Isaiah 5:29

KJV

Their roaring [shall be] like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry [it] away safe, and none shall deliver [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Their roaring {H7581} shall be like a lion {H3833}, they shall roar {H7580}{H7580} like young lions {H3715}: yea, they shall roar {H5098}, and lay hold {H270} of the prey {H2964}, and shall carry it away safe {H6403}, and none shall deliver {H5337} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will roar like lions - yes, roaring like young lions, they growl and seize the prey and carry it off, with no one to rescue.

Berean Standard Bible

Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away from deliverance.

American Standard Version

their roaring shall be like a lioness, they shall roar like young lions; yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and carry it away safe, and there shall be none to deliver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:29 presents a chilling and potent depiction of God's impending judgment upon ancient Israel, employing the vivid and terrifying imagery of lions to convey the ferocity, swiftness, and absolute inevitability of the foreign invaders God will dispatch. This divinely appointed force is described as roaring like mighty lions, seizing their prey with irresistible power, and carrying it away with such finality that no rescue or deliverance is possible. The verse powerfully underscores the overwhelming and unchallengeable nature of divine wrath once unleashed, from which no human strength, alliance, or intervention can provide escape.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:29 is strategically placed within a profound prophetic indictment against Judah, immediately following the "Song of the Vineyard" (Isaiah 5:1-7). This allegorical song portrays God's meticulous care for His vineyard (Israel) and its subsequent failure to produce righteous fruit, leading to its abandonment and destruction. Verses 8-25 then detail a series of six "woes" pronounced against the nation's moral and spiritual decay, targeting specific sins like greed, drunkenness, defiance, perversion of justice, and spiritual blindness. The transition in verses 26-30 describes the instrument of God's judgment: a formidable, distant nation summoned by God Himself. Verse 29 specifically intensifies the description of this invading army, using predatory lion imagery to emphasize their terrifying effectiveness and the absolute certainty of their success in executing divine judgment, leaving no hope for escape or recovery of what is taken.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 740-681 BC). This era was profoundly shaped by the rising power of the Assyrian Empire, which posed a constant and increasing threat to the smaller nations of the Near East, including Judah and Israel. The imagery of lions would have resonated deeply with an ancient audience, as lions were common predators in the region, symbolizing raw power, ferocity, and inescapable danger. The description of a swift, relentless, and unchallengeable invading force would have vividly evoked the terror of Assyrian military campaigns, known for their efficiency, brutality, and the complete subjugation of conquered peoples. The prophet's use of such vivid, culturally resonant imagery would have amplified the warning of impending divine judgment through a human agent.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's active involvement in history to punish sin and uphold His righteousness. The foreign army is not merely a geopolitical threat but an instrument in God's hand, fulfilling His righteous decrees against a rebellious people who have rejected His covenant, as powerfully illustrated in the opening chapters of the book where Israel is depicted as a rebellious child ([Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - The Rebellion of Israel")). Another key theme is **Irresistible Power and Inevitable Doom**, conveyed through the pervasive metaphor of lions. This imagery signifies an overwhelming, predatory force that cannot be resisted or diverted. Once God's judgment is unleashed, no human power—military, political, or otherwise—can withstand it or prevent its outcome, highlighting the futility of human resistance against divine decree, a concept echoed in the psalms where God's counsel is declared to stand forever ([Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")). Finally, the stark declaration "none shall deliver [it]" underscores the theme of **No Deliverance or Escape** from God's determined judgment, emphasizing the severe and inescapable consequences of persistent disobedience and spiritual apostasy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **roar (Hebrew, _shâʼag'_ H7580):** A primitive root meaning "to rumble or moan," specifically referring to the deep, resonant sound made by a lion. Its repetition in the verse ("Their roaring... they shall roar... yea, they shall roar") intensifies the sense of overwhelming dread and the relentless, predatory nature of the invading army. It conveys not just sound, but an intimidating and all-consuming presence that signals imminent danger and destruction, a sound that paralyzes prey.
* **young lions (Hebrew, _kᵉphîyr'_ H3715):** This term refers to a young, strong lion, often implying peak vigor, speed, and predatory instinct. The comparison to "young lions" rather than just generic "lions" suggests a particularly agile, aggressive, and numerous force, perhaps a pack. It evokes an image of predators working in concert, making their attack even more formidable and inescapable, highlighting the invaders' strength and coordinated effort.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_ H5337):** A primitive root meaning "to snatch away," "to rescue," or "to save." The phrase "none shall deliver [it]" emphasizes the absolute finality and irreversibility of the judgment. Once the invaders have seized their prey, no one—no human power, no ally, no intervention—will be able to rescue or recover what has been taken. This highlights the utter futility of resistance against God's determined judgment, underscoring its comprehensive and inescapable nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their roaring [shall be] like a lion":** This initial clause immediately establishes the central metaphor, comparing the sound of the approaching invaders to the terrifying roar of a mature lion. This evokes a primal sense of fear and the overwhelming presence of a dominant predator, signaling imminent danger and the absence of mercy, setting the tone for the impending destruction.
