King James Version

What Does Isaiah 33:7 Mean?

Isaiah 33:7 in the King James Version says “Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without: the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly. valiant: or, messengers” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 33:7 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

9

The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits. hewn: or, withered away

Read Isaiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without (הֵן אֶרְאֶלָּם צָעֲקוּ חוּצָה, hen er'elam tsa'aqu chutsah)—their אֶרְאֶלָּם (er'elam, heroes, valiant ones) cry out (צָעַק, tsa'aq) חוּצָה (chutsah, outside, in the streets). The ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly (מַלְאֲכֵי שָׁלוֹם מַר יִבְכָּיוּן, mal'akhey shalom mar yibkayun)—messengers of שָׁלוֹם (shalom, peace) weep (בָּכָה, bakhah) מַר (mar, bitterly).

This describes the crisis moment—Assyria's siege has terrified even Judah's heroes. The 'valiant ones' (possibly Hezekiah's soldiers or leading men) cry publicly, and peace negotiators weep bitterly. Second Kings 18:17-37 records Assyria's propaganda assault; Isaiah 36 shows Rabshakeh's intimidation tactics. Even brave men wept at the hopelessness. The 'ambassadors of peace' may be those Hezekiah sent to negotiate (2 Kings 18:14-16), who returned empty-handed after Sennacherib rejected tribute and demanded total surrender.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern sieges involved psychological warfare—intimidation, threats, propaganda. Sennacherib's field commander mocked Judah's God, proclaimed Egypt's unreliability, and promised exile (Isaiah 36:4-20). Even experienced warriors could be demoralized. Hezekiah's tribute payment (2 Kings 18:14-16) failed to satisfy Assyria—the ambassadors returned weeping, their peace mission failed. Only divine intervention would save Jerusalem.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have circumstances been so dire that even 'valiant ones' cried and peace efforts failed?
  2. How does recognizing the depth of crisis make God's deliverance more glorious?
  3. What situations make you weep bitterly, and how can you turn that desperation into prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הֵ֚ן1 of 8
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אֶרְאֶלָּ֔ם2 of 8

“Behold their valiant ones”

H691

a hero (collectively)

צָעֲק֖וּ3 of 8

“shall cry”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

חֻ֑צָה4 of 8

“without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

מַלְאֲכֵ֣י5 of 8

“the ambassadors”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

שָׁל֔וֹם6 of 8

“of peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

מַ֖ר7 of 8

“bitterly”

H4751

bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

יִבְכָּיֽוּן׃8 of 8

“shall weep”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

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 33:7 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 33:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 18:37-19:3Isaiah 36:222 Kings 18:18Isaiah 36:3

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