Isaiah 33:19
Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַ֣ם
a people
H5971
עַ֣ם
a people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִרְאֶ֑ה
Thou shalt not see
H7200
תִרְאֶ֑ה
Thou shalt not see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עַ֣ם
a people
H5971
עַ֣ם
a people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
שָׂפָה֙
speech
H8193
שָׂפָה֙
speech
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
8 of 13
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
מִשְּׁמ֔וֹעַ
than thou canst perceive
H8085
מִשְּׁמ֔וֹעַ
than thou canst perceive
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
9 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
נִלְעַ֥ג
of a stammering
H3932
נִלְעַ֥ג
of a stammering
Strong's:
H3932
Word #:
10 of 13
to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly
Cross References
Isaiah 28:11For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.Jeremiah 5:15Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.Exodus 14:13And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.2 Kings 19:32Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.1 Corinthians 14:21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Historical Context
Assyrian was a Semitic language related to Hebrew but distinct—intelligible phrases but overall incomprehensible to average Judeans. Assyrian soldiers' harsh battle cries, commanders' intimidating speeches terrorized. After deliverance, Assyrians withdrew—no more foreign garrison, no barbarian speech. Later, under Ezra-Nehemiah, Hebrew was re-established. Jesus's Kingdom transcends linguistic barriers—gospel proclaimed in all tongues (Mark 16:15, Revelation 7:9).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fierce people' with incomprehensible motives or speech have threatened you, and how has God delivered?
- How does the promise of no more barbarous oppressors anticipate new creation's peace?
- How should the gospel's power to unite across languages shape your view of cultural and linguistic diversity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt not see a fierce people (אֶת־עַם נוֹעָז לֹא תִרְאֶה, et-am no'az lo tir'eh)—you won't see (רָאָה, ra'ah) the נוֹעָז (no'az, fierce, barbarous) people. A people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand (עַם עִמְקֵי שָׂפָה מִשְּׁמוֹעַ נִלְעַג לָשׁוֹן אֵין בִּינָה, am imqey safah mishmoa nil'ag lashon eyn binah)—people of obscure (עָמֹק, amoq, deep, unintelligible) speech (שָׂפָה, safah), stammering (לָעַג, la'ag, mocking, foreign) tongue (לָשׁוֹן, lashon) without understanding (בִּינָה, binah).
The Assyrians—fierce warriors speaking incomprehensible Akkadian—will disappear from Judah's sight. Their foreign, harsh language terrorized (Isaiah 36:11-13 shows language as weapon). But God promises: no more foreign oppressors. Deuteronomy 28:49-50 threatened judgment via 'a nation... whose tongue thou shalt not understand'—covenant curse. Deliverance means curse-reversal. Ultimately, Pentecost reversed Babel—Holy Spirit gave understanding across language barriers (Acts 2:4-11), anticipating new creation where all worship in unity.