Isaiah 34:1
Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.
Original Language Analysis
קִרְב֤וּ
Come near
H7126
קִרְב֤וּ
Come near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 11
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
גוֹיִם֙
ye nations
H1471
גוֹיִם֙
ye nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
2 of 11
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
תִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hear
H8085
תִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 11
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hear
H8085
תִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 11
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וּמְלֹאָ֔הּ
and all that is therein
H4393
וּמְלֹאָ֔הּ
and all that is therein
Strong's:
H4393
Word #:
8 of 11
fulness (literally or figuratively)
תֵּבֵ֖ל
the world
H8398
תֵּבֵ֖ל
the world
Strong's:
H8398
Word #:
9 of 11
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
Cross References
Isaiah 41:1Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.Isaiah 43:9Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.Isaiah 1:2Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.1 Corinthians 10:26For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.Isaiah 33:13Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.Jeremiah 22:29O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.Deuteronomy 32:1Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.Revelation 2:7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.Isaiah 18:3All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye.Isaiah 49:1Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
Historical Context
Delivered during Isaiah's ministry (740-680 BC), this oracle transitions from judgments on specific nations (chapters 13-23) to universal judgment. The chapter parallels chapter 35's restoration message, showing God's dual work of judgment and redemption.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's universal authority challenge modern notions of national sovereignty?
- What comfort does God's impartial justice bring to those who suffer injustice?
- How should the certainty of divine judgment affect our witness to the nations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This prophetic summons calls all nations to witness God's sovereign judgment. The Hebrew imperative "qirbû" (come near) demonstrates God's universal authority over all peoples, not just Israel. This eschatological oracle introduces themes that culminate in Revelation's final judgment, where every knee shall bow. The cosmic scope ("earth...world") reveals that God's justice extends beyond temporal kingdoms to encompass all creation.