Isaiah 2:21

Isaiah 2:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.

King James Version KJV

To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

American Standard Version ASV

to go into the caverns of the rocks, and into the clefts of the ragged rocks, from before the terror of Jehovah, and from the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake mightily the earth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

To take cover in the cracks of the rocks, and in the holes of the hills, for fear of the Lord, and before the glory of his power, when he comes out of his place, shaking the earth with his strength.

Free Bible Version FBV

They will run to cracks in the rocks and gaps on the cliffs to try and hide from the terrifying presence of the Lord, from the glory of his majesty, when he arrives to shake the earth.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

To goe into the holes of the rockes, and into the toppes of the ragged rockes from before the feare of the Lord, and from the glory of his maiestie, when he shall rise to destroy the earth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

To enter into cavities of the rocks, And into clefts of the high places, Because of the fear of Jehovah, And because of the honour of His excellency, In His rising to terrify the earth.

World English Bible WEB

to go into the caverns of the rocks, and into the clefts of the ragged rocks, from before the terror of the LORD, and from the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake the earth mightily.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he shall go into the clefts of rocks, and into the holes of stones from the face of the fear of the Lord, and from the glory of his majesty, when he shall rise up to strike the earth.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then they will crawl into caves and hide in the crags in the cliffs. They will do that to escape from the dreadful punishments that Yahweh will cause them to endure, from what he will do because he is glorious and awesome, when he comes to shake/terrify the people on the earth.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 2:21

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 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לָ/בוֹא֙ בְּ/נִקְר֣וֹת הַ/צֻּרִ֔ים וּ/בִ/סְעִפֵ֖י הַ/סְּלָעִ֑ים מִ/פְּנֵ֞י פַּ֤חַד יְהוָה֙ וּ/מֵ/הֲדַ֣ר גְּאוֹנ֔/וֹ בְּ/קוּמ֖/וֹ לַ/עֲרֹ֥ץ הָ/אָֽרֶץ

לָ/בוֹא֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בְּ/נִקְר֣וֹת nᵉqârâh H5366 crevice Prep | N-fp

הַ/צֻּרִ֔ים tsûwr H6697 rock Art | N-mp

וּ/בִ/סְעִפֵ֖י çâʻîyph H5585 cleft Conj | Prep | N-mp

הַ/סְּלָעִ֑ים çelaʻ H5553 crag Art | N-mp

מִ/פְּנֵ֞י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

פַּ֤חַד pachad H6343 dread N-ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וּ/מֵ/הֲדַ֣ר hâdâr H1926 glory Conj | Prep | N-ms

גְּאוֹנ֔/וֹ gâʼôwn H1347 pride N-ms | Suff

בְּ/קוּמ֖/וֹ qûwm H6965 -kamai Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

לַ/עֲרֹ֥ץ ʻârats H6206 to tremble Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 2:21

לָ/בוֹא֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

בְּ/נִקְר֣וֹת nᵉqârâh H5366 "crevice" Prep | N-fp

This Hebrew word means a hole or crevice, often referring to a small opening in a rock. It is used in the Bible to describe places like the cleft of a rock. The word is related to the idea of something being bored or penetrated.

Definition: hole, crevice

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cleft, clift. See also: Exodus 33:22; Isaiah 2:21.

הַ/צֻּרִ֔ים tsûwr H6697 "rock" Art | N-mp

A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.

Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)

Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.

וּ/בִ/סְעִפֵ֖י çâʻîyph H5585 "cleft" Conj | Prep | N-mp

This word refers to a cleft or branch, like a split in a rock or a tree limb. It is used in the Bible to describe natural features. The KJV translates it as branch or clift.

Definition: 1) cleft, branch 1a) cleft (of a crag) 1b) branches, boughs

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (outmost) branch, clift, top. See also: Judges 15:8; Isaiah 17:6; Isaiah 2:21.

הַ/סְּלָעִ֑ים çelaʻ H5553 "crag" Art | N-mp

This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.

Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.

מִ/פְּנֵ֞י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

פַּ֤חַד pachad H6343 "dread" N-ms

This word refers to a feeling of terror or dread, often caused by something sudden or frightening. In the Bible, it describes the fear of God or the dread of His judgment. The prophet Isaiah used it to describe the terror of God's wrath.

Definition: 1) terror, dread 1a) dread 1b) object of dread

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror. See also: Genesis 31:42; Job 39:22; Psalms 14:5.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וּ/מֵ/הֲדַ֣ר hâdâr H1926 "glory" Conj | Prep | N-ms

In the original Hebrew, this word means glory, beauty, or majesty, and is used to describe God's splendor and excellence. It appears in descriptions of God's power and glory in the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) ornament, splendour, honour 1a) ornament 1b) splendour, majesty 1c) honour, glory

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honour, majesty. See also: Leviticus 23:40; Psalms 145:5; Psalms 8:6.

גְּאוֹנ֔/וֹ gâʼôwn H1347 "pride" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means pride or majesty, describing something excellent or arrogant, like nations or God's power, as seen in the KJV translations of Isaiah and Psalms.

Definition: 1) exaltation, majesty, pride 1a) majesty, exaltation, excellence 1a1) of nations 1a2) of God 1a3) of the Jordan 1b) pride, arrogance (bad sense)

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling. See also: Exodus 15:7; Jeremiah 13:9; Psalms 47:5.

בְּ/קוּמ֖/וֹ qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

לַ/עֲרֹ֥ץ ʻârats H6206 "to tremble" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To tremble or dread means to feel fear or be terrified, like being in awe of something or someone, as described in various Bible stories.

