Isaiah 16:9 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 16:9 mean?

Isaiah 16:9 describes a deep mourning for the destruction of Moab’s fruitful lands, using the image of weeping over ruined vineyards and lost harvests. The speaker, likely Isaiah himself, expresses sorrow for cities like Sibmah, Heshbon, and Elealeh, where the joyful sounds of harvest have been replaced by grief.

Isaiah is speaking about Moab, a neighboring nation, and is lamenting the loss of its agricultural abundance due to coming judgment. The verse uses vivid language—mentioning weeping (as over Jazer), watering with tears, and the fall of summer fruits—to show just how devastating the consequences will be for these once-prosperous places.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 16:9

• "Bewail" (בָּכָה, bakah, H1058) and "weeping" (בְּכִי, beki, H1065) both emphasize a public, heartfelt mourning, not just private sadness. This shows the intensity of the sorrow Isaiah feels for Moab’s fate.
• "Water" (רָוָה, ravah, H7301) and "tears" (דִּמְעָה, dim‘ah, H1832) create a picture of tears flowing like water, highlighting the overwhelming grief.
• "Shouting" (הֵידָד, heidad, H1959) is often used for the joyful noise of harvest, but here its absence signals the end of celebration and prosperity.

Why Isaiah 16:9 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that Isaiah or God’s prophets were cold toward other nations; instead, Isaiah mourns deeply for Moab’s suffering.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that judgment brings real, human loss—felt even by outsiders.
• The vivid imagery of weeping and ruined harvests helps readers grasp the emotional and practical impact of the events being described, making the prophecy more relatable and real.