Isaiah 31:4

Authorized King James Version

For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

כֹ֣ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָֽמַר

H559

spoken

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

For thus hath the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלַ֡י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֶהְגֶּה֩

H1897

roaring

to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

הָאַרְיֵ֨ה

H738

unto me Like as the lion

a lion

וְהַכְּפִ֜יר

H3715

and the young lion

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

#10

עַל

H5921

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

#11

טַרְפּ֗וֹ

H2964

on his prey

something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food

#12

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

יִקָּרֵ֤א

H7121

is called forth

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#14

עָלָיו֙

H5921

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

#15

מְלֹ֣א

H4393

when a multitude

fulness (literally or figuratively)

#16

רֹעִ֔ים

H7462

of shepherds

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

#17

מִקּוֹלָם֙

H6963

of their voice

a voice or sound

#18

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#19

יֵחָ֔ת

H2865

against him he will not be afraid

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

#20

וּמֵֽהֲמוֹנָ֖ם

H1995

himself for the noise

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

#21

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

יַֽעֲנֶ֑ה

H6031

nor abase

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

#23

כֵּ֗ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#24

יֵרֵד֙

H3381

come down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#25

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

For thus hath the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#26

צְבָא֔וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#27

לִצְבֹּ֥א

H6633

to fight

to mass (an army or servants)

#28

עַל

H5921

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

#29

הַר

H2022

for mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#30

צִיּ֖וֹן

H6726

Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

#31

וְעַל

H5921

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

#32

גִּבְעָתָֽהּ׃

H1389

and for the hill

a hillock

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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