Old Testament
Isaiah 2:19
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 2:19, the imagery of people hiding in caves and holes in the ground illustrates the overwhelming fear that will come upon them due to the majesty and power of the Lord.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
People will go into the caves in the rocks and into the holes in the ground, because of the fear of the LORD and the glory of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth terribly.
And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 2:19, the imagery of people hiding in caves and holes in the ground illustrates the overwhelming fear that will come upon them due to the majesty and power of the Lord. This verse emphasizes the seriousness of God's presence and the consequences of ignoring His authority. When God rises to shake the earth, it signifies a time of judgment and upheaval, where even the mightiest will be humbled. The fear of the Lord is a central theme, highlighting the reverence and awe that should accompany an understanding of His glory. This passage serves as a reminder of the ultimate power of God over creation and the need for humanity to recognize their place before Him. It calls for a response of humility and repentance rather than defiance, as the day of the Lord will bring about a reckoning for all.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 2:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our relationship with God. It reminds us to approach Him with reverence and humility, recognizing His power and authority. In our daily lives, we should seek to honor God and live in a way that reflects our understanding of His majesty.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 2:19 mean?
Isaiah 2:19 describes a time when people will hide in caves and holes due to the overwhelming fear of the Lord's power and majesty. It emphasizes the seriousness of God's presence and the consequences of ignoring His authority.
What is the significance of hiding in caves in Isaiah 2:19?
Hiding in caves symbolizes the fear and helplessness people will feel in the face of God's judgment. It illustrates how even the strongest will seek refuge when confronted with divine power.
What does the phrase 'fear of the Lord' mean in Isaiah 2:19?
The 'fear of the Lord' in Isaiah 2:19 refers to a deep respect and reverence for God's authority and majesty. It highlights the seriousness of recognizing God's power and the need for humility before Him.
How does Isaiah 2:19 relate to God's judgment?
Isaiah 2:19 relates to God's judgment by illustrating the fear that will arise when He acts to shake the earth. It signifies a time of reckoning where people must confront the reality of God's authority.

The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.