King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:27 Mean?

Isaiah 5:27 in the King James Version says “None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loo...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:”

Isaiah 5:27 · KJV

Context

25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. torn: or, as dung

26

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

27

None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:

28

Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:

29

Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it.

Read Isaiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The invading army's tireless perfection—'none shall be weary,' 'none shall slumber nor sleep,' unbroken equipment—depicts divinely empowered judgment force. The hyperbolic description (shoes and latchets unbroken) emphasizes that when God commissions judgment, nothing hinders its execution. This supernatural efficiency demonstrates that resistance to divine judgment is futile, anticipating Joel's description of the Lord's army (Joel 2:7-9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian military machine was renowned for discipline and effectiveness. Isaiah presents their success as divinely enabled, making resistance not merely militarily but theologically futile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the supernatural efficiency of judgment armies reveal divine determination?
  2. What does the futility of resisting God's judgment teach about the wisdom of repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֵין1 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עָיֵ֤ף2 of 17

“None shall be weary”

H5889

languid

וְאֵין3 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כּוֹשֵׁל֙4 of 17

“nor stumble”

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

בּ֔וֹ5 of 17
H0
לֹ֥א6 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָנ֖וּם7 of 17

“among them none shall slumber”

H5123

to slumber (from drowsiness)

וְלֹ֣א8 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִישָׁ֑ן9 of 17

“nor sleep”

H3462

properly, to be slack or languid, i.e., (by implication) sleep (figuratively, to die); also to grow old, stale or inveterate

וְלֹ֤א10 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִפְתַּח֙11 of 17

“be loosed”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

אֵז֣וֹר12 of 17

“neither shall the girdle”

H232

something girt; a belt, also a band

חֲלָצָ֔יו13 of 17

“of their loins”

H2504

the loins (as the seat of vigor)

וְלֹ֥א14 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִתַּ֖ק15 of 17

“be broken”

H5423

to tear off

שְׂר֥וֹךְ16 of 17

“nor the latchet”

H8288

a thong (as laced or tied)

נְעָלָֽיו׃17 of 17

“of their shoes”

H5275

properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)

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 5:27 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 5:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 12:18Joel 2:7-8Job 12:21Psalms 93:1Daniel 5:6Psalms 18:32

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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