King James Version

What Does Isaiah 16:10 Mean?

Isaiah 16:10 in the King James Version says “And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.

Isaiah 16:10 · KJV


Context

8

For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea. stretched: or, plucked up

9

Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen. the shouting: or, the alarm is fallen upon, etc

10

And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.

11

Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

12

And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joy and gladness are removed from fruitful fields; no singing in vineyards; no treaders tread out wine—all celebration ceases. The Hebrew simchah (joy) and giyel (gladness) indicate exuberant harvest celebrations. God declares "I have made their vintage shouting to cease"—divine agency removing joy. This illustrates all human joy ultimately derives from divine blessing; judgment removes that blessing, leaving emptiness. True joy comes only from God (Psalm 16:11); all other sources are temporary and subject to removal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient harvest festivals were central to agricultural societies—times of communal celebration, feasting, thanksgiving. Grape harvests involved joyous treading accompanied by songs. Archaeological remains include wine presses where grapes were foot-crushed. Systematic removal of harvest joy created profound social trauma—eliminating not just food but communal celebrations bonding society. This judgment struck Moab's cultural heart.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does joy's removal teach about human happiness apart from God's blessing?
  2. How does harvest celebration's cessation illustrate judgment's comprehensive impact?
  3. Why is lasting joy possible only through relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְנֶאֱסַ֨ף1 of 17

is taken away

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

שִׂמְחָ֤ה2 of 17

And gladness

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

וָגִיל֙3 of 17

and joy

H1524

a revolution (of time, i.e., an age); also joy

מִן4 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַכַּרְמֶ֔ל5 of 17

out of the plentiful field

H3759

a planted field (garden, orchard, vineyard or park); by implication, garden produce

וּבַכְּרָמִ֥ים6 of 17

and in the vineyards

H3754

a garden or vineyard

לֹֽא7 of 17
H3808

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

יְרֻנָּ֖ן8 of 17

there shall be no singing

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

לֹ֣א9 of 17
H3808

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

יְרֹעָ֑ע10 of 17

neither shall there be shouting

H7321

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

יַ֗יִן11 of 17

no wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

בַּיְקָבִ֛ים12 of 17

in their presses

H3342

a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat (whether the lower one, into which the juice drains; or the upper, in which the grapes are crushed)

לֹֽא13 of 17
H3808

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

הַדֹּרֵ֖ךְ14 of 17

shall tread out

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

הַדֹּרֵ֖ךְ15 of 17

shall tread out

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

הֵידָ֥ד16 of 17

I have made their vintage shouting

H1959

acclamation

הִשְׁבַּֽתִּי׃17 of 17

to cease

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)


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 16:10 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 16:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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