Isaiah 16:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The prophet grieves over Moab's loss, mourning the destruction of vineyards and the end of harvest celebrations.
The Context of Isaiah 16:9
The prophet shares in Moab's sorrow, mourning the end of abundance and the silencing of joy.
What Does Isaiah 16:9 Mean?
The prophet's tears enter the lament, transforming it from Moab's sorrow into a wider compassion. The weeping of Jazer—a city lamenting the loss of its fellow city's vineyards—creates a community of grief. The imagery of watering the land with tears blends the literal floods of conquest with the emotional depth of loss.
The silencing of harvest shouts is devastating—not just economic loss but the end of celebration, gathering, and gratitude. Harvest is the culmination of labor and hope; its destruction is a blow to the spirit as much as to survival. The prophet's identification with Moab's grief transcends mere sympathy.
Isaiah 16:9 in the Original Language
Elealeh (אֶלְעָלֵא) — a city in Moab near Heshbon, located in the high plains. Its mention alongside Heshbon emphasizes the geographic totality of devastation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 16:9
What does Isaiah 16:9 mean?
The prophet grieves over Moab's loss, mourning the destruction of vineyards and the end of harvest celebrations.
What is the context of Isaiah 16:9?
The prophet shares in Moab's sorrow, mourning the end of abundance and the silencing of joy.