King James Version

What Does Isaiah 4:5 Mean?

Isaiah 4:5 in the King James Version says “And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. upon all: or, above all defence: Heb. covering”

Isaiah 4:5 · King James Version


Context

3

And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: among: or, to life

4

When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

5

And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. upon all: or, above all defence: Heb. covering

6

And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The promise of divine presence—cloud by day and flaming fire by night—deliberately echoes Exodus imagery of God's presence guiding Israel (Exodus 13:21-22). The phrase 'upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies' extends Shekinah glory beyond tabernacle/temple to every habitation, anticipating new covenant reality where God dwells with His people directly (Revelation 21:3). The covering 'tabernacle' provides both guidance and protection, fulfilled in Christ who 'tabernacled among us' (John 1:14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Exodus theophany was paradigmatic divine presence. Isaiah's prophecy promises renewed covenant intimacy surpassing even wilderness glory, pointing to eschatological restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's incarnation ('tabernacled among us') fulfill this promise of intensified divine presence?
  2. What does the extension of glory to 'every dwelling place' teach about new covenant access to God?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּבָרָ֣א1 of 21

“will create”

H1254

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

יְהוָ֡ה2 of 21

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

עַל֩3 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל4 of 21
H3605

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

מְכ֨וֹן5 of 21

“upon every dwelling place”

H4349

properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode

הַר6 of 21

“of mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

צִיּ֜וֹן7 of 21

“Zion”

H6726

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

וְעַל8 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִקְרָאֶ֗הָ9 of 21

“and upon her assemblies”

H4744

something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal

עָנָ֤ן׀10 of 21

“a cloud”

H6051

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

יוֹמָם֙11 of 21

“by day”

H3119

daily

וְעָשָׁ֔ן12 of 21

“and smoke”

H6227

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

וְנֹ֛גַהּ13 of 21

“and the shining”

H5051

brilliancy (literally or figuratively)

אֵ֥שׁ14 of 21

“fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לֶהָבָ֖ה15 of 21

“of a flaming”

H3852

flame

לָ֑יְלָה16 of 21

“by night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

כִּ֥י17 of 21
H3588

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

עַל18 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל19 of 21
H3605

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

כָּב֖וֹד20 of 21

“for upon all the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

חֻפָּֽה׃21 of 21

“shall be a defence”

H2646

a canopy


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 4:5 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 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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