Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.

ISAIAH 2:10KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 2:10 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 2:10 mean?

Isaiah 2:10 describes people being told to hide themselves in rocks and dust because they are overwhelmed by fear of the LORD and the overwhelming splendor of his majesty. The verse paints a picture of people seeking shelter from God's awe-inspiring presence and power.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them about a coming time when God’s greatness will be so evident that people will want to hide themselves out of fear and respect. This verse is part of a larger message about God’s judgment and the humbling of human pride in the face of divine glory.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 2:10

  • "Enter" (בּוֹא, bo’) is a common Hebrew verb for going in or coming into something. Here, it emphasizes the urgency of seeking shelter.
  • "Rock" (צוּר, tsur) refers to a solid, protective place, often used in the Hebrew Bible as a symbol of safety or refuge.
  • "Fear" (פַּחַד, pachad) means terror or dread, highlighting the overwhelming sense of awe and alarm people will feel before the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH).
  • "Glory" (הָדָר, hadar) and "majesty" (גָּאוֹן, ga’on) both point to God’s impressive, overwhelming presence—his visible greatness and honor that causes people to tremble.

Why Isaiah 2:10 matters

  • Isaiah 2:10 helps clarify that the fear described is not just ordinary anxiety, but a deep, reverent terror in response to God’s revealed power and majesty.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, which warns against human arrogance and self-reliance; it shows that when God’s true greatness is revealed, human pride is silenced.
  • This verse sets the stage for the following verses, which continue to describe how people will react when confronted by the reality of God’s presence and judgment.

Where else these words appear

“hide” Hebrew H2934 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 35:4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
  • Job 20:26 All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.
  • Psalms 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

“glory” Hebrew H1926 · used in 29 verses

  • Leviticus 23:40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
  • Psalms 90:16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.
  • Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

“majesty” Hebrew H1347 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
  • Ezekiel 24:21 Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

“fear” Hebrew H6343 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
  • Psalms 105:38 Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.