King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:30 Mean?

Isaiah 10:30 in the King James Version says “Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth. Lift: Heb. Cry shrill with — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth. Lift: Heb. Cry shrill with

Isaiah 10:30 · KJV


Context

28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:

29

They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

30

Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth. Lift: Heb. Cry shrill with

31

Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee.

32

As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command 'Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim' continues the northward progression of panic. Towns are personified, called to cry out warnings. Gallim, Laish, and Anathoth—each closer to Jerusalem than the last—are told to raise the alarm. 'Poor Anathoth' (Jeremiah's hometown) emphasizes vulnerability. This cascading warning creates dramatic urgency: the enemy approaches; flee or fortify! Yet Isaiah's audience would know the outcome (already revealed in earlier prophecies): God will defend His city, not human defenses or flight.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Anathoth was a Levitical city about 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem, Jeremiah's birthplace (Jeremiah 1:1). Archaeological surveys confirm these towns' locations along the ridge road from the north. The 'poor' designation may indicate Anathoth's small size or vulnerability, or may be prophetic (the town later suffered in the Babylonian invasion). The rapid naming of towns creates a drumbeat of approaching doom—yet God's intervention would turn apparent defeat into miraculous deliverance.

Reflection Questions

  1. When danger approaches rapidly, where do you turn first—human solutions or divine protection?
  2. How does knowing God's ultimate plan help us endure periods when circumstances seem dire?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
צַהֲלִ֥י1 of 8

Lift up

H6670

to gleam, i.e., (figuratively) be cheerful

קוֹלֵ֖ךְ2 of 8

thy voice

H6963

a voice or sound

בַּת3 of 8

O daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

גַּלִּ֑ים4 of 8

Gallim

H1554

gallim, a place in palestine

הַקְשִׁ֥יבִי5 of 8

cause it to be heard

H7181

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

לַ֖יְשָׁה6 of 8

unto Laish

H3919

laish, the name of two places in palestine

עֲנִיָּ֥ה7 of 8

O poor

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

עֲנָתֽוֹת׃8 of 8

Anathoth

H6068

anathoth, the name of two israelites, also of a place in pal


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 10:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 10:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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