Isaiah 18:3
Isaiah 18:3 in Multiple Translations
All you people of the world and dwellers of the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it; when a ram’s horn sounds, you will hear it.
All 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.
All ye inhabitants of the world, and ye dwellers on the earth, when an ensign is lifted up on the mountains, see ye; and when the trumpet is blown, hear ye.
All you peoples of the world, and you who are living on the earth, when a flag is lifted up on the mountains, give attention; and when the horn is sounded, give ear.
All you people of the world, everyone who lives on earth—you will see when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will hear when a trumpet sounds.
Al ye the inhabitants of ye world and dwellers in the earth, shall see when he setteth vp a signe in the mountaines, and when he bloweth the trumpet, ye shall heare.
All ye inhabitants of the world, And ye dwellers of earth, At the lifting up of an ensign on hills ye look, And at the blowing of a trumpet ye hear.
All you inhabitants of the world, and you dwellers on the earth, when a banner is lifted up on the mountains, look! When the trumpet is blown, listen!
All 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.
All ye inhabitants of the world, who dwell on the earth, when the sign shall be lifted up on the mountains, you shall see, and you shall hear the sound of the trumpet.
You messengers must tell people everywhere, to people everywhere, “Look when I lift up my battle flag on top of the mountain, and listen when I blow the ram’s horn to signal that the battle is about to begin.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 18:3
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 18:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י
תֵבֵ֖ל
וְ/שֹׁ֣כְנֵי
אָ֑רֶץ
כִּ/נְשֹׂא
נֵ֤ס
הָרִים֙
תִּרְא֔וּ
וְ/כִ/תְקֹ֥עַ
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
תִּשְׁמָֽעוּ
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
תֵבֵ֖ל
têbêl
H8398
world
N-fs
וְ/שֹׁ֣כְנֵי
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
כִּ/נְשֹׂא
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
נֵ֤ס
nêç
H5251
ensign
N-ms
הָרִים֙
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp
תִּרְא֔וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וְ/כִ/תְקֹ֥עַ
tâqaʻ
H8628
to blow
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
shôwphâr
H7782
trumpet
N-ms
תִּשְׁמָֽעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
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 18:3
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
תֵבֵ֖ל
têbêl
H8398
"world"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for world, it refers to the earth and its inhabitants. In the Bible, it's used to describe the world God created, like in Psalm 24, which says the earth belongs to God.
Definition: world
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: habitable part, world. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 97:4; Psalms 9:9.
וְ/שֹׁ֣כְנֵי
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כִּ/נְשֹׂא
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
נֵ֤ס
nêç
H5251
"ensign"
N-ms
A nes is a flag or banner, often used as a signal or standard. It can also refer to a sail or flagstaff, and is sometimes used figuratively as a symbol or token.
Definition: 1) something lifted up, standard, signal, signal pole, ensign, banner, sign, sail 1a) standard (as rallying point), signal 1b) standard (pole) 1c) ensign, signal
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: banner, pole, sail, (en-) sign, standard. See also: Numbers 21:8; Isaiah 31:9; Psalms 60:6.
הָרִים֙
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
תִּרְא֔וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ/כִ/תְקֹ֥עַ
tâqaʻ
H8628
"to blow"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to blow or strike something, like a trumpet or a nail. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a loud noise or driving something into place. The KJV translates it as blow, clap, or strike.
Definition: 1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon) 1a2) to give a blast, give a blow 1a3) to strike or clap hands 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn) 1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: blow (a trumpet), cast, clap, fasten, pitch (tent), smite, sound, strike, [idiom] suretiship, thrust. See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 47:2.
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
shôwphâr
H7782
"trumpet"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
תִּשְׁמָֽעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
Study Notes — Isaiah 18:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 18:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 18:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 18:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 18:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 18:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 18:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 18:3
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 18:3
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 18:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 18:3
- Sermons on Isaiah 18:3
Context — A Message to Cush
1Woe to the land of whirring wings, along the rivers of Cush,
2which sends couriers by sea, in papyrus vessels on the waters. Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people widely feared, to a powerful nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers.
3All you people of the world and dwellers of the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it; when a ram’s horn sounds, you will hear it.
4For this is what the LORD has told me: “I will quietly look on from My dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.” 5For before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, He will cut off the shoots with a pruning knife and remove and discard the branches.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 5:26 | 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! |
| 2 | Isaiah 26:11 | O LORD, Your hand is upraised, but they do not see it. They will see Your zeal for Your people and be put to shame. The fire set for Your enemies will consume them! |
| 3 | Matthew 13:9 | He who has ears, let him hear.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 22:29 | O land, land, land, hear the word of the LORD! |
| 5 | Isaiah 13:2 | Raise a banner on a barren hilltop; call aloud to them. Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. |
| 6 | Psalms 50:1 | The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from where the sun rises to where it sets. |
| 7 | Micah 6:2 | Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel: |
| 8 | Micah 6:9 | The voice of the LORD calls out to the city (and it is sound wisdom to fear Your name): “Heed the rod and the One who ordained it. |
| 9 | Amos 3:6–8 | If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. The lion has roared— who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken— who will not prophesy? |
| 10 | Psalms 49:1–2 | Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor alike. |
Isaiah 18:3 Summary
Isaiah 18:3 is a call to all people to pay attention to God's message, using the symbols of a banner and a ram's horn to get our attention. Just like a city on a hill, as mentioned in Matthew 5:14, God's message is meant to be visible and heard by all. This verse is an invitation to all people to listen to God's word and respond to His call, as seen in other passages like Psalm 96:1-3, where all nations are called to praise God. By being attentive to God's signals, we can be part of spreading His message to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the banner and the ram's horn in Isaiah 18:3?
