Isaiah 32:18

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

Original Language Analysis

וְיָשַׁ֥ב shall dwell H3427
וְיָשַׁ֥ב shall dwell
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַמִּ֖י And my people H5971
עַמִּ֖י And my people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 2 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בִּנְוֵ֣ה habitation H5116
בִּנְוֵ֣ה habitation
Strong's: H5116
Word #: 3 of 8
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
שָׁל֑וֹם in a peaceable H7965
שָׁל֑וֹם in a peaceable
Strong's: H7965
Word #: 4 of 8
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וּֽבְמִשְׁכְּנוֹת֙ dwellings H4908
וּֽבְמִשְׁכְּנוֹת֙ dwellings
Strong's: H4908
Word #: 5 of 8
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
מִבְטַחִ֔ים and in sure H4009
מִבְטַחִ֔ים and in sure
Strong's: H4009
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance
וּבִמְנוּחֹ֖ת resting places H4496
וּבִמְנוּחֹ֖ת resting places
Strong's: H4496
Word #: 7 of 8
repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode
שַׁאֲנַנּֽוֹת׃ and in quiet H7600
שַׁאֲנַנּֽוֹת׃ and in quiet
Strong's: H7600
Word #: 8 of 8
secure; in a bad sense, haughty

Analysis & Commentary

And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation (וְיָשַׁב עַמִּי בִּנְוֵה שָׁלוֹם, veyashav ami binveh shalom)—my people will יָשַׁב (yashav, dwell, settle) in נָוֶה (naveh, habitation, dwelling) of שָׁלוֹם (shalom, peace). And in sure dwellings (וּבְמִשְׁכְּנוֹת מִבְטַחִים, uvemishkenot mivtachim)—in מִשְׁכָּנוֹת (mishkenot, dwellings) that are מִבְטָח (mivtach, secure, safe). And in quiet resting places (וּבִמְנוּחֹת שַׁאֲנַנּוֹת, uvimenuchot sha'ananot)—in מְנוּחָה (menuchah, resting places) characterized by שַׁאֲנָן (sha'anan, tranquil, at ease).

The threefold promise emphasizes complete security: peaceable habitation, sure dwellings, quiet resting places. This is the positive reality corresponding to earlier negative (forsaken palaces, v. 14). What was lost through sin is restored through Spirit. The irony: verse 9 condemned women who were שַׁאֲנַנּוֹת (sha'ananot, at ease) in false security; verse 18 promises מְנוּחֹת שַׁאֲנַנּוֹת (menuchot sha'ananot, tranquil resting) in true security. The difference: false ease trusts Egypt; true rest trusts God. Hebrews 4:9-11 promises Sabbath-rest for God's people—ceasing from self-effort, entering divine provision.

Historical Context

Israel's history involved constant displacement—Egyptian slavery, wilderness wandering, Canaanite conflicts, Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. The longing for secure dwelling permeates Scripture. The Promised Land was meant to provide this (Deuteronomy 12:10), but sin brought judgment and exile. Ultimate fulfillment awaits new heavens and earth: 'And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them' (Revelation 21:3).

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People