Isaiah 25 3

Isaiah 25:3 kjv

Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.

Isaiah 25:3 nkjv

Therefore the strong people will glorify You; The city of the terrible nations will fear You.

Isaiah 25:3 niv

Therefore strong peoples will honor you; cities of ruthless nations will revere you.

Isaiah 25:3 esv

Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you.

Isaiah 25:3 nlt

Therefore, strong nations will declare your glory;
ruthless nations will fear you.

Isaiah 25 verses

Isaiah 25 3 meaning

Isaiah 25:3 conveys a prophetic declaration of God's universal exaltation and acknowledgment. As a direct consequence of His mighty acts, specifically His judgment over the oppressors and His defense of the vulnerable (mentioned in the preceding verses), nations that were once formidable and ruthless will be compelled to recognize and worship Him. Their previous power will yield to His supreme authority, and their once-defiant spirits will turn to reverent awe and glorification of the Lord.

Isaiah 25 3 Context

Isaiah 25:3 is part of the "Little Apocalypse" (Isa 24-27), a section of Isaiah's prophecy focusing on universal judgment and ultimate salvation. The preceding verse, Isaiah 25:2, describes God's destruction of an enemy city, making it "a heap," a "ruin" that "shall never be rebuilt." This dramatic display of divine power and justice against oppressive nations sets the immediate stage for verse 3. Historically, Judah faced constant threats from powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon. The "strong peoples" and "ruthless nations" would have resonated with the dominant, often idolatrous, global powers of Isaiah's time. This verse offers a stark contrast to their perceived invincibility, projecting a future where these very powers, after witnessing God's overwhelming might, will bow in fear and glorify the God of Israel. It emphasizes God's sovereignty over all human endeavors and rulers.

Isaiah 25 3 Word analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן - lākēn): This conjunctive word signals a direct consequence, indicating that the actions described in this verse are a result of God's preceding acts, particularly His destruction of the enemy stronghold and His protective refuge for the poor and needy mentioned in Isa 25:1-2 and 4. It underlines the cause-and-effect relationship between God's intervention and the nations' response.
• Strong (עַם־עָז - ʿam-ʿāz): The Hebrew ʿaz means "mighty," "fierce," or "powerful." It characterizes nations not just by their size, but by their military prowess, imperial dominance, and oppressive power. This word choice heightens the dramatic reversal—it's not the weak or already God-fearing who turn to Him, but the once-proud and independent powers.
• Peoples (עַם־עָז - ʿam-ʿāz): Refers to nations, a broader scope than just the singular "city" in v.2, emphasizing a global acknowledgment.
• Will glorify (יְכַבְּדֻ֥ךָ - yəḵabbəḏūḵā): From the root kāḇaḏ, meaning "to be heavy," "to be weighty," or "to honor." To glorify God is to attribute to Him His proper weight, significance, and honor; to recognize His worthiness of praise and adoration. This signifies a voluntary act of worship and praise, recognizing God's inherent value and greatness demonstrated through His acts.
• You (לָכֵ֞ן ... יְכַבְּדֻ֥ךָ ...): Refers to the Lord (Yahweh), the God of Israel, the one who performs the wondrous acts of judgment and salvation.
• Cities of ruthless (קִרְיַ֥ת גּוֹיִ֖ם עָרִיצִ֥ים - qiryaṯ gōyim ʿārīṣîm): Qiryaṯ is "city of," gōyim are "nations," and ʿārīṣîm means "ruthless," "tyrannical," or "terrible." This phrase highlights urban centers that represent the heart of national power, oppression, and idol worship. "Ruthless" implies cruelty, violence, and a lack of compassion towards others, particularly God's people.
• Nations (גּוֹיִ֖ם - gōyim): Emphasizes the Gentile, non-Israelite peoples. This underscores the universality of God's dominion and the extent of His future worship.
• Will fear (יִירָֽאוּךָ - yîrā’ūḵā): From yārēʾ, meaning "to fear," but also to "respect" or "revere." This fear is not merely terror but a profound awe, submission, and respectful acknowledgment of God's power, holiness, and supreme authority, often leading to worship and obedience. It's the "fear of the Lord" that leads to wisdom (Prov 9:10).

• Strong peoples will glorify you: This phrase encapsulates a complete reversal of human pride. The nations renowned for their might and self-sufficiency, often used to oppress others, will turn their strength towards acknowledging God's glory. This glorification arises from witnessing God's unparalleled power over them.
• Cities of ruthless nations will fear you: This parallel statement specifically targets the seats of oppressive power and leadership. It signifies that even the core centers of rebellion and human tyranny will come to acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty and dreadful majesty. The fear expressed here is a foundational respect for God's power, demonstrated by His judgment, leading to recognition of His rightful place.

Isaiah 25 3 Bonus section

This verse carries strong eschatological significance, anticipating the full manifestation of God's kingdom on earth where all nations will either willingly submit to Christ or be compelled to acknowledge His sovereignty. It underscores a crucial theological principle: God’s demonstration of power through judgment is often a catalyst for repentance, reverence, and glorification among those who were once hostile. The fear described is redemptive; it's the beginning of wisdom, a pathway to proper worship rather than an end in itself. Furthermore, it foreshadows the calling of the Gentiles into the family of God, a theme prominent in the New Testament, where people from every nation and tribe will worship the Lamb.

Isaiah 25 3 Commentary

Isaiah 25:3 provides a profound glimpse into God's ultimate redemptive plan, asserting that His powerful intervention in the world will lead to global recognition. The verse directly links the glorification and fear of God by previously strong and ruthless nations to the divine judgments described earlier in the chapter. These nations, who once built impenetrable cities and exerted oppressive control, will witness their own downfall and realize the futility of human strength against the Almighty. Their "glorification" signifies a reverent worship, an acknowledgment of His inherent majesty and worth. Their "fear" is not merely terror, but an awe-filled respect born from witnessing God's power and justice. This prophecy signifies the expansion of God's kingdom beyond Israel, ultimately pointing to a future where Christ's reign is universally confessed, fulfilling the vision that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess (Phil 2:10-11). It serves as a reminder that all earthly power structures are subject to God's ultimate dominion and that His glory will eventually be acknowledged by all.