Isaiah 11:9
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָרֵ֥עוּ
They shall not hurt
H7489
יָרֵ֥עוּ
They shall not hurt
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַשְׁחִ֖יתוּ
nor destroy
H7843
יַשְׁחִ֖יתוּ
nor destroy
Strong's:
H7843
Word #:
4 of 16
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַ֣ר
mountain
H2022
הַ֣ר
mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
6 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
קָדְשִׁ֑י
in all my holy
H6944
קָדְשִׁ֑י
in all my holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
7 of 16
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מָלְאָ֣ה
shall be full
H4390
מָלְאָ֣ה
shall be full
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
9 of 16
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כַּמַּ֖יִם
as the waters
H4325
כַּמַּ֖יִם
as the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
14 of 16
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Cross References
Habakkuk 2:14For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.Isaiah 52:10The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.Psalms 72:19And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.Job 5:23For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.
Historical Context
Partially fulfilled in gospel spread bringing knowledge of God worldwide. More completely fulfilled in new earth where 'the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea' (Habakkuk 2:14). In new creation, nothing will obscure God's glory—His presence and knowledge will be universal and immediate. The progression: Old Testament (limited knowledge), gospel age (spreading knowledge), new creation (complete knowledge).
Questions for Reflection
- How does increasing knowledge of God produce increasing peace and righteousness?
- What does universal knowledge of the Lord look like in practical terms?
- How can we participate in spreading knowledge of God until it covers the earth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Universal knowledge of the Lord characterizes the messianic kingdom. 'They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain' promises complete cessation of violence throughout God's realm. The comparison to waters covering the sea suggests comprehensive, inescapable knowledge of God—as thorough as ocean coverage. This describes the new covenant promise (Jeremiah 31:34) and ultimately the new creation where God's glory fills everything. Universal knowledge produces universal peace.