Isaiah 29:5
New International Version
But your many enemies will become like fine dust, the ruthless hordes like blown chaff. Suddenly, in an instant,

New Living Translation
“But suddenly, your ruthless enemies will be crushed like the finest of dust. Your many attackers will be driven away like chaff before the wind. Suddenly, in an instant,

English Standard Version
But the multitude of your foreign foes shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the ruthless like passing chaff. And in an instant, suddenly,

Berean Standard Bible
But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,

King James Bible
Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

New King James Version
“Moreover the multitude of your foes Shall be like fine dust, And the multitude of the terrible ones Like chaff that passes away; Yes, it shall be in an instant, suddenly.

New American Standard Bible
But the multitude of your enemies will become like fine dust, And the multitude of the ruthless ones like the chaff which blows away; And it will happen instantly, suddenly.

NASB 1995
But the multitude of your enemies will become like fine dust, And the multitude of the ruthless ones like the chaff which blows away; And it will happen instantly, suddenly.

NASB 1977
But the multitude of your enemies shall become like fine dust, And the multitude of the ruthless ones like the chaff which blows away; And it shall happen instantly, suddenly.

Legacy Standard Bible
But it will be that the multitude of your enemies will become like fine dust, And the multitude of the ruthless ones like the chaff which blows away; And it will happen instantly, suddenly.

Amplified Bible
But the multitude of your enemies [that assault you] will become like fine dust, And the multitude of the tyrants like the chaff which blows away; And it will happen in an instant, suddenly [that your enemy is destroyed].

Christian Standard Bible
Your many foes will be like fine dust, and many of the ruthless, like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Your many foes will be like fine dust, and many of the ruthless, like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,

American Standard Version
But the multitude of thy foes shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be in an instant suddenly.

Contemporary English Version
Then your cruel enemies will suddenly be swept away like dust in a windstorm.

English Revised Version
But the multitude of they foes shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Your many enemies will be like fine dust. Your many foes will be like husks blown by the wind. All of this will happen suddenly, unexpectedly.

Good News Translation
Jerusalem, all the foreigners who attack you will be blown away like dust, and their terrifying armies will fly away like straw. Suddenly and unexpectedly

International Standard Version
"But the hordes of your enemies will become like fine dust, and the hordes of tyrants like flying chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,

Majority Standard Bible
But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,

NET Bible
But the horde of invaders will be like fine dust, the horde of tyrants like chaff that is blown away. It will happen suddenly, in a flash.

New Heart English Bible
But the multitude of your arrogant will be like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will be in an instant, suddenly.

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover, the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yes, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

World English Bible
But the multitude of your foes will be like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will be in an instant, suddenly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And as small dust has been "" The multitude of those scattering you, "" And as chaff passing on the multitude of the terrible, "" And it has been in an instant—suddenly.

Young's Literal Translation
And as small dust hath been The multitude of those scattering thee, And as chaff passing on the multitude of the terrible, And it hath been at an instant -- suddenly.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the multitude of thy strangers was as the thin dust, and Its the chaff passing away, the multitude of the terrible ones: and it was at a moment suddenly.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the multitude of them that fan thee, shall be like small dust: and as ashes passing away, the multitude of them that have prevailed against thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the multitude of those who fan you will be like fine dust. And the multitude of those who have prevailed against you will be like embers fading away.

New American Bible
The horde of your arrogant shall be like fine dust, a horde of tyrants like flying chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,

New Revised Standard Version
But the multitude of your foes shall be like small dust, and the multitude of tyrants like flying chaff. And in an instant, suddenly,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Moreover the multitude of your oppressors shall be like fine dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as the chaff that passes away; yea, it shall be in an instant, suddenly.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the multitude of those who trample you will be as the fine sand and like the chaff that passes by the multitude of your mighty ones, and it will be suddenly and quickly
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But the multitude of thy foes shall be like small dust, And the multitude of the terrible ones as chaff that passeth away; Yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly--

