King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:5 Mean?

Isaiah 22:5 in the King James Version says “For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, br...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.”

Isaiah 22:5 · KJV

Context

3

All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far. by: Heb. of the bow

4

Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people. weep: Heb. be bitter in weeping

5

For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.

6

And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield. uncovered: Heb. made naked

7

And it shall come to pass, that thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate. thy: Heb. the choice of thy valleys at: or, towards

Read Isaiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity—three Hebrew terms paint escalating crisis. Mehumah (trouble/confusion), mebushah (treading down/trampling), mebukah (perplexity/bewilderment). The alliteration in Hebrew emphasizes the completeness of disaster.

By the Lord GOD of hosts (לַאדֹנָי יְהוִה צְבָאוֹת, la-Adonai YHWH Tseva'ot)—this isn't random catastrophe but divine judgment from the sovereign LORD of armies. The full title stresses God's authority and power to execute judgment.

In the valley of vision (בְּגֵיא חִזָּיוֹן, begei chizzayon)—ironic title for Jerusalem, the place where prophetic visions were given. Now it's a valley of judgment, not revelation. Breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains—walls fail, people flee crying for help. This vivid scene depicts Jerusalem's defenses collapsing despite human efforts to fortify them (vv.9-11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'valley of vision' likely refers to valleys surrounding Jerusalem (Hinnom, Kidron, Tyropoeon). Jerusalem sits on hills, but battles often occurred in nearby valleys. The irony: the city that received divine visions becomes the scene of divine judgment. This prophecy saw fulfillment in both the Assyrian siege (701 BC) and more fully in Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC), when walls were broken and survivors fled to the mountains.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the threefold description (trouble, treading down, perplexity) capture the comprehensive nature of judgment when it comes?
  2. What does it mean that this day comes 'by the Lord GOD of hosts'—how should divine agency in judgment affect our response to crisis?
  3. What is the significance of the 'valley of vision' becoming a place of judgment rather than revelation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּ֣י1 of 15
H3588

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

יוֹם֩2 of 15

“For it is a day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מְהוּמָ֨ה3 of 15

“of trouble”

H4103

confusion or uproar

וּמְבוּסָ֜ה4 of 15

“and of treading down”

H4001

a trampling

וּמְבוּכָ֗ה5 of 15

“and of perplexity”

H3998

perplexity

לַֽאדֹנָ֧י6 of 15

“by the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֛ה7 of 15

“GOD”

H3069

god

צְבָא֖וֹת8 of 15

“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

בְּגֵ֣י9 of 15

“in the valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

חִזָּי֑וֹן10 of 15

“of vision”

H2384

a revelation, expectation by dream

מְקַרְקַ֥ר11 of 15

“breaking”

H6979

to trench; by implication, to throw forth; to wall up, whether literal (to build a wall) or figurative (to estop)

קִ֖ר12 of 15

“down the walls”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וְשׁ֥וֹעַ13 of 15

“and of crying”

H7771

a noble, i.e., liberal, opulent; also (as noun in the derived sense) a halloo

אֶל14 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָהָֽר׃15 of 15

“to the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

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 22:5 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 22:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 37:3Lamentations 1:5Isaiah 10:6Luke 23:30Micah 7:4Hosea 10:8

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Isaiah 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 22 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes