Isaiah 30:33 Meaning and Explanation
“For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A prepared place of destruction awaits the Assyrian king, prepared by God since ancient times.
The Context of Isaiah 30:33
God has prepared a place of destruction for those who oppose His people.
What Does Isaiah 30:33 Mean?
Tophet (in the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem) becomes a symbol of judgment and destruction. The verse suggests that God has 'ordained' and prepared this place long ago for the king of Assyria. The language—'deep and large,' 'pile thereof is fire and much wood'—portrays a great furnace prepared for consuming the oppressor. This is cosmic inevitability, not contingency.
God's 'breath' (or wind/spirit) kindles this place with brimstone, making it a consuming fire. The image is both historical (God's judgment against Assyrian invasion) and archetypal (the fate awaiting those who oppose God). The chapter closes with the certainty that rebellion against God, whether Judah's or Assyria's, leads to prepared, appointed destruction.
Isaiah 30:33 in the Original Language
Tophet (טוֹפֶת, Tophet) — valley of judgment and burning, a symbol of divine destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 30:33
What does Isaiah 30:33 mean?
A prepared place of destruction awaits the Assyrian king, prepared by God since ancient times.
What is the context of Isaiah 30:33?
God has prepared a place of destruction for those who oppose His people.