King James Version

What Does Isaiah 24:6 Mean?

Isaiah 24:6 in the King James Version says “Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.”

Isaiah 24:6 · KJV

Context

4

The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. the haughty: Heb. the height of the people

5

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

6

Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

7

The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.

8

The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate. This verse describes the devastating consequences of humanity's covenant-breaking. The Hebrew alah (אָלָה, "curse") refers specifically to covenant curses—the promised consequences for violating God's law (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). The verb "devoured" (akal, אָכַל) suggests consumption by fire, portraying judgment as an unstoppable force consuming everything in its path.

The phrase "they that dwell therein are desolate" uses asham (אָשַׁם), meaning "held guilty" or "suffer for guilt." This emphasizes that desolation results from moral culpability, not arbitrary divine caprice. The dramatic declaration "the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left" envisions wholesale destruction leaving only a remnant—a recurring biblical theme (Isaiah 1:9, 6:13, 10:20-22).

Isaiah 24-27 (called the "Isaiah Apocalypse") transcends local judgments to envision cosmic-scale divine intervention. This passage establishes that: (1) sin has universal, catastrophic consequences; (2) God's covenant faithfulness includes executing curses against covenant-breakers; (3) judgment purifies by removing the wicked; (4) God preserves a remnant for redemptive purposes. The New Testament echoes this vision in describing end-times tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22, Revelation 6-19).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 24-27 forms a distinct apocalyptic section within the book, likely composed during or after the Assyrian crisis (701 BCE). Unlike earlier oracles against specific nations, these chapters envision universal judgment affecting "the earth" (erets)—a term denoting both the land of Israel and the entire world. This dual reference reflects Isaiah's theological vision that local judgments foreshadow cosmic consummation.

The "curse" language echoes the covenant curses of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, where God specified consequences for Israel's disobedience: famine, disease, military defeat, exile, and desolation. Ancient Near Eastern treaties similarly contained curse formulas, but Isaiah universalizes this concept—all humanity stands under covenant obligation to the Creator, and all face judgment for rebellion.

Archaeological evidence confirms the devastating impact of ancient warfare and divine judgment: destroyed cities, mass graves, and sudden population collapses. The Assyrian campaigns of 722 BCE (northern kingdom) and 701 BCE (Judah) left widespread destruction that validated Isaiah's warnings. This historical reality grounded prophetic visions of coming universal judgment when God would settle accounts with all nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the covenant basis of God's curses help you appreciate both His justice and faithfulness to His Word?
  2. What modern manifestations of humanity's rebellion against God can you identify that warrant divine judgment?
  3. How should the reality that "few men" survive God's judgment shape your evangelistic urgency and compassion for the lost?
  4. In what ways does the concept of a preserved remnant provide hope even in the midst of descriptions of devastating judgment?
  5. How does this passage challenge contemporary assumptions about humanity's ability to solve global crises apart from repentance and divine intervention?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
עַל1 of 16
H5921

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

כֵּ֗ן2 of 16
H3651

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

אָלָה֙3 of 16

“Therefore hath the curse”

H423

an imprecation

אָ֣כְלָה4 of 16

“devoured”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶ֔רֶץ5 of 16

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַֽיֶּאְשְׁמ֖וּ6 of 16

“therein are desolate”

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

יֹ֣שְׁבֵי7 of 16

“and they that dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָ֑הּ8 of 16
H0
עַל9 of 16
H5921

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

כֵּ֗ן10 of 16
H3651

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

חָרוּ֙11 of 16

“are burned”

H2787

to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)

יֹ֣שְׁבֵי12 of 16

“and they that dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֶ֔רֶץ13 of 16

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְנִשְׁאַ֥ר14 of 16

“left”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

אֱנ֖וֹשׁ15 of 16

“men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

מִזְעָֽר׃16 of 16

“and few”

H4213

fewness; by implication, as superlative diminutiveness

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 24:6 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 24:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 4:1Matthew 7:14Zechariah 5:3-4Ezekiel 5:3Leviticus 26:22Romans 9:27

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