King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:16 Mean?

Isaiah 10:16 in the King James Version says “Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a bur...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.”

Isaiah 10:16 · KJV

Context

14

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

15

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. the rod: or, a rod should shake them that lift it up itself, as if: or, that which is not wood

16

Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

17

And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day;

18

And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth. both: Heb. from the soul, and even to the flesh

Read Isaiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's judgment on Assyria is described as 'leanness' (wasting disease) among their fat ones (warriors/nobles) and 'burning like fire' under their glory. The imagery suggests consuming judgment—what appeared strong and glorious will be devoured. This demonstrates poetic justice—Assyria consumed nations, so God will consume Assyria. The physical descriptions (leanness, burning) may indicate literal plague and destruction, or metaphorically depict comprehensive judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Fulfilled dramatically when God's angel destroyed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers besieging Jerusalem (701 BC, Isaiah 37:36). Sennacherib returned to Nineveh and was later assassinated by his sons (37:37-38). Ultimately, Babylon destroyed Nineveh (612 BC) with such completeness that the city burned for weeks, its 'glory' literally consumed. The 'leanness' and 'burning' proved both literal and metaphorical.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment often mirror the sins committed—poetic justice?
  2. What does the contrast between outward glory and coming leanness teach about appearances?
  3. How should we view worldly power and glory in light of its temporary nature?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לָ֠כֵן1 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יְשַׁלַּ֨ח2 of 13

“send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

הָאָד֜וֹן3 of 13

“Therefore shall the Lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

יְהוָ֧ה4 of 13
H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֛וֹת5 of 13

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

בְּמִשְׁמַנָּ֖יו6 of 13

“among his fat ones”

H4924

fat, i.e., (literally and abstractly) fatness; but usually (figuratively and concretely) a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man

רָז֑וֹן7 of 13

“leanness”

H7332

thinness

וְתַ֧חַת8 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

כְּבֹד֛וֹ9 of 13

“and under his glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יֵקַ֥ד10 of 13

“he shall kindle”

H3344

to burn

כִּיק֥וֹד11 of 13

“a burning”

H3350

a burning

כִּיק֥וֹד12 of 13

“a burning”

H3350

a burning

אֵֽשׁ׃13 of 13

“like the burning of a fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 10:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 10:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 32:21Psalms 106:15Acts 12:23Isaiah 10:18Isaiah 37:6-7Isaiah 5:17

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
View all places in Isaiah 10 →

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