King James Version

What Does Isaiah 17:12 Mean?

Isaiah 17:12 in the King James Version says “Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! multitude: or, noise mighty: or, many”

Isaiah 17:12 · KJV

Context

10

Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:

11

In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow. a heap: or, removed in the day of inheritance, and there shall be deadly sorrow

12

Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! multitude: or, noise mighty: or, many

13

The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. a rolling: or, thistledown

14

And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.

Read Isaiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!' The focus shifts to invading armies—described as roaring seas and rushing mighty waters. 'Woe' introduces judgment pronouncement. The imagery of seas and waters depicts overwhelming destructive force—armies sweeping across the land like tsunamis. Multiple nations joining together create an irresistible flood. This describes the Assyrian Empire's multi-national military machine—conscripted armies from conquered peoples creating massive forces. Yet verse 13 will show God's sovereignty over even these threatening 'waters.' This demonstrates that apparent overwhelming threats remain under divine control.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian military organization conscripted soldiers from conquered territories, creating vast multi-ethnic armies. Annals describe campaigns involving forces from dozens of subjugated peoples. To small nations like Israel and Judah, Assyrian armies appeared as an unstoppable flood—the metaphor wasn't hyperbole but accurate description of overwhelming force. Yet despite their apparent invincibility, Assyria itself eventually fell (612 BCE). The imagery of nations as chaotic waters appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 46:2-3; Revelation 17:15), representing humanity's tumultuous rebellious forces ultimately subject to God's sovereignty.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the sea/water imagery teach about how overwhelming threats appear from human perspective?
  2. How does this description prepare for the revelation of God's sovereignty over threatening nations?
  3. In what ways do modern geopolitical threats resemble ancient Assyria's apparently overwhelming power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
ה֗וֹי1 of 13

“Woe”

H1945

oh!

הֲמוֹן֙2 of 13

“to the multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

עַמִּ֣ים3 of 13

“people”

H5971

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

רַבִּ֔ים4 of 13

“of many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

יֶהֱמָי֑וּן5 of 13

“like the noise”

H1993

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

יַמִּ֖ים6 of 13

“of the seas”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

יֶהֱמָי֑וּן7 of 13

“like the noise”

H1993

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

כִּשְׁא֛וֹן8 of 13

“and to the rushing”

H7588

uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction

לְאֻמִּ֔ים9 of 13

“of nations”

H3816

a community

כִּשְׁא֛וֹן10 of 13

“and to the rushing”

H7588

uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction

מַ֥יִם11 of 13

“waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

כַּבִּירִ֖ים12 of 13

“of mighty”

H3524

vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many

יִשָּׁאֽוּן׃13 of 13

“that make a rushing like the rushing”

H7582

to rush; by implication, to desolate

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 17:12 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 17:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 18:4Luke 21:25Jeremiah 6:23Ezekiel 43:2Revelation 17:15Revelation 17:1

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 17 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes