Isaiah 21:1 Meaning and Explanation
“The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A frightening vision rushes in like a whirlwind from the wilderness.
The Context of Isaiah 21:1
Opener to a series of oracles about the fall of Babylon and other nations.
What Does Isaiah 21:1 Mean?
Isaiah introduces an oracle concerning a desert region, perhaps Babylon. The language of whirlwinds and terrible lands evokes sudden, violent upheaval. The prophet will describe visions tied to impending judgment and upheaval among nations.
The imagery of a burden arriving with force signals urgent divine warning. Just as whirlwinds sweep through the south with unstoppable power, God's word comes with overwhelming intensity. The prophecy concerns real geopolitical events moving toward fulfillment.
Isaiah 21:1 in the Original Language
massa (מַשָּׂא), 'burden' — a prophetic pronouncement, often of judgment; used here to introduce weighty divine utterances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 21:1
What does Isaiah 21:1 mean?
A frightening vision rushes in like a whirlwind from the wilderness.
What is the context of Isaiah 21:1?
Opener to a series of oracles about the fall of Babylon and other nations.