* **"they shall roar like young lions":** The repetition of "roar" coupled with the specification of "young lions" intensifies the imagery. "Young lions" implies not just immense power, but also vigor, agility, and a collective, pack-like ferocity. This suggests a numerous, energetic, and highly effective invading force, acting with unified predatory intent and relentless pursuit.
* **"yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey":** The third repetition of "roar" further emphasizes the relentless and terrifying advance, building a crescendo of dread. The phrase "lay hold of the prey" signifies the successful and decisive capture. The invaders will not merely threaten; they will actively seize and possess their victims, indicating the complete subjugation and enslavement of Judah.
* **"and shall carry [it] away safe":** This clause highlights the absolute success of the invaders' mission from their perspective. "Safe" here refers to the security of their spoils, implying they will face no challenge or loss of what they have taken. This underscores the futility of any resistance or counter-attack from Judah's side, as the captured are irretrievably lost.
* **"and none shall deliver [it]":** This final, stark declaration seals the fate of the "prey." It emphasizes the utter hopelessness of the situation for Judah. Once seized by this divinely appointed force, there will be no rescue, no recovery, and no escape. This powerfully conveys the finality and inevitability of God's judgment, leaving no room for hope or intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:29 is rich in powerful **Imagery**, primarily through the extended **Simile** of the invading army as lions. The prophet uses the familiar and terrifying image of a predatory beast to convey the ferocity, speed, and overwhelming power of the foreign army, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible and frightening. The striking **Repetition** of the verb "roar" (Hebrew: _shâʼag_) three times within the verse ("Their roaring... they shall roar... yea, they shall roar") serves to emphasize the relentless, intimidating, and inescapable nature of the approaching threat, building a crescendo of dread and highlighting the invaders' unified and determined purpose. Furthermore, there is a degree of **Personification** as the foreign army is imbued with the animalistic instincts and actions of lions—roaring, seizing prey, and carrying it away safely—underscoring their predatory efficiency and the complete dehumanization of their victims. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for divine judgment, where God's wrath is manifested through an irresistible human agent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:29 profoundly illustrates God's sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. The "lions" are not acting independently but are instruments in God's hand, executing His righteous judgment against a people who have persistently defied His covenant and perverted justice. This verse reinforces the biblical truth that sin has severe consequences and that God will not forever tolerate rebellion among His people. It highlights the terrifying reality of divine wrath, which, once unleashed, is irresistible and offers no escape, serving as a stark warning to all who would presume upon God's patience or neglect His commands. The certainty of this judgment underscores God's holiness and His ultimate authority over human affairs and history, demonstrating that His purposes will always prevail.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49-50 "Deuteronomy 28:49-50 - A Nation from Afar")
* [Jeremiah 5:6](/jeremiah/5-6 "Jeremiah 5:6 - Lions from the Forest")
* [Amos 9:1-4](/amos/9-1-4 "Amos 9:1-4 - No Escape from God's Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:29 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that God is not merely a benevolent deity but also a righteous judge who holds His people accountable for their actions. While the immediate context was a specific judgment on ancient Judah, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant: persistent rebellion against God's commands and a perversion of justice will inevitably lead to severe consequences. For believers today, this verse calls for a posture of humility, ongoing repentance, and diligent obedience to God's Word. It challenges us to examine our own lives and communities, ensuring that we are producing the "fruit" of righteousness that God desires, rather than the "wild grapes" of sin and injustice. True security and flourishing are found not in human strength, alliances, or self-sufficiency, but in walking faithfully in God's ways and trusting in His sovereign care. It reminds us that while God is rich in mercy, His holiness demands that sin be addressed, and His judgments are certain and inescapable for those who refuse to turn to Him. This passage compels us to consider the gravity of our choices and the ultimate authority of the One who governs all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "roaring lions" challenge our modern understanding of God's character, particularly His justice and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a community, be "laying hold of prey" or acting in ways that invite divine judgment today, even subtly?**
* **What does the phrase "none shall deliver [it]" teach us about the futility of human efforts and reliance on anything other than God's grace for true security?**
* **How can this verse motivate us to pursue righteousness and justice in our own lives and spheres of influence, recognizing the seriousness of sin?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "lions" mentioned in Isaiah 5:29?**

