King James Version

What Does Isaiah 25:3 Mean?

Isaiah 25:3 in the King James Version says “Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.”

Isaiah 25:3 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

1

O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

2

For thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.

3

Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.

4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

5

Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.

Read Isaiah 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee (עַל־כֵּן יְכַבְּדוּךָ עַם־עָז, al-ken yekhabducha am-az)—The Hebrew עָז (az, strong) indicates powerful, mighty nations. Their worship isn't voluntary but compelled by witnessing God's judgments. כָּבַד (kavad, glorify) means to give weight, honor, acknowledge importance. Even enemy nations must acknowledge YHWH's supremacy when they see His mighty acts.

The city of the terrible nations shall fear thee (קִרְיַת גּוֹיִם עָרִיצִים יִירָאוּךָ, qiryat goyim aritsim yira'ukha)—The עָרִיצִים (aritsim, terrible/ruthless ones) are violent, tyrannical oppressors. Yet they shall fear thee (יִירָאוּךָ, yira'ukha)—experience reverent terror before God's superior power. This isn't loving worship but forced acknowledgment of the King's sovereignty.

This verse distinguishes willing worship (remnant's praise in 24:14-15) from coerced acknowledgment. All will ultimately recognize God's authority—some joyfully, others terrified.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern theology held that military victory proved which god was stronger. When Assyria conquered nations, they claimed Ashur's superiority. Isaiah reverses this: YHWH uses even pagan empires as His instruments (10:5), then judges them for their pride (10:12-19). Eventually, these 'strong people' must acknowledge Israel's God as supreme. This foreshadows Philippians 2:10-11: 'every knee shall bow...every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord'—some in salvation, others in judgment. History records pagan rulers acknowledging YHWH: Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:34-37), Cyrus (Ezra 1:2-3), even unwillingly admitting His power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What's the difference between forced acknowledgment of God's power (fear) and genuine worship from the heart (love)?
  2. How does God's ability to make even 'terrible nations' fear Him comfort those suffering under oppressive powers?
  3. What does it mean that all people will eventually 'glorify' or 'fear' God, whether willingly or unwillingly?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
עַל1 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֖ן2 of 9
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יְכַבְּד֣וּךָ3 of 9

“glorify”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

עַם4 of 9

“people”

H5971

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

עָ֑ז5 of 9

“Therefore shall the strong”

H5794

strong, vehement, harsh

קִרְיַ֛ת6 of 9

“thee the city”

H7151

a city

גּוֹיִ֥ם7 of 9

“nations”

H1471

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

עָרִיצִ֖ים8 of 9

“of the terrible”

H6184

fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical

יִירָאֽוּךָ׃9 of 9

“shall fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

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 25:3 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 25:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 14:9Zechariah 14:16Isaiah 49:23-26Psalms 46:10-11Ezekiel 39:21-22Isaiah 60:10-14

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