Old Testament

Isaiah 25:2

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

You have turned a city into a pile of rubble, a fortified city into ruins. The foreigners' palace is a city no more — it will never be rebuilt.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

For thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.

What Isaiah 25:2 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Isaiah 25:2, the prophet speaks of God's power to bring down cities and strongholds. The verse highlights how God can transform a once-thriving city into ruins, emphasizing His sovereignty over nations and their leaders. The mention of a 'fortified city' and 'palace of strangers' suggests that even the mightiest human structures and defenses are no match for God's will. This serves as a reminder that human pride and strength can be easily dismantled by divine intervention. The destruction of these cities symbolizes the ultimate judgment against those who oppose God and His purposes. It also reflects the hope for restoration and the establishment of God's kingdom, where righteousness prevails. This verse encourages believers to trust in God's plans, knowing that He has the authority to change circumstances dramatically, whether for judgment or for the establishment of His eternal reign.

How to apply Isaiah 25:2 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize the temporary nature of human achievements and defenses. In our lives, we should focus on building a foundation in faith rather than relying solely on worldly success. Trusting in God's plans can provide peace amid uncertainty and change.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Samuel anointing the young David in Bethlehem

Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

David

An old color photograph of Hebron on a hillside above olive groves.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Hebron

Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Isaiah 25:2

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Isaiah 25:2

At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah

Author
Isaiah the prophet
Written
Around 700 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah and the surrounding nations

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Isaiah 25:2 mean?

Isaiah 25:2 illustrates God's ability to bring down cities and strongholds, showing His sovereignty over human power and pride. It emphasizes that even the mightiest defenses can be reduced to ruins by divine will.

What is the significance of a 'fortified city' in Isaiah 25:2?

The 'fortified city' in Isaiah 25:2 represents human strength and security, which can be easily dismantled by God. This highlights the futility of relying solely on human achievements for safety and stability.

What does the phrase 'palace of strangers' refer to in Isaiah 25:2?

The 'palace of strangers' refers to foreign powers and their strongholds, indicating that even those who seem powerful and secure are subject to God's judgment and can be destroyed.

What themes are present in Isaiah 25:2?

Isaiah 25:2 encompasses themes of God's sovereignty, judgment, the destruction of human pride, divine intervention, and the hope for restoration in God's kingdom.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.