Isaiah 64:1
Isaiah 64:1 in Multiple Translations
If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence,
Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,
Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might quake at thy presence,
O let the heavens be broken open and come down, so that the mountains may be shaking before you,
If only you would rip the heavens apart and come down! The mountains would tremble in your presence!
Oh, that thou wouldest breake the heauens, and come downe, and that the mountaines might melt at thy presence!
Didst Thou not rend the heavens? Thou didst come down, From thy presence did mountains flow,
Oh that you would tear the heavens, that you would come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence—
Oh that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that thou wouldst come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,
That thou wouldst rend the heavens, and wouldst come down: the mountains would melt away at thy presence.
“Yahweh, I wish that you would tear open the sky and come down, and cause the mountains to shake in your presence.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 64:1
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 64:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ/קְדֹ֧חַ
אֵ֣שׁ
הֲמָסִ֗ים
מַ֚יִם
תִּבְעֶה
אֵ֔שׁ
לְ/הוֹדִ֥יעַ
שִׁמְ/ךָ֖
לְ/צָרֶ֑י/ךָ
מִ/פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
גּוֹיִ֥ם
יִרְגָּֽזוּ
כִּ/קְדֹ֧חַ
qâdach
H6919
to kindle
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֵ֣שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
הֲמָסִ֗ים
hâmâç
H2003
brushwood
N-mp
מַ֚יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
תִּבְעֶה
bâʻâh
H1158
to enquire
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
לְ/הוֹדִ֥יעַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
שִׁמְ/ךָ֖
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
לְ/צָרֶ֑י/ךָ
tsar
H6862
narrow
Prep | N-mp | Suff
מִ/פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
גּוֹיִ֥ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
יִרְגָּֽזוּ
râgaz
H7264
to tremble
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 64:1
כִּ/קְדֹ֧חַ
qâdach
H6919
"to kindle"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to start a fire or ignite something, and it is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, often in a literal sense.
Definition: 1) to kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kindle 1a2) to be kindled
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: burn, kindle. See also: Deuteronomy 32:22; Isaiah 64:1; Isaiah 50:11.
אֵ֣שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
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.
הֲמָסִ֗ים
hâmâç
H2003
"brushwood"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for dry brushwood or a twig, used to describe something worthless or insignificant, like melting away. It appears in the book of Job. This word is used to convey a sense of something being useless.
Definition: brushwood
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: melting. See also: Isaiah 64:1.
מַ֚יִם
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.
תִּבְעֶה
bâʻâh
H1158
"to enquire"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To enquire or seek something out, like asking a question or searching for an answer, as seen in the Bible when people sought God's guidance. It can also mean to desire something strongly. In the KJV, it is translated as 'inquire' or 'seek'.
Definition: 1) to seek out, swell, cause to swell, boil up, enquire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek, enquire 1a2) to cause to boil up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out 1b2) to be swelling, bulging, swelling out
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: cause, inquire, seek up, swell out. See also: Isaiah 21:12; Isaiah 64:1; Isaiah 30:13.
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
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.
לְ/הוֹדִ֥יעַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
שִׁמְ/ךָ֖
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
לְ/צָרֶ֑י/ךָ
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
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.
מִ/פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
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.
גּוֹיִ֥ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
יִרְגָּֽזוּ
râgaz
H7264
"to tremble"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this word means to shake or tremble with strong emotions like fear, anger, or excitement. It can also mean to provoke or disturb someone, causing them to become agitated. The KJV Bible translates it in various ways, including 'tremble', 'quake', and 'rage'.
Definition: 1) tremble, quake, rage, quiver, be agitated, be excited, be perturbed 1a)(Qal) to quake, be disquieted, be excited, be perturbed 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to quake, disquiet, enrage, disturb 1c) (Hithpael) to excite oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth. See also: Genesis 45:24; Isaiah 5:25; Psalms 4:5.
