King James Version

What Does Isaiah 33:19 Mean?

Isaiah 33:19 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that t...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand. stammering: or, ridiculous”

Isaiah 33:19 · KJV

Context

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?

19

Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand. stammering: or, ridiculous

20

Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.

21

But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. of: Heb. broad of spaces, or, hands

Read Isaiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not see a fierce people (אֶת־עַם נוֹעָז לֹא תִרְאֶה, et-am no'az lo tir'eh)—you won't see (רָאָה, ra'ah) the נוֹעָז (no'az, fierce, barbarous) people. A people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand (עַם עִמְקֵי שָׂפָה מִשְּׁמוֹעַ נִלְעַג לָשׁוֹן אֵין בִּינָה, am imqey safah mishmoa nil'ag lashon eyn binah)—people of obscure (עָמֹק, amoq, deep, unintelligible) speech (שָׂפָה, safah), stammering (לָעַג, la'ag, mocking, foreign) tongue (לָשׁוֹן, lashon) without understanding (בִּינָה, binah).

The Assyrians—fierce warriors speaking incomprehensible Akkadian—will disappear from Judah's sight. Their foreign, harsh language terrorized (Isaiah 36:11-13 shows language as weapon). But God promises: no more foreign oppressors. Deuteronomy 28:49-50 threatened judgment via 'a nation... whose tongue thou shalt not understand'—covenant curse. Deliverance means curse-reversal. Ultimately, Pentecost reversed Babel—Holy Spirit gave understanding across language barriers (Acts 2:4-11), anticipating new creation where all worship in unity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian was a Semitic language related to Hebrew but distinct—intelligible phrases but overall incomprehensible to average Judeans. Assyrian soldiers' harsh battle cries, commanders' intimidating speeches terrorized. After deliverance, Assyrians withdrew—no more foreign garrison, no barbarian speech. Later, under Ezra-Nehemiah, Hebrew was re-established. Jesus's Kingdom transcends linguistic barriers—gospel proclaimed in all tongues (Mark 16:15, Revelation 7:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'fierce people' with incomprehensible motives or speech have threatened you, and how has God delivered?
  2. How does the promise of no more barbarous oppressors anticipate new creation's peace?
  3. How should the gospel's power to unite across languages shape your view of cultural and linguistic diversity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אֶת1 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַ֣ם2 of 13

“a people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

נוֹעָ֖ז3 of 13

“a fierce”

H3267

to be bold or obstinate

לֹ֣א4 of 13
H3808

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

תִרְאֶ֑ה5 of 13

“Thou shalt not see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עַ֣ם6 of 13

“a people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עִמְקֵ֤י7 of 13

“of a deeper”

H6012

deep (literally or figuratively)

שָׂפָה֙8 of 13

“speech”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

מִשְּׁמ֔וֹעַ9 of 13

“than thou canst perceive”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נִלְעַ֥ג10 of 13

“of a stammering”

H3932

to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly

לָשׁ֖וֹן11 of 13

“tongue”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

אֵ֥ין12 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בִּינָֽה׃13 of 13

“that thou canst not understand”

H998

understanding

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 33:19 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 33:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 28:11Deuteronomy 28:49-50Jeremiah 5:15Ezekiel 3:5-6Exodus 14:132 Kings 19:32

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