King James Version

What Does Isaiah 30:16 Mean?

Isaiah 30:16 in the King James Version says “But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shal...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.”

Isaiah 30:16 · KJV

Context

14

And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit. the potters': Heb. the bottle of potters

15

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

16

But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

17

One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill. a beacon: or, a tree bereft of branches, or, boughs: or, a mast

18

And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

Read Isaiah 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses—The Hebrew structure emphasizes willful defiance: "No!" (לֹא/lo). Instead of returning to God, they choose literal fleeing (נוּס/nus) on cavalry—the ancient equivalent of trusting military technology over divine protection. Therefore shall ye flee—Divine irony: they wanted to flee on horses for offensive power, but they will indeed flee—in panicked retreat. God often gives rebels exactly what they demand, to their ruin (Psalm 106:15).

We will ride upon the swift (קַל/qal, swift/light)—Egyptian horses were prized for speed. Therefore shall they that pursue you be swift—another devastating reversal. Their military advantage becomes their pursuers' advantage. When we trust human strength instead of God, that very strength is turned against us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt was famous for its chariot forces and cavalry, while Israel's mountainous terrain made horses less practical. Acquiring Egyptian horses violated Deuteronomy 17:16's command that kings should not multiply horses. By seeking Egyptian cavalry, Judah was not only faithless but covenant-breaking. The Assyrian and later Babylonian armies indeed pursued Israel with swift cavalry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'horses' (technologies, strategies, alliances) do Christians trust instead of God?
  2. How has God's ironic judgment—giving you what you demanded—played out in your life?
  3. What 'swift' advantages are you pursuing that might become advantages for your spiritual enemies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַתֹּ֨אמְר֥וּ1 of 16

“But ye said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹא2 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כִ֛י3 of 16
H3588

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

עַל4 of 16
H5921

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

ס֥וּס5 of 16

“upon horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

תְּנוּס֑וּן6 of 16

“No for we will flee”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

עַל7 of 16
H5921

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

כֵּ֣ן8 of 16
H3651

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

תְּנוּס֑וּן9 of 16

“No for we will flee”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

וְעַל10 of 16
H5921

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

קַ֣ל11 of 16

“upon the swift”

H7031

light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)

נִרְכָּ֔ב12 of 16

“and We will ride”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עַל13 of 16
H5921

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

כֵּ֖ן14 of 16
H3651

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

יִקַּ֥לּוּ15 of 16

“you be swift”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

רֹדְפֵיכֶֽם׃16 of 16

“therefore shall they that pursue”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

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 30:16 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 30:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 31:1Psalms 33:17Isaiah 31:3Jeremiah 4:13Amos 9:1Deuteronomy 28:25

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Isaiah 30 →

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