The banner and the ram's horn are symbols of a call to attention and a signal for action, as seen in other Bible passages such as Numbers 10:1-10, where the trumpet was used to signal the movement of the Israelites. In this context, they represent a universal summons to all people to pay attention to God's message.
Who are the people being addressed in Isaiah 18:3?
The people being addressed are 'all you people of the world and dwellers of the earth', indicating a universal audience, which is consistent with other Bible passages such as Psalm 96:1-3, where all nations are called to praise God.
What is the purpose of the banner being raised on the mountains?
The purpose of the banner being raised on the mountains is to serve as a visible signal to all people, much like the city on a hill in Matthew 5:14, which cannot be hidden, and is meant to draw attention to God's message.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse serves as a transition, addressing all people and setting the stage for God's declaration of His intentions, as stated in the following verses, such as Isaiah 18:4, where God says He will quietly look on from His dwelling place.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God gets my attention, and how do I respond to His call?
- How can I be a part of spreading God's message to all people, as implied in this verse?
- What are some 'mountains' in my life where God is calling me to raise a banner of faith and trust in Him?
- In what ways can I be more attentive to God's signals and summons in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 18:3
All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth,.... All the men of the world are here called upon, either by the Lord, or rather by the prophet, to be eye and ear witnesses of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 18:3
All 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 18:3
See ye; take notice of what I say and God will do. Or, ye shall see it; you shall be eye-witnesses of this dreadful woe or judgment which I am bringing upon the people of whom I have spoken: The prophet doth in a manner summon all nations to bear witness of his prophecy, and of the accomplishment thereof. When he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains, and when he bloweth a trumpet; when God shall gather together the nations, as it were, by the lifting up of an ensign, or by the sound of a trumpet, to execute his judgments upon this people. Heb. as when a man lifts up an ensign upon the mountains, which men can easily see; and as when a man sounds a trumpet, they can hear: no less visible and manifest shall this judgment of God be. Hear ye; ye shall hear it, as in the other branch.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 18:3
Isaiah 18:3 All 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.Ver. 3. All the inhabitants of the world, see ye.] Or, Ye shall see when he lifteth up a banner on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, ye shall hear - i.e., ye shall shortly see the Assyrians returning from the conquest of the Ethiopian with glory and great joy; but what will the Lord do the while?
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 18:3
(3) When he lifteth up an ensign . . .—Both clauses are better taken as indefinite, when an ensign is set up . . . when a trumpet is sounded. The prophet calls on all nations (Ethiopia being specially included) to watch for the signal that shall be given, distinct as the beacon-fire on the hill, or the alarm of the trumpet, to proclaim the downfall of Assyria.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 18:3
Verse 3. When he lifteth up an ensign - "When the standard is lifted up"] I take God to be the Agent in this verse; and that by the standard and the trumpet are meant the meteors, the thunder, the lightning, the storm, earthquake, and tempest, by which Sennacherib's army shall be destroyed, or by which at least the destruction of it shall be accompanied; as it is described in Isaiah 10:16-17; Isaiah 29:6, and Isaiah 30:30-31. See also Psalms 76:1-12, and the title of it, according to the Septuagint, Vulgate and AEthiopic. They are called, by a bold metaphor, the standard lifted up, and the trumpet sounded. The latter is used by Homer, I think with great force, in his introduction to the battle of the gods; though I find it has disgusted some of the minor critics: - Βραχεδ' ευρειαχθων, Αμφιδεσαλπιγζενμεγαςουρανος. Il. xxi. 388. "Heaven in loud thunders bids the trumpet sound, And wide beneath them groans the rending ground." POPE.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 18:3
3. This verse gives the message which the ambassadors are to carry home to their countrymen, although it concerns all the world as much as the Ethiopians. Render: when a signal is lifted up … when a trumpet is blown. Cf. ch. Isaiah 13:2. Since the whole process is supernatural it is idle to enquire what the “signal” and “trumpet” signify. The verse is simply a summons to be prepared for the moment of Jehovah’s decisive intervention.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 18:3
All ye inhabitants of the world - These are to be regarded as the words of the prophet summoning all nations to attend to that which was about to occur.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 18:3
3. See ye, when, etc. — The picture takes in the prophet as saying to all the people in those far lands, “Be ready when ye shall see the signal raised on the mountains; note it, when the trumpet
Sermons on Isaiah 18:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded #2 by John Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the word of God to detach our hearts and affections from worldly things. He encourages believers to have a con |
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The Future Punishment of the Wicked Unavoidable and Intolerable by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches a powerful sermon on the future punishment of the wicked, emphasizing the unavoidable, intolerable, and inescapable nature of God's wrath upon impenitent |
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The Only Place of Safety by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that throughout history, many have believed they can withstand calamities without faith in God, likening them to the spiritually blind described by Isaia |
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Hearing His Voice by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changes in worship and preaching over time. He shares an experience in an English church where singing took up a significant portion of |
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The Antiochal Church by Art Katz | In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not missing the mind of God in every occasion, especially when it comes to hearing the word of God. The speaker mentions tha |
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The Advantage of Humiliation by Francois Fenelon | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'plousios' (richly) in the Bible, emphasizing its implications of abundance and value, both materially and spiritually. The sermon explores |
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Responsibility of Hearing the Gospel by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the critical responsibility of how we hear the Gospel, urging listeners to take heed and be attentive to God's word. He explains that the manner of our he |