Isaiah 11:9

KJV

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall not hurt {H7489} nor destroy {H7843} in all my holy {H6944} mountain {H2022}: for the earth {H776} shall be full {H4390} of the knowledge {H1844} of the LORD {H3068}, as the waters {H4325} cover {H3680} the sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will not hurt or destroy anywhere on my holy mountain, for the earth will be as full of the knowledge of ADONAI as water covering the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water.

American Standard Version

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 11:9 presents a glorious prophetic vision of God's future kingdom, characterized by universal peace and the complete absence of harm and destruction. This profound tranquility is not merely an absence of conflict but a direct result of the earth being saturated with the intimate knowledge of the LORD, a knowledge as pervasive and overwhelming as the waters that cover the sea. The verse encapsulates the eschatological hope of a transformed creation living in perfect harmony under divine rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 11:9 is a climactic statement within a powerful Messianic prophecy spanning Isaiah chapters 7-12, particularly building on the vision presented in Isaiah 11:1-8. The chapter begins with the promise of a "shoot from the stump of Jesse" [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Messianic Root of Jesse"), identifying the coming Messiah as a descendant of David. This Messiah is endowed with the Spirit of the LORD, bringing wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD [Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Sevenfold Spirit of the LORD"). His reign is characterized by perfect justice for the poor and equity for the meek [Isaiah 11:3](/isaiah/11-3 "Isaiah 11:3 - Righteous Judgment of the Messiah"). Immediately preceding verse 9, Isaiah 11:6-8 paints a vivid picture of a restored creation where predators and prey coexist peacefully—the wolf with the lamb, the leopard with the young goat, the lion eating straw like the ox—symbolizing a radical transformation of nature and human relationships. Verse 9 then explains the underlying cause and universal scope of this unprecedented peace: the earth's complete saturation with the knowledge of the LORD.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Isaiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history (8th century BCE), marked by the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire and the spiritual decline of God's people. In a world characterized by warfare, injustice, and idolatry, the vision of universal peace and divine knowledge would have been profoundly counter-cultural and revolutionary. The concept of "my holy mountain" [Isaiah 11:9](/isaiah/11-9 "Isaiah 11:9 - My Holy Mountain") traditionally referred to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God and the center of Israelite worship. However, in this eschatological prophecy, its scope expands to encompass the entire earth, signifying a global reign of God's righteousness. The promise of the "knowledge of the LORD" [Isaiah 11:9](/isaiah/11-9 "Isaiah 11:9 - Knowledge of the LORD") speaks to a deep, relational understanding of God, far beyond mere intellectual assent, contrasting sharply with the prevalent ignorance and idolatry of the time. This vision offered hope and comfort to a people facing oppression and spiritual darkness, pointing to a future where God's just and peaceful reign would be fully established.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 11:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical prophecy. First, it underscores the theme of **Messianic Kingdom and Eschatological Hope**, portraying the ultimate state of the world under the Messiah's righteous rule, where peace and justice prevail universally. Second, it highlights the **Transformative Power of Divine Knowledge**. The verse explicitly links the absence of harm and destruction to the earth being "full of the knowledge of the LORD," suggesting that true societal and even cosmic transformation stems from a pervasive, intimate understanding of God's character and will. This resonates with prophecies like [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - All Shall Know the Lord"), which speaks of a new covenant where all will know the Lord. Third, the verse emphasizes **Universal Restoration and Harmony**, extending the peace beyond humanity to the natural world, as depicted in the preceding verses [Isaiah 11:6](/isaiah/11-6 "Isaiah 11:6 - The Peaceable Kingdom"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Ultimate Triumph**, asserting that His plan for creation will culminate in a world fully aligned with His perfect will, leaving no corner untouched by His presence and truth, a concept also echoed in [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Full of God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _dêʻâh'_ H1844):** This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to know," signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension. It denotes an intimate, experiential, and relational understanding, often implying recognition, reverence, and obedience. When the earth is "full of the _dêʻâh_ of the LORD," it suggests a world where humanity universally acknowledges God's sovereignty, lives in harmony with His principles, and experiences His presence in a profound, transforming way that eradicates evil and strife.
