Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

ISAIAH 24:6KJV
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Isaiah 24:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 24:6 mean?

Isaiah 24:6 describes a devastating judgment on the whole earth, saying that a curse has consumed the land, leaving its people ruined, with only a few survivors. The verse emphasizes that the destruction is so severe that most of the earth’s inhabitants are burned up, and only a small number remain.

In this chapter, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, but his message is about a worldwide disaster, not just a local one. Isaiah is painting a picture of God’s judgment because people have broken their covenant with Him. The language is vivid and total, showing that the consequences of wrongdoing affect everyone and everything, not just individuals or one nation.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 24:6

  • The word for "curse" is אָלָה (alah), which means a solemn oath or curse that brings consequences. Here, it suggests a binding judgment that cannot be escaped.
  • "Devoured" comes from אָכַל (akal), meaning to eat or consume. This gives the sense that the curse is not just present but is actively destroying the earth.
  • "Desolate" is from אָשַׁם (asham), which often means to be guilty or to suffer for guilt. In this context, it highlights that the people are left empty and ruined because of their wrongdoing.
  • "Burned" comes from חָרַב (charav), which means to be scorched or dried up, adding to the picture of total devastation.

Why Isaiah 24:6 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God’s judgment is only for specific people or places; Isaiah is describing a disaster that affects the whole world.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of breaking faith with God, showing that the consequences are not just spiritual but also physical and widespread.
  • Isaiah 24:6 connects to the rest of the chapter, which describes a world turned upside down because of human unfaithfulness, setting the stage for the hope and restoration that Isaiah will later describe.

Where else these words appear

“few” Hebrew H4213 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 10:25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.
  • Isaiah 16:14 But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.
  • Isaiah 29:17 Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?

“burned” Hebrew H2787 · used in 11 verses

  • Job 30:30 My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.
  • Proverbs 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
  • Ezekiel 15:4 Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work?

“curse” Hebrew H423 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • Deuteronomy 29:21 And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:
  • 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.

“desolate” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
  • Ezekiel 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.