Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.

ISAIAH 25:3KJV
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Isaiah 25:3 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 25:3 mean?

Isaiah 25:3 says that strong and powerful people will honor God, and even cities belonging to fierce or feared nations will come to respect Him. The verse points to a time when those who once seemed mighty or intimidating will recognize God’s greatness.

In the context of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking about God’s ultimate victory over those who oppose Him. Isaiah is addressing God, describing how even the strongest peoples and the most intimidating nations will be moved to give God glory and reverence because of His actions and judgments. This verse is part of a larger passage celebrating God’s deliverance and justice.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 25:3

  • "Strong" (עָז H5794, ʿaz): This word means mighty or powerful, often used for people or nations that seem unshakable. Its use here highlights that even the most formidable groups will be humbled before God.
  • "Glorify" (כָּבֵד H3513, kavēd): This word means to honor or give weight to someone. In this verse, it emphasizes that recognition of God’s greatness is not just fear, but a deep respect and acknowledgment.
  • "Terrible" (עָרִיץ H6184, aritz): This word means awe-inspiring or feared, often with a sense of cruelty or harshness. The “city of the terrible nations” suggests places known for their power and perhaps oppression, now brought to respect God.
  • "Fear" (יָרֵא H3372, yare): This word means to stand in awe or reverence, not just to be afraid. Here, it shows that even those who once inspired fear will themselves come to revere God.

Why Isaiah 25:3 matters

  • Isaiah 25:3 clarifies that God’s greatness will be recognized even by those who once seemed untouchable or hostile, showing the universal scope of His authority.
  • The verse connects to the surrounding passage, which praises God for protecting the vulnerable and defeating oppressors, making it clear that no power is beyond His reach.
  • Understanding the original words for “strong,” “glorify,” and “fear” helps the reader see that this is not just about being afraid of God, but about a genuine, respectful acknowledgment from all peoples, including former enemies.

Where else these words appear

“terrible” Hebrew H6184 · used in 20 verses

  • Job 6:23 Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?
  • Proverbs 11:16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
  • Isaiah 49:25 But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

“strong” Hebrew H5794 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • Judges 14:18 And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.
  • Proverbs 30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

“city” Hebrew H7151 · used in 31 verses

  • Numbers 21:28 For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
  • Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
  • Isaiah 29:1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.

“glorify” Hebrew H3513 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • 2 Samuel 6:22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
  • Proverbs 8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.