We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so.

ISAIAH 16:6KJV
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Isaiah 16:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 16:6 mean?

Isaiah 16:6 describes Moab as a nation known for its excessive pride and angry arrogance. The verse also says that Moab’s “lies shall not be so”: its claims do not match reality. The “he” in the verse refers to Moab as a people, rather than necessarily to one man.

The words “we have heard” present Moab’s reputation as something already known to the speakers. Coming after the picture of a just ruler in verse 5, this description turns attention back to Moab’s character as the passage speaks of its troubles.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 16:6

  • “wrath” — עֶבְרָה (ʿevrah): This word can mean anger or fury. Here it adds an angry edge to the description of Moab’s pride.
  • “lies” — בַּד (bad): This word can refer to false or empty talk. In this verse, the phrase “his lies shall not be so” presents Moab’s words as claims without substance.

Why Isaiah 16:6 matters

  • Moab’s distress does not erase its reputation for pride. The next verse speaks of Moab’s people wailing, so the passage places their suffering alongside the description of their arrogance.
  • The KJV’s “his lies shall not be so” points to the emptiness of Moab’s claims. The verse moves from describing Moab’s attitude to judging the truth of what Moab says.
  • The passage expresses sorrow for Moab as well as criticism. In verse 9, the speaker weeps for Moab’s ruined vineyards, showing that the account of its troubles includes grief.

Where else these words appear

“lies” Hebrew H907 · used in 6 verses

  • Job 11:3 Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?
  • Job 41:12 I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion.
  • Jeremiah 48:30 I know his wrath, saith the LORD; but it shall not be so; his lies shall not so effect it.

“haughtiness” Hebrew H1346 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Psalms 36:11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
  • Isaiah 9:9 And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,

“wrath” Hebrew H5678 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 49:7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
  • Proverbs 21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
  • Ezekiel 7:19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

“pride” Hebrew H1347 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Isaiah 13:11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
  • Ezekiel 24:21 Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.