A common misinterpretation views this verse as solely describing eternal hellfire for all unbelievers outside the faith, ignoring its specific address to sinners and hypocrites already in Zion, God's people, emphasizing internal purification rather than external condemnation; others might universalize it to deny any human ability to stand before God, overlooking the hopeful description in verses 15-16 of righteous conduct enabling secure dwelling on high, or twist it to support annihilationism by downplaying the 'everlasting' aspect without considering the prophetic imagery of God's unquenchable jealousy against sin.
Isaiah 33:14
King James Version (1769)
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
Isaiah 33:14 captures the dread of sinners and hypocrites within God's covenant community in Zion as they confront the reality of His consuming holiness, portrayed as a devouring fire and everlasting burnings, prompting the desperate question of who can possibly endure such divine judgment; this underscores the profound incompatibility between unrepentant sin and God's presence, setting the stage for the answer in the following verses that only those who live with integrity, justice, and righteousness can dwell securely with Him.