King James Version

What Does Isaiah 28:21 Mean?

Isaiah 28:21 in the King James Version says “For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, h...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.”

Isaiah 28:21 · KJV

Context

19

From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report. to: or, when he shall make you to understand doctrine

20

For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.

21

For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.

22

Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

23

Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.

Read Isaiah 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act. God's judgment will be as decisive as past victories, but directed differently. Mount Perazim (har Peratsim, הַר פְּרָצִים) refers to David's victory over Philistines (2 Samuel 5:20, 1 Chronicles 14:11) where God "broke through" enemies like waters breaking through. Valley of Gibeon (emeq Givon, עֵמֶק גִּבְעוֹן) recalls Joshua's victory where God fought for Israel (Joshua 10:10-14), making the sun stand still. These were triumphs FOR Israel against enemies.

Now comes the reversal: his strange work...his strange act (ma'asehu zar...avodato nokhriyyah, מַעֲשֵׂהוּ זָר...עֲבֹדָתוֹ נָכְרִיָּה, His work is strange/alien...His deed is foreign). Zar (זָר, strange, alien) and nokhriyyah (נָכְרִיָּה, foreign, unusual) emphasize this is against God's nature and normal pattern. His delight is mercy, not judgment (Micah 7:18); His goodness is severe toward unbelief (Romans 11:22). Judging His own people is "strange"—necessary but grievous. Lamentations 3:33 says He doesn't "willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men."

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Historical & Cultural Context

In 701 BC, God defended Jerusalem from Assyria (2 Kings 19:35)—His normal work protecting His people. But in 586 BC, He fought AGAINST Jerusalem through Babylon—His "strange work" judging His people. Jesus wept over Jerusalem's coming destruction (Luke 19:41-44)—grieving over necessary judgment. At the cross, God's "strange act" was making His Son sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) and crushing Him (Isaiah 53:10). Judgment, even righteous judgment, grieves God's heart while satisfying His justice. This paradox shows divine complexity: justice and mercy, holiness and love, wrath and compassion coexisting.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that judging His people is God's 'strange work'—against His natural inclination?
  2. How does understanding that judgment grieves God affect your view of His discipline in your life?
  3. In what ways was the cross God's ultimate 'strange act'—necessary but grievous?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֤י1 of 16
H3588

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

כְהַר2 of 16

“as in mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

פְּרָצִים֙3 of 16

“Perazim”

H6559

peratsim, a mountain in palestine

יָק֣וּם4 of 16

“shall rise up”

H6965

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

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 16

“For the LORD”

H3068

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

כְּעֵ֖מֶק6 of 16

“as in the valley”

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

בְּגִבְע֣וֹן7 of 16

“of Gibeon”

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine

יִרְגָּ֑ז8 of 16

“he shall be wroth”

H7264

to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)

לַעֲשׂ֤וֹת9 of 16

“that he may do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מַעֲשֵׂ֔הוּ10 of 16

“his work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

זָ֣ר11 of 16

“his strange”

H2114

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

מַעֲשֵׂ֔הוּ12 of 16

“his work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וְלַֽעֲבֹד֙13 of 16

“and bring to pass”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃14 of 16

“act”

H5656

work of any kind

נָכְרִיָּ֖ה15 of 16

“his strange”

H5237

strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃16 of 16

“act”

H5656

work of any kind

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 28:21 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 28:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 14:11Joshua 10:122 Samuel 5:20Joshua 10:10Lamentations 2:152 Samuel 5:25

Places in This Verse

Mount PerazimMountain · Modern: Sheikh Badr · 31.79°N, 35.20°E1 verse across 1 book
Valley of GibeonValley · Modern: El Jib · 31.85°N, 35.18°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Isaiah 28 →

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