King James Version

What Does Isaiah 33:4 Mean?

Isaiah 33:4 in the King James Version says “And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpiller: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he ru...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpiller: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them.”

Isaiah 33:4 · KJV

Context

2

O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

3

At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered.

4

And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpiller: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them.

5

The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.

6

And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure. salvation: Heb. salvations

Read Isaiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpiller (וְאֻסַּף שְׁלַלְכֶם אֹסֶף הֶחָסִיל, ve'usaf shalalkhem osef hechasil)—your שָׁלָל (shalal, spoil, plunder) will be gathered like the אֹסֶף (osef, gathering) of the חָסִיל (chasil, caterpillar, locust). As the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them (כְּמַשַּׁק גְּבִים שׁוֹקֵק בּוֹ, kemashaq gevim shoqeq bo)—like the running (שָׁקַק, shaqaq, to run, rush) of גֶּבֶה (geveh, locusts).

After scattering the Assyrian army (v. 3), Judeans plunder the abandoned camp—like locusts stripping a field. The caterpillar (חָסִיל, chasil) and locust (גֶּבֶה, geveh) imagery pictures thorough, swift gleaning. Joel 1-2 uses locust plagues as judgment metaphor. Here, Judah swarms over Assyrian spoil like locusts. Second Kings doesn't record this detail, but Isaiah 37:36 mentions 185,000 corpses—their equipment, supplies, and wealth would be massive. God transforms Judah from besieged victims to plunderers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare involved plundering defeated enemies. When Assyrians fled, they abandoned siege equipment, weapons, provisions, treasures. Hezekiah had paid enormous tribute (2 Kings 18:14-16), impoverishing Judah. Now Judeans recover far more than was extorted. Exodus 12:35-36 shows similar pattern—Israelites plundered Egyptians at the Exodus. God enriches His people through enemy wealth (Proverbs 13:22, 'the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just').

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God sometimes transform loss into gain by giving you the 'spoils' of defeated enemies?
  2. What does the locust imagery teach about the thoroughness and speed of God's provision after deliverance?
  3. When have you experienced recovery that exceeded what was previously lost?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאֻסַּ֣ף1 of 8

“shall be gathered”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

שְׁלַלְכֶ֔ם2 of 8

“And your spoil”

H7998

booty

אֹ֖סֶף3 of 8

“like the gathering”

H625

a collection (of fruits)

הֶֽחָסִ֑יל4 of 8

“of the caterpiller”

H2625

the ravager, i.e., a locust

כְּמַשַּׁ֥ק5 of 8

“as the running to and fro”

H4944

a traversing, i.e., rapid motion

גֵּבִ֖ים6 of 8

“of locusts”

H1357

a locust (from its cutting)

שֹׁקֵ֥ק7 of 8

“shall he run”

H8264

to course (like a beast of prey); by implication, to seek greedily

בּֽוֹ׃8 of 8
H0

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 33:4 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 33:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 33:232 Chronicles 14:132 Chronicles 20:25Joel 2:25Joel 2:92 Kings 7:15-16

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
View all places in Isaiah 33 →

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