King James Version
Isaiah 21:12 in the King James Version says “The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.”
Isaiah 21:12 · King James Version
O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you. corn: Heb. son
The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.
The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.
The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled. brought: or, bring ye
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“The watchman”
H8104properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
“and also the night”
H3915properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
“enquire”
H1158to gush over, i.e., to swell; (figuratively) to desire earnestly; by implication to ask
“enquire”
H1158to gush over, i.e., to swell; (figuratively) to desire earnestly; by implication to ask
“ye return”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
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.
Isaiah 21:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Isaiah 21:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge