Isaiah 33:12
Isaiah 33:12 in Multiple Translations
The peoples will be burned to ashes, like thorns cut down and set ablaze.
And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
And the peoples shall be as the burnings of lime, as thorns cut down, that are burned in the fire.
And the peoples will be like the burning of chalk: as thorns cut down, which are burned in the fire.
You people will be burned to ashes like thorns that are cut down and thrown into the fire.
And the people shall be as the burning of lime: and as the thornes cut vp, shall they be burnt in the fire.
And peoples have been [as] burnings of lime, Thorns, as sweepings, with fire they burn.
The peoples will be like the burning of lime, like thorns that are cut down and burned in the fire.
And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
And the people shall be as ashes after a fire, as a bundle of thorns they shall be burnt with fire.
Your people will be burned until only ashes remain [MET] like [SIM] thornbushes are cut down and burned up in a fire.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 33:12
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 33:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָי֥וּ
עַמִּ֖ים
מִשְׂרְפ֣וֹת
שִׂ֑יד
קוֹצִ֥ים
כְּסוּחִ֖ים
בָּ/אֵ֥שׁ
יִצַּֽתּוּ
וְ/הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
עַמִּ֖ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp
מִשְׂרְפ֣וֹת
misrâphâh
H4955
burning
N-fp
שִׂ֑יד
sîyd
H7875
lime
N-ms
קוֹצִ֥ים
qôwts
H6975
thorn
N-mp
כְּסוּחִ֖ים
kâçach
H3683
to cut
V-Qal-Inf-c
בָּ/אֵ֥שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
יִצַּֽתּוּ
yâtsath
H3341
to kindle
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 33:12
וְ/הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
עַמִּ֖ים
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.
מִשְׂרְפ֣וֹת
misrâphâh
H4955
"burning"
N-fp
This word describes burning, whether it is the cremation of a body or the calcination of lime. It refers to intense heat or combustion. The KJV translates it as burning.
Definition: a burning
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: burning. See also: Isaiah 33:12; Jeremiah 34:5.
שִׂ֑יד
sîyd
H7875
"lime"
N-ms
This word refers to lime, a type of material used for building, made by burning bones or stones. It's also translated as whitewash, used to give a fresh new look.
Definition: 1) lime, whitewash 1a) made by burning bones
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: lime, plaister. See also: Deuteronomy 27:2; Isaiah 33:12; Amos 2:1.
קוֹצִ֥ים
qôwts
H6975
"thorn"
N-mp
This Hebrew word simply means a thorn, like the thorns that grew in the ground after Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3:18. It can also refer to a thornbush, as in Judges 9:14.
Definition: 1) thorn, thornbush 1a) thornbush 1b) thorn
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: thorn. See also: Genesis 3:18; Isaiah 32:13; Psalms 118:12.
כְּסוּחִ֖ים
kâçach
H3683
"to cut"
V-Qal-Inf-c
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to cut something off, like a plant or a judgment. It appears in various forms, such as cutting away or cutting down. This concept is seen in prophetic judgments.
Definition: 1) to cut down, cut away, cut off (of plants) 1a) (Qal) cut away (pass participle) 1a1) of judgment (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cut down (up). See also: Psalms 80:17; Isaiah 33:12.
בָּ/אֵ֥שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
יִצַּֽתּוּ
yâtsath
H3341
"to kindle"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To kindle means to start a fire or burn something, and can also mean to leave something desolate. It appears in various forms, including being kindled or setting something on fire.
Definition: 1) to kindle, burn, set on fire 1a) (Qal) to kindle 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be kindled 1b2) to be left desolate 1c) (Hiphil) to set on fire, kindle
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: burn (up), be desolate, set (on) fire (fire), kindle. See also: Joshua 8:8; Jeremiah 11:16; Isaiah 9:17.
Study Notes — Isaiah 33:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 33:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 33:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 33:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 33:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 33:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 33:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 33:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 33:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 33:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 33:12
Context — The LORD Is Exalted
10“Now I will arise,” says the LORD. “Now I will lift Myself up. Now I will be exalted.
11You conceive chaff; you give birth to stubble. Your breath is a fire that will consume you.
12The peoples will be burned to ashes, like thorns cut down and set ablaze.