* **Holy Mountain (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_ H6944; _har'_ H2022):** The word _qôdesh_ refers to something sacred, consecrated, or set apart for God, while _har_ denotes a mountain or range of hills. Combined, "holy mountain" traditionally refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, the place of God's dwelling and temple. However, in this eschatological context, it expands figuratively to encompass the entire earth, which will become God's "holy mountain"—a realm consecrated to Him, where His presence and rule are universally acknowledged and honored, and where nothing profane or harmful can exist.
* **Full (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_ H4390):** This primitive root means "to fill" or "to be full of" in a wide application, both literally and figuratively. In Isaiah 11:9, it conveys the idea of complete saturation and pervasive abundance. The earth will not just have some knowledge of the LORD, but it will be entirely _mâlêʼ_—completely permeated, overflowing, and saturated with it, leaving no empty spaces or untouched areas, much like the waters that completely fill and cover the sea.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain:"** This opening clause sets the stage for a radical transformation. "They" refers to the inhabitants of this future kingdom, both human and perhaps even animal, as suggested by the preceding verses. The verbs "hurt" (H7489, _râʻaʻ_, to spoil, make bad, do evil) and "destroy" (H7843, _shâchath_, to decay, ruin, corrupt) signify the complete absence of any form of malice, aggression, or devastation. This peace is not confined to a specific region but extends "in all my holy mountain," which, as discussed, expands beyond literal Zion to encompass the entire transformed earth under God's righteous dominion.
* **"for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD,"** This clause provides the foundational reason for the unprecedented peace and harmony. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, _kî_) indicates causality. The absence of harm and destruction is a direct consequence of the earth being "full" (H4390, _mâlêʼ_) of the "knowledge" (H1844, _dêʻâh_) of the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_). This "knowledge" is not merely intellectual but a deep, pervasive, and relational understanding of God's character, will, and ways, leading to universal reverence, obedience, and alignment with divine truth. It implies a world where God's presence is intimately known and His principles are universally embraced.
* **"as the waters cover the sea."** This powerful **simile** concludes the verse, emphasizing the completeness, universality, and overwhelming abundance of this divine knowledge. Just as the vast oceans are entirely saturated and permeated by water (H4325, _mayim_), leaving no part uncovered (H3680, _kâçâh_), so too will the earth be completely permeated by the knowledge of God (H3220, _yâm_). This vivid image conveys a transformation so profound that it leaves no corner of the earth untouched by God's truth and presence, making the eradication of evil and the establishment of peace inevitable.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 11:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Simile** in the latter half of the verse: "as the waters cover the sea." This comparison vividly illustrates the comprehensive and overwhelming nature of the knowledge of the LORD. Just as the sea is entirely and inescapably filled with water, so too will the earth be completely saturated with divine truth, leaving no room for ignorance, malice, or rebellion. This image powerfully conveys the universality and completeness of God's future reign. Furthermore, the concept of "my holy mountain" functions as **Symbolism**. While literally referring to Zion, in this eschatological context, it symbolizes the entire transformed earth, consecrated to God and pervaded by His holiness. This expands the scope of God's kingdom from a specific geographical location to a global reality. The verse also implicitly uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute nature of the peace ("They shall not hurt nor destroy"). While a literal interpretation of animals coexisting peacefully is presented in earlier verses, the sweeping declaration of no hurt or destruction across the entire "holy mountain" highlights an ideal state of complete harmony, free from any form of evil, underscoring the radical transformation envisioned.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 11:9 stands as a cornerstone of biblical eschatology, painting a picture of the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan. It reveals that true, lasting peace is inextricably linked to the pervasive knowledge of God. This is not merely a cessation of hostilities but a positive, active state of harmony rooted in a deep, relational understanding of the Creator. The verse points to a future where God's character, will, and glory are universally recognized and honored, leading to a world free from the destructive forces of sin and rebellion. It underscores the biblical truth that human brokenness and conflict stem from a lack of true knowledge of God, and conversely, that genuine transformation, both individual and cosmic, flows from a profound encounter with His truth and presence. This vision provides immense hope, assuring believers that God's purposes for His creation will ultimately be fulfilled, culminating in a restored earth where His reign is absolute and His peace is perfect.

