Isaiah 32:2
New International Version
Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.

New Living Translation
Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land.

English Standard Version
Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.

Berean Standard Bible
Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.

King James Bible
And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

New King James Version
A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, And a cover from the tempest, As rivers of water in a dry place, As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

New American Standard Bible
Each will be like a refuge from the wind And a shelter from the storm, Like streams of water in a dry country, Like the shade of a huge rock in an exhausted land.

NASB 1995
Each will be like a refuge from the wind And a shelter from the storm, Like streams of water in a dry country, Like the shade of a huge rock in a parched land.

NASB 1977
And each will be like a refuge from the wind, And a shelter from the storm, Like streams of water in a dry country, Like the shade of a huge rock in a parched land.

Legacy Standard Bible
Each will be like a refuge from the wind And a shelter from the storm, Like streams of water in a dry country, Like the shade of a huge rock in a weary land.

Amplified Bible
Each [one of them] will be like a hiding place from the wind And a shelter from the storm, Like streams of water in a dry land, Like the shade of a huge rock in a parched and weary land [to those who turn to them].

Christian Standard Bible
Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the rain, like flowing streams in a dry land and the shade of a massive rock in an arid land.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the rain, like streams of water in a dry land and the shade of a massive rock in an arid land.

American Standard Version
And a man shall be as a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest, as streams of water in a dry place, as the shade of a great rock in a weary land.

Contemporary English Version
They will be a place of safety from stormy winds, a stream in the desert, and a rock that gives shade from the heat of the sun.

English Revised Version
And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then each ruler will be like a shelter from the wind and a hiding place from the rain. They will be like streams on parched ground and the shade of a large rock in a weary land.

Good News Translation
Each of them will be like a shelter from the wind and a place to hide from storms. They will be like streams flowing in a desert, like the shadow of a giant rock in a barren land.

International Standard Version
Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a hiding place from storms, like streams of water in the desert, in the shadow of a great rock in an exhausted land.

NET Bible
Each of them will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from a rainstorm; like streams of water in a dry region and like the shade of a large cliff in a parched land.

New Heart English Bible
A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a shelter from the storm, as streams of water in a dry place, as the shade of a large rock in a weary land.

Webster's Bible Translation
And a man shall be as a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as streams of water in a dry place, as the shade of a great rock in a weary land.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.

World English Bible
A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the storm, as streams of water in a dry place, as the shade of a large rock in a weary land.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And each has been as a hiding place [from] wind, "" And as a secret hiding place [from] inundation, "" As streams of waters in a dry place, "" As a shadow of a heavy rock in a weary land.

Young's Literal Translation
And each hath been as a hiding-place from wind, And as a secret hiding-place from inundation, As rivulets of waters in a dry place, As a shadow of a heavy rock in a weary land.

Smith's Literal Translation
And a man was as a hiding of the spirit, and a covering of the tempest; as brooks of water in Zion, as the shadow of a weighty rock in a weary land.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And a man shall be as when one is hid from the wind, and hideth himself from a storm, as rivers of waters in drought, and the shadow of a rock that standeth out in a desert land.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And a man will be like someone hidden from the wind, who conceals himself from a storm, or like rivers of waters in a time of thirst, or like the shadow of a rock that juts out in a desert land.

New American Bible
Each of them will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the rain. They will be like streams of water in a dry country, like the shade of a great rock in a parched land.

New Revised Standard Version
Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a covert from the tempest, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And a man shall be as a hiding place from the wind and as a shelter from the tempest; as streams of waters in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a man will be as a shelter against the wind, and like a hiding place against the violent rain, and like a stream of waters in thirst, and like the shadow of a mighty rock in an afflicted land
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And a man shall be as in a hiding-place from the wind, And a covert from the tempest; As by the watercourses in a dry place, As in the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And a man shall hide his words, and be hidden, as from rushing water, and shall appear in Sion as a rushing river, glorious in a thirsty land.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Righteous King
1Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. 2Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land. 3Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.…

Cross References
Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. / I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Psalm 46:1-3
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah

John 7:37-38
On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. / Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’”

Psalm 23:1-4
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ...

Revelation 7:16-17
‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ / For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

Psalm 121:5-8
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. / The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. / The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. ...

John 4:13-14
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. / But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Hebrews 6:18-19
Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. / We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

Psalm 27:5
For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Psalm 61:2-4
From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. / For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy. / Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

1 Corinthians 10:4
and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.

Psalm 36:7-9
How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings! / They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights. / For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.


Treasury of Scripture

And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

a man

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 8:10-14
Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us…

Isaiah 9:6
For 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, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

an hiding

Isaiah 32:18,19
And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; …

Isaiah 4:5,6
And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence…

Isaiah 25:4
For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

rivers

Isaiah 35:6,7
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert…

Isaiah 41:18
I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

Isaiah 43:20
The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

great.

