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Isaiah 25:4

Isaiah 25:4 in Multiple Translations

For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall,

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

For thou hast been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

For you have been a strong place for the poor and the crushed in their trouble, a safe place from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the wrath of the cruel ones is like a winter storm.

But you have protected the poor and needy when they were in trouble, you shielded them from storms and shaded them from the heat. For the actions of brutal people are like rain beating against a wall,

For thou hast bene a strength vnto the poore, euen a strength to the needie in his trouble, a refuge against the tempest, a shadow against the heate: for the blaste of the mightie is like a storme against the wall.

For Thou hast been a stronghold for the poor, A stronghold for the needy in his distress, A refuge from storm, a shadow from heat, When the spirit of the terrible [is] as a storm — a wall.

For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the dreaded ones is like a storm against the wall.

For thou hast been a defense to the poor, a defense to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

Because thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress: a refuge from the whirlwind, a shadow from the heat. For the blast of the mighty is like a whirlwind beating against a wall.

Yahweh, you are like [SIM] a strong tower where poor people can ◄find refuge/be safe►, a place where needy people can go when they are distressed. You are like [MET] a place where people can find refuge in a storm and where they can be shaded from the hot sun. Ruthless/Cruel people oppress us; they are like [SIM] a storm beating against a wall,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 25:4

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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 25:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי הָיִ֨יתָ מָע֥וֹז לַ/דָּ֛ל מָע֥וֹז לָ/אֶבְי֖וֹן בַּ/צַּר ל֑/וֹ מַחְסֶ֤ה מִ/זֶּ֨רֶם֙ צֵ֣ל מֵ/חֹ֔רֶב כִּ֛י ר֥וּחַ עָרִיצִ֖ים כְּ/זֶ֥רֶם קִֽיר
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
הָיִ֨יתָ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-2ms
מָע֥וֹז mâʻôwz H4581 security N-ms
לַ/דָּ֛ל dal H1800 poor Prep | Adj
מָע֥וֹז mâʻôwz H4581 security N-ms
לָ/אֶבְי֖וֹן ʼebyôwn H34 needy Prep | Adj
בַּ/צַּר tsar H6862 narrow Prep | Adj
ל֑/וֹ Prep | Suff
מַחְסֶ֤ה machăçeh H4268 refuge N-ms
מִ/זֶּ֨רֶם֙ zerem H2230 storm Prep | N-ms
צֵ֣ל tsêl H6738 shadow N-ms
מֵ/חֹ֔רֶב chôreb H2721 drought Prep | N-ms
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj
ר֥וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs
עָרִיצִ֖ים ʻârîyts H6184 ruthless Adj
כְּ/זֶ֥רֶם zerem H2230 storm Prep | N-ms
קִֽיר qîyr H7023 wall N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 25:4

