Isaiah 33 19

Isaiah 33:19 kjv

Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.

Isaiah 33:19 nkjv

You will not see a fierce people, A people of obscure speech, beyond perception, Of a stammering tongue that you cannot understand.

Isaiah 33:19 niv

You will see those arrogant people no more, people whose speech is obscure, whose language is strange and incomprehensible.

Isaiah 33:19 esv

You will see no more the insolent people, the people of an obscure speech that you cannot comprehend, stammering in a tongue that you cannot understand.

Isaiah 33:19 nlt

You will no longer see these fierce, violent people
with their strange, unknown language.

Isaiah 33 verses

Isaiah 33 19 Meaning

This verse describes a future time when God's people will no longer encounter foreigners who are incomprehensible or a threat, because they will see God clearly. It speaks of a time of divine restoration and recognition, where past anxieties are removed as God's presence becomes intimately known.

Isaiah 33 19 Context

Isaiah 33 is a chapter filled with prophetic judgment against foreign oppressors and promises of future deliverance and peace for Zion. The immediate context, particularly verses 17-24, paints a vivid picture of God's glorious reign over His redeemed people in the restored Jerusalem. It describes a city that will be a place of safety, peace, and divine presence. Verse 19 is situated within this eschatological vision, highlighting the transformation of relationships and perception that will occur when God Himself is seen by His people. It speaks to the ultimate removal of barriers to understanding and communication that exist in the current world due to sin and foreignness.

Isaiah 33 19 Word Analysis

• Thou (אַתָּה - attah): A majestic and familiar form of "you," emphasizing God's direct address and personal involvement.
• shalt (תִּרְאֶה - tir'eh): Future tense of "to see." This indicates a future certainty of experiencing this vision.
• not (לֹא - lo): A simple negation.
• see (חָזִית - ḥazîṯ): Specifically refers to a vision or prophetic sight. Here it implies seeing something distinct and remarkable, perhaps a visible manifestation of God.
• a forestaller (צָפָה - tsaphah): Root meaning "to watch," "to look out," "to scout." Used here as a noun for one who looks ahead or watches intently. Can imply those who observe with malicious intent, or, as in this context, those who are alien and uncommunicative.
• a nation (גּוֹי - goy): Often refers to nations outside of Israel, foreigners.
• of deeper (בַּעֲמִקּוּס - ba'ămīqqus): This Hebrew word is unique and not standard. It's likely a rare or possibly a scribe's rendering, implying depth, mystery, or being unpenetratable. It conveys a sense of foreignness and being incomprehensible or obscure.
• speech (שָׂפָה - saphah): Tongue, language, lip. Here refers to articulate language.
• and (וְ - wə): Conjunction.
• of a stammering (לְשׁוֹן - lĕshôn): Tongue, language. The word used for "speech" earlier.
• tongue (לָעַז - lā'az): Means to mock, to taunt, or to speak unintelligibly. Refers to foreign speech perceived as strange or abusive.
• understood (יָרוּץ - yarūts): Root meaning "to run." In this context, it’s related to understanding or being comprehended, implying that this incomprehensible speech will no longer cause confusion or fear.
• not (לֹא - lo): Negation.

Word Groups:

• "forestaller... a nation of deeper speech": This combination points to foreigners whose language and intent are obscure and alien, presenting an unknown or potential threat.
• "stammering tongue... understood not": Emphasizes the lack of comprehension and the feeling of being outside the circle of communication and understanding.

Isaiah 33 19 Bonus Section

The uniqueness of the word "עֲמִקּוּס" ('ămīqqus) for "deeper speech" is notable. Its rare occurrence in biblical Hebrew suggests a particular emphasis on the profound and unfathomable nature of the languages and cultures that would once be alien and imposing. Scholars suggest it may relate to a root implying complexity or a difficult-to-penetrate substance. This verse also anticipates the New Testament concept where the Holy Spirit enables believers to understand spiritual truths and communicate the Gospel effectively across all cultural and linguistic divides, ultimately uniting people under the one Truth found in Christ. The elimination of "stammering tongue" also echoes the miraculous events of Pentecost (Acts 2) where believers spoke in other tongues, but here the promise is even greater: all will understand because of God’s unveiled presence.

Isaiah 33 19 Commentary

This verse signifies a future transformation where the barriers of alien languages and the fear they often invoke will be completely dissolved. This liberation from confusion and potential threat is directly linked to the people's intimate and clear vision of God. When God is fully perceived and known, the complexities and anxieties stemming from human otherness become secondary or irrelevant. The prophetic future assures a state where all that was once perplexing in communication and inter-group relations will be rendered unnecessary because the divine presence and truth will be universally apparent. This implies a radical shift in perception, where unity and understanding are not achieved through overcoming linguistic barriers but by experiencing a higher reality that transcends them. It’s a future where the intimate knowledge of God eclipses all previous divisions and fears associated with "foreignness."