King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:33 Mean?

Isaiah 10:33 in the King James Version says “Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, a...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.”

Isaiah 10:33 · KJV

Context

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.

33

Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.

34

And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one. by: or, mightily

Read Isaiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The climax: Assyria reaches 'Nob,' a hill overlooking Jerusalem, shaking their fist against 'the mount of the daughter of Zion' and 'the hill of Jerusalem.' This dramatic image captures the moment of greatest threat—the enemy literally at the gates, arrogantly defying God's city. Yet this is also the moment of deliverance. The shaking fist represents proud defiance against God Himself, since Zion is His dwelling place. This guarantees Assyria's defeat—God will not allow His holy hill to be desecrated.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Fulfilled in 701 BC when Sennacherib's army besieged Jerusalem. 2 Kings 18-19 records the taunts and threats. From Nob, Assyrian commanders could see Jerusalem's walls, which they mocked. Yet this proximity to victory became the location of defeat—that very night, God's angel destroyed 185,000 soldiers. The closer enemies get to defying God's holiness, the more certain their judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does threatening God's people and His purposes ultimately threaten God Himself?
  2. What does this teach about the security of those who dwell in God's presence and protection?
  3. How have you experienced God's deliverance when threats seemed most overwhelming?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הִנֵּ֤ה1 of 12
H2009

lo!

הָאָדוֹן֙2 of 12

“Behold the Lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 12

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֔וֹת4 of 12

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

מְסָעֵ֥ף5 of 12

“shall lop”

H5586

to disbranch (a tree)

פֻּארָ֖ה6 of 12

“the bough”

H6288

properly, ornamentation, i.e., (plural) foliage (including the limbs) as bright green

בְּמַעֲרָצָ֑ה7 of 12

“with terror”

H4637

violence

וְרָמֵ֤י8 of 12

“and the high ones”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

הַקּוֹמָה֙9 of 12

“of stature”

H6967

height

גְּדוּעִ֔ים10 of 12

“shall be hewn down”

H1438

to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything

וְהַגְּבֹהִ֖ים11 of 12

“and the haughty”

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

יִשְׁפָּֽלוּ׃12 of 12

“shall be humbled”

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

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 10:33 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 10:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 2:9Isaiah 37:38Daniel 4:37Job 40:11-122 Chronicles 32:21Isaiah 37:24-36

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
View all places in Isaiah 10 →

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