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָיִ֨יתָ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מָע֥וֹז mâʻôwz H4581 "security" N-ms
A fortified place or stronghold, like a rock or harbor, providing safety and protection, is what this Hebrew word represents.
Definition: 1) place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold 1a) place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold 1b) refuge (of God) (fig.) 1c) human protection (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold). See also: Judges 6:26; Isaiah 23:14; Psalms 27:1.
לַ/דָּ֛ל dal H1800 "poor" Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
מָע֥וֹז mâʻôwz H4581 "security" N-ms
A fortified place or stronghold, like a rock or harbor, providing safety and protection, is what this Hebrew word represents.
Definition: 1) place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold 1a) place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold 1b) refuge (of God) (fig.) 1c) human protection (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold). See also: Judges 6:26; Isaiah 23:14; Psalms 27:1.
לָ/אֶבְי֖וֹן ʼebyôwn H34 "needy" Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
בַּ/צַּר tsar H6862 "narrow" Prep | Adj
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
ל֑/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
מַחְסֶ֤ה machăçeh H4268 "refuge" N-ms
This Hebrew word means a safe place to go, like a shelter from a storm. It appears in the Bible as a place of hope and trust, where people can find refuge from danger. In Psalm 71:3, God is called a rock of refuge.
Definition: 1) refuge, shelter 1a) from rain or storm, from danger 1b) of falsehood
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust. See also: Job 24:8; Psalms 94:22; Psalms 14:6.
מִ/זֶּ֨רֶם֙ zerem H2230 "storm" Prep | N-ms
This word describes a storm or heavy rain shower, like a strong downpour. It is used in the Bible to describe powerful natural events, such as floods and tempests, often symbolizing God's judgment or presence.
Definition: rain-shower, thunderstorm, flood of rain, downpour, rain-storm
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: flood, overflowing, shower, storm, tempest. See also: Job 24:8; Isaiah 28:2; Isaiah 4:6.
צֵ֣ל tsêl H6738 "shadow" N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
מֵ/חֹ֔רֶב chôreb H2721 "drought" Prep | N-ms
The Bible uses this word to describe a state of drought or desolation, often as a result of sin. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses warned the Israelites of desolation if they disobeyed God. It is also used in the book of Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) dryness, drought, heat 1a) dryness 1b) drought 1c) parching heat
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: desolation, drought, dry, heat, [idiom] utterly, waste. See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 25:5; Isaiah 4:6.
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ר֥וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
עָרִיצִ֖ים ʻârîyts H6184 "ruthless" Adj
This word describes someone or something that inspires fear or awe, often due to great power or strength. It can be translated as mighty, oppressor, or ruthless in different contexts.
Definition: awe-inspiring, terror-striking, awesome, terrifying, ruthless, mighty
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent. See also: Job 6:23; Isaiah 25:5; Psalms 37:35.
כְּ/זֶ֥רֶם zerem H2230 "storm" Prep | N-ms
This word describes a storm or heavy rain shower, like a strong downpour. It is used in the Bible to describe powerful natural events, such as floods and tempests, often symbolizing God's judgment or presence.
Definition: rain-shower, thunderstorm, flood of rain, downpour, rain-storm
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: flood, overflowing, shower, storm, tempest. See also: Job 24:8; Isaiah 28:2; Isaiah 4:6.
קִֽיר qîyr H7023 "wall" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.

Study Notes — Isaiah 25:4

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Zephaniah 3:12 But I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD.
2 Isaiah 32:2 Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.
3 James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
4 Matthew 7:25–27 The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!”
5 Psalms 107:41 But He lifts the needy from affliction and increases their families like flocks.
6 Job 5:15–16 He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth and from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.
7 Psalms 12:5 “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
8 Isaiah 33:16 he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.
9 Isaiah 49:25 Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.
10 Isaiah 66:2 Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.

Isaiah 25:4 Summary

This verse, Isaiah 25:4, tells us that God is a safe place for those who are struggling and in need. He protects them from harm and provides comfort, much like a shade from the heat (as also seen in Psalms 121:5). Just as a wall stands strong against the rain, God stands strong against the attacks of those who would seek to harm His people. We can trust in God's love and care for us, just as the poor and needy have throughout history, and find refuge in Him (as promised in Deuteronomy 33:27).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to be a refuge for the poor?

This means that God provides protection, comfort, and safety for those who are vulnerable and in need, as seen in Isaiah 25:4 and also in Psalms 34:18 where it says God is near to the brokenhearted.

How does God subdue the ruthless?

According to Isaiah 25:4-5, God subdues the ruthless by being a refuge for the poor and needy, and by silencing their song, much like He will ultimately destroy all evil as promised in Revelation 20:10.

What is the significance of the breath of the ruthless being like rain against a wall?

This phrase, found in Isaiah 25:4, illustrates the futility and weakness of the ruthless when they oppose God and His people, much like the futility described in Jeremiah 23:28 where chaff is driven away by the wind.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's care for the needy?

