King James Version

What Does Isaiah 34:1 Mean?

Isaiah 34:1 in the King James Version says “Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it. all that: Heb. the fulness thereof”

Isaiah 34:1 · KJV

Context

1

Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it. all that: Heb. the fulness thereof

2

For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.

3

Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.

Read Isaiah 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This prophetic summons calls all nations to witness God's sovereign judgment. The Hebrew imperative "qirbû" (come near) demonstrates God's universal authority over all peoples, not just Israel. This eschatological oracle introduces themes that culminate in Revelation's final judgment, where every knee shall bow. The cosmic scope ("earth...world") reveals that God's justice extends beyond temporal kingdoms to encompass all creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Delivered during Isaiah's ministry (740-680 BC), this oracle transitions from judgments on specific nations (chapters 13-23) to universal judgment. The chapter parallels chapter 35's restoration message, showing God's dual work of judgment and redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's universal authority challenge modern notions of national sovereignty?
  2. What comfort does God's impartial justice bring to those who suffer injustice?
  3. How should the certainty of divine judgment affect our witness to the nations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
קִרְב֤וּ1 of 11

“Come near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

גוֹיִם֙2 of 11

“ye nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

תִּשְׁמַ֤ע3 of 11

“hear”

H8085

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

וּלְאֻמִּ֖ים4 of 11

“ye people”

H3816

a community

הַקְשִׁ֑יבוּ5 of 11

“and hearken”

H7181

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

תִּשְׁמַ֤ע6 of 11

“hear”

H8085

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

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙7 of 11

“let the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּמְלֹאָ֔הּ8 of 11

“and all that is therein”

H4393

fulness (literally or figuratively)

תֵּבֵ֖ל9 of 11

“the world”

H8398

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

וְכָל10 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צֶאֱצָאֶֽיהָ׃11 of 11

“and all things that come forth”

H6631

issue, i.e., produce, children

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 34:1 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 34:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 41:11 Corinthians 10:26Isaiah 1:2Isaiah 43:9Jeremiah 22:29Micah 6:1-2

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