Isaiah 2:19 Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.

◄ Isaiah 2:19 ►

New International Version
People will flee to caves in the rocks and to holes in the ground from the fearful presence of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth.

New Living Translation
When the LORD rises to shake the earth, his enemies will crawl into holes in the ground. They will hide in caves in the rocks from the terror of the LORD and the glory of his majesty.

English Standard Version
And people shall enter the caves of the rocks and the holes of the ground, from before the terror of the LORD, and from the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to terrify the earth.

Berean Standard Bible
Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.

King James Bible
And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

New King James Version
They shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the earth, From the terror of the LORD And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily.

New American Standard Bible
People will go into caves of the rocks And into holes in the ground Away from the terror of the LORD And the splendor of His majesty, When He arises to terrify the earth.

NASB 1995
Men will go into caves of the rocks And into holes of the ground Before the terror of the LORD And the splendor of His majesty, When He arises to make the earth tremble.

NASB 1977
And men will go into caves of the rocks, And into holes of the ground Before the terror of the LORD, And before the splendor of His majesty, When He arises to make the earth tremble.

Legacy Standard Bible
Men will go into caves of the rocks And into holes of the ground Before the dread of Yahweh And the splendor of His majesty, When He arises to make the earth tremble.

Amplified Bible
They [the stricken, deprived of all in which they had trusted] will go into the caves of the rocks And into the holes of the ground [fleeing] From the terror and dread of the LORD And from the splendor of His majesty, When He arises to terrify the earth.

Christian Standard Bible
People will go into caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from his majestic splendor, when he rises to terrify the earth.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
People will go into caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from His majestic splendor, when He rises to terrify the earth.

American Standard Version
And men shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the holes of the earth, from before the terror of Jehovah, and from the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake mightily the earth.

Contemporary English Version
You had better hide in caves and holes--the LORD will be fearsome, marvelous, and glorious when he comes to terrify people on earth.

English Revised Version
And men shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the holes of the earth, from before the terror of the LORD, and from the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake mightily the earth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
People will go into caves in the rocks and into holes in the ground because of the LORD's terrifying presence and the honor of his majesty when he rises to terrify the earth.

Good News Translation
People will hide in caves in the rocky hills or dig holes in the ground to try to escape from the LORD's anger and to hide from his power and glory, when he comes to shake the earth.

International Standard Version
"They will enter caverns in the rocks and holes in the ground to escape the presence of the terror of the LORD, to escape the splendor of his majesty when he arises to terrify the earth.

Majority Standard Bible
Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.

NET Bible
They will go into caves in the rocky cliffs and into holes in the ground, trying to escape the dreadful judgment of the LORD and his royal splendor, when he rises up to terrify the earth.

New Heart English Bible
Men shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the holes of the earth, from before the terror of the LORD, and from the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake the earth mightily.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

World English Bible
Men shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the holes of the earth, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake the earth mightily.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And [men] have entered into caverns of rocks, "" And into caves of dust, "" Because of the fear of YHWH, "" And because of the honor of His excellence, "" In His rising to terrify the earth.

Young's Literal Translation
And men have entered into caverns of rocks, And into caves of dust, Because of the fear of Jehovah, And because of the honour of His excellency, In His rising to terrify the earth.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the caverns of the dust, from the face of the fear of Jehovah, and from the splendor of his majesty in his rising to terrify the earth.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they shall go into the holes of rocks, and into the caves of the earth from the face of the fear of the Lord, and from the glory of his majesty, when he shall rise up to strike the earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they will go into the caves of the rocks, and into the caverns of the earth, from the presence of the dread of the Lord, and from the glory of his majesty, when he will have risen up to strike the earth.

New American Bible
People will go into caves in the rocks and into holes in the earth, At the terror of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty, as he rises to overawe the earth.

New Revised Standard Version
Enter the caves of the rocks and the holes of the ground, from the terror of the LORD, and from the glory of his majesty, when he rises to terrify the earth.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the people shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he arises to conquer the earth.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they shall enter into caves of stone and into holes of the dirt from before the awe of LORD JEHOVAH and from the excellence of his strength, whenever he rises to tread the Earth

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And men shall go into the caves of the rocks, And into the holes of the earth, From before the terror of the LORD, And from the glory of His majesty, When He ariseth to shake mightily the earth.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
having carried them into the caves, and into the clefts of the rocks, and into the caverns of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and by reason of the glory of his might, when he shall arise to strike terribly the earth.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Day of Reckoning
…18and the idols will vanish completely. 19Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. 20In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold—the idols they made to worship.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Revelation 6:15-17
Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. / And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. / For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”

Hosea 10:8
The high places of Aven will be destroyed—it is the sin of Israel; thorns and thistles will overgrow their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, “Cover us!” and to the hills, “Fall on us!”

Luke 23:30
At that time ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’

Revelation 9:6
In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, but death will escape them.

Micah 7:17
They will lick the dust like a snake, like reptiles slithering on the ground. They will come trembling from their strongholds in the presence of the LORD our God; they will tremble in fear of You.

Isaiah 13:13
Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts on the day of His burning anger.

Zephaniah 1:18
Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the Day of the LORD’s wrath. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of His jealousy.” For indeed, He will make a sudden end of all who dwell on the earth.

