King James Version

What Does Isaiah 9:5 Mean?

Isaiah 9:5 in the King James Version says “For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For: or, When the whole battle of the warrior was, etc but: or, and it was, etc fuel: Heb. meat”

Isaiah 9:5 · KJV

Context

3

Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. not: or, to him

4

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For: or, When thou brakest

5

For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For: or, When the whole battle of the warrior was, etc but: or, and it was, etc fuel: Heb. meat

6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the end of warfare through burning battle gear. 'Every battle of the warrior' and 'garments rolled in blood' evoke warfare's violence and horror. Their burning 'for fuel of fire' indicates complete destruction—war implements becoming irrelevant. This prophesies Messiah's peace, when swords become plowshares (Isaiah 2:4). The imagery suggests Christ's kingdom brings true peace not through military victory but through transforming hearts. The burning also hints at judgment—God's wrath consuming all opposition to His reign.

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Historical & Cultural Context

While partially fulfilled in periods of peace following Assyrian threat, the ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's second coming and eternal kingdom. The early church saw Jesus's first coming as inaugurating this peace by reconciling humanity to God, though full realization awaits His return. Revelation 20-21 depicts final destruction of all war and conflict. The burning of weapons symbolizes complete transformation from war to eternal peace under Messiah's righteous rule.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ bring peace both spiritually (reconciliation with God) and ultimately (end of all conflict)?
  2. What does the burning of weapons teach about the complete transformation Christ brings?
  3. How do we live as peacemakers in the 'already but not yet' of Christ's inaugurated kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּ֤י1 of 12
H3588

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

כָל2 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

סְאוֹן֙3 of 12

“For every battle”

H5430

perhaps a military boot (as a protection from mud)

סֹאֵ֣ן4 of 12

“of the warrior”

H5431

to shoe, i.e., (active participle) a soldier shod

בְּרַ֔עַשׁ5 of 12

“is with confused noise”

H7494

vibration, bounding, uproar

וְשִׂמְלָ֖ה6 of 12

“and garments”

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

מְגוֹלָלָ֣ה7 of 12

“rolled”

H1556

to roll (literally or figuratively)

בְדָמִ֑ים8 of 12

“in blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וְהָיְתָ֥ה9 of 12
H1961

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

לִשְׂרֵפָ֖ה10 of 12

“but this shall be with burning”

H8316

cremation

מַאֲכֹ֥לֶת11 of 12

“and fuel”

H3980

something eaten (by fire), i.e., fuel

אֵֽשׁ׃12 of 12

“of fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

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 9:5 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 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 1:8Psalms 46:9Isaiah 30:33Ezekiel 39:8-10Isaiah 4:4Isaiah 10:16-17

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