Isaiah 21:11 Meaning and Explanation
“The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A new oracle addresses Dumah (Edom), with someone crying out anxiously for news of when darkness will end.
The Context of Isaiah 21:11
New oracle concerning Edom, addressing the anxiety of those waiting for God's deliverance.
What Does Isaiah 21:11 Mean?
A new prophecy begins, directed at Dumah (often identified with Edom). Someone from Seir (Edom's mountainous region) cries out repeatedly: Watchman, what of the night? The repetition expresses desperate longing for dawn—a symbol of deliverance and clarity. The night represents uncertainty, danger, and waiting.
The question reflects the experience of God's people in exile or under oppression: How long will this darkness last? When will relief come? The watchman becomes a symbol of hope, the one who sees farther than ordinary people and can report on whether dawn approaches. The anxious tone captures real human yearning for God's promises to be fulfilled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 21:11
What does Isaiah 21:11 mean?
A new oracle addresses Dumah (Edom), with someone crying out anxiously for news of when darkness will end.
What is the context of Isaiah 21:11?
New oracle concerning Edom, addressing the anxiety of those waiting for God's deliverance.