Isaiah 29:8 Meaning and Explanation
“It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The attacking nations will find their conquest as unsatisfying as a hungry or thirsty man's dream—they awaken to emptiness despite their apparent success.
The Context of Isaiah 29:8
Isaiah promises that invading nations will find no lasting satisfaction in their assault on Zion.
What Does Isaiah 29:8 Mean?
The metaphor is cruel in its mercy. The hungry dreamer tastes food that cannot nourish; the thirsty dreamer drinks water that brings no relief. They awake more desperate than before. So the nations that imagine they have conquered Mount Zion will find their victory hollow—the city they seemed to take crumbles beneath them.
This verse suggests that God will overturn their conquest in a way that leaves them frustrated and empty. They may breach the walls, but the prize slips from their grasp. Their conquest becomes a nightmare from which they awaken to find themselves defeated, their hunger and thirst unquenched.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 29:8
What does Isaiah 29:8 mean?
The attacking nations will find their conquest as unsatisfying as a hungry or thirsty man's dream—they awaken to emptiness despite their apparent success.
What is the context of Isaiah 29:8?
Isaiah promises that invading nations will find no lasting satisfaction in their assault on Zion.