King James Version

What Does Isaiah 33:10 Mean?

Isaiah 33:10 in the King James Version says “Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself. — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.

Isaiah 33:10 · KJV


Context

8

The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man.

9

The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits. hewn: or, withered away

10

Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.

11

Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you.

12

And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now will I rise, saith the LORD (עַתָּה אָקוּם יֹאמַר יְהוָה, attah aqum yomar YHWH)—now (עַתָּה, attah) I will arise (קוּם, qum), declares Yahweh. Now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself (עַתָּה אֵרוֹמָם עַתָּה אֶנָּשֵׂא, attah eromam attah enase)—now I will be exalted (רוּם, rum), now I will lift myself up (נָשָׂא, nasa).

The threefold 'now' (עַתָּה, attah) marks decisive divine intervention. After patient endurance of Assyrian atrocities (vv. 7-9), God announces: the time has come. The three verbs (arise, be exalted, lift up) emphasize action—God isn't passive observer but active warrior. Psalm 12:5: 'For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD.' When wickedness reaches fullness and God's people cry out, He rises in judgment and deliverance. The divine 'now' may seem delayed by human reckoning, but it comes at the perfect moment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

After Assyria devastated Judah, captured 46 cities, besieged Jerusalem, broke covenants, and destroyed the land (vv. 7-9), God's patience ended. The 'now' came on one night—the angel of the LORD struck 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (Isaiah 37:36). Sennacherib's blasphemous prayer-challenge (Isaiah 37:10-13) triggered divine response (Isaiah 37:21-35). God's timing is perfect—He acts when glory is maximized and need is greatest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's 'now' of intervention often come after prolonged waiting that tests faith?
  2. What does the threefold emphasis (arise, exalted, lift up) reveal about God's decisive action when He finally moves?
  3. What situations in your life need God's 'now' of intervention—how can you wait faithfully until it comes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
עַתָּ֥ה1 of 8
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אָק֖וּם2 of 8

Now will I rise

H6965

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

יֹאמַ֣ר3 of 8

saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 8

the LORD

H3068

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

עַתָּה֙5 of 8
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אֵֽרוֹמָ֔ם6 of 8
H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

עַתָּ֖ה7 of 8
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אֶנָּשֵֽׂא׃8 of 8

now will I lift up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative


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 33:10 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 33:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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