Answer: The "lions" in Isaiah 5:29 are a powerful metaphorical representation of the foreign army that God will use as an instrument of His judgment against Judah. While not explicitly named in this specific verse, the broader historical context of Isaiah's prophecy points strongly to the Assyrian Empire, which was the dominant and terrifying superpower of that era. Their military might, swift campaigns, and ruthless efficiency in conquering and deporting populations made them a fitting embodiment of the "roaring lions" that would seize their prey and carry it away with no possibility of deliverance. This imagery emphasizes their overwhelming power and the inevitability of God's judgment through them, as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria, the Rod of God's Anger"), where Assyria is called the "rod of my anger."

**Does God still use "lions" or foreign powers to judge nations today?**

Answer: While God's methods of judgment may differ in the New Covenant era, the principle that God is sovereign over nations and holds them accountable remains true. The Bible teaches that God orchestrates historical events and can use various means, including the rise and fall of nations, to accomplish His purposes and administer justice. While we may not see direct, literal "lion-like" invasions as described in Isaiah, God's ultimate judgment is certain. The New Testament speaks of God's wrath being revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")). For believers, the focus shifts from fear of earthly judgment to understanding God's justice and seeking His kingdom, knowing that all things are ultimately under His control and that He is working all things for His glory and the good of those who love Him ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 5:29, with its terrifying imagery of irresistible judgment and no deliverance, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the *execution* of judgment *upon* Christ, but profoundly in Christ as the one who *delivers from* judgment and *exercises* ultimate, righteous judgment. While this verse speaks of an inescapable earthly judgment, the New Testament reveals that humanity's greatest predicament is the inescapable spiritual judgment for sin. Yet, Christ, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly became the "prey" on the cross, taking upon Himself the full roar of God's wrath, so that all who believe in Him might be delivered from eternal condemnation. His sacrifice means that for the believer, the "none shall deliver" of judgment is transformed into the glorious truth that [nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love"). Furthermore, Christ is also depicted as the ultimate Lion—the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")—who will return not as prey, but as the righteous Judge, exercising ultimate authority and bringing final, perfect justice to all creation. In Him, God's holiness and justice are fully satisfied, and His mercy is perfectly extended, offering the only true deliverance from the roaring judgment of sin.

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

Zechariah 11:3

[There is] a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.

Isaiah 42:22

But this [is] a people robbed and spoiled; [they are] all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.

Micah 5:8

And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

Isaiah 49:24

¶ Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?

Isaiah 49:25

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Jeremiah 51:38

They shall roar together like lions: they shall yell as lions' whelps.

Psalms 50:22

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver.