Isaiah 16:14 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Within three years, Moab's glory will be humbled and their population reduced to a small, weakened remnant.
The Context of Isaiah 16:14
A timebound prophecy giving three years for the fulfillment of Moab's comprehensive humiliation and reduction.
What Does Isaiah 16:14 Mean?
The specific timeframe—three years, the length of a hired laborer's term—gives concrete urgency to the prophecy. The brevity underscores how quickly pride will be toppled. A great multitude will be decimated, leaving only a small remnant, suggesting that even if some survive, Moab will be permanently diminished and powerless.
The comparison to an hireling's term suggests a set period after which conditions change radically. What was promised is carried out punctually and decisively. The remnant that survives will be feeble, unable to threaten neighbors or restore former greatness. The prophecy balances judgment with minimal mercy—not total extinction, but effective powerlessness.
Isaiah 16:14 in the Original Language
hireling (שָׂכִיר) — a laborer hired for a set term, emphasizing the measurable, time-limited nature of the judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 16:14
What does Isaiah 16:14 mean?
Within three years, Moab's glory will be humbled and their population reduced to a small, weakened remnant.
What is the context of Isaiah 16:14?
A timebound prophecy giving three years for the fulfillment of Moab's comprehensive humiliation and reduction.