Isaiah 21:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The watchman reports seeing something and affirms his constant vigilance, day and night.
The Context of Isaiah 21:8
The watchman reports his relentless vigilance and may signal or cry out in response to what he perceives.
What Does Isaiah 21:8 Mean?
The cry A lion is puzzling—some scholars suggest it refers to a herald's cry or signal. The watchman asserts his unrelenting stance: stationed on the watchtower by day, maintaining vigil through the entire night. His commitment is total and exhausting, reflecting the cost of staying alert to God's purposes.
The watchman's words reveal both duty and weariness. To stand continually, neither resting nor looking away, is to embody steadfastness in the face of uncertainty. Yet there is also an implicit plea for relief or confirmation—the watchman cries out, as if calling for understanding or response from those who hear him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 21:8
What does Isaiah 21:8 mean?
The watchman reports seeing something and affirms his constant vigilance, day and night.
What is the context of Isaiah 21:8?
The watchman reports his relentless vigilance and may signal or cry out in response to what he perceives.