Isaiah 17:12
Isaiah 17:12 in Multiple Translations
Alas, the tumult of many peoples; they rage like the roaring seas and clamoring nations; they rumble like the crashing of mighty waters.
¶ Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!
Ah, the uproar of many peoples, that roar like the roaring of the seas; and the rushing of nations, that rush like the rushing of mighty waters!
Ah! the voice of peoples, like the loud sounding of the seas, and the thundering of great nations rushing on like the bursting out of waters!
Disaster is coming to the many nations that growl, growling like the raging sea! Disaster is coming to the peoples who roar, roaring like thundering waters!
Ah, the multitude of many people, they shall make a sounde like the noyse of the sea: for the noyse of the people shall make a sounde like the noyse of mightie waters.
Woe [to] the multitude of many peoples, As the sounding of seas they sound; And [to] the wasting of nations, As the wasting of mighty waters they are wasted.
Ah, the uproar of many peoples who roar like the roaring of the seas; and the rushing of nations that rush like the rushing of mighty waters!
Woe to the multitude of many people, who make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!
Woe to the multitude of many people, like the multitude of the roaring sea: and the tumult of crowds, like the noise of many waters.
Listen! The armies of many nations will roar like the sea roars. It will sound like the noise of crashing waves.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 17:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 17:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֗וֹי
הֲמוֹן֙
עַמִּ֣ים
רַבִּ֔ים
כַּ/הֲמ֥וֹת
יַמִּ֖ים
יֶהֱמָי֑וּ/ן
וּ/שְׁא֣וֹן
לְאֻמִּ֔ים
כִּ/שְׁא֛וֹן
מַ֥יִם
כַּבִּירִ֖ים
יִשָּׁאֽוּ/ן
ה֗וֹי
hôwy
H1945
woe!
Part
הֲמוֹן֙
hâmôwn
H1995
crowd
N-ms
עַמִּ֣ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp
רַבִּ֔ים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
כַּ/הֲמ֥וֹת
hâmâh
H1993
to roar
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יַמִּ֖ים
yâm
H3220
West
N-mp
יֶהֱמָי֑וּ/ן
hâmâh
H1993
to roar
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
וּ/שְׁא֣וֹן
shâʼôwn
H7588
roar
Conj | N-ms
לְאֻמִּ֔ים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
people
N-mp
כִּ/שְׁא֛וֹן
shâʼôwn
H7588
roar
Prep | N-ms
מַ֥יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
כַּבִּירִ֖ים
kabbîyr
H3524
mighty
Adj
יִשָּׁאֽוּ/ן
shâʼâh
H7582
to crash
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 17:12
ה֗וֹי
hôwy
H1945
"woe!"
Part
Hoy is an expression of sadness or pain, like saying oh or woe. It's used to show strong emotions, and is often translated as alas or woe in the KJV Bible. This word conveys a sense of lament or regret.
Definition: ah!, alas!, ha!, ho!, O!, woe!
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas, ho, O, woe. See also: 1 Kings 13:30; Jeremiah 22:18; Isaiah 1:4.
הֲמוֹן֙
hâmôwn
H1995
"crowd"
N-ms
Being in a state of turmoil or having a lot of noise is what this Hebrew word means. It can also refer to a large crowd or abundance of something, like in the book of Proverbs where it describes a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) murmur, roar, crowd, abundance, tumult, sound 1a) sound, murmur, rush, roar 1b) tumult, confusion 1c) crowd, multitude 1d) great number, abundance 1e) abundance, wealth
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult. See also: Genesis 17:4; Isaiah 33:3; Psalms 37:16.
עַמִּ֣ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
רַבִּ֔ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
כַּ/הֲמ֥וֹת
hâmâh
H1993
"to roar"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To make a loud noise, like roaring or moaning, is what this Hebrew word means. It can also imply a state of turmoil or commotion, like in the book of Jeremiah where it describes a city in uproar.
