King James Version

What Does Isaiah 16:3 Mean?

Isaiah 16:3 in the King James Version says “Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth. Take: Heb. Bring”

Isaiah 16:3 · KJV

Context

1

Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. Sela: or, Petra: Heb. A rock

2

For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon. cast: or, a nest forsaken

3

Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth. Take: Heb. Bring

4

Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land. extortioner: Heb. wringer the oppressors: Heb. the treaders down

5

And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. established: or, prepared

Read Isaiah 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moab pleads: "Execute judgment, make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts, bewray not him that wandereth." This appeal to Judah shows remarkable role reversal—the proud Moabites now desperately seeking shelter. The phrase "make thy shadow as the night" requests complete concealment, shade so dense it resembles nighttime darkness even at noon. Shadow imagery represents protection, refuge, shelter from judgment's heat. The plea "bewray not" (reveal not/betray not) asks discretion. Reformed theology sees this as depicting all humanity's need for divine refuge—we are spiritual outcasts needing the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern customs included obligations to protect refugees seeking sanctuary, though enemies weren't guaranteed such protection. The irony is profound: Moab denied Israel passage during the Exodus (Numbers 20:18-21), now begging Israel for passage and protection. This reversal illustrates God's humbling of the proud through historical circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moab's plea illustrate humanity's universal need for divine refuge from judgment?
  2. What does this role reversal teach about God's sovereignty in humbling the proud?
  3. How does Christ serve as our perfect hiding place from divine wrath?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
הָבִ֤יאִו1 of 14

“Take”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עֵצָה֙2 of 14

“counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

עֲשׂ֣וּ3 of 14

“execute”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פְלִילָ֔ה4 of 14

“judgment”

H6415

justice

שִׁ֧יתִי5 of 14

“make”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

כַלַּ֛יִל6 of 14

“as the night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

צִלֵּ֖ךְ7 of 14

“thy shadow”

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

בְּת֣וֹךְ8 of 14

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

צָהֳרָ֑יִם9 of 14

“of the noonday”

H6672

a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon

סַתְּרִי֙10 of 14

“hide”

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

נִדָּחִ֔ים11 of 14

“the outcasts”

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

נֹדֵ֖ד12 of 14

“not him that wandereth”

H5074

properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away

אַל13 of 14
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּגַלִּֽי׃14 of 14

“bewray”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

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 16:3 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 16:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 18:4Isaiah 32:2Obadiah 1:12-14Jonah 4:5-8Isaiah 25:4Hebrews 13:2

Places in This Verse

Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Isaiah 16 →

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