Psalm 31:2,3
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me…

Psalm 63:1
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

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Brooks Country Cover Covert Dry Great Hiding Hiding-Place Huge Large Parched Refuge Rivers Rock Safe Shade Shadow Shelter Storm Streams Tempest Waste Water Watercourses Weary Wind
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Brooks Country Cover Covert Dry Great Hiding Hiding-Place Huge Large Parched Refuge Rivers Rock Safe Shade Shadow Shelter Storm Streams Tempest Waste Water Watercourses Weary Wind
Isaiah 32
1. The blessings of Christ's kingdom
9. Desolation is foreshown
14. Restoration is promised to succeed














Each will be like a shelter from the wind
This phrase suggests protection and safety, evoking imagery of a secure place amidst chaos. In biblical times, wind often symbolized turmoil or divine judgment (e.g., Job 21:18, Isaiah 41:16). The promise of a "shelter" implies a divine provision of peace and stability. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who offers refuge and protection to believers (Psalm 91:1-2, Matthew 11:28-30).

A refuge from the storm
The storm represents trials and tribulations, common in the life of ancient Israel due to their geographical location and historical conflicts. A "refuge" indicates a place of safety and deliverance. This imagery is consistent with God's role as a protector throughout Scripture (Psalm 46:1, Nahum 1:7). It also foreshadows Christ's calming of the storm in the New Testament (Mark 4:39), symbolizing His power over chaos.

Like streams of water in a dry land
Water is a vital resource in the arid regions of the Middle East, symbolizing life and sustenance. In a "dry land," streams would be a miraculous provision, representing spiritual renewal and blessing. This imagery is echoed in Jesus' offer of "living water" to the Samaritan woman (John 4:10-14), signifying eternal life and spiritual satisfaction.

Like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land
In the harsh desert climate, shade is a precious relief from the sun's heat. A "great rock" provides enduring protection and comfort. This metaphor aligns with the depiction of God as a "Rock" in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 18:2), symbolizing strength and reliability. It also points to Christ as the spiritual Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), offering rest and refuge to His followers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
The prophet who authored the book, delivering messages from God to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

2. Judah and Jerusalem
The primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies, often facing political turmoil and spiritual decline.

3. Messianic Prophecy
This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah, who will provide protection and sustenance.

4. Imagery of Nature
The verse uses natural imagery to convey spiritual truths, such as shelter, refuge, streams, and shade.

5. Historical Context
Isaiah's prophecies were delivered during a time of impending Assyrian invasion, making the promise of divine protection particularly poignant.
Teaching Points
Christ as Our Refuge
Just as a shelter protects from the wind, Christ offers us protection from the storms of life. We can find safety and peace in Him.

Spiritual Nourishment
The streams of water in a dry land symbolize the spiritual refreshment that Christ provides. In times of spiritual drought, we can turn to Him for sustenance.

Shade in the Heat
The shade of a great rock represents rest and relief from life's pressures. In Christ, we find rest for our souls.

Messianic Fulfillment
This verse points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies these promises of protection and provision.

Practical Trust
In our daily lives, we can trust in God's provision and protection, seeking Him as our refuge in times of trouble.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 32:2?

2. How does Isaiah 32:2 illustrate Christ as a "shelter from the wind"?

3. In what ways can believers be "streams of water in a dry land"?

4. How does Isaiah 32:2 connect with Psalm 91's theme of divine protection?

5. What practical steps can you take to be a "rocky crag" for others?

6. How does Isaiah 32:2 inspire you to provide refuge in your community?

7. How does Isaiah 32:2 reflect the role of a leader in times of crisis?

8. What historical context influenced the imagery used in Isaiah 32:2?

9. How does Isaiah 32:2 relate to the concept of divine protection?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 32?

11. Is God flawless?

12. If Isaiah 2:2-3 indicates all peoples will stream to the Lord's mountain, how do we reconcile this with other faiths continuing to flourish?

13. If Isaiah 32:1-2 promises a protective and righteous king for all people, why is there no historical or archaeological record of such a universal rule?

14. How can one find refuge under His wings?
What Does Isaiah 32:2 Mean
Isaiah 32:2

“Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.”


Shelter from the wind

– Wind suggests sudden, invisible forces that batter life—temptations, persecutions, shifting cultural pressures.

– The righteous King announced in Isaiah 32:1, and the godly leaders who serve under Him, are pictured as standing between such winds and the vulnerable.

Psalm 91:1-2 declares, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘You are my refuge and my fortress.’” That same sheltering heart is promised here.

