Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.

ISAIAH 34:1KJV
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Isaiah 34:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 34:1 mean?

Isaiah 34:1 is a call for all nations and peoples everywhere to pay attention and listen closely, because an important message is about to be given that concerns the whole world. The verse emphasizes that what follows is not just for Israel, but for every nation and all creation.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking, inviting every nation (“ye nations”) and all people (“ye people”) to listen. The setting is a warning or announcement that will affect the entire earth, not just a single group. The language is broad and sweeping, showing that the message is meant for everyone, highlighting the seriousness and universal scope of what Isaiah is about to say.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 34:1

  • "nations" (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word refers to peoples or ethnic groups outside of Israel, showing that the message is directed far beyond just one group.
  • "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama): This verb means to listen or pay careful attention, stressing that what follows is important and not to be ignored.
  • "earth" (אֶרֶץ, erets) and "world" (תֵּבֵל, tevel): Both words refer to the whole planet and everything on it, making it clear that the scope is truly global, not just local or regional.

Why Isaiah 34:1 matters

  • Isaiah 34:1 makes it clear that the message is not limited to Israel; it is a warning or announcement for all nations and all people everywhere.
  • The verse sets the stage for the following passage, which contains strong warnings and judgments, by making sure everyone knows they are included.
  • The broad invitation to “hear” and “hearken” highlights the seriousness of what is coming, urging everyone to pay close attention to God’s words through Isaiah.

Where else these words appear

“forth” Hebrew H6631 · used in 11 verses

  • Job 5:25 Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth.
  • Job 31:8 Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.
  • Isaiah 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

“people” Hebrew H3816 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • Psalms 67:4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
  • Isaiah 17:13 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

“therein” Hebrew H4393 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 48:19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
  • 1 Samuel 28:20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
  • Isaiah 8:8 And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

“world” Hebrew H8398 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
  • Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
  • Isaiah 13:11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.