Old Testament
Isaiah 29:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
It will be like a starving man who dreams he's eating, but wakes up and his soul is empty. Or like a thirsty man who dreams he's drinking, but wakes up faint and his soul has an appetite. That's what will happen to all the nations that fight against Mount Zion.
Compare translations
It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.
What Isaiah 29:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse uses the imagery of hunger and thirst to illustrate the futility of those who oppose God's chosen people, represented by Mount Zion. Just as a starving man may dream of eating but wakes up still hungry, or a thirsty man dreams of drinking but wakes up parched, the nations that fight against Zion will find their efforts ultimately unfulfilling and fruitless. Their dreams of victory will not satisfy their deeper needs or desires. This metaphor emphasizes the emptiness of pursuing goals that are against God's will, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from aligning with Him rather than opposing His plans. The verse serves as a warning to those who think they can succeed against God's purposes, showing that their efforts will lead to disappointment and spiritual emptiness.
How to apply Isaiah 29:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek fulfillment in God rather than in worldly pursuits. When we align our goals with His will, we find true satisfaction. It reminds us that opposing God's plans leads to emptiness, while trusting in Him brings hope and purpose.
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.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 29:8
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 29:8
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 29:8 mean?
Isaiah 29:8 uses the imagery of hunger and thirst to illustrate the futility of opposing God's chosen people, represented by Mount Zion. It shows that nations fighting against Zion will find their efforts unfulfilling, similar to a starving man dreaming of food but waking up still hungry.
What is the meaning of hunger and thirst in Isaiah 29:8?
In Isaiah 29:8, hunger and thirst symbolize the deep spiritual emptiness experienced by those who oppose God's will. Just as a hungry or thirsty person wakes up unsatisfied, those who fight against God's plans will ultimately find their pursuits fruitless.
How does Isaiah 29:8 relate to spiritual fulfillment?
Isaiah 29:8 highlights that true fulfillment comes from aligning with God's will rather than pursuing worldly goals that oppose Him. It serves as a reminder that those who resist God's plans will experience emptiness and dissatisfaction.
What warning does Isaiah 29:8 give to nations?
Isaiah 29:8 warns nations that oppose God's chosen people that their efforts will be in vain. It illustrates that fighting against God's purposes leads to spiritual emptiness and unfulfilled desires.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.