King James Version

What Does Isaiah 13:10 Mean?

Isaiah 13:10 in the King James Version says “For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his goin...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.”

Isaiah 13:10 · KJV

Context

8

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. be amazed: Heb. wonder one: Heb. every man at his neighbour flames: Heb. faces of the flames

9

Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

10

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

11

And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

12

I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.

Read Isaiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Cosmic signs accompany divine judgment: 'the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.' This apocalyptic language appears throughout Scripture (Joel 2:10; Matthew 24:29; Revelation 6:12-13). It can be understood literally (cosmic disturbances), symbolically (political/social upheaval), or both. The darkening of celestial bodies represents the overthrow of established order—what seemed permanent and stable (like the heavens) proves temporary and shakeable. When God judges, even the cosmos responds.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples viewed celestial bodies as symbols of stability, order, and divine governance. Many ancient religions deified sun, moon, and stars. For these lights to go dark was unthinkable—yet that's precisely Isaiah's point. What seems permanent is not; what seems unshakeable can be shaken. Babylon seemed eternal—yet fell. Whether this language is literal (cosmic signs), figurative (political upheaval so complete it's like celestial darkening), or both, the message is clear: nothing escapes God's judgment. The New Testament applies similar language to Christ's return (Matthew 24:29).

Reflection Questions

  1. What in your world seems as permanent and unchangeable as the stars—yet stands under God's judgment?
  2. How does apocalyptic language serve to communicate the magnitude of God's intervention in history?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּֽי1 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כוֹכְבֵ֤י2 of 14

“For the stars”

H3556

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙3 of 14

“of heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וּכְסִ֣ילֵיהֶ֔ם4 of 14

“and the constellations”

H3685

any notable constellation; specifically orion (as if a burly one)

לֹ֥א5 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָהֵ֖לּוּ6 of 14

“thereof shall not give”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

אוֹרֽוֹ׃7 of 14

“shall not cause her light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

חָשַׁ֤ךְ8 of 14

“shall be darkened”

H2821

to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken

הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙9 of 14

“the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

בְּצֵאת֔וֹ10 of 14

“in his going forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְיָרֵ֖חַ11 of 14

“and the moon”

H3394

the moon

לֹֽא12 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַגִּ֥יהַ13 of 14

“to shine”

H5050

to glitter; causatively, to illuminate

אוֹרֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“shall not cause her light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

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 13:10 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 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:29Joel 2:31Mark 13:24Ezekiel 32:7-8Luke 21:25Revelation 6:12-14

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