Isaiah 16:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 16:13 mean?

Isaiah 16:13 identifies the preceding message about Moab as something the LORD had spoken earlier. The verse marks a transition: it looks back at that earlier message before introducing a further word about Moab.

The KJV phrase “since that time” points back to an earlier time of speaking. Isaiah presents the message as the LORD’s word, rather than as his own account of Moab’s troubles.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 16:13

• “word” — דָּבָר (davar): The Hebrew word can mean a word, message, or matter. Here it refers to the message about Moab, not just one spoken word.
• “time” — אָז (az): This Hebrew word can refer to an earlier time. The KJV’s “since that time” signals a connection with something previously spoken.

Why Isaiah 16:13 matters

• Isaiah 16:13 helps the reader see a division between the earlier message and what follows. Verse 14 begins, “But now the LORD hath spoken,” and gives a time frame of three years.
• The verse identifies Moab as the subject of the message. Moab was a neighboring people east of the Dead Sea, so “concerning Moab” tells the reader whose situation the message addresses.