Isaiah 24:17

KJV

Fear, and the pit, and the snare, [are] upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Fear {H6343}, and the pit {H6354}, and the snare {H6341}, are upon thee, O inhabitant {H3427} of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Terror, pit and trap are upon you, you who are living on earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Terror and pit and snare await you, O dweller of the earth.

American Standard Version

Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 24:17 delivers a chilling and universal prophetic declaration, portraying an inescapable sequence of divine judgment awaiting the inhabitants of the earth. This verse, a pivotal part of Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), vividly illustrates the comprehensive and relentless nature of God's retribution through the escalating perils of fear, the pit, and the snare. It underscores the futility of human attempts to evade the righteous wrath of a sovereign God, highlighting that widespread rebellion and transgression against His covenant will inevitably lead to global devastation and inescapable doom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 24:17 is strategically placed within the profound prophetic section often termed "Isaiah's Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27). This segment marks a dramatic shift in Isaiah's prophetic scope, moving from specific judgments against individual nations to a sweeping, universal judgment encompassing the entire earth. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Earth Judged for Sin") establish the dire premise: the earth is being "emptied" and "laid waste" ([Isaiah 24:1](/isaiah/24-1 "Isaiah 24:1 - The Earth Laid Waste")) because its inhabitants have "transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant" ([Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Earth Defiled by Transgression")). The chapter paints a desolate picture where joy has ceased, and the earth mourns under the weight of divine wrath. Verse 17 intensifies this imagery by presenting a triad of unavoidable dangers—fear, the pit, and the snare—which function as a relentless progression, emphasizing that no one will escape the coming devastation, regardless of their attempts to flee or hide. This sequence underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's final reckoning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While many of Isaiah's prophecies are rooted in the immediate historical realities of Judah, Israel, and surrounding nations (e.g., the Assyrian and Babylonian threats), the scope of [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - Global Desolation and Judgment") transcends these localized contexts, pointing toward a future, universal "Day of the Lord." The imagery of "pit" and "snare" would have been immediately comprehensible to an ancient audience, deeply familiar with hunting practices and the inherent dangers of travel across rugged, untamed landscapes. Pits were commonly dug as traps for large game, while snares were cunningly set to capture smaller animals, both representing inescapable and often fatal entrapments. The concept of "fear" or "dread" was a pervasive human response to overwhelming danger or the manifest presence of divine judgment in the ancient Near East. This universal language of judgment reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unyielding justice, which is not confined to one people or era but applies universally to all who rebel against His established moral order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **Universal Judgment**, underscoring that God's justice extends to all "inhabitants of the earth," not exclusively to Israel. This reinforces God's role as the sovereign ruler and judge of all nations, a truth echoed in passages like [Psalm 96:13](/psalm/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - The Lord Judges the Earth"). Secondly, it portrays the **Inevitability and Inescapability** of divine reckoning. The progression from "fear" (the initial psychological terror) to "the pit" (a physical trap or deep fall) to "the snare" (a final, inescapable capture) illustrates that there is no hiding place, no means of evasion, and no ultimate escape from God's wrath, a theme powerfully reiterated in [Amos 9:2-3](/amos/9-2 "Amos 9:2-3 - No Escape from God's Presence"). Lastly, the verse profoundly reinforces the **Consequences of Sin**, serving as a stark reminder that widespread transgression against God's laws and the breaking of His covenant ([Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Earth Defiled by Transgression")) inevitably lead to severe, comprehensive, and unavoidable divine judgment, aligning with the timeless biblical principle that "the wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_):** from פָּחַד; a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling); dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror. This term denotes not merely a mild apprehension but a profound, overwhelming terror or dread, often directly associated with a sudden, calamitous event or the manifest presence of divine judgment. It captures the initial, paralyzing psychological impact experienced by those facing impending doom.
* **Pit (Hebrew, _pachath'_):** probably from an unused root apparently meaning to dig; a pit, especially forcatching animals; hole, pit, snare. This word refers to a deep excavation, typically dug as a trap for animals or serving as a dungeon. Symbolically, it represents an unavoidable fall, a deep predicament, or a place from which escape is extremely difficult or impossible, signifying a physical, spiritual, or existential entrapment.
* **Snare (Hebrew, _pach'_):** from פָּחַח; a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin); also a spring net (as spread out like a lamina); gin, (thin) plate, snare. This word refers to a trap, often a net or gin, specifically designed to ensnare prey. It signifies a final, inescapable capture, a cunningly laid trap that ensures no escape, representing the ultimate, decisive confinement of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Fear, and the pit, and the snare":** This tripartite phrase masterfully presents a chilling progression of escalating peril and inescapable doom. "Fear" represents the initial, overwhelming dread and psychological terror that grips the earth's inhabitants as the judgment commences. "The pit" symbolizes a deeper, unavoidable plunge into destruction, a profound trap from which there is no climbing out, signifying a state of profound entrapment. "The snare" signifies the final, absolute capture, a net that closes around the victim, ensuring their complete and utter doom. The deliberate alliterative sound play in the Hebrew (pachad, pachath, pach) powerfully enhances the sense of relentless, compounding danger, where one peril leads inevitably and inexorably to the next, sealing the fate of the condemned.
* **"are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth":** This concluding clause emphatically declares the universal, inescapable, and personal nature of this judgment. The phrase "are upon thee" indicates a direct imposition, an overwhelming burden, or an unavoidable assault that cannot be evaded. "O inhabitant of the earth" underscores the global and comprehensive scope of this prophecy, making it unequivocally clear that this is not a localized or limited judgment but one that affects all humanity, irrespective of their geographical location, social status, or attempts at evasion, precisely because they have collectively participated in the rebellion against God's righteous order.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:17 is a masterpiece of literary artistry, powerfully conveying its message of inescapable judgment through several potent devices. The most striking is **Alliteration**, vividly present in the Hebrew words for "fear" (_pachad_), "pit" (_pachath_), and "snare" (_pach_). This phonetic repetition creates a chilling, almost rhythmic sense of dread, emphasizing the relentless, compounding, and unavoidable nature of the impending doom. The words themselves function as potent **Metaphors**: "pit" and "snare" are not literal traps but profound symbolic representations of the inescapable consequences of widespread sin and the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. They evoke visceral images of being caught, trapped, and utterly helpless. The verse also employs a form of **Personification** by directly addressing "thee, O inhabitant of the earth," treating humanity as a collective entity directly subjected to these escalating perils. Furthermore, the structure of the phrase, with the repeated conjunction "and" linking the three elements, builds a powerful sense of inevitable progression, creating a dramatic **Climax** of terror and entrapment, where one danger leads inexorably to the next, culminating in utter and inescapable capture.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 24:17 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and the universal consequences of human sin. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. The "fear, pit, and snare" are not arbitrary punishments but the inevitable and just outcome of a world that has profoundly defiled itself by breaking God's eternal covenant. This comprehensive judgment is a clear demonstration of God's holiness, which cannot tolerate unrepentant rebellion, and His justice, which demands full accountability for widespread transgression. The verse serves as a stark reminder to humanity that there is an immutable moral order to the universe, meticulously established by God, and any deviation from it incurs severe, inescapable repercussions. It highlights the profound biblical truth that God is both merciful and just; while His mercy graciously offers a path to salvation, His justice ensures that sin will ultimately be dealt with decisively and comprehensively.