Jeremiah 4:29
Every city flees at the sound of the horseman and archer. They enter the thickets and climb among the rocks. Every city is abandoned; no inhabitant is left.

Amos 9:3
Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them.

Isaiah 24:21-22
In that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven above and the kings of the earth below. / They will be gathered together like prisoners in a pit. They will be confined to a dungeon and punished after many days.

Revelation 16:20
Then every island fled, and no mountain could be found.

Isaiah 34:4
All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree.

Nahum 1:6
Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.

Isaiah 42:15
I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes.

Isaiah 11:4
but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.

Treasury of Scripture

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he rises to shake terribly the earth.

and they

Isaiah 2:10,21
Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty…

1 Samuel 13:6
When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

1 Samuel 14:11
And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.

earth.

Isaiah 2:10
Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.

2 Thessalonians 1:9
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

when he

Isaiah 30:32
And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it.

Psalm 7:6
Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.

Psalm 18:6-15
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears…

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Isaiah 2

1. Isaiah prophesies the coming of Christ's kingdom
6. Wickedness is the cause of God's forsaking
10. He exhorts to fear, because of the powerful effects of God's majesty

Berean Study Bible

Men will flee
The phrase "Men will flee" indicates a reaction of fear and urgency. In the Hebrew text, the word for "flee" is "נָסוּ" (nasu), which conveys a sense of escaping or running away from imminent danger. This reflects the human instinct to seek safety when confronted with overwhelming power or threat. Historically, this imagery is consistent with ancient practices where people sought refuge in natural shelters during times of war or disaster.

to caves in the rocks
"Caves in the rocks" were natural refuges in ancient times, often used as hiding places during invasions or natural calamities. The Hebrew word "מְעָרוֹת" (me'arot) for "caves" suggests a place of concealment. Archaeological findings have uncovered numerous such caves in the Judean wilderness, which served as shelters. Spiritually, this symbolizes the futility of seeking physical refuge from divine judgment.

and holes in the ground
The phrase "holes in the ground" further emphasizes the desperation and depth of fear. The Hebrew "חֹרִים" (chorim) refers to pits or burrows, suggesting a more primitive and instinctual form of hiding. This imagery underscores the extent to which people will go to escape the divine presence, highlighting the severity of the situation.

away from the terror of the LORD
"Terror of the LORD" conveys the awe-inspiring and fearsome nature of God's presence. The Hebrew word "פַּחַד" (pachad) for "terror" indicates a profound fear or dread. This is not merely a fear of punishment but a recognition of God's absolute holiness and power. Throughout scripture, the fear of the Lord is a recurring theme, often associated with wisdom and reverence.

and from the splendor of His majesty
The "splendor of His majesty" refers to the overwhelming glory and magnificence of God. The Hebrew "הֲדַר גְּאוֹנוֹ" (hadar ge'ono) combines the ideas of beauty and exaltation. This phrase highlights the contrast between human frailty and divine grandeur. In biblical history, encounters with God's majesty often left individuals in awe and humility.

when He rises to shake the earth
"When He rises to shake the earth" depicts a divine intervention that disrupts the natural order. The Hebrew "קוּם" (qum) for "rises" suggests an active, deliberate action by God. "Shake the earth" uses the word "רָעַשׁ" (ra'ash), indicating a violent trembling or earthquake. This imagery is symbolic of God's judgment and the transformative power of His presence, reminding believers of the ultimate sovereignty of God over creation.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(19) And they shall go into the holes of the rocks.--The imagery of the earthquake in Uzziah's reign (see Note on Isaiah 2:10) is still present to Isaiah's thoughts. (See Revelation 6:15.)

When he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.--The Hebrew verb and noun have the emphasis of a paronomasia which cannot be reproduced in English, but of which the Latin "ut terreat terram" gives some idea.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 19. - They shall go into the holes of the rooks, etc. (see ver. 10, which is an exhortation to do what this verse declares will be done). On the abundant caves of Palestine, see note on the former passage. To shake terribly the earth; literally, to affright the earth. It is not said in what way he will affright it. The cognate Arabic verb has the meaning "to shake;" but it is not clear that the Hebrew one has ever this sense.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Men will flee
וּבָ֙אוּ֙ (ū·ḇā·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to caves
בִּמְעָר֣וֹת (bim·‘ā·rō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4631: A cavern

in the rocks
צֻרִ֔ים (ṣu·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6697: A cliff, a rock, boulder, a refuge, an edge

and holes
וּבִמְחִלּ֖וֹת (ū·ḇim·ḥil·lō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4247: A cavern

in the ground,
עָפָ֑ר (‘ā·p̄ār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6083: Dust, clay, earth, mud

away from
מִפְּנֵ֞י (mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the terror
פַּ֤חַד (pa·ḥaḏ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6343: A, alarm

of the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and from the splendor
וּמֵהֲדַ֣ר (ū·mê·hă·ḏar)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1926: Magnificence, ornament, splendor

of His majesty,
גְּאוֹנ֔וֹ (gə·’ō·w·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1347: Arrogance, majesty, ornament

when He rises
בְּקוּמ֖וֹ (bə·qū·mōw)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

to shake
לַעֲרֹ֥ץ (la·‘ă·rōṣ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6206: To cause to tremble, tremble

the earth.
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

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OT Prophets: Isaiah 2:19 Men shall go into the caves (Isa Isi Is)