Definition: 1) to murmur, growl, roar, cry aloud, mourn, rage, sound, make noise, tumult, be clamorous, be disquieted, be loud, be moved, be troubled, be in an uproar 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to growl 1a2) to murmur (fig. of a soul in prayer) 1a3) to roar 1a4) to be in a stir, be in a commotion 1a5) to be boisterous, be turbulent
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clamorous, concourse, cry aloud, be disquieted, loud, mourn, be moved, make a noise, rage, roar, sound, be troubled, make in tumult, tumultuous, be in an uproar. See also: 1 Kings 1:41; Song of Solomon 5:4; Psalms 39:7.
יַמִּ֖ים
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-mp
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
יֶהֱמָי֑וּ/ן
hâmâh
H1993
"to roar"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To make a loud noise, like roaring or moaning, is what this Hebrew word means. It can also imply a state of turmoil or commotion, like in the book of Jeremiah where it describes a city in uproar.
Definition: 1) to murmur, growl, roar, cry aloud, mourn, rage, sound, make noise, tumult, be clamorous, be disquieted, be loud, be moved, be troubled, be in an uproar 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to growl 1a2) to murmur (fig. of a soul in prayer) 1a3) to roar 1a4) to be in a stir, be in a commotion 1a5) to be boisterous, be turbulent
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clamorous, concourse, cry aloud, be disquieted, loud, mourn, be moved, make a noise, rage, roar, sound, be troubled, make in tumult, tumultuous, be in an uproar. See also: 1 Kings 1:41; Song of Solomon 5:4; Psalms 39:7.
וּ/שְׁא֣וֹן
shâʼôwn
H7588
"roar"
Conj | N-ms
The word for roar or uproar describes a loud, rushing sound, like the crash of water or the noise of a crowd, as seen in Psalm 65 and Jeremiah 10. It can also imply destruction or chaos.
Definition: 1) roar, din, crash, uproar 1a) roar (of water) 1b) uproar (of revellers)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] horrible, noise, pomp, rushing, tumult ([idiom] -uous). See also: Psalms 40:3; Isaiah 25:5; Psalms 65:8.
לְאֻמִּ֔ים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
"people"
N-mp
This word refers to a community or nation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people who share a common identity or culture. The KJV translates it as 'nation' or 'people'.
Definition: a people, nation
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: nation, people. See also: Genesis 25:23; Proverbs 11:26; Psalms 2:1.
כִּ/שְׁא֛וֹן
shâʼôwn
H7588
"roar"
Prep | N-ms
The word for roar or uproar describes a loud, rushing sound, like the crash of water or the noise of a crowd, as seen in Psalm 65 and Jeremiah 10. It can also imply destruction or chaos.
Definition: 1) roar, din, crash, uproar 1a) roar (of water) 1b) uproar (of revellers)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] horrible, noise, pomp, rushing, tumult ([idiom] -uous). See also: Psalms 40:3; Isaiah 25:5; Psalms 65:8.
מַ֥יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
כַּבִּירִ֖ים
kabbîyr
H3524
"mighty"
Adj
This word means mighty or powerful, describing something as vast or great in extent, power, or number. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power or the strength of a large group. It conveys a sense of grandeur or importance.
Definition: mighty, great, powerful, many, much
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, mighty, most, much, strong, valiant. See also: Job 8:2; Job 34:24; Isaiah 16:14.
יִשָּׁאֽוּ/ן
shâʼâh
H7582
"to crash"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This verb means to crash or rush, often resulting in desolation or ruin. In the Bible, it is used to describe the destruction of cities or nations, like in Jeremiah 4:20. The word conveys a sense of sudden and intense devastation.
Definition: 1) crash, make a din or crash, crash into ruins, be in ruins, be desolated 1a) (Qal) to crash into ruins 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ruined 1b2) to crash 1b3) to be left (a desolation) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to crash 1c2) to cause to be desolated
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be desolate, (make a) rush(-ing), (lay) waste. See also: 2 Kings 19:25; Isaiah 17:12; Isaiah 6:11.
