King James Version

What Does Isaiah 25:5 Mean?

Isaiah 25:5 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 25:5 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

7

And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. destroy: Heb. swallow up cast: Heb. covered

Read Isaiah 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers (שְׁאוֹן זָרִים תַּכְנִיעַ, she'on zarim takhnia)—The Hebrew שְׁאוֹן (she'on, noise) suggests tumult, uproar, boasting of invaders. זָרִים (zarim, strangers/foreigners) are those outside God's covenant. תַּכְנִיעַ (takhnia, bring down/humble) indicates forceful suppression of their arrogant clamor.

As the heat in a dry place (כְּחֹרֶב בְּצָיוֹן, kechorev betsayon)—Like oppressive heat in desert places that threatens life. Even the heat with the shadow of a cloud (חֹרֶב בְּצֵל־עָב, chorev betsel-av)—Just as a cloud's shadow brings relief from scorching sun, God's intervention silences oppressors' noise.

The branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low (זְמִיר עָרִיצִים יַעֲנֶה, zemir aritsim ya'aneh)—The זְמִיר (zemir, branch/song) of the ruthless will be humbled (יַעֲנֶה, ya'aneh). This might refer to their triumphal songs or their offspring ('branch' as descendants)—either way, their pride ends.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare included psychological tactics—conquerors' 'noise' meant boastful threats designed to demoralize defenders (see Rabshakeh's speech in Isaiah 36:4-20). Assyrian and Babylonian inscriptions record kings' boasts of terror they inflicted. Isaiah promises this 'noise' will be silenced—God brings sudden 'shade' (relief/deliverance) just as clouds provide shade from desert heat. History confirmed this: Sennacherib's 185,000 troops destroyed in one night (Isaiah 37:36), Babylon's sudden fall (Daniel 5:30), Rome's eventual collapse. Every oppressive empire's 'noise' eventually falls silent before God's greater power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'noise of strangers' (threatening voices, hostile ideologies) does God need to silence in your current circumstances?
  2. How does the image of God as 'shadow of a cloud' providing relief from oppressive heat comfort you in spiritual warfare?
  3. In what ways do you see the 'branch of the terrible ones' (proud oppressors and their legacy) being brought low today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
חֹ֚רֶב1 of 11

“as the heat”

H2721

drought or desolation

בְּצָי֔וֹן2 of 11

“in a dry place”

H6724

a desert

שְׁא֥וֹן3 of 11

“the noise”

H7588

uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction

זָרִ֖ים4 of 11

“of strangers”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

תַּכְנִ֑יעַ5 of 11

“Thou shalt bring down”

H3665

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

חֹ֚רֶב6 of 11

“as the heat”

H2721

drought or desolation

בְּצֵ֣ל7 of 11

“with the shadow”

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

עָ֔ב8 of 11

“of a cloud”

H5645

properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse

זְמִ֥יר9 of 11

“the branch”

H2159

a twig (as pruned)

עָֽרִיצִ֖ים10 of 11

“of the terrible ones”

H6184

fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical

יַעֲנֶֽה׃11 of 11

“shall be brought low”

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,

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 25:5 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 25:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 13:11Isaiah 10:8-15Isaiah 49:10Daniel 7:23-27Jeremiah 51:53-57Isaiah 10:32-34

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