* [Proverbs 29:6](/proverbs/29-6 "Proverbs 29:6 - The Wicked Caught in Transgression")
* [Jeremiah 48:43-44](/jeremiah/48-43-44 "Jeremiah 48:43-44 - Fear, Pit, and Snare in Moab's Judgment")
* [Revelation 18:4-5](/revelation/18-4-5 "Revelation 18:4-5 - Call to Come Out of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 24:17, while depicting a terrifying universal judgment, holds profound and urgent relevance for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a sobering reminder that humanity's pervasive rebellion against God's moral order and His established covenant has real, inescapable, and devastating consequences. In a world often characterized by increasing self-sufficiency, moral relativism, and a blatant disregard for divine authority, this verse calls us to a posture of profound humility, reverence, and awe before the Creator and Judge of all the earth. It compels us to rigorously examine our own lives and the societies we inhabit, prompting us to ask whether we are living in alignment with God's righteous standards or inadvertently contributing to the collective defilement of the earth through sin, injustice, and spiritual apathy. The stark imagery of "fear, pit, and snare" should not merely evoke passive dread, but rather a profound sense of urgency to actively seek refuge, reconciliation, and restoration with God. It powerfully challenges the pervasive illusion of human control and self-salvation, pointing instead to the absolute and undeniable necessity of divine intervention for true deliverance and lasting peace. This verse urges us to take with utmost seriousness the grim reality of sin and its ultimate, unavoidable outcome, thereby prompting a sincere and repentant turning to God for His boundless mercy and sustaining grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "fear, pit, and snare" challenge my perception of security, control, and self-sufficiency in life?**
* **In what specific ways might I, or the society around me, be "defiling the earth" or breaking God's covenant today through actions, attitudes, or omissions?**
* **What is my personal and spiritual response to the biblical declaration of universal judgment? Does it primarily lead me to paralyzing fear, or does it compel me to earnestly seek refuge and reconciliation with God?**
* **How does a deeper understanding of the inevitability and comprehensiveness of divine judgment profoundly deepen my appreciation for God's immeasurable grace and boundless mercy, as revealed in His plan of salvation?**

