Isaiah 33 21

Isaiah 33:21 kjv

But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.

Isaiah 33:21 nkjv

But there the majestic LORD will be for us A place of broad rivers and streams, In which no galley with oars will sail, Nor majestic ships pass by

Isaiah 33:21 niv

There the LORD will be our Mighty One. It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams. No galley with oars will ride them, no mighty ship will sail them.

Isaiah 33:21 esv

But there the LORD in majesty will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars can go, nor majestic ship can pass.

Isaiah 33:21 nlt

The LORD will be our Mighty One.
He will be like a wide river of protection
that no enemy can cross,
that no enemy ship can sail upon.

Isaiah 33 verses

Isaiah 33 21 meaning

Isaiah 33:21 portrays the Lord as Zion's majestic and impenetrable protector, providing security akin to a system of broad, unnavigable rivers and streams that repel any hostile fleet. This imagery ensures His people of absolute safety, abundance, and divine defense, rendering any worldly power (symbolized by ships) incapable of breaching His sacred dwelling.

Isaiah 33 21 Context

Isaiah 33 is situated within a section of Isaiah (chapters 28-33) primarily focused on judgment against Assyria and Judah's faithless allies, while also holding out hope for a future restoration and God's ultimate reign. The chapter opens with a woe to the oppressor (Assyria), vividly describing the terror and desolation caused by the invasion. The people of Judah are pictured in distress, praying for deliverance. After lamenting the widespread desolation (vv. 7-9) and God's promised intervention (vv. 10-13), a contrast is drawn between the terrified sinners in Zion (vv. 14-16) and those who walk righteously and dwell securely (vv. 15-16). Verses 17-24 then shift to a vision of Zion's glorious future under God's righteous rule, marked by the King's beauty, remembrance of terror, and a state of complete peace and security. Verse 21, specifically, acts as a pivotal poetic affirmation of this divine protection for Zion, particularly in light of Jerusalem's historical lack of major natural waterways that often served as defenses for other ancient cities. It directly counters the fears of invasion with an unparalleled promise of God's personal and mighty defense.

Isaiah 33 21 Word analysis

• But there: Introduces a sharp contrast. Following a description of past desolation and the fleeting nature of the oppressor, this phrase shifts focus to a positive, eternal reality anchored in God. It signals a turning point from destruction to divine security.
• the LORD (Yahweh): Emphasizes God's personal covenant name. This isn't just a generic deity, but the sovereign, faithful, and active God of Israel, who personally intervenes for His people. It points to an intimate and powerful relationship.
• in majesty (be-gadôl): Meaning "in greatness" or "with grandeur." It speaks of God's awe-inspiring splendor, inherent power, and supreme authority. His very presence in Zion brings exalted glory and irresistible might, transforming its state from vulnerability to unassailable strength.
• will be for us: A deeply personal and relational statement. God's presence and actions are directly on behalf of His people, emphasizing His covenantal love and protective role. It signifies a divine commitment and intimate care.
• a place of broad rivers and streams: This is a powerful metaphor, especially significant for Jerusalem, which lacked natural broad rivers or major navigable waterways.
  • mekôm nehārîm ye'ōrîm: "Place of rivers, Nile-like streams." Nahār (river) typically denotes a large, flowing body of water, while ye'ōr (often refers to the Nile) denotes mighty, deep streams, channels, or canals. The dual imagery emphasizes vastness and depth.
  • Significance: Far from being a physical description of Jerusalem, this portrays God as the unbreachable defense and source of abundant provision. Rivers were strategic defensive barriers for ancient cities, making invasion difficult. For a city like Jerusalem without them, this metaphor asserts that God Himself fulfills this role, and more. It challenges the assumption that physical fortifications or geographical advantages are the source of ultimate security.
• where no galley with oars can go: A "galley" (Hebrew oni-shayit, 'rowing ship') refers to war vessels propelled by oars. The phrase signifies that these "rivers" (God's defense) are impassable, even by the swift and agile military ships of the enemy. It depicts total impermeability.
• nor majestic ship pass by: A "majestic ship" (Hebrew oni-ʾaddîr, 'strong ship' or 'mighty ship') refers to larger, possibly merchant vessels or grand warships, symbolizing naval power, commerce, or impressive might. The declaration that even these cannot pass reinforces the absolute, unyielding nature of God's defense against any foreign threat, however powerful or sophisticated.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• But there the LORD in majesty will be for us: This phrase shifts from an external threat to an internal, divine certainty. It positions God, in His ultimate splendor and authority, as the sole and personal guarantee of His people's well-being and existence. His grandeur is actively directed towards their protection.
• a place of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars can go, nor majestic ship pass by: This extended metaphor defines God's defense. Instead of natural waterways, God Himself is the unassailable barrier. It’s an "anti-river" in its function against enemy craft. It's a polemic: earthly powers rely on rivers for trade and warfare, but God's spiritual "river" completely frustrates such attempts, making Jerusalem supernaturally secure against any force or impressive vessel known to humanity. It highlights that God’s provision of security is far superior to any natural defense.

Isaiah 33 21 Bonus section

This verse carries a powerful polemic against the ancient world's reliance on large, navigable rivers for both defense and commerce. While cities like Babylon or Thebes thrived on their rivers, Jerusalem, built on a mountain with minimal water sources, was vulnerable. The prophet proclaims that God transforms this vulnerability into strength; He makes the spiritual river of His presence the ultimate defense. This imagery later connects to the prophetic visions of spiritual rivers flowing from the temple in Eze 47 and Zech 14, and ultimately to the "river of the water of life" in Rev 22, symbolizing the boundless, life-giving presence and provision of God in the New Jerusalem, where no unholy thing or enemy can enter. The security promised here in Isaiah is not just physical, but an eternal, spiritual security provided by the Lord's very nature and presence among His people.

Isaiah 33 21 Commentary

Isaiah 33:21 is a profound declaration of Zion's divine impregnability and the source of its abundance. In an era where cities heavily relied on natural rivers for defense and resources, Jerusalem notably lacked such formidable waterways. This verse turns that geographical reality on its head by asserting that the Lord Himself, in His unmatchable majesty, becomes a system of "broad rivers and streams" for His people. These aren't literal waters, but a metaphor for His pervasive presence, power, and provision, creating an impassable barrier. The inability of any "galley with oars" or "majestic ship" to navigate these divine "waters" powerfully conveys absolute security from enemy invasion and external threats. It's a striking image of ultimate, supernatural defense that surpasses all human military or commercial might. The verse reassures believers that their true security and flourishing come not from earthly means or geography, but from the personal, majestic presence of God who actively defends and sustains them.