Isaiah 31 4

Isaiah 31:4 kjv

For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

Isaiah 31:4 nkjv

For thus the LORD has spoken to me: "As a lion roars, And a young lion over his prey (When a multitude of shepherds is summoned against him, He will not be afraid of their voice Nor be disturbed by their noise), So the LORD of hosts will come down To fight for Mount Zion and for its hill.

Isaiah 31:4 niv

This is what the LORD says to me: "As a lion growls, a great lion over its prey? and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against it, it is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor? so the LORD Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.

Isaiah 31:4 esv

For thus the LORD said to me, "As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey, and when a band of shepherds is called out against him he is not terrified by their shouting or daunted at their noise, so the LORD of hosts will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its hill.

Isaiah 31:4 nlt

But this is what the LORD has told me: "When a strong young lion
stands growling over a sheep it has killed,
it is not frightened by the shouts and noise
of a whole crowd of shepherds.
In the same way, the LORD of Heaven's Armies
will come down and fight on Mount Zion.

Isaiah 31 verses

Isaiah 31 4 Meaning

The verse depicts God as a mighty lion protecting His dwelling place, Mount Zion. Just as a lion watches over its prey and protects its young from all threats, so too will the Lord Almighty defend Jerusalem from any attackers. His protection is fierce, unwavering, and absolute.

Isaiah 31 4 Context

This verse is part of Isaiah's prophecy during a time when Judah was considering alliances with Egypt for protection against Assyria. Isaiah argues strongly against relying on human power or foreign nations, emphasizing that true security comes only from the Lord. This specific chapter serves as a powerful polemic against such alliances, presenting them as a dangerous departure from faith in God's covenant. The imagery of the lion is used to illustrate God's powerful and protective intervention for Jerusalem.

Isaiah 31 4 Word Analysis

• כְּאַרְיֵה (kə-’aryeh): "as a lion" - This comparison evokes strength, courage, ferocity, and dominion. The lion is the king of beasts, symbolizing power and territoriality.

• כְּכְּפִיר (kə-kəfîr): "as a young lion" or "cub" - This intensifies the imagery. A young lion is often depicted as eager, powerful, and fearless, fully possessing its strength but perhaps more spirited and protective.

• יִגְרֶה (yigrēh): "growls," "roars," or "mutters" - This verb suggests a deep, rumbling sound indicating dominance, possessiveness, and a warning to potential threats. It's not a panicked roar but a confident assertion of presence.

• עַל־טַרְפּוֹ (‘al-ṭarpo): "over his prey" or "upon his carcass" - This highlights the lion's possessiveness and determination to guard what is rightfully his.

• וְיִהְמֶה (wə-yihmēh): "and groans," "moans," or "roars" - This is a more intense sound than the previous verb, indicating active engagement or imminent action, possibly a warning or a display of readiness.

• כִּי־קָרְבָה חֲבַלְכֹל (kî-qārəḇâ ḥăḇalkol): "when the drove/host of shepherds comes against him" - The word "ḥăḇalkol" (הַבָּאֵות can be implied from "host" coming) signifies a group or assemblage, specifically a "driving throng" of shepherds. This represents the multitude of enemies and the threat they pose.

• מִקֹּול (mimmē qol): "from the voice" or "from the noise" - This refers to the sounds made by the approaching enemy, such as shouting, trumpets, or marching.

• צֹאן (ṣōn): "flock of sheep" or "pasture" - Here, the shepherds are overseeing a flock, implying their effort is to control and manage, perhaps to drive away the predator.

• לֹא־יִירָא (lō’-yîrā’): "will not be afraid" or "will not fear" - This emphasizes the lion's courage and unwavering resolve in the face of the shepherds' multitude.

• וּמֵרֹומָם (ûmē rōmām): "nor will be dismayed" or "and for their rushing" - The exact meaning of this phrase is debated. It could refer to the threat of their organized assault, their elevated position, or simply their overwhelming presence.

• לֹא־יִנָּאֵה (lō’-yinnā’ēh): "will not be alarmed" or "will not be subdued" - Similar to "lō’-yîrā’," this reinforces the idea that the lion will not be intimidated or moved from its position.

• כֹּי־תִּכְפֹּר (kî-ṭiqpōr): "because you will pay back" or "for you will render." This shifts to the address, implying God's intended action.

• יהוה צְבָאוֹת (Yəhowâ Ṣəḇā’ōṯ): "the LORD of hosts" - This title signifies God's omnipotence, power over all armies and heavenly beings, and His role as commander.

• לְהִצָּתֵר (lə-hiṣṣāṯēr): "to come down" or "to alight" - Suggests a descent from above, God actively engaging in the situation.

• לְהִלָּחֶם (lə-hillaḥêm): "to fight" or "to battle."

• עַל־הַר־צִיּוֹן (‘al-har ṣiyyôn): "upon Mount Zion" - This is the specific location of God's promised dwelling and protection, making it sacred ground.

• וְעַל־גִּבְעָתָהּ (wə-‘al-giḇ‘āṯāh): "and upon its hill." - Reinforces the focus on Jerusalem as the site of divine defense.

• Groups of words: The pairing of "lion" and "young lion" signifies a comprehensive display of fierce protectiveness. The combination of "growls" and "roars" depicts an escalating warning and readiness for engagement. The contrast between the powerful lion and the "drove of shepherds" emphasizes God's superior might against overwhelming human forces. The repeated negations ("will not be afraid," "will not be dismayed") highlight God's unfailing defense.

Isaiah 31 4 Bonus Section

The analogy of the lion is particularly potent in the Old Testament. God is often described as a lion (e.g., Hosea 11:10; Amos 3:8), symbolizing His strength, power, and sovereign rule. In this verse, however, the focus is on His role as a protector. The "shepherds" (the Assyrian army) are likened to a threat to the flock, but in this context, they are more like a mob attempting to dislodge the protector. The emphasis on "not being afraid" and "not being dismayed" underscores God's unshakeable confidence in His own ability to defend His people, a confidence that His people should emulate in their trust. The choice of Mount Zion as the focal point highlights the theological significance of Jerusalem as God's dwelling place, a place He is bound by covenant to defend.

Isaiah 31 4 Commentary

Isaiah 31:4 powerfully contrasts human military strategy with divine intervention. The Assyrian army, with its numerous shepherds attempting to manage and drive away all opposition, is met not with Israel's fearful retreat but with God's own mighty defense. Like a lion protecting its kill, God will ferociously and resolutely stand His ground on Mount Zion, refusing to be intimidated by the size or noise of the enemy. This verse calls for faith in God's sovereign power and protection rather than relying on superficial alliances with Egypt. It reassures the people that their ultimate security rests in the Lord of hosts, who actively defends His sacred city. The imagery connects to God's unwavering love and jealousy for His people, just as a lioness fiercely guards her cubs.