* [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "The Earth Filled with the Knowledge of God's Glory")
* [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "The New Covenant and Knowing the Lord")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Mourning in the New Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 11:9 offers a profound vision that both challenges and inspires us today. In a world still plagued by hurt, destruction, and a pervasive lack of peace, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate design for creation—a world where His presence and truth are universally known, and consequently, where perfect harmony reigns. For believers, this prophecy fuels our hope, anchoring us in the certainty of God's redemptive plan and the coming of His perfect kingdom. It calls us to live as ambassadors of that future reality now, striving to embody the peace, justice, and knowledge of God in our own lives and communities. We are invited to actively pursue a deeper, more intimate "knowledge of the LORD" ourselves, understanding that personal transformation is a prerequisite for contributing to the broader transformation of the world. This verse encourages us to be agents of peace, to share the truth of God's character, and to pray and work for the day when His knowledge truly covers the earth as the waters cover the sea.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of a world "full of the knowledge of the LORD" challenge your understanding of what true peace entails?**
* **In what ways can you, as an individual, contribute to the spread of the "knowledge of the LORD" in your sphere of influence today?**
* **How does the certainty of this future prophecy impact your hope and resilience in the face of present-day global conflicts and personal struggles?**
* **What practical steps can you take to deepen your own intimate, relational knowledge of God?**

### FAQ
**What does "my holy mountain" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: While "holy mountain" (Mount Zion/Jerusalem) often refers to a specific geographical location in the Old Testament, in the context of Isaiah 11:9, it expands symbolically to encompass the entire earth. This signifies that in the Messianic era, the whole world will become God's consecrated domain, a place where His presence resides and His righteous rule is universally established, free from harm and destruction. This expansion of Zion's significance is a common prophetic theme, indicating a global reach for God's kingdom.

**What kind of "knowledge of the LORD" is being described here? Is it just intellectual understanding?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "knowledge" (dêʻâh, H1844) in Isaiah 11:9 goes far beyond mere intellectual apprehension or factual information. It denotes an intimate, experiential, and relational understanding. It implies a deep recognition of God's character, His sovereignty, His will, and His ways, leading to reverence, obedience, and a transformed way of living. This kind of knowledge results in a profound alignment with God's truth, which is the foundational reason for the universal peace and absence of harm described in the verse. It's the kind of knowledge that transforms hearts and societies, as seen in [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - Knowing the Lord in the New Covenant").

**When will this prophecy be fulfilled, and is it a literal or figurative description?**

Answer: This prophecy describes the ultimate, eschatological fulfillment of God's kingdom, which began with the first coming of Jesus Christ and will be fully realized at His second coming. While the imagery of animals coexisting peacefully in Isaiah 11:6-8 can be seen as both literal (a restored creation) and figurative (transformed human relationships), the core message of universal peace and the earth being "full of the knowledge of the LORD" points to a future reality where God's reign is absolute and His truth permeates all of creation. It's a vision of the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells and all things are made new, as described in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 11:9 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the "shoot from the stump of Jesse" [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Root of Jesse"), the Messiah upon whom the Spirit of the LORD rests, bringing wisdom, understanding, and righteousness [Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the LORD on the Messiah"). While the full, cosmic realization of "they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain" awaits His glorious return, Jesus' first advent initiated this kingdom of peace and began the spread of the "knowledge of the LORD." Through His incarnation, He revealed the Father perfectly, becoming the ultimate embodiment of divine knowledge and truth [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Made Flesh"). His atoning sacrifice on the cross broke the power of sin and death, which are the root causes of all hurt and destruction, reconciling humanity to God and laying the foundation for universal peace [Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All Fullness Dwells in Christ"). The Holy Spirit, poured out after His ascension, empowers believers to know God intimately and to share that transforming knowledge with the world, making disciples of all nations [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). Thus, the knowledge of the LORD is actively spreading through the Church, preparing the way for the day when Christ will return to establish His kingdom in its fullness, and "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea" [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and New Earth"), bringing about the complete cessation of all evil and the perfect reign of peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 52:10

The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Micah 4:2

And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Micah 4:4

But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it].

Psalms 98:2

The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

Psalms 98:3

He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Psalms 72:19

And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.