No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

ISAIAH 35:9KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 35:9 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 35:9 mean?

Isaiah 35:9 describes a place where no lion or dangerous animal will be found, and only those who have been redeemed will travel there. The verse paints a picture of complete safety and peace for the people who have been rescued or set free.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel about a future time of restoration and hope after hardship. The verse uses the image of a safe road or path, free from threats, to show that God’s redeemed people will have a secure journey. This promise stands in contrast to the dangers and fears they may have faced before.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 35:9

  • "lion" (אַרְיֵה, 'aryeh): This word refers to an actual lion, a symbol of danger in the ancient world. Its mention highlights the complete removal of threats from this path.
  • "ravenous" (פָּרִיץ, paritz): This word means violent or destructive. It emphasizes that not just lions, but any kind of dangerous, wild animal will be absent.
  • "redeemed" (גָּאַל, ga'al): This word means someone who has been rescued, bought back, or set free, often with the idea of being restored to safety or family. Here, it shows that only those who have been delivered by God will walk this road.

Why Isaiah 35:9 matters

  • Isaiah 35:9 clears up any idea that the promised restoration is only partial; the safety described is total, with no lurking dangers.
  • The verse connects to the wider chapter, which describes a transformation from wilderness to a flourishing, joyful place for God’s people.
  • The use of "redeemed" ties this promise to God’s ongoing work of rescue and restoration, showing that this hope is for those who have been brought back by God’s action.

Where else these words appear

“ravenous” Hebrew H6530 · used in 6 verses

  • Psalms 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
  • Jeremiah 7:11 Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.
  • Ezekiel 18:10 If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things,

“lion” Hebrew H738 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • 2 Kings 17:25 And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them.
  • Jeremiah 2:30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

“redeemed” Hebrew H1350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
  • Joshua 20:3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
  • Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.