The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.

ISAIAH 24:3KJV
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Isaiah 24:3 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 24:3 mean?

Isaiah 24:3 describes a future time when the land will be completely emptied and stripped of its resources, because the LORD has declared it will happen. This verse emphasizes the certainty and totality of the coming devastation, making clear that it is the direct result of God's spoken word.

In this chapter, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them of a sweeping judgment that will affect the whole land. The language used paints a picture of total desolation, not just a partial loss. The verse highlights that this is not a random disaster, but something God Himself has announced and will carry out.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 24:3

  • "land" (אֶרֶץ, ’erets): This word can mean the earth, a country, or a specific territory. Here, it likely refers to the land of Judah or possibly the whole earth, depending on how broadly the prophecy is understood.
  • "utterly emptied" (בּוּק תִּבּוּק, buq tibbuq): The repetition of the root word for "empty" intensifies the meaning, stressing that the land will be completely cleared out with nothing left behind.
  • "utterly spoiled" (בּוּז תִּבּוּז, buz tibbuz): Again, the doubling of the root for "spoil" or "plunder" highlights the thoroughness of the destruction—the land will be thoroughly looted or devastated.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring that the authority behind this judgment is not a human ruler but God Himself.
  • "spoken" (דָּבַר, dabar) and "word" (דָּבָר, davar): The same root is used for both "spoken" and "word," emphasizing that what is happening is a direct result of God's declared promise or decree.

Why Isaiah 24:3 matters

  • Isaiah 24:3 clarifies that the coming devastation is not accidental or due to human failure alone, but is a direct fulfillment of God's word, which adds weight and certainty to the prophecy.
  • The verse’s use of doubled Hebrew verbs for "empty" and "spoil" shows the completeness of the judgment, warning that nothing will be left untouched.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of Isaiah 24, which describes a universal judgment, helping the reader understand the seriousness and scope of what is being foretold.

Where else these words appear

“utterly” Hebrew H1238 · used in 7 verses

  • Isaiah 19:3 And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.
  • Jeremiah 19:7 And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.
  • Hosea 10:1 Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images.

“utterly” Hebrew H962 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 34:27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
  • 2 Kings 7:16 And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.
  • Isaiah 42:22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.