13You who are far off, hear what I have done; you who are near, acknowledge My might.” 14The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling grips the ungodly: “Who of us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting flames?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 27:4 | I am not angry. If only thorns and briers confronted Me, I would march and trample them, I would burn them to the ground. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 23:6–7 | But the worthless are all like thorns raked aside, for they can never be gathered by hand. The man who touches them must be armed with iron or with the shaft of a spear. The fire burns them to ashes in the place where they lie.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 10:17 | And the Light of Israel will become a fire, and its Holy One a flame. In a single day it will burn and devour Assyria’s thorns and thistles. |
| 4 | Isaiah 9:18 | For wickedness burns like a fire that consumes the thorns and briers and kindles the forest thickets which roll upward in billows of smoke. |
| 5 | Isaiah 37:36 | Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! |
| 6 | Amos 2:1 | This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Moab, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he burned to lime the bones of Edom’s king. |
Isaiah 33:12 Summary
[Isaiah 33:12 is a powerful reminder of God's judgment on those who oppose Him and His people. The image of being 'burned to ashes' like thorns cut down and set ablaze is a strong warning against sin and rebellion. As we read in Psalm 92:7, the wicked will eventually be destroyed, but those who trust in God will be like trees planted by the water, flourishing and bearing fruit. This verse encourages us to seek refuge in God's love and mercy, as seen in Romans 5:8, where we are told that God demonstrated His love for us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'burned to ashes' in Isaiah 33:12?
This phrase is a metaphor for complete destruction, similar to what is described in Malachi 4:1, where the wicked will be burned up like stubble, leaving nothing but ashes behind. This image emphasizes God's judgment on those who oppose Him.
Why are the peoples compared to 'thorns cut down and set ablaze'?
Thorns are often used in Scripture to represent things that are worthless or troublesome, as seen in Isaiah 5:6 and Matthew 13:7. In this context, the comparison highlights the fate of those who are opposed to God's people and His plans, ultimately facing destruction and judgment.
Is this verse talking about a specific event or a general principle?
While Isaiah 33:12 is part of a larger prophetic message, its principle of God's judgment on the wicked is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, seen in passages like Psalm 1:4 and Matthew 3:12, where the wicked are likened to chaff that is burned up.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
Isaiah 33:12 reveals God's holiness and justice, as He cannot tolerate sin and wickedness, as stated in Habakkuk 1:13 and Deuteronomy 32:4, emphasizing His righteous nature and the consequences of opposing Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can see God's judgment on wickedness in our world today, and how should this impact our prayers and actions?
- How does the image of being 'burned to ashes' affect your perspective on the seriousness of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness through Jesus Christ?
- In what ways can we, as believers, be a light in the darkness, pointing others to the hope of salvation and the love of God, especially in a world that faces judgment?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and how can we apply this to our daily choices and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 33:12
And the people shall be [as] the burnings of lime,.... Like chalk stones that are burnt to make lime of; which may denote not only their hardness and impenitency, which brought upon them and issued
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 33:12
And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 33:12
Shall be as the burnings of lime; shall be burnt as easily and effectually as chalk is burned to make lime.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 33:12
Isaiah 33:12 And the people shall be [as] the burnings of lime: [as] thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.Ver. 12. And the people shall be as the burning of lime.] As hard chalk stones, which, when burnt to make lime crumble to crattle. As thorns cut up.] Sear thorns, that crackle under a pot, and are soon extinct. The Hebrews tell us that the Assyrian soldiers were burned by the angel with a secret fire - that is, with the pestilence, as Berosus, cited by Josephus, witnesseth; and our prophet hinteth as much in many passages. Lib. x. cap. 2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 33:12
(12) And the people shall be . . .—The two images of destruction are singularly vivid. The limekiln and the oven which was fed with thorns were alike in this. The outcome of their work was seen in a residuum of ashes.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 33:12
12. as the burnings of lime] i.e. “as if burned to lime.” An image probably suggested by Amos 2:1. The word rendered cut up (R.V. cut down) only occurs again in Psalms 80:16.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 33:12
And the people - In the army of Sennacherib. As the burnings of lime - As if placed in a burning lime-kiln, where they must certainly be destroyed (see Isaiah 30:33; compare Amos 2:1).
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 33:12
10-12. This iniquity is now full. The day of judgment to Assyria has come.
Sermons on Isaiah 33:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Appearance of Christ in Human Nature - Part 1 by John Gill | John Gill preaches about the appearance of Christ in human nature, comparing it to the light of the morning when the sun rises, emphasizing that His coming dispels darkness and bri |
|
|
The Character and End of the Wicked, Considered. by John Gill | John Gill examines the character and ultimate fate of the wicked, referred to as 'sons of Belial,' contrasting them with the just ruler, the Messiah. He emphasizes that these wicke |
|
The Towers Have Fallen (Sept 16 2001) - Part 3 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the need for repentance and turning away from wicked ways to avoid God's judgment. It warns of the consequences of societal sins, such as idolatry, immoralit |
|
|
A Letter From the Devil by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about his father's struggles and how the devil tried to tempt him with thoughts of financial success. The preacher emphasizes t |
|
An Old Testament Revival - Part 2 by David Ravenhill | This sermon focuses on the story of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles, highlighting the challenges he faced and how he overcame them through faith, prayer, and taking action. Hezekiah's lif |
|
Ninth River -- Lying by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of lying, emphasizing that all lies, regardless of size or intent, are abominable to God and hinder our relationship with Him. He |