Definition: 1) to tremble, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, break, be terrified, cause to tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cause to tremble, terrify 1b2) to tremble, feel dread 1b) (Niphal) to be awesome, be terrible 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard or treat with awe, regard or treat as awful 1c2) to inspire with awe, terrify

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: be affrighted (afraid, dread, feared, terrified), break, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, shake terribly. See also: Deuteronomy 1:29; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 89:8.

הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | 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.

Study Notes — Isaiah 2:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 2:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 2:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 2:21
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 2:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 2:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 2:21
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 2:21
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 2:21
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 2:21
Sermons on Isaiah 2:21

Context — The Day of Reckoning

19Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. 20In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold— the idols they made to worship.

21They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.

22Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 2:19	Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.
2	Song of Solomon 2:14	O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your countenance is lovely.
3	Isaiah 2:10	Go into the rocks and hide in the dust from the terror of the LORD and the splendor of His majesty.
4	Exodus 33:22	and when My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by.
5	Job 30:6	so that they lived on the slopes of the wadis, among the rocks and in holes in the ground.

Isaiah 2:21 Summary

[Isaiah 2:21 describes a scene where people are trying to escape the terror of the Lord and the splendor of His majesty by fleeing to caves and rocks, but this verse reminds us that there is no place where we can hide from God's presence, as seen in Psalm 139:7-8. Instead of trying to flee from God, we should seek to know and worship Him, and trust in His love and mercy, as mentioned in John 3:16 and Romans 8:28. By surrendering our lives to God and seeking His presence, we can experience the beauty and wonder of His majesty, and find peace and security in His love.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terror of the Lord that causes people to flee in Isaiah 2:21?

The terror of the Lord refers to the awe-inspiring fear that comes from recognizing God's power and majesty, as seen in Psalm 111:9 and Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet Isaiah encounters God's glory and is overwhelmed with a sense of fear and unworthiness.

Why do people flee to caverns and crevices in the rocks in this verse?

People flee to caverns and crevices in the rocks in an attempt to escape the judgment and wrath of God, but as Psalm 139:7-8 reminds us, there is no place where we can hide from God's presence.

What is the splendor of God's majesty mentioned in Isaiah 2:21?

The splendor of God's majesty refers to the radiant glory and beauty of God's presence, as described in Exodus 24:17 and Ezekiel 1:28, where God's glory is compared to a brilliant light that is both captivating and terrifying.

How does this verse relate to the idea of God shaking the earth?

The idea of God shaking the earth, as mentioned in Isaiah 2:21, is a metaphor for God's judgment and intervention in human affairs, as seen in Haggai 2:6-7 and Hebrews 12:26-27, where God's power is described as shaking the foundations of the earth and the heavens.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I try to hide from God or escape His presence in my own life, and how can I surrender these areas to Him?
How does the thought of God's majesty and splendor affect my daily life and decisions, and what are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God?
What are some idols or false sources of security that I may be trusting in, and how can I cast them away and put my trust in God alone, as mentioned in Isaiah 2:20?
How can I balance the fear of God's judgment with the knowledge of His love and mercy, and what are some ways that I can experience God's love and mercy in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 2:21

To go into the clifts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks,.... That is, the idolaters shall either go there themselves; or they shall cause their idols to go there, thither they shall

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 2:21

To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 2:21

Isaiah 2:21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.Ver. 21. To go into the clefts of the rocks.] See Isaiah 2:10. Only here the double repetition of this dreadful judgment is very emphatic, and may serve to teach preachers to inculcate upon their hearers God’ s severity against sinners, and to remind them much of those last things, death, judgment, hell. Utinam ubique de his dissereretur, saith Chrysostom, that excellent preacher. Oh that these things might resound from all pulpits!

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 2:21

(21) To go into the clefts of the rocks . . .—Comp. for the phrase, Exodus 33:22. The picture of Isa 2:19 is reproduced, with some noticeable variations. As men feel shock after shock of the earthquake, and see the flashing fires, and hear the crash of the thunder, they leave the larger caverns in which they had at first sought shelter, and where they have left the idols that were once so precious, and fly to the smaller and higher openings, the “clefts of the rocks,” and the rents of the crags, in their unspeakable panic.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 2:21

Verse 21. See Clarke on Isaiah 2:19.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 2:21

21. See on Isaiah 2:10; Isaiah 2:19. Translate: to enter into the hollows of the rocks and clefts of the crags, &c.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 2:21

To go - That is, that he may go. Clefts of the rocks - see the note at Isaiah 2:19. Into the tops ... - The tops of such rocks were not easily accessible, and were, therefore, deemed places of safety.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 2:21

21. The warning begun in Isaiah 2:10 continues. To go — This is an infinitive of purpose — that these frightened idol worshippers may go into hiding-places away from the coming terror of Jehovah.It

Sermons on Isaiah 2:21

	Sermon	Description
	Will You Stand or Fall in the Coming Storm by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a teenage girl who is obedient to her father's rules but lacks a genuine heart motive. He emphasizes the importance of spending ti
	Haggai 2:6 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the prophetic significance of Haggai 2:6, warning of a coming universal earthquake that symbolizes God's judgment on nations for their sins and rejection of
	Epistle 60 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing the pure essence of God within us, which guides us towards spiritual growth and obedience to His will. He encourag
	True Grace Distinguished From the Experience of Devils by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the distinction between true grace and the experiences of devils, emphasizing that mere intellectual belief, earnest desires for salvation, a sense
	The Hidden Life of Faith by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of faith and obedience to God's will. He emphasizes that if a person obeys God's work, they will fulfill His will. The speaker also
	From Believing to Seeing the Glory of God by Brian Long	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the need to see His goodness. He highlights that those who are lost have been