Isaiah 33:21 Meaning and Explanation
“But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God himself becomes Jerusalem's defense, a barrier no invading force can breach.
The Context of Isaiah 33:21
God's personal presence and power provide Jerusalem's ultimate security against external threats.
What Does Isaiah 33:21 Mean?
The image shifts from earthly fortifications to the LORD as Jerusalem's protection. Broad rivers and streams naturally protect a city, making approach difficult. The reference suggests that God will place such barriers—literal or metaphorical—around the restored city.
No enemy galley with oars, no powerful warship, will be able to pass through. The rivers/streams that God creates around Zion cannot be navigated by an invading fleet. The defense is not military but divine: God himself is the city's rampart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 33:21
What does Isaiah 33:21 mean?
God himself becomes Jerusalem's defense, a barrier no invading force can breach.
What is the context of Isaiah 33:21?
God's personal presence and power provide Jerusalem's ultimate security against external threats.