Isaiah 29:8
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.
Isaiah 29:8 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse describes a vivid analogy to convey the futility and disappointment that will befall those who fight against Mount Zion. Just as a hungry man dreams of eating, only to wake up with his soul still empty, or a thirsty man dreams of drinking, only to wake up faint with an appetite still lingering, so too will the multitude of nations who oppose Mount Zion find themselves unsatisfied and ultimately defeated. This powerful imagery serves as a warning to those who seek to go against the will of God and His chosen people. It highlights the fleeting nature of worldly desires and the ultimate emptiness that comes from turning away from God’s truth. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion and the inevitable defeat of those who oppose the plans of the Almighty.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Isaiah, the prophet uses vivid imagery to convey a powerful message about the futility of opposing God's purposes. The analogy of a hungry or thirsty man dreaming of satisfying his appetite, only to wake up and find himself empty or faint, captures the idea of longing for fulfillment but being ultimately disappointed. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the consequences of going against God's plans, as seen in those who fight against Mount Zion, which represents God's chosen people. Just as a hungry or thirsty man's dreams cannot truly satisfy his physical needs, the nations who oppose Zion will find themselves unfulfilled and lacking in their attempts to challenge God's divine will. This imagery serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of going against the purposes of God and the ultimate futility of trying to resist His sovereign plan for redemption and salvation.
Isaiah 29:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it shall be as when a 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.
World English Bible
It will be like when a hungry man dreams, and behold, he eats; but he awakes, and his hunger isn’t satisfied; or like when a thirsty man dreams, and behold, he drinks; but he awakes, and behold, he is faint, and he is still thirsty. The multitude of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion will be like that.
Douay-Rheims
And as he that is hungry dreameth, and eateth, but when he is awake, his soul is empty: and as he that is thirsty dreameth, and drinketh and after he is awake, is yet faint with thirst, and his soul is empty: so shall be the multitude of all the Gentiles, that have fought against mount Sion.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And it shalbe like as an hungry man dreameth, and beholde, he eateth: and when he awaketh, his soule is emptie: or like as a thirsty man dreameth, and loe, he is drinking, and when he awaketh, beholde, he is faint, and his soule longeth: so shall the multitude of all nations be that fight against mount Zion.