King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:1 Mean?

Isaiah 22:1 in the King James Version says “The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?”

Isaiah 22:1 · KJV

Context

1

The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?

2

Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.

3

All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far. by: Heb. of the bow

Read Isaiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?' The 'valley of vision' refers to Jerusalem—paradoxically called a valley though on mountains, perhaps referring to valleys within city or ironically contrasting its prophetic calling (vision) with its blindness. People going to housetops indicates crisis response—seeking vantage points, lookouts, panic. This oracle addresses Jerusalem itself, not foreign nations. God's judgment extends even to His covenant city when unfaithful. The question 'What aileth thee?' suggests bewilderment or irony—why this panic? This will be explained as appropriate response to coming judgment (Babylonian siege, 586 BCE). Even Jerusalem, God's chosen dwelling place, isn't exempt from judgment for covenant violations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy addresses events surrounding Assyrian campaigns or later Babylonian siege. Housetop activity characterized crisis times—watching for enemies, signaling, gathering for safety or council. Archaeological evidence shows flat roofs served multiple purposes in ancient Middle Eastern architecture. The oracle's placement among foreign nation judgments emphasizes that covenant relationship doesn't guarantee exemption from judgment—actually increases accountability. Jerusalem experienced multiple sieges validating this: Assyrian (701 BCE, miraculous deliverance), Babylonian (597, 586 BCE, destruction). The prophecy's fulfillment in 586 BCE demonstrated covenant curses' reality when Israel violated covenant. This warned Christians: covenant status increases rather than decreases judgment severity for unfaithfulness (Hebrews 10:26-31; 1 Peter 4:17).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'valley of vision' teach about Jerusalem's calling versus performance?
  2. Why does covenant relationship intensify rather than exempt from judgment?
  3. How did Jerusalem's eventual destruction validate this prophecy's warning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
מַשָּׂ֖א1 of 10

“The burden”

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

גֵּ֣יא2 of 10

“of the valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

חִזָּי֑וֹן3 of 10

“of vision”

H2384

a revelation, expectation by dream

מַה4 of 10
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לָּ֣ךְ5 of 10
H0
אֵפ֔וֹא6 of 10

“What aileth thee now”

H645

strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then

כִּֽי7 of 10
H3588

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

עָלִ֥ית8 of 10

“that thou art wholly gone up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כֻּלָּ֖ךְ9 of 10
H3605

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

לַגַּגּֽוֹת׃10 of 10

“to the housetops”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

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 22:1 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 22:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 21:13Psalms 125:2Joel 3:14Joel 3:12Isaiah 15:3Judges 18:23

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Isaiah 22 →

Test Your Knowledge

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