This verse highlights God's character as a loving and caring Father, who provides for and protects those in need, as seen throughout the Bible in passages like Matthew 25:31-46 and Luke 12:22-31.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I have experienced God as a refuge in times of distress, and how can I share this with others?
  2. How can I be a reflection of God's love and care for the poor and needy in my community, as seen in Isaiah 58:6-12?
  3. What are some 'storms' in my life right now where I need to seek God as my refuge, and how can I trust in His goodness?
  4. In what ways can I silence the 'song of the ruthless' in my own life, and instead listen to the voice of God's love and truth?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 25:4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress,.... The people of God, who are poor and needy, both in a literal and in a spiritual sense; and especially when

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 25:4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 25:4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, & c.; for thou hast defended thy poor and helpless people against the fiercest assaults of their enemies. When the blast of the terrible one is as a storm against the wall; or, for (as this particle commonly signifies; or rather, therefore, as it is frequently used, because thou art their defender) the blast of the terrible, or strong, or violent one, was like a storm (of hail, or rain, or wind) against a wall, which makes a great and terrible noise, but without any effect, for the wall stands firm in spite of it. It is probable the prophet in these words had a special respect to that miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the rage and attempt of Sennacherib; although the words be general, and include other deliverances of a like nature.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 25:4

Isaiah 25:4 For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall.Ver. 4. For thou hast been a strength to the poor,] &c. That is, thou hast protected thy poor people from the persecution of the Antichristian rout, saith Piscator. Great is God’ s mercy in succouring his oppressed ones. This is here set forth by a double comparison: first, A refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, &c.] Where the Church’ s enemies are compared to raging waters, that bear down all before them; God to a place of refuge to fly unto. Secondly, Christ is a shadow, &c., whereas all worldly comforts are but as so many burning glasses to scorch the soul more.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 25:4

(4) Thou hast been a strength . . .—Literally, a fortress. The fierceness of the oppressor is represented by the intolerable heat, and the fierce tornado of an eastern storm, dashing against the wall, threatening it with destruction. From that storm the faithful servants of the Lord should find shelter as in the castle of the great King.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 25:4

Verse 4. As a storm against the wall - "Like a winter - storm."] For קיר kir, read קור kor: or, as עיר ir from ערר arar, קיר kir from קרר karar. - Capellus.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 25:4

1–5. The writer of the psalm, speaking in the name of the believing community, praises God for His wonderful providence (Isaiah 25:1) manifested in the overthrow of Israel’s enemies (2, 3) and in the mercy vouchsafed to the nation in a time of trouble (4, 5).

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 25:4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor - Thou hast sustained and upheld them in their trials, and hast delivered them. God is often spoken of as the strength of his people.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 25:4

4. For — Another reason for a song of triumph is, that God came down to the low estate of his own suffering people. Of this, also, shall the nations take note. The people of God in captivity are the poor and the needy.

Sermons on Isaiah 25:4

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson God's Miracle Mountain by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fulfillment of biblical prophecies in the present day. He highlights the spread of the Gospel in schools and colleges, including in China
David Wilkerson Resting in Jesus by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 24 and the prophecy of a watchman. He acknowledges the warning he has given in his book, "America's Last Call," about the
Richard Wurmbrand A Man Called Lenin (Reading) by Richard Wurmbrand In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus as the ultimate refuge and savior. He highlights the historical significance of Jesus' birth and his role as
Tom Macartney A Tree Planted by the Water by Tom Macartney Tom Macartney preaches on the contrast between trusting in the Lord and trusting in mortal man, illustrating the blessings of those who trust in the Lord as being like a tree plant
Thomas Reade God the Refuge for His People by Thomas Reade Thomas Reade preaches about God being the refuge for His people, emphasizing how God, in His infinite love, becomes the sinner's shelter from sin's guilt and punishment through Chr
J.C. Philpot The Eternal God the Refuge of His Saints by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot preaches on the eternal God being our refuge and the everlasting arms underneath us, promising to thrust out the enemy before us and charging us to destroy them. He ex
Art Katz Ezekiel 37 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a conversation he had with a former Marxist who showed him kindness and patience. The speaker was intrigued by the person's constant mention

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