King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:16 Mean?

Isaiah 22:16 in the King James Version says “What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock? as: or, O he”

Isaiah 22:16 · KJV

Context

14

And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

15

Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say,

16

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock? as: or, O he

17

Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee. will carry: or, the Lord who covered thee with an excellent covering, and clothed thee gorgeously, v.18.shall surely, etc a mighty: Heb. the captivity of a man

18

He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord's house. large: Heb. large of spaces

Read Isaiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here—God's interrogation uses biting irony. The triple poh (פֹה, 'here') emphasizes Shebna's presumption: 'What right do you have here?' He was carving out a tomb (קֶבֶר, qever) among Jerusalem's elite burial sites, on high (מָרוֹם, marom), indicating a prominent hillside location for the wealthy and powerful.

Ancient Near Eastern officials commissioned elaborate rock-cut tombs as monuments to their legacy—expensive displays of prestige. But Shebna had no ancestral claim to Jerusalem burial ('whom hast thou here?'—no family lineage). His self-memorialization violated Israel's theology: glory belongs to God alone, and immigrants served at God's pleasure, not their own ambition. The verb ḥāqaq (חָקַק, 'graven/carved') appears, ironically echoing the second commandment's prohibition against graven images—Shebna was creating a monument to himself.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rock-cut tombs in Jerusalem's hills (Kidron Valley, Hinnom Valley) served as status symbols for the elite. Archaeological excavations have uncovered elaborate Iron Age II tomb complexes with multiple chambers, benches, and inscriptions. Some scholars suggest the 'Tomb of the Royal Steward' discovered in Silwan (with its inscription partially destroyed) may be Shebna's actual tomb. The practice of foreigners or non-native officials rising to high positions in Israel (like Shebna, possibly of Syrian origin based on his name) was not uncommon but required humble recognition of God's providence, not self-glorification. His tomb-building during a time of national crisis revealed misplaced priorities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Shebna's tomb-building expose the heart attitude of building monuments to self rather than serving God's purposes?
  2. What does the question 'whom hast thou here?' reveal about the danger of pursuing position without proper heritage or calling?
  3. How does this rebuke apply to Christian leaders who build personal empires rather than God's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
מַה1 of 18
H4100

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

לְּךָ֥2 of 18
H0
פֹּ֖ה3 of 18

“here”

H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

וּמִ֣י4 of 18
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

לְךָ֣5 of 18
H0
פֹּ֖ה6 of 18

“here”

H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

כִּֽי7 of 18
H3588

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

חֹצְבִ֤י8 of 18

“What hast thou here and whom hast thou here that thou hast hewed thee out”

H2672

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

לְּךָ֛9 of 18
H0
פֹּ֖ה10 of 18

“here”

H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

קִבְר֔וֹ11 of 18

“a sepulchre”

H6913

a sepulcher

חֹצְבִ֤י12 of 18

“What hast thou here and whom hast thou here that thou hast hewed thee out”

H2672

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

מָרוֹם֙13 of 18

“on high”

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

קִבְר֔וֹ14 of 18

“a sepulchre”

H6913

a sepulcher

חֹקְקִ֥י15 of 18

“and that graveth”

H2710

properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive

בַסֶּ֖לַע16 of 18

“for himself in a rock”

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

מִשְׁכָּ֥ן17 of 18

“an habitation”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

לֽוֹ׃18 of 18
H0

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 22:16 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 22:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:602 Samuel 18:182 Chronicles 16:14Job 3:14Micah 2:10Isaiah 52:5

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