King James Version

What Does Isaiah 16:7 Mean?

Isaiah 16:7 in the King James Version says “Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken. mourn: or, mutter”

Isaiah 16:7 · KJV

Context

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

6

We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so.

7

Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken. mourn: or, mutter

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

Read Isaiah 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken." Universal lamentation replaces pride. Kir-hareseth (modern Kerak), a major fortress, represents Moab's strength. Mourning for "foundations" suggests complete overthrow—not surface damage but structural destruction. "Surely they are stricken" (ak-nekei) means utterly shattered. The repetition "Moab...for Moab" emphasizes self-inflicted nature—pride brought this. Reformed covenant theology teaches rejection of God's sovereignty inevitably produces such consequences.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Kir-hareseth was Moab's primary fortress with walls up to 20 feet thick and elaborate defenses. Archaeological excavations reveal massive fortifications. During the revolt in 2 Kings 3, when besieged, Moab's king desperately sacrificed his son on the walls. Even this seemingly impregnable fortress fell to Assyrian/Babylonian siege warfare. Modern Kerak preserves Crusader ruins built over earlier fortifications.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does universal mourning replacing pride teach about God's comprehensive judgments?
  2. How do destroyed foundations illustrate judgment affecting core structures, not just surface?
  3. How are judgments self-inflicted consequences of rejecting divine order?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 12
H3651

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

יְיֵלִ֑יל2 of 12

“every one shall howl”

H3213

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

לְמוֹאָ֖ב3 of 12

“Therefore shall Moab”

H4124

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

לְמוֹאָ֖ב4 of 12

“Therefore shall Moab”

H4124

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

כֻּלֹּ֣ה5 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יְיֵלִ֑יל6 of 12

“every one shall howl”

H3213

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

לַאֲשִׁישֵׁ֧י7 of 12

“for the foundations”

H808

a (ruined) foundation

קִיר8 of 12
H0
חֲרֶ֛שֶׂת9 of 12

“of Kirhareseth”

H7025

kir-cheres or kir-chareseth, a place in moab

תֶּהְגּ֖וּ10 of 12

“shall ye mourn”

H1897

to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

אַךְ11 of 12
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

נְכָאִֽים׃12 of 12

“surely they are stricken”

H5218

smitten, i.e., (figuratively) afflicted

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 16:7 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 16:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 3:251 Chronicles 16:3Jeremiah 48:20Isaiah 15:1-5Isaiah 8:19Isaiah 16:11

Places in This Verse

Kir-haresethSettlement · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E5 verses across 3 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Isaiah 16 →

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