King James Version

What Does Isaiah 33:16 Mean?

Isaiah 33:16 in the King James Version says “He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. high: Heb. heights, or, high places”

Isaiah 33:16 · KJV

Context

14

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

15

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; righteously: Heb. in righteousnesses uprightly: Heb. uprightnesses oppressions: or, deceits blood: Heb. bloods

16

He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. high: Heb. heights, or, high places

17

Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off. that: Heb. of far distances

18

Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers? receiver: Heb. weigher?

Read Isaiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall dwell on high (הוּא מְרוֹמִים יִשְׁכּוֹן, hu meromim yishkon)—he will dwell (שָׁכַן, shakhan) in מָרוֹם (marom, the heights). His place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks (מְצָדוֹת סְלָעִים מִשְׂגַּבּוֹ, metsadot sela'im misgabo)—fortresses (מְצוּדָה, metsudah) of rocks (סֶלַע, sela) are his refuge (מִשְׂגָּב, misgav). Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure (לַחְמוֹ נִתָּן מֵימָיו נֶאֱמָנִים, lachmo nitan meymaw ne'emanim)—his bread (לֶחֶם, lechem) will be given, his waters (מַיִם, mayim) are אָמַן (aman, sure, faithful, reliable).

The righteous person (v. 15) receives comprehensive security: elevated position (dwelling on high), impregnable defense (rock fortresses), guaranteed provision (bread and water). These aren't earned rewards but covenant blessings—God protects and provides for those who walk righteously. Psalm 91:1-2: 'He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty... He is my refuge and my fortress.' Matthew 6:33: 'But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mountain fortresses provided security in ancient warfare—inaccessible positions, natural defenses. During Sennacherib's invasion, many Judeans fled to fortified cities or mountain strongholds. But ultimate security came from God Himself. Psalm 18:2: 'The LORD is my rock, and my fortress.' Jesus promised: 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee' (Hebrews 13:5). Paul testified: 'my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does dwelling 'on high' with 'rock fortresses' picture spiritual security in God's presence?
  2. What does it mean that bread and water are 'given' and 'sure'—not earned but provided by covenant faithfulness?
  3. When have you experienced God as refuge and provider, giving security and sustenance you didn't earn?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
ה֚וּא1 of 10
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מְרוֹמִ֣ים2 of 10

“on high”

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן3 of 10

“He shall dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

מְצָד֥וֹת4 of 10

“shall be the munitions”

H4679

a fastness (as a covert of ambush)

סְלָעִ֖ים5 of 10

“of rocks”

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

מִשְׂגַּבּ֑וֹ6 of 10

“his place of defence”

H4869

misgab, a place in moab

לַחְמ֣וֹ7 of 10

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

נִתָּ֔ן8 of 10

“shall be given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מֵימָ֖יו9 of 10

“him his waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

נֶאֱמָנִֽים׃10 of 10

“shall be sure”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

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 33:16 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 33:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:29-31Isaiah 32:18Isaiah 49:10Proverbs 1:33Psalms 37:3Psalms 107:41

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 33 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 33 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes