King James Version

What Does Isaiah 9:18 Mean?

Isaiah 9:18 in the King James Version says “For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the fores...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.”

Isaiah 9:18 · KJV

Context

16

For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. the leaders: or, they that call them blessed led of: or, called blessed of destroyed: Heb. swallowed up

17

Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. folly: or, villany

18

For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.

19

Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother. fuel: Heb. meat

20

And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm: snatch: Heb cut

Read Isaiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wickedness is depicted as a consuming fire that burns briars, thorns, and forest thickets. The fire imagery suggests sin's self-destructive nature—wickedness ultimately consumes those who practice it. 'Kindleth' indicates how sin ignites easily and spreads rapidly. 'Mount up like the lifting up of smoke' portrays judgment as visible and inescapable. The fire represents both their sin and God's judgment—sin itself becomes its own punishment. This illustrates the Reformed doctrine of sin's intrinsic destructiveness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Fulfilled in the chaos of Israel's final years: assassinations, coups, foreign invasions, and societal breakdown (2 Kings 15-17). The nation consumed itself through internal violence before Assyria administered final destruction. Archaeological evidence shows burnt destruction layers across northern cities. The 'smoke' of judgment was visible for miles as cities burned, first from civil war, then from Assyrian conquest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sin function as its own punishment, consuming those who practice it?
  2. What does the fire imagery teach about sin's progressive, destructive nature?
  3. In what ways do we see societies or individuals consumed by their own wickedness today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּֽי1 of 13
H3588

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

בָעֲרָ֤ה2 of 13

“burneth”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

כָאֵשׁ֙3 of 13

“as the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

רִשְׁעָ֔ה4 of 13

“For wickedness”

H7564

wrong (especially moral)

שָׁמִ֥יר5 of 13

“the briers”

H8068

a thorn; also (from its keenness for scratching) a gem, probably the diamond

וָשַׁ֖יִת6 of 13

“and thorns”

H7898

scrub or trash, i.e., wild growth of weeds or briers (as if put on the field)

תֹּאכֵ֑ל7 of 13

“it shall devour”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַתִּצַּת֙8 of 13

“and shall kindle”

H3341

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

בְּסִֽבְכֵ֣י9 of 13

“in the thickets”

H5442

a copse

הַיַּ֔עַר10 of 13

“of the forest”

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

וַיִּֽתְאַבְּכ֖וּ11 of 13

“and they shall mount up”

H55

probably to coil upward

גֵּא֥וּת12 of 13

“like the lifting up”

H1348

the same as h1346

עָשָֽׁן׃13 of 13

“of smoke”

H6227

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

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 9:18 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 9:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 4:1Psalms 83:14Isaiah 5:24Nahum 1:10Isaiah 34:8-10Nahum 1:6

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Isaiah 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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