King James Version

What Does Isaiah 25:7 Mean?

Isaiah 25:7 in the King James Version says “And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 25:7 · KJV

Context

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

8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

9

And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Read Isaiah 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people (וּבִלַּע בָּהָר הַזֶּה פְּנֵי־הַלּוֹט הַלּוֹט עַל־כָּל־הָעַמִּים, ubila bahar hazeh penei-halot...al-kol-ha'amim)—The verb בָּלַע (bala, destroy/swallow up) means to consume, devour, annihilate completely. פְּנֵי (penei, face) with הַלּוֹט (halot, covering/veil) describes something covering people's faces, obscuring their vision.

And the vail that is spread over all nations (וְהַמַּסֵּכָה הַנְּסוּכָה עַל־כָּל־הַגּוֹיִם, vehamasekah hanesukah al-kol-hagoyim)—The מַסֵּכָה (masekah, covering/veil) is something woven or cast over nations. The participle נְסוּכָה (nesukah, spread) indicates active, continuous covering. This veil shrouds all humanity, not just some.

The veil likely represents spiritual blindness, death's shadow, or separation from God. Paul references this passage in 2 Corinthians 3:14-16, describing a veil over minds that prevents understanding until 'it shall be taken away' in Christ. The universal scope ('all people,' 'all nations') emphasizes humanity's shared condition and God's comprehensive solution.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient cultures, veils symbolized separation, mourning, or concealment. Isaiah pictures all humanity shrouded, unable to see God's truth or experience His presence fully. This spiritual blindness resulted from the Fall—humanity exchanging truth for lies (Romans 1:25), walking in darkness (Ephesians 4:18). Christ's coming removed this veil for those who believe. At His crucifixion, the temple veil tore (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing access to God's presence. Paul explains that when anyone turns to Christ, the veil is removed (2 Corinthians 3:16). Fully, this veil will be destroyed in the new creation when we see God face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12, Revelation 22:4)—no more obscurity, full unhindered communion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'veil' or 'covering' currently obscures your full perception of God's truth and glory?
  2. How did Christ's death and resurrection begin removing the veil that separates humanity from God?
  3. What will it mean when this veil is fully destroyed and we see God 'face to face' without any obscurity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּבִלַּע֙1 of 14

“And he will destroy”

H1104

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

בָּהָ֣ר2 of 14

“in this mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הַזֶּ֔ה3 of 14
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

פְּנֵֽי4 of 14

“the face”

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

הַלּ֥וֹט׀5 of 14

“of the covering”

H3875

a veil

הַלּ֖וֹט6 of 14

“cast over”

H3874

to wrap up

עַל7 of 14
H5921

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

כָּל8 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽעַמִּ֑ים9 of 14

“all people”

H5971

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

וְהַמַּסֵּכָ֥ה10 of 14

“and the vail”

H4541

properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour

הַנְּסוּכָ֖ה11 of 14

“that is spread”

H5259

to interweave, i.e., (figuratively) to overspread

עַל12 of 14
H5921

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

כָּל13 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַגּוֹיִֽם׃14 of 14

“over all nations”

H1471

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

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 25:7 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 25:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:18Isaiah 60:1-3Matthew 27:512 Corinthians 3:13-18Hebrews 10:19-21Acts 17:30

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