Isaiah 9:5
For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
סְאוֹן֙
For every battle
H5430
סְאוֹן֙
For every battle
Strong's:
H5430
Word #:
3 of 12
perhaps a military boot (as a protection from mud)
סֹאֵ֣ן
of the warrior
H5431
סֹאֵ֣ן
of the warrior
Strong's:
H5431
Word #:
4 of 12
to shoe, i.e., (active participle) a soldier shod
בְדָמִ֑ים
in blood
H1818
בְדָמִ֑ים
in blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
8 of 12
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
וְהָיְתָ֥ה
H1961
וְהָיְתָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 1:8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:Isaiah 30:33For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.Psalms 46:9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:Nahum 3:2The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the pransing horses, and of the jumping chariots.Joel 2:5Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Historical Context
While partially fulfilled in periods of peace following Assyrian threat, the ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's second coming and eternal kingdom. The early church saw Jesus's first coming as inaugurating this peace by reconciling humanity to God, though full realization awaits His return. Revelation 20-21 depicts final destruction of all war and conflict. The burning of weapons symbolizes complete transformation from war to eternal peace under Messiah's righteous rule.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ bring peace both spiritually (reconciliation with God) and ultimately (end of all conflict)?
- What does the burning of weapons teach about the complete transformation Christ brings?
- How do we live as peacemakers in the 'already but not yet' of Christ's inaugurated kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes the end of warfare through burning battle gear. 'Every battle of the warrior' and 'garments rolled in blood' evoke warfare's violence and horror. Their burning 'for fuel of fire' indicates complete destruction—war implements becoming irrelevant. This prophesies Messiah's peace, when swords become plowshares (Isaiah 2:4). The imagery suggests Christ's kingdom brings true peace not through military victory but through transforming hearts. The burning also hints at judgment—God's wrath consuming all opposition to His reign.