Isaiah 31:4 net — The Lord Will Defend Zion Indeed, this is what the LORD has said to me:“The LORD will be like a growling lion, like a y…

NET Bible

"The Lord Will Defend Zion Indeed, this is what the LORD has said to me:“The LORD will be like a growling lion, like a young lion growling over its prey. Though a whole group of shepherds gathers against it, it is not afraid of their shouts or intimidated by their yelling. In this same way the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will descend to do battle on Mount Zion and on its hill."

— Isaiah 31:4, NET Bible

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Isaiah 31:4 in Other Translations

3 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.”

  • DRB

    “For thus saith the Lord to me: Like as the lion roareth, and the lions whelp upon his prey, and when a multitude of shepherds shall come against him, he will not fear at their voice, nor be afraid of their multitude: so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight upon mount Sion, and upon the hill thereof.”

  • BBE

    “For the Lord has said to me, As a lion, or a young lion, makes an angry noise over his food, and if a band of herdsmen come out against him, he will not be in fear of their voices, or give up his food for their noise: so the Lord of armies will come down to make war against Mount Zion and its hill.”

Isaiah 31 — Context

1

Egypt Will Disappoint Those who go down to Egypt for help are as good as dead, those who rely on war horses, and trust in Egypt’s many chariots and in their many, many horsemen. But they do not rely on the Holy One of Israel and do not seek help from the LORD.

2

Yet he too is wise and he will bring disaster; he does not retract his decree. He will attack the wicked nation, and the nation that helps those who commit sin.

3

The Egyptians are mere humans, not God; their horses are made of flesh, not spirit. The LORD will strike with his hand; the one who helps will stumble and the one being helped will fall. Together they will perish.

4

The Lord Will Defend Zion Indeed, this is what the LORD has said to me:“The LORD will be like a growling lion, like a young lion growling over its prey. Though a whole group of shepherds gathers against it, it is not afraid of their shouts or intimidated by their yelling. In this same way the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will descend to do battle on Mount Zion and on its hill.

5

Just as birds hover over a nest, so the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it; as he passes over he will rescue it.

6

You Israelites! Return to the one against whom you have so blatantly rebelled!

7

For at that time everyone will get rid of the silver and gold idols your hands sinfully made.

Isaiah 31:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Isaiah 31:4 say?
Isaiah 31:4 in the NET Bible reads: “The Lord Will Defend Zion Indeed, this is what the LORD has said to me:“The LORD will be like a growling lion, like a young lion growling over its prey. Though a whole group of shepherds gathers against it, it is not afraid of their shouts or intimidated by their yelling. In this same way the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will descend to do battle on Mount Zion and on its hill.”
Where is Isaiah 31:4 in the Bible?
Isaiah 31:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 31, verse 4.
Who wrote Isaiah?
Isaiah is traditionally attributed to Isaiah son of Amoz. Many critical scholars propose multiple authors ("Deutero-" and "Trito-Isaiah") for chapters 40–66; conservative scholarship holds to single Isaianic authorship. It was written c. 740–680 BC.
What is the book of Isaiah about?
Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament — a sweeping vision of God's holiness, Judah's sin, coming judgment, and a promised Servant who would bear the iniquity of many. From "Holy, holy, holy" to "by his stripes we are healed," Isaiah speaks the gospel before the gospel.
What are the major themes of Isaiah?
Isaiah explores themes including Holiness, Judgment, Servant of the LORD, Hope, Salvation, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Isaiah 31:4.
What translation should I read Isaiah 31:4 in?
Isaiah 31:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Isaiah 31:4?
Isaiah 31:4 reads (NET): “The Lord Will Defend Zion Indeed, this is what the LORD has said to me:“The LORD will be like a growling lion, like a young lion growling over its prey. Though a whole group of shepherds gathers against it, it is not afraid of their shouts or intimidated by their yelling. In this same way the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will descend to do battle on Mount Zion and on its hill.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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