What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?

ISAIAH 22:16KJV
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Isaiah 22:16 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 22:16 mean?

Isaiah 22:16 describes someone being questioned about carving out an impressive tomb for themselves, as if they were someone important, and making a grand resting place in the rock. The verse challenges the person's right or motive to claim such a place, hinting at pride or self-importance.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to a person in Jerusalem—likely a high official—who has made an elaborate tomb for himself. The setting is a warning to those in positions of power who are focused on their own legacy and status rather than the needs of the people or the seriousness of the coming crisis. Isaiah’s words call out the arrogance of preparing a grand burial place “on high” while ignoring greater responsibilities.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 22:16

  • “Sepulchre” (קֶבֶר, qever, H6913) means a tomb or grave. The emphasis here is on a specially prepared burial place, not just any grave, suggesting wealth and status.
  • “On high” (בַּמָּרוֹם, bammarom, H4791) refers to a lofty or elevated place. This highlights the desire for honor and prominence even in death, not just a practical burial.
  • “Rock” (סֶּלַע, selaʿ, H5553) is a solid stone, often used for tombs carved into hillsides. This detail points to a permanent, prestigious monument, not a simple grave.

Why Isaiah 22:16 matters

  • The verse exposes how some leaders in Jerusalem were more concerned with their own honor and legacy than with the welfare of the city or faithfulness to God.
  • Isaiah’s question challenges the assumption that status or wealth entitles someone to special treatment, even in death, and warns against pride.
  • This verse fits into a larger warning in Isaiah 22 about misplaced priorities and the dangers of self-exaltation during a time of national crisis.

Where else these words appear

“here” Hebrew H6311 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:
  • 1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
  • Ezekiel 40:10 And the little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side, and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.

“graveth” Hebrew H2710 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
  • Psalms 60:7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
  • Isaiah 10:1 Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;

“out” Hebrew H2672 · used in 22 verses

  • Deuteronomy 6:11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
  • 2 Chronicles 2:18 And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.
  • Proverbs 9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

“high” Hebrew H4791 · used in 52 verses

  • Judges 5:18 Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.
  • Psalms 92:8 But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore.
  • Isaiah 37:24 By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, and the forest of his Carmel.