Study Notes — Isaiah 64:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 64:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 64:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 64:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 64:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 64:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 64:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 64:1
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 64:1
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 64:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 64:1
- Sermons on Isaiah 64:1
Context — A Prayer for God’s Power
1If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence,
2as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence! 3When You did awesome works that we did not expect, You came down, and the mountains trembled at Your presence.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 1:3–4 | For behold, the LORD comes forth from His dwelling place; He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth. The mountains will melt beneath Him, and the valleys will split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope. |
| 2 | Mark 1:10 | As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. |
| 3 | Revelation 20:11 | Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. |
| 4 | Psalms 144:5–6 | Part Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, that they may smoke. Flash forth Your lightning and scatter them; shoot Your arrows and rout them. |
| 5 | Exodus 19:18–19 | Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder. |
| 6 | Psalms 68:8 | the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain before God, the One on Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. |
| 7 | Habakkuk 3:1–13 | This is a prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth: O LORD, I have heard the report of You; I stand in awe, O LORD, of Your deeds. Revive them in these years; make them known in these years. In Your wrath, remember mercy! God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth. His radiance was like the sunlight; rays flashed from His hand, where His power is hidden. Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps. He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations; the ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting. I saw the tents of Cushan in distress; the curtains of Midian were trembling. Were You angry at the rivers, O LORD? Was Your wrath against the streams? Did You rage against the sea when You rode on Your horses, on Your chariots of salvation? You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers. The mountains saw You and quaked; torrents of water swept by. The deep roared with its voice and lifted its hands on high. Sun and moon stood still in their places at the flash of Your flying arrows, at the brightness of Your shining spear. You marched across the earth with fury; You threshed the nations in wrath. You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked and stripped him from head to toe. Selah |
| 8 | Nahum 1:5–6 | The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence— the world and all its dwellers. Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him. |
| 9 | Isaiah 63:15 | Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation. Where are Your zeal and might? Your yearning and compassion for me are restrained. |
| 10 | Amos 9:13 | “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes, the sower of seed. The mountains will drip with sweet wine, with which all the hills will flow. |
Isaiah 64:1 Summary
Isaiah 64:1 is a heartfelt prayer asking God to come down and show His power in the world. The prophet longs for God to make His presence known, just like fire kindles brushwood and causes water to boil. This verse reminds us that God is a powerful and loving God who desires to be known by all people (as seen in Jeremiah 31:34), and we can trust Him to work in our lives and in the world. By crying out to God like Isaiah, we can experience His presence and power in our own lives, just as the psalmist experienced in Psalm 46:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'rend the heavens' in Isaiah 64:1?
This phrase is a figurative expression of God's powerful intervention in the world, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 18:9, where God 'bowed the heavens' to come down and rescue His people.
Why does the verse mention mountains quaking at God's presence?
The image of mountains quaking represents the awe-inspiring power of God, similar to what is described in Psalm 97:5, where the mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord.
Is this verse a prayer or a statement?
Isaiah 64:1 is a prayer, expressing the prophet's deep longing for God to intervene in the world and manifest His presence, as also seen in other prayers like Psalm 80:1-3, where the psalmist cries out to God to revive His people.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse highlights God's willingness to intervene in the world and His desire to make His name known to all people, as stated in Ezekiel 36:23, where God says He will vindicate the holiness of His great name.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have experienced God's presence in your life, and how has it impacted you?
- In what ways can you, like Isaiah, cry out to God to manifest His presence in the world today?
- What are some 'mountains' in your life that need to be shaken by God's presence, and how can you trust Him to do so?
