The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.

ISAIAH 24:4KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 24:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 24:4 mean?

Isaiah 24:4 describes a scene where the whole earth and its people are in deep sorrow and decline, with even the proudest among them brought low. The verse paints a picture of widespread suffering and loss, affecting all levels of society.

In this chapter, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, but his words are meant to describe a judgment that impacts the entire world, not just one nation. The language emphasizes that no one is exempt—both the land itself and its inhabitants, including the "haughty" or proud people, are fading and growing weak. This sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which details the consequences of human wrongdoing on a global scale.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 24:4

  • "Earth" (אֶרֶץ, ’erets) refers to the land or the whole world, showing that this is not just a local event but something affecting everyone.
  • "Mourneth" (אָבַל, ’aval) means to grieve or lament, suggesting a deep, visible sorrow that goes beyond normal sadness.
  • "Fadeth away" (נָבֵל, navel) carries the idea of withering or decaying, like a plant that dries up, highlighting the sense of life and vitality being drained from the earth and its people.
  • "Haughty" (מָרוֹם, marom) literally means "high" or "exalted," but here it points to those who are proud or think highly of themselves. The verse stresses that even those who seem secure or above others are not spared from this decline.

Why Isaiah 24:4 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that only certain people or places face judgment; Isaiah is showing that the whole world, including the powerful and proud, is affected.
  • The emphasis on both the earth and its people "languishing" connects human wrongdoing to consequences that touch all of creation, not just individuals.
  • Isaiah 24:4 sets up the rest of the chapter, where the prophet explains why such widespread sorrow and decline are happening, making it a key turning point in understanding the message of judgment and hope in Isaiah.

Where else these words appear

“languisheth” Hebrew H535 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.
  • Ezekiel 16:30 How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;

“away” Hebrew H5034 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 18:18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
  • Psalms 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
  • Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

“world” Hebrew H8398 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
  • Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
  • 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.

“mourneth” Hebrew H56 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 37:34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
  • Nehemiah 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
  • Jeremiah 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.