Study Notes — Isaiah 17:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 17:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 17:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 17:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 17:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 17:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 17:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 17:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 17:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 17:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 17:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 17:12
Context — The Burden against Damascus
10For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and failed to remember the Rock of your refuge. Therefore, though you cultivate delightful plots and set out cuttings from exotic vines—
11though on the day you plant you make them grow, and on that morning you help your seed sprout— yet the harvest will vanish on the day of disease and incurable pain.
12Alas, the tumult of many peoples; they rage like the roaring seas and clamoring nations; they rumble like the crashing of mighty waters.
13The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale. 14In the evening, there is sudden terror! Before morning, they are no more! This is the portion of those who loot us and the lot of those who plunder us.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 6:23 | They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.” |
| 2 | Luke 21:25 | There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. |
| 3 | Psalms 18:4 | The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me. |
| 4 | Revelation 17:15 | Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. |
| 5 | Revelation 17:1 | Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 43:2 | and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory. |
| 7 | Psalms 29:3 | The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is heard over many waters. |
| 8 | Psalms 46:1–3 | God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah |
| 9 | Isaiah 5:26–30 | He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come! None of them grows weary or stumbles; no one slumbers or sleeps. No belt is loose and no sandal strap is broken. Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away from deliverance. In that day they will roar over it, like the roaring of the sea. If one looks over the land, he will see darkness and distress; even the light will be obscured by clouds. |
| 10 | Isaiah 8:7–8 | the Lord will surely bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates — the king of Assyria and all his pomp. It will overflow its channels and overrun its banks. It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel! |
Isaiah 17:12 Summary
[Isaiah 17:12 is a powerful verse that describes the noise and chaos of many nations gathered together, much like a big stormy sea. This image is meant to convey the idea of a powerful and overwhelming force, and it serves as a warning to trust in God's sovereignty rather than human strength. As we read this verse, we are reminded of the importance of seeking refuge in God, as described in Psalm 46:1-3, and trusting in His power to calm the storms of life. By focusing on God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in Isaiah 40:28 and Psalm 103:19, we can find peace and comfort even in the midst of turmoil.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'tumult of many peoples' that Isaiah 17:12 is referring to?
The 'tumult of many peoples' in Isaiah 17:12 refers to the noise and chaos of many nations gathered together, likely in opposition to God's people, as seen in other prophetic passages like Ezekiel 38:1-6 and Revelation 20:8-9.
Why are the nations compared to 'roaring seas' and 'clamoring nations' in this verse?
The comparison of the nations to 'roaring seas' and 'clamoring nations' in Isaiah 17:12 is meant to convey the idea of a powerful and overwhelming force, much like the description of the wicked in Psalm 2:1-3 and the seas in Psalm 65:7.
Is this verse talking about a specific historical event or a future prophecy?
While Isaiah 17:12 does not specify a particular event, its language and imagery suggest a future time of great turmoil and upheaval, possibly related to the events described in Isaiah 17:1-11 and the judgment of nations in Isaiah 13:1-14:27.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah 17?
Isaiah 17:12 serves as a warning to the nations and to God's people, emphasizing the futility of trusting in human strength and the inevitability of God's judgment, as seen in Isaiah 17:10-11 and the surrounding verses.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the warning in this verse to my own life and circumstances?
- How can I cultivate a sense of trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming opposition or chaos?
