Isaiah 34 4

Isaiah 34:4 kjv

And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.

Isaiah 34:4 nkjv

All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, And the heavens shall be rolled up like a scroll; All their host shall fall down As the leaf falls from the vine, And as fruit falling from a fig tree.

Isaiah 34:4 niv

All the stars in the sky will be dissolved and the heavens rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree.

Isaiah 34:4 esv

All the host of heaven shall rot away, and the skies roll up like a scroll. All their host shall fall, as leaves fall from the vine, like leaves falling from the fig tree.

Isaiah 34:4 nlt

The heavens above will melt away
and disappear like a rolled-up scroll.
The stars will fall from the sky
like withered leaves from a grapevine,
or shriveled figs from a fig tree.

Isaiah 34 verses

Isaiah 34 4 Meaning

The verse speaks of the heavens being dissolved and the earth dissolving like smoke. It describes a profound, cosmic upheaval and transformation. This imagery suggests utter destruction and the complete passing away of the existing order.

Isaiah 34 4 Context

This verse is part of Isaiah chapter 34, which is a prophecy concerning the judgment of the nations, specifically directed at Edom. Isaiah describes a future, divine judgment that will bring about the utter desolation of Edom's land and the complete transformation of the cosmos. The surrounding verses speak of a widespread slaughter, blood overwhelming the land, and the heavens being rolled up like a scroll, emphasizing the totality of God's wrath and the extent of His judgment. This chapter vividly depicts a cosmic and terrestrial upheaval, signaling the end of the current order as a prelude to God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His reign. The focus on Edom as a recipient of this judgment serves as an archetype for the judgment of all who oppose God and His people.

Isaiah 34 4 Word Analysis

• וְהָפַכ (vəhāpāk) - "and shall be turned" or "and it shall be turned." The Hophal (passive) or Niphal (passive) form of the root הָפַך (hāpāk), meaning "to turn," "overturn," "destroy," "transform." It implies a forceful alteration.

• כָּל (kol) - "all." Indicates entirety and completeness.

• צְבָא (tzəvā) - "host," "army," "heavenly bodies" (host of heaven). In this context, it refers to the stars, planets, and all celestial phenomena.

• שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) - "heavens," "sky." Refers to the celestial realm.

• וְהָפַך (vəhāpāk) - "and shall be turned" or "and shall be dissolved." Repeats the idea of a fundamental change or dissolution.

• כְּסֵפֶר (kəsēfēr) - "as a scroll." Likens the heavens' disappearance to a scroll being rolled up, signifying something that is completely removed and put away.

• סֵפֶר (sēfēr) - "scroll," "book." Ancient manuscripts were scrolls.

• נָחָת (nāḥāṭ) - "rolled up," "rolled away." Part of the passive Niphal form of the root נוּחַ (nūḥaḥ), often related to causing to rest, but here more specifically to rolling up, as one would a scroll.

• וְכָל (wəḵōl) - "and all." Emphasizes universality again.

• צְבָאָם (tzəvaʾām) - "their host," "their host." Refers back to the "host of heaven."

• כַּבָּלַת (kāblāṯ) - "as the falling off," "as a leaf." Refers to something withering, falling, or being detached. The root could be related to KTL "to fall" or more likely QWL "to fall." In context, it means to wither and fall away like a leaf.

• עָלֶה (ʿālēh) - "leaf." An image of natural decay and transience.

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "All the host of heaven" (כָּל צְבָא שָׁמַיִם - kol tzəvā shamayim): This phrase denotes the entirety of the celestial bodies, not just the stars but all cosmic phenomena that are often interpreted as heavenly armies or entities.
  • "will be dissolved" (וְהָפַך) and "like a scroll" (כְּסֵפֶר נָחָת - kəsēfēr nāḥāṭ): The repetition of "will be dissolved" and the vivid simile of a scroll being rolled up convey an image of complete annihilation or disappearance of the heavenly expanse. It suggests a cessation of its visible reality.
  • "their host" (צְבָאָם - tzəvaʾām): Refers back to the multitude of heavenly bodies, reiterating the totality of what is affected.
  • "as the falling off of a leaf" (כַּבָּלַת עָלֶה - kāblāṯ ʿālēh): This metaphor signifies natural decay, fragility, and the inevitable process of something withering and becoming detatched, highlighting the temporary nature of the current celestial order.

Isaiah 34 4 Bonus Section

The imagery in this chapter, particularly the dissolution of the heavens and the "drinking" of the heavens' hosts in blood (Isaiah 34:5-7), connects to themes of divine judgment seen throughout scripture. Many prophetic passages use cosmic disturbances as a metaphor or literal description of God's judgment on nations and the entire system of evil. The "host of heaven" could also carry polemical undertones against pagan worship of celestial bodies, indicating that these idols are subject to God's ultimate power and will pass away. The New Testament echoes this theme in 2 Peter 3:10-12, where it states the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the elements will be dissolved, indicating a fulfillment or spiritual parallel of this judgment in the eschatological unfolding of God's plan.

Isaiah 34 4 Commentary

Isaiah 34:4 describes a radical cosmic event where the very fabric of the heavens and their components (the "host of heaven") are depicted as being fundamentally altered and then disintegrating. The imagery of a scroll being rolled up signifies total removal and obsolescence. This is powerfully paralleled by the further image of the celestial bodies falling away like a withered leaf. This passage, while part of a prophecy against Edom, transcends a purely geopolitical interpretation to speak of divine power over creation itself. It foretells a complete unmaking of the current order, preparing the way for something new. The destruction of the heavens emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God, capable of undoing all that He has made.

• Practical Usage: The verse reminds believers of God's ultimate authority over all creation, both visible and invisible. In times of upheaval or personal desolation, it can point to the temporary nature of earthly circumstances and the certainty of God's divine plan, which may involve radical change. It also speaks to the judgment of wickedness, illustrating that even the foundational structures of the present order will yield to God's decree.