King James Version

What Does Isaiah 29:5 Mean?

Isaiah 29:5 in the King James Version says “Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as cha...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.”

Isaiah 29:5 · KJV

Context

3

And I will camp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with a mount, and I will raise forts against thee.

4

And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust. whisper: Heb. peep, or, chirp

5

Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

6

Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.

7

And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.

Read Isaiah 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust (וְהָיָה כְּאָבָק דַּק הֲמוֹן זָרָיִךְ, vehayah ke'avaq daq hamon zarayikh)—the זָרִים (zarim, strangers/enemies) who attack Jerusalem will themselves be reduced to fine dust. And the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away (וּכְמֹץ עֹבֵר הֲמוֹן עָרִיצִים, ukemotz over hamon aritsim)—the עָרִיצִים (aritsim, tyrants/ruthless ones) will become like מֹץ (motz, chaff) blown away. Yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly (וְהָיָה לְפֶתַע פִּתְאֹם, vehayah lefeta pit'om).

The oracle pivots dramatically from verses 1-4's siege to sudden deliverance. After describing Jerusalem's humiliation, Isaiah announces the besiegers' own destruction—not through prolonged warfare but instantaneously. This prophesies Sennacherib's 701 BC defeat when the angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night (Isaiah 37:36). The terrible ones become chaff; the dust-like enemies vanish.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The fulfillment came in 701 BC when Assyrian king Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem under Hezekiah. Despite overwhelming military superiority, the Assyrian army was decimated overnight (2 Kings 19:35-36). Sennacherib's own records (Taylor Prism) acknowledge withdrawing from Jerusalem after receiving tribute, but notably avoid mentioning conquering the city—a conspicuous omission suggesting catastrophic loss.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this sudden reversal reveal God's sovereignty over seemingly invincible enemies?
  2. What situations in your life seem hopeless until God acts 'at an instant suddenly'?
  3. How does this verse encourage trust when surrounded by 'terrible ones'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהָיָ֛ה1 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּאָבָ֥ק2 of 12

“dust”

H80

light particles (as volatile)

דַּ֖ק3 of 12

“shall be like small”

H1851

crushed, i.e., (by implication) small or thin

הֲמ֣וֹן4 of 12

“Moreover the multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

זָרָ֑יִךְ5 of 12

“of thy strangers”

H2114

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

וּכְמֹ֤ץ6 of 12

“shall be as chaff”

H4671

chaff (as pressed out, i.e., winnowed or (rather) threshed loose)

עֹבֵר֙7 of 12

“that passeth away”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

הֲמ֣וֹן8 of 12

“Moreover the multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

עָֽרִיצִ֔ים9 of 12

“of the terrible ones”

H6184

fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical

וְהָיָ֖ה10 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְפֶ֥תַע11 of 12

“yea it shall be at an instant”

H6621

a wink, i.e., moment (used only [with or without preposition] adverbially, quickly or unexpectedly)

פִּתְאֹֽם׃12 of 12

“suddenly”

H6597

instantly

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 29:5 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 29:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:3Isaiah 37:36Isaiah 17:13-14Isaiah 30:13Isaiah 10:16-19Job 21:18

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