And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

ISAIAH 33:6KJV
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Isaiah 33:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 33:6 mean?

Isaiah 33:6 says that wisdom and knowledge will provide stability and security in troubled times, and that reverence for the LORD is the most valuable treasure a person can have. The verse highlights that true strength and salvation come from understanding and respecting God.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah during a time of threat and uncertainty, likely as they face invasion or hardship. The verse reassures them that, even when everything else feels unstable, relying on God’s wisdom and having a deep respect for Him will be their foundation and source of safety.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 33:6

  • The word for "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokhmah) means practical skill and insight, not just knowledge, suggesting that living wisely is what brings stability.
  • "Stability" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) is often understood as firmness or faithfulness, so the verse is promising a steady foundation, not just a temporary calm.
  • "Fear" (יִרְאַת, yirat) of the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH) means awe-filled respect, not terror, and is described as a "treasure" (אוֹצָר, otzar), showing it is something precious and worth seeking above all else.

Why Isaiah 33:6 matters

  • Isaiah 33:6 clarifies that security does not come from military strength or wealth, but from wisdom, knowledge, and reverence for God.
  • The verse shifts the focus from external circumstances to internal qualities, emphasizing what truly sustains people in difficult times.
  • In the context of Isaiah’s warnings and promises, this verse stands out as a reminder that God’s people are called to value spiritual understanding and trust in Him above all else.

Where else these words appear

“strength” Hebrew H2633 · used in 5 verses

  • Proverbs 15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
  • Proverbs 27:24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
  • Jeremiah 20:5 Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.

“fear” Hebrew H3374 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
  • Psalms 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
  • Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

“stability” Hebrew H530 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
  • Psalms 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
  • Psalms 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

“treasure” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.