King James Version

What Does Isaiah 15:9 Mean?

Isaiah 15:9 in the King James Version says “For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land. more: Heb. additions”

Isaiah 15:9 · KJV

Context

7

Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have laid up, shall they carry away to the brook of the willows. brook: or, valley of the Arabians

8

For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the howling thereof unto Eglaim, and the howling thereof unto Beerelim.

9

For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land. more: Heb. additions

Read Isaiah 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Divine judgment intensifies—"I will bring more upon Dimon" indicates escalating rather than diminishing consequences. The wordplay between "Dimon" and "dam" (blood) creates ominous atmosphere. Lions attacking both survivors ("him that escapeth") and remnant ("remaineth in the land") depicts comprehensive destruction—neither flight nor staying provides safety. This vivid image illustrates that attempted human solutions fail under divine judgment. The lions may represent literal predatory animals multiplying in depopulated regions (as occurred historically when regions were devastated), or metaphorically represent successive waves of invaders. Theologically, this reveals that sin's consequences compound; judgment unrepented leads to greater judgment. Only divine mercy interrupts this downward spiral—which Moab could have found by humbling themselves before Israel's God, but pride prevented.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Dimon (likely Dibon) was a major Moabite city where the Mesha Stele was discovered, recording Moab's victories and pride. The historical irony is profound—where Moab boasted of triumph, Isaiah prophesies comprehensive defeat. Historical records and archaeological evidence confirm that depopulated regions in ancient warfare often experienced wildlife expansion, including dangerous predators. The progression from human military devastation to wild animal threats reflects the breakdown of civilization's protective structures when divine judgment falls. Multiple invasions (Assyrian, then Babylonian, then others) fulfilled this "more upon Dimon" prediction.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the escalation of judgment ("bring more upon Dimon") teach about the compounding nature of unrepented sin?
  2. How does the imagery of lions attacking both escapees and remnant illustrate that human solutions fail under divine judgment?
  3. In what ways does God's judgment expose the futility of trusting anything but Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּ֣י1 of 15
H3588

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

מֵ֤י2 of 15

“For the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

דִּימ֖וֹן3 of 15

“of Dimon”

H1775

dimon, a place in palestine

מָ֣לְאוּ4 of 15

“shall be full”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

דָ֔ם5 of 15

“of blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

כִּֽי6 of 15
H3588

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

אָשִׁ֥ית7 of 15

“for I will bring”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

עַל8 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דִּימ֖וֹן9 of 15

“of Dimon”

H1775

dimon, a place in palestine

נוֹסָפ֑וֹת10 of 15

“more”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לִפְלֵיטַ֤ת11 of 15

“upon him that escapeth”

H6413

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

מוֹאָב֙12 of 15

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

אַרְיֵ֔ה13 of 15

“lions”

H738

a lion

וְלִשְׁאֵרִ֖ית14 of 15

“and upon the remnant”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

אֲדָמָֽה׃15 of 15

“of the land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

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 15:9 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 15:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 17:25Jeremiah 48:43-45Amos 5:19Leviticus 26:24Jeremiah 50:17Leviticus 26:18

Places in This Verse

Dibon 3Settlement · Modern: Tall Dhiban · 31.50°N, 35.78°E1 verse across 1 book
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Isaiah 15 →

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