King James Version

What Does Isaiah 16:8 Mean?

Isaiah 16:8 in the King James Version says “For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plan... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 16:8 · KJV


Context

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

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Agricultural devastation extends to Heshbon and Sibmah's famous vineyards. Fields languish, choice vines are destroyed, vines that reached Jazer and wandered through wilderness are broken down. "Lords of the heathen" (foreign rulers) breaking vines indicates systematic destruction of economic infrastructure. Ancient warfare targeted agriculture to create famine and prevent recovery. Spiritually, this depicts how sin destroys fruitfulness—life apart from the True Vine (John 15) produces temporary prosperity that judgment withers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moab's plateau provided excellent viticulture. Heshbon and Sibmah wines were renowned and exported throughout the region. Archaeological surveys confirm extensive ancient terrace systems for grape cultivation. Assyrian and Babylonian military policy included destroying fruit trees and vines (2 Kings 3:19, 25). Systematic agricultural destruction contributed to Moab's depopulation and disappearance as a distinct nation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does agricultural destruction illustrate judgment removing economic foundations of pride?
  2. What does withering vines teach about fruitlessness apart from the True Vine?
  3. How do temporal economic judgments prefigure final judgment's comprehensive destruction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּ֣י1 of 19
H3588

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

שַׁדְמוֹת֩2 of 19

For the fields

H7709

a cultivated field

חֶשְׁבּ֨וֹן3 of 19

of Heshbon

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan

אֻמְלָ֜ל4 of 19

languish

H535

to droop; by implication to be sick, to mourn

גֶּ֣פֶן5 of 19

and the vine

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

שִׂבְמָ֗ה6 of 19

of Sibmah

H7643

sebam or sibmah, a place in moab

בַּעֲלֵ֤י7 of 19

the lords

H1167

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

גוֹיִם֙8 of 19

of the heathen

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הָלְמ֣וּ9 of 19

have broken down

H1986

to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband

שְׂרוּקֶּ֔יהָ10 of 19

the principal plants

H8291

a grapevine

עַד11 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יַעְזֵ֥ר12 of 19

even unto Jazer

H3270

jaazer or jazer, a place east of the jordan

נָגָ֖עוּ13 of 19

thereof they are come

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

תָּ֣עוּ14 of 19

they wandered

H8582

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

מִדְבָּ֑ר15 of 19

through the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

שְׁלֻ֣חוֹתֶ֔יהָ16 of 19

her branches

H7976

a shoot

נִטְּשׁ֖וּ17 of 19

are stretched out

H5203

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

עָ֥בְרוּ18 of 19

they are gone over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

יָֽם׃19 of 19

the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif


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 16:8 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 16:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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