wrong in itself. Land darkened — Or, blackened by fire of judgment — the besotted people being the fuel thereof.

Sermons on Isaiah 9:19

	Sermon	Description
	Fearing God and Heeding His Word by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith warns about the enticing and pleasant nature of sin, but emphasizes that it ultimately leads to barrenness, captivity, misery, despair, and darkn
	The Situation Is Desperate by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of holy desperation and how it is reflected in the book of Lamentations and Micah. He emphasizes the desperate state of the world
	The Prodigal Son by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate God's love for the lost. He asks the audience to put themselves in the shoes of a father whose
	Separated From Our Loved Ones! by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of seeking God's mercy and salvation. He shares personal experiences and illustrations of people who died suddenly, emphasizing
	Corporate Confession and Repentance - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts	In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scenario of a young girl getting married to an older man, emphasizing the importance of finding the right partner in God's eyes.
	Jude #4 - Sodom and Gomorrah by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the violence and indulgences of the flesh that are often portrayed in entertainment. He emphasizes the need for Christians to re-examine the
	The Lord Has Promised to Deliver You by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker begins by reading verses from Psalm 34 that emphasize the theme of deliverance. He then prays for an anointing and discusses how God deals with violence