Isaiah 5:29 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 5:29 mean?

Isaiah 5:29 describes a fierce and unstoppable enemy, comparing their attack to the roaring of lions who seize their prey and carry it off with no one able to rescue it. The verse uses vivid animal imagery to show how powerful and overwhelming this invading force will be.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them about the coming judgment for their unfaithfulness. He uses the picture of lions, known for their strength and fearsome roar, to help his listeners grasp how terrifying and certain the threat is. The verse is part of a larger passage where Isaiah explains that God will summon a nation to punish Judah, and no one will be able to save them from this danger.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 5:29

• "Roaring" (שָׁאֲנָה, sha'anah) and "roar" (שָׁאָג, sha'ag): Both words describe the loud, intimidating sound lions make. The repetition in the verse emphasizes the unstoppable and frightening nature of the enemy.
• "Lion" (אַרְיֵה, aryeh) and "young lions" (כְּפִירִים, kephirim): The use of both terms highlights not just the strength but also the energy and aggression of the attackers, suggesting a group that is both mature and fiercely active.
• "Prey" (טֶרֶף, teref): This word refers to what is hunted and seized. It makes clear that Judah is being pictured as the helpless victim, unable to escape.
• "Deliver" (נָצַל, natsal): This word means to rescue or snatch away. Its use underlines the hopelessness of the situation—no one can save the prey from the lions.

Why Isaiah 5:29 matters

• The verse clears up any idea that the coming threat is minor or avoidable; the lion imagery stresses that the danger is both real and overwhelming.
• Isaiah’s language connects this warning to the rest of chapter 5, where he lists Judah’s failings and the consequences that will follow, making the warning personal and urgent.
• The vivid description helps readers feel the fear and helplessness that Judah would face, making the seriousness of turning away from God more immediate and understandable.