Isaiah 34:4
And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָמַ֙קּוּ֙
shall be dissolved
H4743
וְנָמַ֙קּוּ֙
shall be dissolved
Strong's:
H4743
Word #:
1 of 15
to melt; figuratively, to flow, dwindle, vanish
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צְבָאָ֣ם
And all the host
H6635
צְבָאָ֣ם
And all the host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
3 of 15
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
and the heavens
H8064
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
and the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
4 of 15
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְנָגֹ֥לּוּ
shall be rolled together
H1556
וְנָגֹ֥לּוּ
shall be rolled together
Strong's:
H1556
Word #:
5 of 15
to roll (literally or figuratively)
כַסֵּ֖פֶר
as a scroll
H5612
כַסֵּ֖פֶר
as a scroll
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
and the heavens
H8064
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
and the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
7 of 15
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צְבָאָ֣ם
And all the host
H6635
צְבָאָ֣ם
And all the host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
9 of 15
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וּכְנֹבֶ֖לֶת
and as a falling
H5034
וּכְנֹבֶ֖לֶת
and as a falling
Strong's:
H5034
Word #:
10 of 15
to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint
וּכְנֹבֶ֖לֶת
and as a falling
H5034
וּכְנֹבֶ֖לֶת
and as a falling
Strong's:
H5034
Word #:
11 of 15
to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint
עָלֶה֙
as the leaf
H5929
עָלֶה֙
as the leaf
Strong's:
H5929
Word #:
12 of 15
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
Cross References
Matthew 24:29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:Joel 3:15The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
Historical Context
Ancient peoples viewed celestial bodies as powerful spiritual entities or gods. Isaiah's prophecy demonstrates YHWH's supremacy over all creation, including what pagans worshiped.
Questions for Reflection
- What does cosmic dissolution teach about the temporary nature of this present world?
- How should the certainty of creation's end affect our priorities and investments?
- How does this verse counter modern idolatry of created things?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The dissolution of the heavenly host echoes creation language in reverse—what God spoke into existence, He can un-create. The Hebrew "namaq" (dissolved/melted) suggests total disintegration. This cosmic upheaval parallels Jesus' teaching in Matthew 24:29 and Peter's description of the heavens passing away (2 Peter 3:10). The imagery of stars falling like leaves demonstrates that no created thing stands independent of God's sustaining power.