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.