- How can you make God's name known to those around you, as expressed in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 64:1
O that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that thou wouldst come down,.... Before, the church prayed that the Lord would look down from heaven and behold, Isaiah 63:15, now that he would open the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 64:1
Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens - bursting forth to execute vengeance,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 64:1
ISAIAH CHAPTER 64 The church’ s prayer continued, for the illustration of God’ s glory, : with a confession of their sins, and complaint of their afflictions, . Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens: either the earnest desire of the prophet, or the Jews’ strong wish, for the coming of the Messias: or rather, their cry to God for vengeance upon their adversaries, on consideration of the enemy’ s unmerciful dealing with them, and their insolent and opprobrious usage of God in his temple; partly expressing their haste and earnestness, and partly intimating that God would do it with violence and fury, implied in the word rending them, ,7, &c., spoken after the manner of man, who, if he were shut up, must have room made for his coming forth. This God is said to do, when he puts forth some signal manifestation of his power, ; a metaphor taken from men, that when they would resolutely and effectually help one in distress, break and fling open doors, and whatever may hinder coming to their relief. That the mountains might flow down; or melt, ,2 97:5 ,4; that all impediments might be removed out of the way: possibly an allusion to God’ s coming down upon Mount Sinai in those terrible flames of fire, ,5.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 64:1
Isaiah 64:1 Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,Ver. 1. Oh that thou wouldst rend the heavens.] That thou wouldst lie no longer hid there, as to some it may seem; but making thy way through all impediments and obstacles, thou wouldst powerfully appear for our help, as out of an engine. Utinam lacerares coelos et descenderes. Some take the words for a hearty wish that Christ would come in the flesh; others that he would make haste and come to judgment, late fisso coelo ad percellendum impios. The metaphor seemeth to be taken from such as being desirous suddenly and effectually to help others in distress, to break open doors, and cast aside all lets, to make their way to them. That the mountains may flow down.] As in Judges 5:5. By "mountains" some understand the enemy’ s kingdoms. Lyra. Alex. Ales.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 64:1
LXIV. (1) Oh that thou wouldest rend . . .—The division of chapters hinders the English reader from seeing that this is really a continuation of the prayer of Isa 63:15-19. The prophet asks that Jehovan may not only “look down” from heaven, but may rend, as it were, the dark clouds that hide the light of His countenance from His people, and that the mountains might tremble at His presence. (Comp. Psalms 68:8; Exodus 19:18.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 64:1
CHAPTER LXIV The whole of this chapter, which is very pathetic and tender, may be considered as a formulary of prayer and humiliation intended for the Jews in order to their conversion, 1-12. NOTES ON CHAP. LXIV Verse 1. O that thou wouldest rend the heavens - This seems to allude to the wonderful manifestation of God upon Mount Sinai.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 64:1
Isaiah 64:1-3. The language of complaint again gives place (as in Isaiah 63:15) to impatient prayer for a Theophany,—an imposing manifestation of Jehovah in His might. It is the great “day of the Lord” towards which the desire of the people reaches forward. In the Hebr., ch. 64 begins with Isaiah 64:2 of our version, Isaiah 64:1 forming the conclusion of Isa 63:19.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 64:1
Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens - That is, in view of the considerations urged in the previous chapter.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 64:1
1. Rend — Or, tear asunder. The heavens — The overhanging heavens, to simple fancy, was the seat of Jehovah’s power. Thence came the lightning and the thunder.
Sermons on Isaiah 64:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"Too Intense?" "Radical?" by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker passionately shares his personal experiences of sacrifice and persecution for his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts witnessing people dying and a young |
|
The Fire of God by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a remarkable move of God in a village in Persia called West Ben Haar. The village experienced a great stir and many people professed faith i |
|
Don't Blame It on the Devil by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the need for personal accountability and the dangers of blaming the devil for our shortcomings. He reflects on the importance of divine intervention in |
|
His Immensity - Part 3 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the deep longing and emptiness that exists within every human soul. He emphasizes that even though people may have fame, success, and worldly |
|
|
Woe, Lo, and Go - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgent need for personal cleansing and purity before God, as exemplified by the prophet's cry of being undone and having filthy lips. He highlights |
|
When God Comes Down by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to come down and bring revival to the church, focusing on the urgency of the times and the importance of preparing for the comin |
|
Revival Theology by Richard Owen Roberts | Richard Owen Roberts emphasizes the critical need for revival in the church, expressing his distress over the lack of longing for God's presence among believers. He highlights that |