King James Version

What Does Isaiah 64:2 Mean?

Isaiah 64:2 in the King James Version says “As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 64 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence! the melting: Heb. the fire of meltings”

Isaiah 64:2 · KJV

Context

1

Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,

2

As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence! the melting: Heb. the fire of meltings

3

When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.

4

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. seen: or, seen a God beside thee, which doeth so for him, etc

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!' Fire imagery intensifies - melting, burning, boiling. The purpose: making God's name known and causing nations to tremble. Divine intervention serves revelatory purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fire frequently accompanies theophany (burning bush, Sinai, Elijah at Carmel). This prayer requests a new fire-manifestation that would make God's power undeniable to all nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would unmistakable divine manifestation accomplish in the world today?
  2. How does God make His name known through powerful action?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּקְדֹ֧חַ1 of 12

“burneth”

H6919

to inflame

אֵ֔שׁ2 of 12

“fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

הֲמָסִ֗ים3 of 12

“As when the melting”

H2003

a dry twig or brushwood

מַ֚יִם4 of 12

“causeth the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

תִּבְעֶה5 of 12

“to boil”

H1158

to gush over, i.e., to swell; (figuratively) to desire earnestly; by implication to ask

אֵ֔שׁ6 of 12

“fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לְהוֹדִ֥יעַ7 of 12

“known”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

שִׁמְךָ֖8 of 12

“to make thy name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לְצָרֶ֑יךָ9 of 12

“to thine adversaries”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ10 of 12

“at thy presence”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

גּוֹיִ֥ם11 of 12

“that the nations”

H1471

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

יִרְגָּֽזוּ׃12 of 12

“may tremble”

H7264

to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)

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 64:2 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 64:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 99:1Jeremiah 33:9Ezekiel 38:22-23Psalms 102:15-16Isaiah 37:20Daniel 4:32-37

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