King James Version

What Does Isaiah 2:21 Mean?

Isaiah 2:21 in the King James Version says “To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of hi...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.”

Isaiah 2:21 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

19

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. of the earth: Heb. of the dust

20

In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; his idols of silver: Heb. the idols of his silver, etc each: or, for him

21

To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

22

Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

Read Isaiah 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Repetition of verse 19's imagery (hiding in clefts and rocks) emphasizes the universality and intensity of terror when God arises in judgment. The purpose clause—'when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth'—identifies divine theophany as the cause. This cosmic shaking anticipates Haggai 2:6-7 and Hebrews 12:26-29's warning that God will shake both heaven and earth, leaving only the unshakeable kingdom. God's judgment removes all false security, driving humanity to seek refuge in Him alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Earthquakes were common in the Levant, providing a natural analogy for divine intervention. Prophetic literature frequently employs seismic imagery for God's judgment (Amos 1:1; Zechariah 14:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's 'shaking' reveal about the insecurity of earthly confidences?
  2. How do we participate in the 'unshakeable kingdom' that remains after divine shaking?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לָבוֹא֙1 of 13

“To go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּנִקְר֣וֹת2 of 13

“into the clefts”

H5366

a fissure

הַצֻּרִ֔ים3 of 13

“of the rocks”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

וּבִסְעִפֵ֖י4 of 13

“and into the tops”

H5585

a fissure (of rocks); also a bough (as subdivided)

הַסְּלָעִ֑ים5 of 13

“of the ragged rocks”

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

מִפְּנֵ֞י6 of 13

“for”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

פַּ֤חַד7 of 13

“fear”

H6343

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

יְהוָה֙8 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וּמֵהֲדַ֣ר9 of 13

“and for the glory”

H1926

magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor

גְּאוֹנ֔וֹ10 of 13

“of his majesty”

H1347

the same as h1346

בְּקוּמ֖וֹ11 of 13

“when he ariseth”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לַעֲרֹ֥ץ12 of 13

“to shake terribly”

H6206

to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass

הָאָֽרֶץ׃13 of 13

“the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 2:19Exodus 33:22Song of Solomon 2:14Isaiah 2:10Job 30:6

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