King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:9 Mean?

Isaiah 5:9 in the King James Version says “In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant. ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant. In: or, This is in mine ears, saith the LORD, etc Of a: Heb. If not, etc

Isaiah 5:9 · KJV


Context

7

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry. his: Heb. plant of his pleasures oppression: Heb. a scab

8

Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! they: Heb. ye

9

In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant. In: or, This is in mine ears, saith the LORD, etc Of a: Heb. If not, etc

10

Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.

11

Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! inflame: of, pursue


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The oath formula 'In mine ears said the LORD of hosts' emphasizes divine determination to judge. The prophecy that 'many houses shall be desolate' and 'great and fair, without inhabitant' describes judgment through depopulation—likely exile. Beautiful dwellings emptied of occupants illustrate vanity of material accumulation without covenant faithfulness. This anticipates Jesus' teaching about the rich fool whose barns couldn't secure his soul (Luke 12:16-21).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian exile fulfilled this prophecy literally as Jerusalem's houses stood empty. Archaeological evidence shows 6th century BC destruction layers confirming widespread abandonment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the certainty of earthly dwellings becoming desolate inform our investment priorities?
  2. What 'great and fair' possessions might we accumulate that ultimately stand empty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בְּאָזְנָ֖י1 of 13

In mine ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 13

said the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֑וֹת3 of 13

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אִם4 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֞א5 of 13

Of a truth

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בָּתִּ֤ים6 of 13

houses

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

רַבִּים֙7 of 13

many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

לְשַׁמָּ֣ה8 of 13

shall be desolate

H8047

ruin; by implication, consternation

יִֽהְי֔וּ9 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

גְּדֹלִ֥ים10 of 13

even great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְטוֹבִ֖ים11 of 13

and fair

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

מֵאֵ֥ין12 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יוֹשֵֽׁב׃13 of 13

without inhabitant

H3427

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


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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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