Isaiah – Chapter 33

Old Testament24 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Woe to thee that spoilest, shalt not thou thyself also be spoiled? and thou that despisest, shalt not thyself also be despised? when thou…" — so begins Isaiah 33. Across its 24 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and sin and divine judgment. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Woe to thee that spoilest, shalt not thou thyself also be spoiled? and thou that despisest, shalt not thyself also be despised? when thou shalt have made an end of spoiling, thou shalt be spoiled: when being wearied thou shalt cease to despise, thou shalt be despised.

2O Lord, have mercy on us: for we have waited for thee: be thou our arm in the morning, and our salvation in the time of trouble.

3At the voice of the angel the people fled, and at the lifting up thyself the nations are scattered.

4And your spoils shall be gathered together as the locusts are gathered, as when the ditches are full of them.

5The Lord is magnified, for he hath dwelt on high: he hath filled Sion with judgment and justice.

6And there shall be faith in thy times: riches of salvation, wisdom and knowledge: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.

7Behold they that see shall cry without, the angels of peace shall weep bitterly.

8The ways are made desolate, no one passeth by the road, the covenant is made void, he hath rejected the cities, he hath not regarded the men.

9The land hath mourned, and languished: Libanus is confounded, and become foul, and Saron is become as a desert: and Basan and Carmel are shaken.

10Now will I rise up, saith the Lord: now will I be exalted, now will I lift up myself.

11You shall conceive heat, you shall bring forth stubble: your breath as fire shall devour you.

12And the people shall be as ashes after a fire, as a bundle of thorns they shall be burnt with fire.

13Hear, you that are far off, what I have done, and you that are near know my strength.

14The sinners in Sion are afraid, trembling hath seized upon the hypocrites. Which of you can dwell with devouring fire? which of you shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

15He that walketh in justices, and speaketh truth, that casteth away avarice by oppression, and shaketh his hands from all bribes, that stoppeth his ears lest he hear blood, and shutteth his eyes that he may see no evil.

16He shall dwell on high, the fortifications of rocks shall be his highness: bread is given him, his waters are sure.

17His eyes shall see the king in his beauty, they shall see the land far off.

18Thy heart shall meditate fear: where is the learned? where is he that pondered the words of the law? where is the teacher of little ones?

19The shameless people thou shalt not see, the people of profound speech: so that thou canst not understand the eloquence of his tongue, in whom there is no wisdom.

20Look upon Sion the city of our solemnity: thy eyes shall see Jerusalem, a rich habitation, a tabernacle that cannot be removed: neither shall the nails thereof be taken away for ever, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.

21Because only there our Lord is magnificent: a place of rivers, very broad and spacious streams: no ship with oars shall pass by it, neither shall the great galley pass through it.

22For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king: he will save us.

23Thy tacklings are loosed, and they shall be of no strength: thy mast shall be in such condition, that thou shalt not be able to spread the flag. Then shall the spoils of much prey be divided: the lame shall take the spoil.

24Neither shall he that is near, say: I am feeble. The people that dwell therein, shall have their iniquity taken away from them.

Important Verses in Isaiah 33

O Lord, have mercy on us: for we have waited for thee: be thou our arm in the morning, and our salvation in the time of trouble.

Isaiah 33:2

And there shall be faith in thy times: riches of salvation, wisdom and knowledge: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.

Isaiah 33:6

He that walketh in justices, and speaketh truth, that casteth away avarice by oppression, and shaketh his hands from all bribes, that stoppeth his ears lest he hear blood, and shutteth his eyes that he may see no evil.

Isaiah 33:15

Neither shall he that is near, say: I am feeble. The people that dwell therein, shall have their iniquity taken away from them.

Isaiah 33:24

Historical Context

Isaiah addresses judah in crisis, the exiles in Babylon, and all who await the Messiah within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 33 of 66 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a legal and cultic instruction given to Israel regarding worship, holiness, and daily life with 24 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "Woe to thee that spoilest, shalt not thou thyself also be spoiled? and thou that despisest, shalt not thyself also be…" It concludes: "Neither shall he that is near, say: I am feeble. The people that dwell therein, shall have their iniquity taken away…" The wider setting of Isaiah is this: Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during the Assyrian crisis, calling kings to trust God rather than alliances. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Who Wrote It

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples

When It Was Written

Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC)

Catholic Commentary

The text sets forth laws and observances that distinguished Israel as a people consecrated to the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 2: "O Lord, have mercy on us: for we have waited for thee: be thou our arm in the morning, and our salvation in the time of trouble." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ, especially the Suffering Servant (CIC 601). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1265).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Isaiah Chapter 33, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the dignity of the human person remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the dignity of the human person bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isaiah Chapter 33 about?

Isaiah 33 contains 24 verses. It opens with "Woe to thee that spoilest, shalt not thou thyself also be spoiled? and thou that despisest, shalt not thyself also be…" and closes with "Neither shall he that is near, say: I am feeble. The people that dwell therein, shall have their iniquity taken away…". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles and poetry.

What is a key verse in Isaiah 33?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "O Lord, have mercy on us: for we have waited for thee: be thou our arm in the morning, and our salvation in the time of trouble." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Isaiah and when?

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples. Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

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