### FAQ
**What is "Isaiah's Apocalypse" and why is Isaiah 24:17 part of it?**

Answer: "Isaiah's Apocalypse" refers to the distinct section of Isaiah's prophecy found in chapters 24-27. It is termed "apocalypse" (from the Greek _apokalypsis_, meaning "unveiling" or "revelation") because it dramatically shifts from prophecies against specific nations to a grand, cosmic vision of universal judgment and ultimate future restoration. Unlike earlier prophecies that often focused on historical events affecting Israel and its neighbors, this section describes a global cataclysm, the profound dismantling of the created order, and God's ultimate triumph over all evil. [Isaiah 24:17](/isaiah/24-17 "Isaiah 24:17 - Fear, Pit, and Snare") is integral to this section as it vividly portrays the inescapable and comprehensive nature of this universal judgment, emphasizing that all "inhabitants of the earth" are subject to the "fear, pit, and snare" of divine retribution, thereby contributing powerfully to the overarching theme of global desolation and God's sovereign, righteous justice.

**Does this verse refer to a specific historical event or a future judgment?**

Answer: While some prophetic passages in Isaiah can have dual fulfillment (both immediate and future), [Isaiah 24:17](/isaiah/24-17 "Isaiah 24:17 - Fear, Pit, and Snare"), within the broader context of [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - Global Desolation and Judgment"), primarily points to a future, eschatological judgment that is universal in scope. The profound language of the earth being "emptied" and "laid waste" ([Isaiah 24:1](/isaiah/24-1 "Isaiah 24:1 - The Earth Laid Waste")) and the judgment being "upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth" transcends any single historical event like the Assyrian or Babylonian invasions. It describes a comprehensive, global divine intervention that will deal decisively with human sin and rebellion on a cosmic scale, a judgment often associated with the "Day of the Lord" in biblical prophecy. This future judgment is presented as the culmination of God's righteous wrath against a world that has "transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant" ([Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Earth Defiled by Transgression")).

**How can one escape this "fear, pit, and snare" described in Isaiah 24:17?**

Answer: [Isaiah 24:17](/isaiah/24-17 "Isaiah 24:17 - Fear, Pit, and Snare") powerfully emphasizes the *inescapability* of judgment for those who remain in unrepentant rebellion against God. From a comprehensive biblical perspective, human effort, ingenuity, or self-righteousness cannot possibly provide an escape from divine wrath. The only true and lasting escape is found exclusively through God's gracious provision of salvation. While the Old Testament often points to repentance and covenant faithfulness as a means of averting judgment, the New Testament profoundly reveals the ultimate and perfect means of escape: saving faith in Jesus Christ. He is the one who delivers us from the "snare of the fowler" ([Psalm 91:3](/psalm/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - God as Deliverer")) and the "wages of sin" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). By His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ bore the full judgment and wrath that humanity justly deserved, thereby offering complete forgiveness and reconciliation to God. Thus, escape is not achieved by futilely fleeing *from* God's presence, but by humbly fleeing *to* Him through Christ, who offers true refuge, peace, and eternal life amidst a world destined for ultimate judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 24:17, with its stark and terrifying imagery of inescapable judgment, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal escape from a physical pit or snare, but in the spiritual and eternal deliverance offered exclusively through Jesus Christ. The "fear, and the pit, and the snare" represent the universal human predicament under the crushing dominion of sin and death, which holds all "inhabitants of the earth" captive. Humanity, by its pervasive rebellion and transgression, has fallen into a spiritual trap from which it is utterly powerless to extricate itself. However, the New Testament gloriously reveals that God, in His boundless love and infinite mercy, provided the perfect way out. Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), entered this fallen world and, through His sacrificial crucifixion and triumphant resurrection, decisively dismantled the power of sin and death. He became the ultimate propitiatory sacrifice, bearing the full weight of the judgment and wrath that humanity deserved, thereby freeing all who believe in Him from the "snare" of eternal condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). His glorious victory over the grave means that those who trust in Him are no longer destined for the "pit" of destruction but are graciously granted new, abundant life and an eternal inheritance in Him. Thus, while [Isaiah 24:17](/isaiah/24-17 "Isaiah 24:17 - Fear, Pit, and Snare") paints a terrifying picture of coming judgment, it implicitly points to the profound and desperate need for a Savior—a need perfectly and completely met in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who delivers us from the paralyzing "fear" of judgment and grants us true, lasting peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")). He is the true and only refuge from the coming storm, the one who liberates us from the ultimate snare of sin and death, bringing us into glorious freedom ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")).

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

Jeremiah 48:43

Fear, and the pit, and the snare, [shall be] upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 48:44

He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

Amos 5:19

As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

Ezekiel 14:21

For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?

Jeremiah 8:3

And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Kings 19:17

And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Leviticus 26:21

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.