King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:30 Mean?

Isaiah 5:30 in the King James Version says “And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof. sorrow: or, distress and the light: or, when it is light, it shall be dark in the destructions thereof”

Isaiah 5:30 · KJV

Context

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.

30

And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof. sorrow: or, distress and the light: or, when it is light, it shall be dark in the destructions thereof

Read Isaiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The concluding imagery of roaring against Judah 'like the roaring of the sea' and 'darkness and sorrow' with dimmed light depicts overwhelming, inescapable judgment. Sea roaring suggests chaos and threat (Psalm 46:3), while darkness symbolizes absence of hope and guidance. The phrase 'the light is darkened in the heavens thereof' may indicate ecological devastation or symbolize divine presence withdrawal. This apocalyptic imagery anticipates Joel's day of the LORD characterized by darkness (Joel 2:2, 31).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Siege warfare brought literal darkness through smoke and devastation. Spiritually, divine presence withdrawal left Judah in covenant darkness, fulfilling curse threats.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'darkness' of judgment contrast with light imagery associated with divine presence?
  2. What hope exists even when 'light is darkened'—does grace ultimately triumph over judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְיִנְהֹ֥ם1 of 14

“they shall roar”

H5098

to growl

עָלָ֛יו2 of 14
H5921

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

בַּיּ֥וֹם3 of 14

“And in that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֖וּא4 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כְּנַהֲמַת5 of 14

“against them like the roaring”

H5100

snarling

יָ֑ם6 of 14

“of the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְנִבַּ֤ט7 of 14

“and if one look”

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

לָאָ֙רֶץ֙8 of 14

“unto the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְהִנֵּה9 of 14
H2009

lo!

חֹ֔שֶׁךְ10 of 14

“behold darkness”

H2822

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

צַ֣ר11 of 14

“and sorrow”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

וָא֔וֹר12 of 14

“and the light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

חָשַׁ֖ךְ13 of 14

“is darkened”

H2821

to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken

בַּעֲרִיפֶֽיהָ׃14 of 14

“in the heavens”

H6183

the sky (as drooping at the horizon)

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 5:30 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 5:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 8:22Joel 2:10Jeremiah 4:23-28Revelation 16:10-11Jeremiah 6:23Psalms 93:3-4

Test Your Knowledge

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