King James Version

What Does Isaiah 33:5 Mean?

Isaiah 33:5 in the King James Version says “The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 33:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without: the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly. valiant: or, messengers

Read Isaiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high (נִשְׂגָּב יְהוָה כִּי שֹׁכֵן מָרוֹם, nisgav YHWH ki shokhen marom)—Yahweh is נָשַׂג (nasag, exalted, high, inaccessible) because He שָׁכַן (shakhan, dwells) in מָרוֹם (marom, the heights). He hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness (מִלֵּא צִיּוֹן מִשְׁפָּט וּצְדָקָה, mile Tsiyon mishpat utsedaqah)—He has filled Zion with מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, judgment, justice) and צְדָקָה (tsedaqah, righteousness).

After describing deliverance (vv. 3-4), Isaiah ascribes praise. God's exaltation (נִשְׂגָּב, nisgav) means both transcendence (dwelling on high) and supremacy (elevated above all). Yet this transcendent God fills Zion—immanent presence. He fills it not with wealth or military strength but with מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) and צְדָקָה (tsedaqah)—justice and righteousness. Psalm 99:9 declares: 'Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.' God's throne established on justice (Psalm 89:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zion, Jerusalem's temple mount, represented God's earthly dwelling. Yet 1 Kings 8:27 acknowledges: 'heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house.' God's transcendence and immanence coexist—He dwells in inaccessible heights yet fills Zion. After delivering Jerusalem from Assyria, God's justice and righteousness were vindicated. The ultimate fulfillment: Immanuel (God with us, Matthew 1:23), the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's transcendence (dwelling on high) coexist with His immanence (filling Zion)?
  2. What does it mean that God fills His dwelling place with justice and righteousness, not wealth or power?
  3. How should awareness of God's exalted position shape worship, prayer, and daily life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
נִשְׂגָּ֣ב1 of 9

“is exalted”

H7682

to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 9

“The LORD”

H3068

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

כִּ֥י3 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֹׁכֵ֖ן4 of 9

“for he dwelleth”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

מָר֑וֹם5 of 9

“on high”

H4791

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

מִלֵּ֣א6 of 9

“he hath filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

צִיּ֔וֹן7 of 9

“Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

מִשְׁפָּ֖ט8 of 9

“with judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וּצְדָקָֽה׃9 of 9

“and righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

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 33:5 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 33:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 2:17Revelation 19:2-6Ephesians 1:20-21Romans 11:26Isaiah 32:15-18Daniel 4:37

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Isaiah 33 →

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