King James Version

What Does Isaiah 30:29 Mean?

Isaiah 30:29 in the King James Version says “Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pip...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel. mighty: Heb. Rock”

Isaiah 30:29 · KJV

Context

27

Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: burden: or, grievousness of flame heavy: Heb. heaviness

28

And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.

29

Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel. mighty: Heb. Rock

30

And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones . his glorious: Heb. the glory of his voice

31

For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod.

Read Isaiah 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept—While judgment falls on nations (vv. 27-28), God's people sing. The shiyr (song) is compared to festival nights—specifically hiqqadesh chag (sanctifying a feast), likely Passover when Israel was delivered from Egypt's judgment. The parallel: as Israel sang while Egyptian firstborns died (Exodus 12), so they'll sing when God judges their enemies. And gladness of heart (וְשִׂמְחַת לֵבָב)—The joy is internal, heartfelt, not merely external celebration.

As when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel—The chalil (pipe, flute) accompanied pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for feasts (Psalms 120-134, the 'Songs of Ascents'). The tsur Yisrael (Rock of Israel) is destination and reason for celebration. This verse's emotional tone contrasts sharply with preceding verses: God's fury against nations (vv. 27-28) coexists with His people's festive joy (v. 29). This isn't schadenfreude but recognition that God's justice vindicates the oppressed. When evil is punished, righteousness celebrates. The glorified sing 'Alleluia' at Babylon's fall (Revelation 19:1-3). Properly understood, judgment produces joy in those who longed for justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's annual feasts (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) were joyful pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Families traveled together, singing psalms, playing instruments, celebrating God's faithfulness. These memories informed Isaiah's vision of eschatological celebration. The contrast between terrifying theophany (vv. 27-28) and joyful worship (v. 29) reflects covenant theology: God is both just Judge and faithful Redeemer, depending on one's relationship to Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers balance grief over the wicked's judgment with joy over God's justice being executed?
  2. What does it mean to sing 'as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept'—celebrating deliverance during judgment?
  3. How do the Psalms of Ascent prepare our hearts for the ultimate pilgrimage to God's presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
הַשִּׁיר֙1 of 16

“Ye shall have a song”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה2 of 16
H1961

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

לָכֶ֔ם3 of 16
H0
כְּלֵ֖יל4 of 16

“as in the night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

הִתְקַדֶּשׁ5 of 16

“is kept”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

חָ֑ג6 of 16

“solemnity”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

וְשִׂמְחַ֣ת7 of 16

“and gladness”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

לֵבָ֗ב8 of 16

“of heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

כַּֽהוֹלֵךְ֙9 of 16

“as when one goeth”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בֶּֽחָלִ֔יל10 of 16

“with a pipe”

H2485

a flute (as perforated)

לָב֥וֹא11 of 16

“to come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְהַר12 of 16

“into the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל14 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צ֥וּר15 of 16

“to the mighty One”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃16 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 30:29 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 30:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 42:4Exodus 15:1-21Psalms 95:1-2Psalms 81:1-4Deuteronomy 16:6Matthew 26:30

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Isaiah 30 →

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