Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:

ISAIAH 30:27KJV
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Isaiah 30:27 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 30:27 mean?

Isaiah 30:27 describes the LORD coming from a distant place, filled with anger and bringing a heavy burden; His words are pictured as full of wrath and as destructive as consuming fire. The verse uses vivid language to show God’s intense displeasure and the seriousness of His coming judgment.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them about the consequences of turning away from God and relying on foreign powers for help. The verse uses strong images—God’s lips and tongue compared to fire—to make clear that God’s response to their rebellion is powerful and cannot be ignored. This sets the tone for the warnings and promises that follow in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 30:27

  • "name" (שֵׁם, shem): Here, “the name of the LORD” stands for God’s presence and reputation, not just a label. It emphasizes that God Himself is acting, not just sending a message.
  • "anger" (אַף, ’aph): This word often means “nose” or “face,” but in Hebrew it is a common way to speak of anger, showing the emotional intensity of God’s response.
  • "devouring" (אָכַל, ’akal) and "fire" (אֵשׁ, ’esh): The image of God’s tongue as a “devouring fire” stresses the consuming and unstoppable nature of His judgment, not just heat but total destruction.

Why Isaiah 30:27 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God is distant or uninvolved; the language shows that God’s actions are direct and personal when His people turn away.
  • The heavy and consuming imagery warns that ignoring God’s guidance brings real consequences, not just symbolic ones.
  • Isaiah 30:27 connects to the wider passage by setting up the seriousness of Judah’s situation, making the later promises of restoration even more striking in contrast.

Where else these words appear

“heavy” Hebrew H3514 · used in 4 verses

  • Proverbs 27:3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
  • Isaiah 21:15 For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.
  • Nahum 3:3 The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: and there is a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcases; and there is none end of their corpses; they stumble upon their corpses:

“far” Hebrew H4801 · used in 18 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
  • Isaiah 10:3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?
  • Jeremiah 5:15 Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

“indignation” Hebrew H2195 · used in 22 verses

  • Psalms 38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.
  • Isaiah 26:20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
  • Ezekiel 22:31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

“burning” Hebrew H1197 · used in 90 verses

  • Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
  • 2 Samuel 22:9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.