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But the wealth of the ungodly shall be as dust from a wheel, and the multitude of them that oppress thee as flying chaff, and it shall be suddenly as a moment,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Woe to the City of David
4You will be brought low, you will speak from the ground, and out of the dust your words will be muffled. Your voice will be like a spirit from the ground; your speech will whisper out of the dust. 5But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant, 6you will be visited by the LORD of Hosts with thunder and earthquake and loud noise, with windstorm and tempest and consuming flame of fire.…

Cross References
Psalm 35:5
May they be like chaff in the wind, as the angel of the LORD drives them away.

Job 21:18
Are they like straw before the wind, like chaff swept away by a storm?

Psalm 1:4
Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind.

Hosea 13:3
Therefore they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes, like chaff blown from a threshing floor, like smoke through an open window.

Isaiah 17:13
The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale.

Isaiah 41:15-16
Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. / You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Psalm 83:13
Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind.

Nahum 1:10
For they will be entangled as with thorns and consumed like the drink of a drunkard—like stubble that is fully dry.

Matthew 21:44
He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”

Luke 20:18
Everyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”

Daniel 2:35
Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Isaiah 40:24
No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner have their stems taken root in the ground, than He blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like stubble.

Isaiah 5:24
Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 30:13-14
this iniquity of yours is like a breach about to fail, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse will come suddenly—in an instant! / It will break in pieces like a potter’s jar, shattered so that no fragment can be found. Not a shard will be found in the dust large enough to scoop the coals from a hearth or to skim the water from a cistern.”

Isaiah 33:11
You conceive chaff; you give birth to stubble. Your breath is a fire that will consume you.


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover the multitude of your strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passes away: yes, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

the multitude

Isaiah 10:16-19
Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire…

Isaiah 25:5
Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.

Isaiah 31:3,8
Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together…

as chaff

Isaiah 17:13
The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

Job 21:18
They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

Psalm 1:4
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

at an

Isaiah 30:13
Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

Psalm 46:5,6
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early…

Psalm 76:5,6
The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands…

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Army Attackers Blown Blows Chaff Cruel Dry Dust Enemies Fine Foes Hordes Instant Moreover Multitude Ones Passeth Passing Ruthless Scattering Small Stems Strangers Suddenly Terrible Wind
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Army Attackers Blown Blows Chaff Cruel Dry Dust Enemies Fine Foes Hordes Instant Moreover Multitude Ones Passeth Passing Ruthless Scattering Small Stems Strangers Suddenly Terrible Wind
Isaiah 29
1. God's heavy judgment upon Jerusalem
7. The insatiableness of her enemies
9. The senselessness
13. And deep hypocrisy of the people
17. A promise of sanctification to the godly














But the multitude of your foes
This phrase refers to the numerous enemies that have gathered against Jerusalem. In the Hebrew text, the word for "multitude" is "hamon," which conveys a sense of a great, noisy crowd. Historically, this can be seen as the Assyrian army, which was vast and intimidating. Theologically, it represents the overwhelming challenges and adversities that God's people face. Yet, the promise here is that no matter how numerous or powerful these foes appear, they are under God's sovereign control.

will be like fine dust
The imagery of "fine dust" suggests something that is easily scattered and insignificant. In Hebrew, "dust" is "ʿāphār," often used to denote something transient and without substance. This reflects the ultimate fate of those who oppose God and His people. Despite their apparent strength, they will be reduced to nothing, emphasizing God's power to protect and deliver His people from their enemies.

the multitude of the ruthless
Here, "ruthless" translates from the Hebrew "ʿārîṣ," which describes those who are violent and oppressive. This term is used throughout the Old Testament to depict those who act without regard for justice or mercy. Historically, it can be linked to the Assyrians, known for their brutal military campaigns. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder that God sees and will judge those who act with cruelty and injustice.

like blowing chaff
"Chaff" is the husk of grain that is separated and discarded during the threshing process. In Hebrew, "môṣ" is used, symbolizing something worthless and easily carried away by the wind. This metaphor illustrates the futility and impermanence of the enemies' power. In a broader scriptural context, it echoes Psalm 1:4, where the wicked are compared to chaff driven by the wind, underscoring the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness.

