King James Version

What Does Isaiah 33:6 Mean?

Isaiah 33:6 in the King James Version says “And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his tre...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 33:6 · KJV

WisdomStrengthSalvationFear & Courage

Context

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

8

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

Read Isaiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times (וְהָיָה אֱמוּנַת עִתֶּיךָ חֹסֶן יְשׁוּעֹת חָכְמַת וָדָעַת, vehayah emunat ittekha chosen yeshu'ot chakhmat vada'at)—אֱמוּנָה (emunah, faithfulness, stability) of your times is a חֹסֶן (chosen, treasure, store) of יְשׁוּעוֹת (yeshu'ot, salvation), חָכְמָה (chokhmah, wisdom) and דַּעַת (da'at, knowledge). The fear of the LORD is his treasure (יִרְאַת יְהוָה הִיא אוֹצָרוֹ, yir'at YHWH hi otsaro)—the יִרְאָה (yir'ah, fear, reverence) of Yahweh is His אוֹצָר (otsar, treasure, storehouse).

True security comes not from Egyptian alliances or military strength but from wisdom, knowledge, and fear of God. The phrase 'stability of thy times' (אֱמוּנַת עִתֶּיךָ, emunat ittekha) can mean faithfulness that provides stability. The treasure (חֹסֶן, chosen, אוֹצָר, otsar) isn't gold but fear of the LORD. Proverbs 9:10: 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.' Job 28:28: 'the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.' Contrast with those trusting horses and chariots (Isaiah 31:1)—true wealth is theological, not material.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient kings measured wealth in gold, silver, armaments. Solomon's wisdom was legendary, yet even he failed when he abandoned fear of the LORD for political marriages and idolatry (1 Kings 11). Hezekiah initially trusted fortifications and water systems (2 Chronicles 32:2-5), but ultimate deliverance came through prayer and trust (Isaiah 37:14-20). Jesus taught: 'lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven' (Matthew 6:20). Paul called Christ 'the wisdom of God' (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Reflection Questions

  1. How is 'fear of the LORD' a treasure that provides stability, especially during unstable times?
  2. What 'treasures' besides God's wisdom and knowledge do you rely on for security?
  3. How can you invest in the treasure of wisdom, knowledge, and fear of God rather than earthly wealth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהָיָה֙1 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֱמוּנַ֣ת2 of 11

“shall be the stability”

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

עִתֶּ֔יךָ3 of 11

“of thy times”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

חֹ֥סֶן4 of 11

“and strength”

H2633

wealth

יְשׁוּעֹ֖ת5 of 11

“of salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

חָכְמַ֣ת6 of 11

“And wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וָדָ֑עַת7 of 11

“and knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

יִרְאַ֥ת8 of 11

“the fear”

H3374

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

הִ֥יא10 of 11
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

אוֹצָרֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“is his treasure”

H214

a depository

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 33:6 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 33:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 112:1-3Proverbs 19:231 Timothy 4:8Matthew 6:33Proverbs 14:271 Timothy 6:6

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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