Isaiah 9:5

What does Isaiah 9:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 9:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 9:5 means

This verse reinforces the totality of the coming deliverance, depicting a scene where all the instruments and symbols of war — the armor of soldiers, the blood-stained garments from battle — are utterly destroyed by fire. This imagery signifies a complete and decisive end to conflict and oppression, a peace so profound that the tools of war are rendered obsolete and become mere fuel for burning. It speaks of a permanent cessation of hostilities and the establishment of an enduring peace, rather than a temporary lull in fighting. It anticipates the ultimate peace brought by the Prince of Peace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall be for burning, for fuel of fire.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall be for burning, for fuel of fire.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For every boot of the man of war with his sounding step, and the clothing rolled in blood, will be for burning, food for the fire.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For every battle of a warrior <FI>is<Fi> with rushing, and raiment rolled in blood, And it hath been for burning--fuel of fire.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For every violent taking of spoils, with tumult, and garment mingled with blood, shall be burnt, and be fuel for the fire.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For every boot of him that is shod for the tumult, and the garment rolled in blood, shall be for burning, fuel for fire.

Context

Building on the theme of divine deliverance in the previous verse, this verse describes the absolute cessation of war. It moves from the breaking of specific yokes to the complete destruction of all military apparatus. This placement is crucial as it further emphasizes the permanency and comprehensiveness of the peace that will be established, leading directly to the announcement of the one who will bring such peace.

v.4For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as in the day of Midian.

v.5This passage

v.6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ezekiel 39:8

    Behold, it cometh, and it shall be done, saith the Lord Jehovah; this is the day whereof I have spoken.

  • Isaiah 30:33

    For a Topheth is prepared of old; yea, for the king it is made ready; he hath made it deep and large; the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of Jehovah, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

  • Isaiah 4:4

    when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning.

  • Isaiah 10:16

    Therefore will the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory there shall be kindled a burning like the burning of fire.

  • Psalms 46:9

    He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariots in the fire.

  • Malachi 3:2

    But who can abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:

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