Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.” New Living Translation One of them will chase a thousand of you. Five of them will make all of you flee. You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop.” English Standard Version A thousand shall flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you shall flee, till you are left like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, like a signal on a hill. Berean Standard Bible A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. Berean Literal Bible One thousand from the face of the threat of one, from the face of the threat of five you⁺ will flee, until only you⁺ are left behind like a pole on the top of the mountain and like a banner on the hill! King James Bible One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill. New King James Version One thousand shall flee at the threat of one, At the threat of five you shall flee, Till you are left as a pole on top of a mountain And as a banner on a hill. New American Standard Bible One thousand will flee at the threat of one man; You will flee at the threat of five, Until you are left like a signal post on a mountain top, And like a flag on a hill. NASB 1995 One thousand will flee at the threat of one man; You will flee at the threat of five, Until you are left as a flag on a mountain top And as a signal on a hill. NASB 1977 One thousand shall flee at the threat of one man, You shall flee at the threat of five; Until you are left as a flag on a mountain top, And as a signal on a hill. Legacy Standard Bible One thousand will flee at the threat of one man; You will flee at the threat of five, Until you are left as a flag on a mountain top And as a standard on a hill. Amplified Bible A thousand of you will flee at the threat of one man; You will flee at the threat of five, Until you are left like a flag on the top of a mountain, And like a signal on a hill. Berean Annotated Bible A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you⁺ will all flee, until you⁺ are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. Christian Standard Bible One thousand will flee at the threat of one, at the threat of five you will flee, until you remain like a solitary pole on a mountaintop or a banner on a hill. Holman Christian Standard Bible One thousand will flee at the threat of one, at the threat of five you will flee, until you alone remain like a solitary pole on a mountaintop or a banner on a hill. American Standard Version One thousand shall flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on a hill. Contemporary English Version As few as five of them, or even one, will be enough to chase a thousand of you. Finally, all that will be left will be a few survivors as lonely as a flag pole on a barren hill. English Revised Version One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill. GOD'S WORD® Translation One thousand people will flee when one person threatens them, and you will flee when five threaten you. Then you will be left alone like a flagpole on top of a mountain, like a signpost on a hill. Good News Translation A thousand of you will run away when you see one enemy soldier, and five soldiers will be enough to make you all run away. Nothing will be left of your army except a lonely flagpole on the top of a hill. International Standard Version A thousand will flee at the threat of one; and run away, pursued by five, until you are left like a flagpole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill." NET Bible One thousand will scurry at the battle cry of one enemy soldier; at the battle cry of five enemy soldiers you will all run away, until the remaining few are as isolated as a flagpole on a mountaintop or a signal flag on a hill." New Heart English Bible One thousand will flee at the threat of one. At the threat of five, you will flee until you are left like a beacon on the top of a mountain, and like a banner on a hill. Webster's Bible Translation One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on a hill. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. World English Bible One thousand will flee at the threat of one. At the threat of five, you will flee until you are left like a beacon on the top of a mountain, and like a banner on a hill. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOne thousand [flee] because of the rebuke of one, "" Because of the rebuke of five you flee, "" Until you have surely been left as a pole "" On the top of the mountain, "" And as an ensign on the height. Berean Literal Bible One thousand from the face of the threat of one, from the face of the threat of five you⁺ will flee, until only you⁺ are left behind like a pole on the top of the mountain and like a banner on the hill! Young's Literal Translation One thousand because of the rebuke of one, Because of the rebuke of five ye flee, Till ye have been surely left as a pole On the top of the mountain, And as an ensign on the height. Smith's Literal Translation One thousand from before the rebuke of one; from before the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye were left as a mast upon the head of the mountain, and as a signal upon the hill. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA thousand men shall flee for fear of one: and for fear of five shall you flee, till you be left as the mast of a ship on the top of a mountain, and as an ensign upon a hill. Catholic Public Domain Version A thousand men will flee in terror from the face of one, and you will flee in terror from the face of five, until you who have been left behind are like the mast of a ship at the top of a mountain, or like a sign on a hill. New American Bible A thousand shall tremble at the threat of one— if five threaten, you shall flee. You will then be left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a flag on a hill. New Revised Standard Version A thousand shall flee at the threat of one, at the threat of five you shall flee, until you are left like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, like a signal on a hill. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall you flee till you are left as a beacon on the top of a mountain and as an ensign on a hill. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated You shall flee, one thousand from the reproof of one, and from the reproof of five, until you will be left like a wild donkey on the top of a mountain and like a flag on a hill OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one, At the rebuke of five shall ye flee; Till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, And as an ensign on a hill. Brenton Septuagint Translation A thousand shall flee because of the voice of one, and many shall flee on account of the voice of five; until ye be left as a signal-post upon a mountain, and as one bearing an ensign upon a hill. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Worthless Treaty with Egypt…16“No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. 17A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. Cross References A thousand will flee at the threat of one; Joshua 23:10 One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised. Deuteronomy 32:30 How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? Leviticus 26:8 Five of you will pursue a hundred, and a hundred of you will pursue ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. at the threat of five you will all flee, Deuteronomy 28:25 The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth. Leviticus 26:17 And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you. Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, 1 Kings 19:10 “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.” Isaiah 18:3 All you people of the world and dwellers of the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it; when a ram’s horn sounds, you will hear it. Jeremiah 6:1 “Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin; flee from Jerusalem! Sound the ram’s horn in Tekoa; send up a signal over Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction. like a banner on a hill. Isaiah 13:2 Raise a banner on a barren hilltop; call aloud to them. Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. Isaiah 62:10 Go out, go out through the gates; prepare the way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones; raise a banner for the nations! Jeremiah 50:2 “Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ Leviticus 26:36-37 As for those of you who survive, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies, so that even the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. And they will flee as one flees the sword, and fall when no one pursues them. / They will stumble over one another as before the sword, though no one is behind them. So you will not be able to stand against your enemies. Judges 2:14-15 Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of those who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. / Wherever Israel marched out, the hand of the LORD was against them to bring calamity, just as He had sworn to them. So they were greatly distressed. 2 Kings 17:20 So the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel. He afflicted them and delivered them into the hands of plunderers, until He had banished them from His presence. Psalm 33:16-17 No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. Treasury of Scripture One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall you flee: till you be left as a beacon on the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill. thousand Leviticus 26:8,36 And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword… Deuteronomy 28:25 The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth. Deuteronomy 32:30 How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up? till ye Isaiah 1:7,8 Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers… Isaiah 37:3,4 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth… Nehemiah 1:2,3 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem… a beacon. Isaiah 6:13 But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. Isaiah 27:11 When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour. John 15:2-6 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit… Jump to Previous Banner Beacon Ensign Fear Five Flag Flee Flight Height Hill Left Mountain Pillar Pole Rebuke Signal Surely Thousand Threat TopJump to Next Banner Beacon Ensign Fear Five Flag Flee Flight Height Hill Left Mountain Pillar Pole Rebuke Signal Surely Thousand Threat TopIsaiah 30 1. The prophet threatens the people for their confidence in Egypt8. And contempt of God's word 18. God's mercies toward his church 27. God's wrath and the people's joy, in the destruction of Assyria A thousand will flee at the threat of one; This phrase highlights the fear and panic that will grip the people, causing them to flee even when faced with a minimal threat. Historically, this reflects the situation of Israel and Judah when they relied on alliances with other nations rather than trusting in God. The imagery of a thousand fleeing from one is a reversal of the blessings promised in Leviticus 26:8, where five would chase a hundred. This indicates a loss of divine protection due to disobedience. The fear and lack of confidence can be seen as a consequence of turning away from God, emphasizing the importance of faith and reliance on divine strength. at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and often warned of the consequences of disobedience to God. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which often found itself in political and military turmoil due to its disobedience to God. Isaiah's prophecies frequently addressed the people of Judah. 3. Assyria A dominant empire during Isaiah's time, often a threat to Judah. The fear of Assyrian invasion is a backdrop to many of Isaiah's prophecies. 4. Mountaintop and Hill Symbolic imagery used to describe isolation and vulnerability. In ancient times, a pole or banner on a hill would be highly visible but also exposed and defenseless. 5. Threat of One/Five Represents the overwhelming fear and panic that can grip a people who have turned away from God, leading to irrational responses to threats. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceDisobedience to God leads to fear and vulnerability. When we turn away from God, we lose His protection and become susceptible to irrational fears and threats. The Illusion of Security Trusting in human alliances or strength, as Judah did with Egypt, is futile. True security comes from reliance on God, not on worldly powers or strategies. The Importance of Repentance Isaiah’s message calls for repentance and a return to God. Acknowledging our sins and turning back to God restores His protection and peace. God’s Sovereignty and Protection Despite the dire warnings, God remains sovereign and offers protection to those who trust in Him. Our confidence should be in His power and promises. Isolation as a Result of Sin Sin leads to isolation, much like the pole on a mountaintop. Community and fellowship with God and others are restored through obedience and faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 30:17?2. How does Isaiah 30:17 illustrate consequences of relying on human strength over God? 3. What does "one thousand will flee at the threat of one" signify? 4. How can Isaiah 30:17 encourage trust in God's protection today? 5. Connect Isaiah 30:17 with other scriptures about trusting God over human power. 6. How can we apply the lessons of Isaiah 30:17 in daily spiritual battles? 7. What does Isaiah 30:17 reveal about God's protection and judgment? 8. How does Isaiah 30:17 reflect the consequences of disobedience? 