King James Version

What Does Isaiah 4:6 Mean?

Isaiah 4:6 in the King James Version says “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 f... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 4:6 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The tabernacle/booth provides fourfold protection: shade from heat, refuge from storm, hiding from rain, covering from flood. This comprehensive security imagery depicts God as ultimate shelter for His remnant people (Psalm 91:1-4). The language anticipates eschatological security where God wipes away every tear and removes all danger (Revelation 7:16-17; 21:4). This concludes chapter 4's movement from judgment (4:1) through purification (4:3-4) to restoration and protection (4:5-6)—the pattern of God's redemptive work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wilderness tabernacle protected Israel from harsh environment. Isaiah promises similar divine protection for the purified remnant, fulfilled partially in restoration from exile and ultimately in Christ's kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we experience God as 'covering' and 'refuge' amid present trials?
  2. What does comprehensive divine protection teach about the security of those in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְסֻכָּ֛ה1 of 9

And there shall be a tabernacle

H5521

a hut or lair

תִּהְיֶ֥ה2 of 9
H1961

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

לְצֵל3 of 9

for a shadow

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

יוֹמָ֖ם4 of 9

in the daytime

H3119

daily

מֵחֹ֑רֶב5 of 9

from the heat

H2721

drought or desolation

וּלְמַחְסֶה֙6 of 9

and for a place of refuge

H4268

a shelter (literally or figuratively)

וּלְמִסְתּ֔וֹר7 of 9

and for a covert

H4563

a refuge

מִזֶּ֖רֶם8 of 9

from storm

H2230

a gush of water

וּמִמָּטָֽר׃9 of 9

and from rain

H4306

rain


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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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