Proverbs 18:10 affirms, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

– In Mark 4:39 Jesus literally calms the wind, illustrating His personal power to fulfill this promise.


A refuge from the storm

– Storms are stronger than mere gusts: crises, judgments, national upheavals.

Isaiah 25:4 already celebrated the LORD as “a refuge for the poor… a shelter from the storm,” so Isaiah 32:2 extends that assurance through righteous rule.

Nahum 1:7 underscores, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.”

– When Jesus sheltered terrified disciples during a violent squall (Matthew 8:23-27), He embodied this refuge.

– For believers, the verse guarantees more than emotional comfort; it promises literal preservation when God’s judgments sweep the earth.


Streams of water in a dry land

– Water in Scripture equals life, cleansing, and satisfaction. In parched deserts a stream means survival.

Isaiah 35:6-7 foresees, “Waters will gush forth in the wilderness… the burning sand will become a pool.”

Psalm 23:2 speaks of “still waters” that restore the soul.

– Jesus amplifies the image in John 4:14, “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.” John 7:37-38 adds that rivers of living water flow from the believer because of the Spirit.

– The righteous reign brings both literal agricultural blessing and the spiritual refreshment of salvation.


Shadow of a great rock in an arid land

– In searing heat, shade equals relief and safety from exhaustion. A “great rock” suggests permanence and immovability.

Isaiah 4:6 promised, “It will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.”

Psalm 121:5 comforts, “The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand.”

– Paul links the rock image directly to Christ: “They drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4).

– The verse assures believers that God’s protection is not flimsy like cloth but as solid as bedrock.


summary

Isaiah 32:2 paints a fourfold portrait of the blessings that flow from the righteous reign introduced in verse 1—a reign ultimately realized in Jesus Christ and expressed through leaders who model His character. He shields from unseen pressures, provides secure refuge when tempests rise, refreshes with life-giving waters in spiritual drought, and offers solid, cooling shade in the blistering heat of trial. The promise is literal yet also richly spiritual, inviting every believer to rest beneath His shelter, drink deeply of His life, and reflect His protective care to others.

(2) A man shall be . . .--The word is that used in Isaiah 31:8 for "mighty man," in Isaiah 2:9 for "great man," and probably retains that meaning here. The nobles of Judah, who had been tyrannous and oppressive (Isaiah 1:23), should become a true aristocracy, beneficent and protecting. Of both the "king" and the "man" it is true that they find their fulfilment in the true servant of the Lord, who is also the ideal king.

As rivers of water . . .--The words paint the picture of the two great blessings of an Eastern landscape: the streams that turn the desert into an oasis, the "rock" throwing its dark shadow as a shelter from the noontide heat. The word for "rock" is the same as that used for Assyria in Isaiah 31:9, and is obviously chosen to emphasise the contrast.

Verse 2. - A man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind, etc. Modern critics mostly render, "each man" - i.e. the king, and each of his princes. But it is, to say the least, allowable - with Vitringa and Kay - to regard the word as referring to the king only (comp. Zechariah 6:12, where ish, a man, is used in the same vague way of One who is clearly the Messiah). There was never but one man who could be to other men all that is predicated in this verse of the "man" mentioned (comp. Isaiah 25:4, where nearly the same epithets are predicated of God). A covert; i.e. a protection against Divine wrath. Such is Messiah in his mediatorial character. Rivers of water; i.e. refreshing and invigorating (comp. Isaiah 55:1; John 4:14; John 7:37). The shadow of a great rook. At once refreshing and protecting (see Isaiah 25:4).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Each
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

will be
וְהָיָה־ (wə·hā·yāh-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

like a shelter
כְּמַֽחֲבֵא־ (kə·ma·ḥă·ḇê-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4224: A hiding place

from the wind,
ר֖וּחַ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

a refuge
וְסֵ֣תֶר (wə·sê·ṯer)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5643: A covering, hiding place, secrecy

from the storm,
זָ֑רֶם (zā·rem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2230: A flood of rain, rainstorm, downpour

like streams
כְּפַלְגֵי־ (kə·p̄al·ḡê-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6388: A channel, canal

of water
מַ֣יִם (ma·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

in a dry land,
בְּצָי֔וֹן (bə·ṣā·yō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6724: Dryness, parched ground

and the shadow
כְּצֵ֥ל (kə·ṣêl)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6738: A shadow

of a great
כָּבֵ֖ד (kā·ḇêḏ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3515: Heavy

rock
סֶֽלַע־ (se·la‘-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5553: A craggy rock

in an arid
עֲיֵפָֽה׃ (‘ă·yê·p̄āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 5889: Faint, weary

land.
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 32:2 A man shall be as a hiding (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 32:1
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