Then suddenly, in an instant
This phrase highlights the unexpected and swift nature of God's intervention. The Hebrew word "pith'ôm" for "suddenly" conveys a sense of immediacy and surprise. It reassures believers that God's deliverance can come at any moment, often when least expected. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the certainty of His promises, encouraging faith and patience in the face of adversity.

(5) Moreover the multitude . . .--Better, But. The words interpret those of Isaiah 30:28. The tribulation should be great, but it should last but for a while. As in Isaiah 25:5, the "strangers"--i.e., the "enemies," and the "terrible ones"--should be brought low. A sudden catastrophe, pointing, probably, to the destruction of Sennacherib's army, should bring them low. They, too, should pass under the "threshing instrument" of God's judgments, and be as chaff before the wind.

Verses 5-8. - THE WARNING FOLLOWED BY A PROMISE. It is ever God's care to prevent men from being "swallowed up with overmuch sorrow" (2 Corinthians 2:7). As long as he is not about to "make a full end" (Jeremiah 4:27), he mingles promises with his threats, words of cheer with words of warning. So now the prophet is directed to attach to his four verses of denunciation (vers. 1-4) four others of encouragement, and to declare the utter discomfiture of the vast host of enemies which for a time has besieged and "distressed" Ariel. Verse 5. - Moreover; rather, but. The relation of vers. 5-8 to vers. 1-4 is that of contrast. The multitude of thy strangers; i.e. "of thy enemies" (comp. Isaiah 25:5). In primitive societies every stranger is an enemy; and hence language - the formation of primitive men - often has one word for the two ideas. In Latin hostis is said to have originally meant "foreigner" (Cic., 'De Off',' 1:12). Shall be like small dust. Ground down, i.e. to an impalpable powder - rendered utterly weak and powerless. The meaning is determined by the clause which follows, with which it must necessarily be in close accordance. As chaff that passeth away. "Chaff," in Scripture, is always a metaphor for weakness (comp. Isaiah 5:24; Isaiah 17:13; Isaiah 33:11; Isaiah 41:15; and see also Psalm 1:4; Psalm 35:5; Job 21:18; Hosea 13:3; Daniel 2:35; Zephaniah 2:2). It has no value; man's object is to get rid of it: a light wind carries it away, and no one inquires whither. Yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly. Dr. Kay says it is "the collapse of Jerusalem" which is here intended. But most other commentators understand, with more reason, the collapse of her enemies (Cheyne, Delitzsch, Vance Smith, Knobel, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But your many
הֲמ֣וֹן (hă·mō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1995: A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth

foes
זָרָ֑יִךְ (zā·rā·yiḵ)
Adjective - masculine plural construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 2114: To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adultery

will be
וְהָיָ֛ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

like fine
דַּ֖ק (daq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1851: Crushed, small, thin

dust,
כְּאָבָ֥ק (kə·’ā·ḇāq)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 80: Light particles

the multitude
הֲמ֣וֹן (hă·mō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1995: A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth

of the ruthless
עָֽרִיצִ֔ים (‘ā·rî·ṣîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6184: Awe-inspiring, terror-striking

like blowing
עֹבֵר֙ (‘ō·ḇêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

chaff.
וּכְמֹ֤ץ (ū·ḵə·mōṣ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4671: Chaff, threshed loose)

Then suddenly,
פִּתְאֹֽם׃ (piṯ·’ōm)
Adverb
Strong's 6597: Suddenness, suddenly

in an instant,
לְפֶ֥תַע (lə·p̄e·ṯa‘)
Preposition-l | Adverb
Strong's 6621: A wink, moment


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 29:5 But the multitude of your foes will (Isa Isi Is)
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