9. What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 30:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 30? 11. What events define Hezekiah's reign as king? 12. What is the biblical perspective on snakes? 13. Does Isaiah 30:27-28 portray a harsh divine punishment that conflicts with the concept of a loving God in other parts of the Bible? 14. How does Isaiah 30:9-11 align with other biblical passages on God's patience when it represents the people as refusing to hear truth? What Does Isaiah 30:17 Mean A thousand will flee at the threat of one“A thousand will flee at the threat of one” (Isaiah 30:17). • God had promised the opposite outcome when His people walked in obedience—“Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand” (Leviticus 26:8). • Because Judah trusted alliances with Egypt rather than the Lord (Isaiah 30:1–3), the promise is inverted; instead of boldness, terror rules. Compare Deuteronomy 32:30 and Joshua 23:10, where the Lord’s presence makes many flee from a single Israelite. Here the absence of His favor flips the math. • The point is simple: self-reliance produces disproportionate fear. One enemy sword rattles a thousand shields when God’s people abandon their Shield (Psalm 3:3). At the threat of five you will all flee “At the threat of five you will all flee.” • The escalation from “one” to “five” shows fear growing faster than the threat itself. • Leviticus 26:36-37 pictures hearts melting at the sound of a “windblown leaf”; Deuteronomy 28:25 warns that disobedience turns Israel into a nation that “flees seven ways.” Isaiah repeats that covenant curse. • What should have been a small skirmish becomes a rout because courage is not located in numbers but in nearness to God (Psalm 27:1-3). Until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop “Until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop …” • The word-picture is of a single flagstaff after the army that planted it has scattered—stripped of purpose, exposed to every storm. • Earlier Isaiah foresaw a similar harvest of loneliness: “Only gleanings will remain, as when an olive tree is beaten” (Isaiah 17:6). • 1 Kings 14:15 describes Israel being “shaken like a reed in water,” leaving them uprooted. Here the pole is upright but useless—symbolizing the remnant’s vulnerability. Like a banner on a hill “… like a banner on a hill.” • A banner was meant to rally troops (Isaiah 13:2; 11:12). When no troops remain, it advertises defeat, not victory. • The image still holds a hint of mercy: though Judah is reduced to a solitary standard, it is not erased. God will later raise another banner—the Messiah (Isaiah 11:10)—to gather a humbled people. • Jeremiah 4:6 echoes the call to flee before judgment, yet even that warning serves God’s redemptive plan. summary Isaiah 30:17 describes the tragic reversal that comes when God’s people reject His counsel: panic replaces courage, small threats cause mass retreat, and the once-secure nation stands deserted and exposed. Yet even the lone banner on the hill reminds us that God preserves a remnant and will one day raise a greater signal of salvation for all who return to Him. (17) One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one.--The hyperbole is natural and common enough (Deuteronomy 32:30; Joshua 23:10; Leviticus 26:8); but the fact that the inscription of King Piankhi Mer. Amon., translated in Records of the Past, ii. 84, gives it in the self-same words ("many shall turn their backs on a few; and one shall rout a thousand") as his boast of the strength of Egypt, may have given a special touch of sarcasm to Isaiah's words.As a beacon upon the top of a mountain.--Literally, as a pine. As with a poet's eye, the prophet paints two of the most striking emblems of solitariness: the tall pine standing by itself on the mountain height, the flag-staff seen alone far off against the sky. (Comp. the lowlier imagery of Isaiah 1:8.) Verse 17. - One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one. A hyperbole common in Scripture (Deuteronomy 32:30; Joshua 23:10; Leviticus 26:8), and not confined to the sacred writers. Piankhi the Ethiopian boasts, in his great inscription, that, with Ammon's help, "many should turn their backs upon a few, and one should rout a thousand" ('Records of the Past,' vol. it. p. 84). At the rebuke of five. The "rebuke" of five (i.e. their war-shout) would put to flight the whole army. As a beacon; rather, as a flag-staff - stripped and bare (comp. Isaiah 33:23; Ezekiel 27:5). A tree stripped of its branches and left standing as a landmark seems to be intended. As an ensign. A military standard, such as was in common use among the Assyrians and Egyptians, as among the Greeks and Romans (see 'Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 2. p. 57; Rawlinson, 'Hist. of Egypt,' vol. 1. p. 463).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Aאֶחָ֗ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first thousand אֶ֣לֶף (’e·lep̄) Number - masculine singular Strong's 505: A thousand will take flight at מִפְּנֵי֙ (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the threat גַּעֲרַ֣ת (ga·‘ă·raṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1606: A chiding of one, אֶחָ֔ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first at מִפְּנֵ֛י (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the threat גַּעֲרַ֥ת (ga·‘ă·raṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1606: A chiding of five חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה (ḥă·miš·šāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 2568: Five you will flee, תָּנֻ֑סוּ (tā·nu·sū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away until עַ֣ד (‘aḏ) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while you are left alone נוֹתַרְתֶּ֗ם (nō·w·ṯar·tem) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve like a lone pole כַּתֹּ֙רֶן֙ (kat·tō·ren) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8650: A pole on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against a mountaintop, רֹ֣אשׁ (rōš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7218: The head like a banner וְכַנֵּ֖ס (wə·ḵan·nês) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5251: A flag, a sail, a flagstaff, a signal, a token on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against a hill. הַגִּבְעָֽה׃ (hag·giḇ·‘āh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1389: A hillock Links Isaiah 30:17 NIVIsaiah 30:17 NLT Isaiah 30:17 ESV Isaiah 30:17 NASB Isaiah 30:17 KJV Isaiah 30:17 BibleApps.com Isaiah 30:17 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 30:17 Chinese Bible Isaiah 30:17 French Bible Isaiah 30:17 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 30:17 One thousand will flee at the threat (Isa Isi Is) |
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