Isaiah 22:1 Meaning and Explanation
“The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Isaiah describes receiving a burden (prophecy) about Jerusalem's crisis and the people's futile attempts to prepare for siege.
The Context of Isaiah 22:1
Isaiah receives a prophecy about Jerusalem facing military threat and social collapse.
What Does Isaiah 22:1 Mean?
A 'burden' in prophetic language introduces an urgent divine message, typically one concerning judgment. The 'valley of vision' refers to Jerusalem itself—a place where God's purposes are revealed. The phrase 'wholly gone up to the housetops' suggests people seeking escape or perspective from high places.
Isaiah questions what has distressed the city. The housetops reference implies a futile scramble for safety or a vain attempt to survey approaching danger. This opening establishes the prophet's bewilderment at how thoroughly Jerusalem has abandoned trust in God.
Isaiah 22:1 in the Original Language
massa (מַשָּׂא), 'burden'—a weighty divine pronouncement or judgment message.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 22:1
What does Isaiah 22:1 mean?
Isaiah describes receiving a burden (prophecy) about Jerusalem's crisis and the people's futile attempts to prepare for siege.
What is the context of Isaiah 22:1?
Isaiah receives a prophecy about Jerusalem facing military threat and social collapse.