- What are some ways that the 'tumult of many peoples' might be manifesting in my own community or the world at large, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- How does this verse encourage me to prioritize my relationship with God and seek refuge in Him, as described in Isaiah 17:10?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 17:12
Woe to the multitude of many people,..... Not as lamenting the people of the Jews with Hezekiah, as if they were the words of the prophet bemoaning their condition, saying, "O the multitude", c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 17:12
Woe to the multitude of many people which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 17:12
This is a new prophecy, added for the present support and comfort of God’ s people. The multitude of many people, combined together against Judah. It matters not whether you understand this of the Syrians and Israelites who were united against Judah, or of the Assyrians, whose army consisted of vast numbers, and of men of several nations. The following words agree to either of them. Which make a noise like the noise of the seas; which invade my land and people with great force and fury, as the sea doth, either in its own channel, or when it enters into the land by a breach.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 17:12
Isaiah 17:12 Woe to the multitude of many people, [which] make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, [that] make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!Ver. 12. Woe to the multitude of many people.] Met to make up Sennacherib’ s army. Or, Oh the multitude, &c. The prophet wondereth, as it were, at the huge multitude of the enemies, and their horrible noise. Like the rushing of many waters.] Ob impetum et fremitum. Mihi hoc loco admirantis videtur. - Oecolamp.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 17:12
(12) Woe to the multitude of many people.—The three Isaiah 17:12-14 stand as an isolated fragment, probably placed here as beginning like Isaiah 18:1. They may have been connected with the progress of Sennacherib’s army. In the “rushing of mighty waters” to describe the march of an army we have a parallel to Isaiah 8:7-8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 17:12
Verse 12. Wo to the multitude] The three last verses of this chapter seem to have no relation to the foregoing prophecy, to which they are joined. It is a beautiful piece, standing singly and by itself; for neither has it any connexion with what follows: whether it stands in its right place, or not, I cannot say. It is a noble description of the formidable invasion and the sudden overthrow of Sennacherib; which is intimated in the strongest terms and the most expressive images, exactly suitable to the event. Like the rushing of mighty waters!] Five words, three at the end of the twelfth verse, and two at the beginning of the thirteenth, are omitted in eight MSS., with the Syriac; that is, in effect, the repetition contained in the first line of Isa 17:13 in this translation, is not made. After having observed that it is equally easy to account for the omission of these words by a transcriber if they are genuine, or their insertion if they are not genuine, occasioned by his carrying his eye backwards to the word לאמים leammim, or forwards to ישאון yeshaon, I shall leave it to the reader's judgment to determine whether they are genuine or not. Instead of כהמות cahamoth, "as the roaring," five MSS. and the Vulgate have כהמון kehamon, "as the multitude."
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 17:12
Ch. Isaiah 17:12-14. The sudden annihilation of the AssyriansThese verses are regarded by some critics as the continuation of ch. Isaiah 17:1-11, by others as the introduction to ch. 18. Since the reference here is undoubtedly to the Assyrians, the first view has nothing to commend it, the transition being too sudden and abrupt. The second view, in spite of identity of subject and a certain similarity in form with ch. 18, is also improbable because of the well-marked conclusion in Isaiah 17:14 and the completeness of ch. 18 in itself. It is better, therefore, to treat the passage as a short independent oracle springing from the same historical situation as the following chapter.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 17:12
Wo to the multitude ... - The word ‘woe’ (הוי hôy) may be either an interjection simply directing the attention to them, or it may be a word indicating approaching calamity and judgment (see the note at Isaiah 5:6).
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 17:12
12. Woe — The word is more properly, Ho, or Ha; a word of surprise; something suddenly turning up to the attention, and wholly absorbing it.
Sermons on Isaiah 17:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Five Fold Fallenness of Man - Part 2 by Tim Conway | This sermon delves into Ephesians 2, emphasizing the state of every individual before becoming a Christian, highlighting the darkness and hopelessness of being dead in sin and foll |
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Are You Ready for Christ's Return by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the second coming of Christ. He references 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 and Luke 21 to highlight the signs |
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Today – Therefore by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of the times we are living in, where destruction threatens the world. They argue that we can no longer live a comfortable Christi |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 45 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and following what Jesus taught, especially in times of turmoil and fear. It discusses the rest and compassion that Jesus off |
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The Discipline of Being Vigilant by Todd Atkinson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being vigilant in our relationship with God the Holy Spirit. The speaker encourages believers to edify and strengthen one a |
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Sunday Night Meditations 39 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing the vital truth about God. He highlights that while people may have knowledge in various fields, they often neglec |
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Luke 21:25 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the current global crises, emphasizing the distress of nations as tensions rise between East and West, particularly with Russia's potential moves in the Middl |