King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:32 Mean?

Isaiah 14:32 in the King James Version says “What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people sha...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it. trust: or, betake themselves unto it”

Isaiah 14:32 · KJV

Context

30

And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.

31

Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times. none: or, he shall not be alone appointed: or, assemblies

32

What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it. trust: or, betake themselves unto it

Read Isaiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.' Philistine messengers (possibly seeking alliance or gauging Judah's response) ask about security. Isaiah's answer: Zion's security rests not on military might or political alliances but on divine foundation—'the LORD hath founded Zion.' Because God established Jerusalem, it stands firm. The 'poor of his people' (often Israel's self-designation, emphasizing dependence on God rather than wealth/power) trust in this divine foundation, not human schemes. This is the proper ground of confidence: God's work and promise, not human strength. Zion survives not because of her power but because of her Founder.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Isaiah, Zion/Jerusalem represents not just a city but God's dwelling place and His people. God's foundational work (Psalm 87:1, 5) guarantees Zion's security—ultimately. Historically, Jerusalem survived Assyrian siege (701 BC) miraculously but later fell to Babylon (586 BC), then was rebuilt. The point isn't that earthly Jerusalem never falls but that God's purposes for Zion ultimately prevail. For Christians, Zion is the church, the new Jerusalem, founded by Christ (Matthew 16:18). Gates of hell will not prevail against it. The 'poor of his people' are believers who trust not in themselves but in God's unshakeable foundation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does trusting that 'the LORD hath founded Zion' provide confidence when circumstances seem threatening?
  2. What does it mean to be among the 'poor of his people' who trust in God's foundation rather than human strength or wisdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּמַֽה1 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יַּעֲנֶ֖ה2 of 12

“What shall one then answer”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

מַלְאֲכֵי3 of 12

“the messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

ג֑וֹי4 of 12

“of the nation”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

כִּ֤י5 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָה֙6 of 12

“That the LORD”

H3068

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

יִסַּ֣ד7 of 12

“hath founded”

H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

צִיּ֔וֹן8 of 12

“Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

וּבָ֥הּ9 of 12
H0
יֶחֱס֖וּ10 of 12

“shall trust”

H2620

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

עֲנִיֵּ֥י11 of 12

“and the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

עַמּֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“of his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 14:32 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 14:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 87:5Psalms 102:16James 2:5Zephaniah 3:12Psalms 87:1Isaiah 25:4

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Isaiah 14 →

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