Isaiah 22:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Isaiah grieves deeply over the devastation and ruin coming upon his people, refusing comfort.
The Context of Isaiah 22:4
The prophet grieves the imminent destruction he has foreseen.
What Does Isaiah 22:4 Mean?
Isaiah's personal response to this prophecy is anguish. He asks others to 'look away,' not to witness his weeping, and refuses consolation because the coming destruction is so certain and severe. His bitter tears reflect the gravity of what he has been shown.
'The spoiling of the daughter of my people' refers to Jerusalem (personified as a daughter) being plundered, emptied, and desecrated. The refusal of comfort is both a sign of the prophecy's inevitability and a mark of the prophet's solidarity with those about to suffer.
Isaiah 22:4 in the Original Language
bat (בַת), 'daughter'—a personification of Jerusalem itself, emphasizing her vulnerability and the personal nature of her coming loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 22:4
What does Isaiah 22:4 mean?
Isaiah grieves deeply over the devastation and ruin coming upon his people, refusing comfort.
What is the context of Isaiah 22:4?
The prophet grieves the imminent destruction he has foreseen.