Isaiah 33:16

Authorized King James Version

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He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.

Original Language Analysis

ה֚וּא H1931
ה֚וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 1 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מְרוֹמִ֣ים on high H4791
מְרוֹמִ֣ים on high
Strong's: H4791
Word #: 2 of 10
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן He shall dwell H7931
יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן He shall dwell
Strong's: H7931
Word #: 3 of 10
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
מְצָד֥וֹת shall be the munitions H4679
מְצָד֥וֹת shall be the munitions
Strong's: H4679
Word #: 4 of 10
a fastness (as a covert of ambush)
סְלָעִ֖ים of rocks H5553
סְלָעִ֖ים of rocks
Strong's: H5553
Word #: 5 of 10
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
מִשְׂגַּבּ֑וֹ his place of defence H4869
מִשְׂגַּבּ֑וֹ his place of defence
Strong's: H4869
Word #: 6 of 10
misgab, a place in moab
לַחְמ֣וֹ bread H3899
לַחְמ֣וֹ bread
Strong's: H3899
Word #: 7 of 10
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
נִתָּ֔ן shall be given H5414
נִתָּ֔ן shall be given
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 8 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מֵימָ֖יו him his waters H4325
מֵימָ֖יו him his waters
Strong's: H4325
Word #: 9 of 10
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
נֶאֱמָנִֽים׃ shall be sure H539
נֶאֱמָנִֽים׃ shall be sure
Strong's: H539
Word #: 10 of 10
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

Analysis & Commentary

He shall dwell on high (הוּא מְרוֹמִים יִשְׁכּוֹן, hu meromim yishkon)—he will dwell (שָׁכַן, shakhan) in מָרוֹם (marom, the heights). His place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks (מְצָדוֹת סְלָעִים מִשְׂגַּבּוֹ, metsadot sela'im misgabo)—fortresses (מְצוּדָה, metsudah) of rocks (סֶלַע, sela) are his refuge (מִשְׂגָּב, misgav). Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure (לַחְמוֹ נִתָּן מֵימָיו נֶאֱמָנִים, lachmo nitan meymaw ne'emanim)—his bread (לֶחֶם, lechem) will be given, his waters (מַיִם, mayim) are אָמַן (aman, sure, faithful, reliable).

The righteous person (v. 15) receives comprehensive security: elevated position (dwelling on high), impregnable defense (rock fortresses), guaranteed provision (bread and water). These aren't earned rewards but covenant blessings—God protects and provides for those who walk righteously. Psalm 91:1-2: 'He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty... He is my refuge and my fortress.' Matthew 6:33: 'But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.'

Historical Context

Mountain fortresses provided security in ancient warfare—inaccessible positions, natural defenses. During Sennacherib's invasion, many Judeans fled to fortified cities or mountain strongholds. But ultimate security came from God Himself. Psalm 18:2: 'The LORD is my rock, and my fortress.' Jesus promised: 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee' (Hebrews 13:5). Paul testified: 'my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19).

Questions for Reflection

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