King James Version

What Does Isaiah 21:3 Mean?

Isaiah 21:3 in the King James Version says “Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was b...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.”

Isaiah 21:3 · KJV

Context

1

The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.

2

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease. grievous: Heb. hard

3

Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.

4

My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me. heart: or, mind wandered turned: Heb. put

5

Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.

Read Isaiah 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.' Isaiah's physical response to the vision: loins filled with pain, labor-like pangs, bowed down, dismayed. True prophets weren't emotionally detached but deeply affected by visions of judgment. The birthing imagery suggests something new emerging through pain—Babylon's fall would birth a new order (Persian Empire, Jewish return). Yet the process is agonizing. This demonstrates that announcing judgment isn't triumphalism but grief-laden burden. God's servants must feel the weight of divine judgments, never cavalier about wrath. This models pastoral sensitivity—truth must be proclaimed, but with broken-hearted awareness of its terrible weight.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah's distress at visions of Babylon's judgment (despite Babylon being future enemy of Judah) demonstrates prophetic compassion transcending national interests. True prophets grieve over all human suffering, even enemies'. This contrasts with nationalistic false prophets who gleefully announce judgment on opponents. Isaiah's response models Christ's weeping over Jerusalem despite pronouncing its judgment (Luke 19:41). Church history shows authentic preachers similarly distressed when proclaiming divine wrath—Edwards wept while preaching 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.' This emotional engagement validates ministry authenticity. Those unmoved by judgment's reality likely haven't genuinely encountered it. Proper proclamation combines theological conviction with emotional gravity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Isaiah's physical distress at the vision teach about proper prophetic attitude toward judgment?
  2. How does this contrast with nationalistic prophets who gleefully announce enemies' destruction?
  3. Why must proclaimers of divine wrath feel its weight emotionally, not just articulate it intellectually?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
עַל1 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֗ן2 of 13
H3651

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

מָלְא֤וּ3 of 13

“filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

מָתְנַי֙4 of 13

“Therefore are my loins”

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

חַלְחָלָ֔ה5 of 13

“with pain”

H2479

writhing (in childbirth); by implication, terror

כְּצִירֵ֖י6 of 13

“pangs”

H6735

a throe (as a phys. or mental pressure)

אֲחָז֔וּנִי7 of 13

“have taken hold”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

כְּצִירֵ֖י8 of 13

“pangs”

H6735

a throe (as a phys. or mental pressure)

יֽוֹלֵדָ֑ה9 of 13

“of a woman that travaileth”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

נַעֲוֵ֣יתִי10 of 13

“I was bowed down”

H5753

to crook, literally or figuratively

מִשְּׁמֹ֔עַ11 of 13

“at the hearing”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נִבְהַ֖לְתִּי12 of 13

“of it I was dismayed”

H926

to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously

מֵרְאֽוֹת׃13 of 13

“at the seeing”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 21:3 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 21:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 13:8Psalms 48:6Isaiah 26:17Micah 4:9-10Jeremiah 48:41Isaiah 16:11

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