Isaiah 16:8 Meaning and Explanation
“For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moab's agricultural abundance is destroyed as enemy forces devastate the vineyards and farmland.
The Context of Isaiah 16:8
The systematic destruction of Moab's agricultural wealth and the symbols of its prosperity.
What Does Isaiah 16:8 Mean?
The collapse of Moab's prosperity is mapped through its agricultural heart. Heshbon and Sibmah were renowned for grain and grapes, the symbols of fertility and blessing. The image of lords breaking down principal plants emphasizes the deliberate destruction of what Moab values most, going beyond military necessity to economic ruin.
The spreading devastation—from Heshbon to Jazer to the wilderness—shows how thoroughly the land is overrun. Even the wine vines, known for their strength and longevity, are destroyed. The image of branches stretched out and gone over the sea suggests that what once flourished is now scattered and lost.
Isaiah 16:8 in the Original Language
Sibmah (שִׂבְמָה) — a Moabite city famous for its vineyards and wine production, symbolizing Moab's fertility and blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 16:8
What does Isaiah 16:8 mean?
Moab's agricultural abundance is destroyed as enemy forces devastate the vineyards and farmland.
What is the context of Isaiah 16:8?
The systematic destruction of Moab's agricultural wealth and the symbols of its prosperity.