Isaiah 33 14

Isaiah 33:14 kjv

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

Isaiah 33:14 nkjv

The sinners in Zion are afraid; Fearfulness has seized the hypocrites: "Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?"

Isaiah 33:14 niv

The sinners in Zion are terrified; trembling grips the godless: "Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?"

Isaiah 33:14 esv

The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling has seized the godless: "Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?"

Isaiah 33:14 nlt

The sinners in Jerusalem shake with fear.
Terror seizes the godless.
"Who can live with this devouring fire?" they cry.
"Who can survive this all-consuming fire?"

Isaiah 33 verses

Isaiah 33 14 Meaning

This verse vividly depicts the consequences of sin and apostasy in the land of Israel, specifically focusing on the destruction of the wicked and the fear of the Lord. It underscores that for those who engage in wicked practices and uphold unrighteousness, their dwelling places will be consumed by fire. It is a solemn declaration of divine judgment against those who actively oppose God's ways and perpetrate injustice.

Isaiah 33 14 Context

This verse appears within the latter half of Isaiah chapter 33, a chapter often described as a prophetic oracle of judgment and salvation. The preceding verses (33:1-13) vividly depict the devastating Assyrian invasion and the resulting distress and desolation experienced by Judah. God's people are described as fearful, confused, and vulnerable under the onslaught. Chapter 33, as a whole, marks a turning point, moving from the pronouncement of judgment on the wicked (Assyria and unfaithful Israelites) to a promise of restoration and security for the faithful remnant.

Isaiah 33:14 specifically focuses on the dire state of the unrighteous within Zion or Judah itself. It contrasts their fate with the secure future of the righteous, which is detailed in the verses following (e.g., 33:15-16). The historical context is likely the period of the Assyrian crisis, potentially around Sennacherib's invasion in 701 BC, though some scholars argue for later dates for certain portions of Isaiah. However, the core message is consistent: divine judgment will fall upon the wicked, characterized by fiery destruction.

The polemic element lies in the absolute certainty of judgment for those who actively oppose God's covenant people and engage in corrupt practices. It implicitly condemns any who thought they could thrive on injustice and oppression, assuring them of a grim end.

Isaiah 33 14 Word Analysis

• אָ sodass (ki): "When" or "for." This introduces a condition or cause.
• הִמָּרוּ הַמָּרִים (hammārū hammārîm): "The rebellious" or "the apostates." The repetition emphasizes their ingrained nature of rebellion. It comes from the root מָרָה (mārah), meaning "to be rebellious, disobedient."
• בָעָ֞ה (bā'āh): "consumes," "devours." From the root בָעַר (bā'ar), signifying burning or destruction, often intensely.
• הוֹשַׁ֧ע (hôša'): "fear," "awe." This word signifies a deep reverence and respectful fear of God. It is derived from the root יָרֵא (yāre'), which encompasses both fear and reverence.
• דֶּלֶק (delek): "burning," "fire." This noun denotes intense heat and conflagration.
• אֲרָמִ֑ים (arāmîm): "a habitation," "a dwelling." Refers to the place where someone lives.
• מַאֲכֶ֣לֶת (ma'ăkhelet): "devouring," "consumption." This noun emphasizes the complete destruction or eating up.
• אָ֑שׁ (ēš): "fire." The basic word for fire.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "When the rebellious shall be consumed,": This phrase sets a condition for the ensuing judgment. "Rebellious" (hammārîm) denotes not just any wrongdoer, but those who have deliberately and consistently defied God and His covenant.
• "and the apostates are made to disappear by the fire,": "Apostates" further clarifies the nature of their sin as turning away from God. The idea of "disappear" or being "made to vanish" through fire highlights utter annihilation.
• "for who shall dwell with the devouring fire?": This is a rhetorical question emphasizing the impossibility of coexisting with God's consuming judgment.
• "who shall abide with the eternal burning?": Similar to the previous part, "eternal burning" points to a lasting and unquenchable judgment. "Abide" (yāgûr) means to dwell, to sojourn, suggesting a state of persistent exposure to the judgment.
• "He that walks righteously": This introduces the counterpoint, the faithful who live according to God's statutes.
• "and speaks uprightly;": Emphasizes integrity in speech.
• "he that despises the gain of oppression,": Rejects ill-gotten wealth through injustice.
• "that shakes his hands from holding bribes,": Refuses to participate in corrupt practices.
• "that stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed,": Turns away from violent acts and their incitement.
• "and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil;": Actively avoids sinful or harmful sights and actions.
• "he shall dwell on high:": This denotes dwelling in a secure, elevated, and protected place.
• "his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks:": His safety is guaranteed by impenetrable defenses, described metaphorically.
• "bread shall be given him,": His provision is assured.
• "his waters shall be sure.": His sustenance is reliable.

Isaiah 33 14 Bonus Section

The concept of "devouring fire" (delēq 'ēš) or "eternal burning" echoes throughout Scripture as a symbol of God's judgment. This isn't merely a physical fire but represents the complete and absolute annihilation or purification that God enacts upon sin and the sinner who remains unrepentant. In Isaiah's context, this judgment might have a temporal fulfillment in earthly calamities, but the language is often understood to also allude to the eternal consequences described in the New Testament, such as the "unquenchable fire" (Mark 9:48) and the "lake of fire" (Rev 20:14-15). The "high dwelling" and "munitions of rocks" for the righteous point to divine protection and inaccessible safety found only in God's presence and care. This echoes God as a "strong tower" or "refuge" in many Psalms. The sustenance promised ("bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure") speaks of the Lord's faithful provision for His people, a theme seen in the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16) and the living water Jesus offers (John 4:14).

Isaiah 33 14 Commentary

This verse presents a stark contrast between the fate of the wicked and the secure dwelling of the righteous. The wicked, characterized by rebellion and apostasy, face consuming and eternal fire, symbolizing absolute divine judgment and destruction. No one can withstand God's burning wrath when directed against persistent wickedness. The second part of the verse then beautifully outlines the qualities of the truly righteous: moral uprightness in action and speech, a rejection of ill-gotten gains, bribes, bloodshed, and evil in all its forms. For such individuals, security, provision, and assured sustenance are guaranteed by God. It’s a message that affirms God's commitment to judge sin severely while abundantly blessing those who walk faithfully in His ways.

Practical Usage Examples:

• In Times of Trial: Reminds believers that those who promote injustice and harm will face divine judgment, while faithfulness through hardship is rewarded with security.
• For Personal Reflection: Encourages examination of one's own practices to ensure a rejection of bribery, oppression, and all forms of evil, leading to a deeper trust in God's provision and protection.
• Against Corruption: Serves as a warning against corrupt leaders and systems, asserting that ultimate judgment rests with God.