Isaiah 15:3 Meaning and Explanation
“In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The entire Moabite population mourns openly, wearing sackcloth and weeping throughout their cities.
The Context of Isaiah 15:3
Public and universal mourning among all Moabite people.
What Does Isaiah 15:3 Mean?
Sackcloth—rough, dark fabric—was the garment of mourning and repentance in the ancient world. Here the people are gird themselves with it everywhere: in streets, on rooftops, and in public spaces. The image is of a whole society in visible mourning, not hiding their grief but displaying it openly and collectively.
The repetition of howling and weeping emphasizes universal and unrestrained lamentation. There is no private grief here—it is public, audible, and abundant. Every person, in every location, is consumed by sorrow, suggesting a communal catastrophe from which no one is spared.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 15:3
What does Isaiah 15:3 mean?
The entire Moabite population mourns openly, wearing sackcloth and weeping throughout their cities.
What is the context of Isaiah 15:3?
Public and universal mourning among all Moabite people.