Isaiah 16:11
Isaiah 16:11 in Multiple Translations
Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres.
Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kir-haresh.
Wherefore my heart soundeth like a harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kir-heres.
For this cause the cords of my heart are sounding for Moab, and I am full of sorrow for Kir-heres.
Heartbroken I cry for Moab like sad music on a harp; deep inside I weep for Kir-hareseth.
Wherefore, my bowels shall sounde like an harpe for Moab, and mine inwarde partes for Ker-haresh.
Therefore my bowels for Moab as a harp do sound, And mine inward parts for Kir-Haresh.
Therefore my heart sounds like a harp for Moab, and my inward parts for Kir Heres.
Wherefore my bowels shall sound like a harp for Moab, and my inward parts for Kir-haresh.
Wherefore my bowels shall sound like a harp for Moab, and my inward parts for the brick wall.
I cry inwardly for Moab; my groaning is like [SIM] a sad song played on a harp. I am sad about Kir-Hareseth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 16:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 16:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
כֵּן֙
מֵעַ֣/י
לְ/מוֹאָ֔ב
כַּ/כִּנּ֖וֹר
יֶֽהֱמ֑וּ
וְ/קִרְבִּ֖/י
לְ/קִ֥יר
חָֽרֶשׂ
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּן֙
kên
H3651
right
Part
מֵעַ֣/י
mêʻeh
H4578
belly
N-mp | Suff
לְ/מוֹאָ֔ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
Prep | N-proper
כַּ/כִּנּ֖וֹר
kinnôwr
H3658
lyre
Prep | N-ms
יֶֽהֱמ֑וּ
hâmâh
H1993
to roar
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/קִרְבִּ֖/י
qereb
H7130
entrails
Conj | N-ms | Suff
לְ/קִ֥יר
Qîyr Cheres
H7025
Kir-hareseth
Prep | N-proper
חָֽרֶשׂ
Qîyr Cheres
H7025
Kir-hareseth
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 16:11
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּן֙
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
מֵעַ֣/י
mêʻeh
H4578
"belly"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to the internal organs, like the intestines or stomach, and can also mean sympathy or emotions. The KJV translates it as belly, bowels, or womb, depending on the context.
Definition: 1) internal organs, inward parts, bowels, intestines, belly 1a) inward parts 1b) digestive organs 1c) organs of procreation, womb 1d) place of emotions or distress or love (fig.) 1e) external belly Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְעָא "belly" H4577)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: belly, bowels, [idiom] heart, womb. See also: Genesis 15:4; Psalms 71:6; Psalms 22:15.
לְ/מוֹאָ֔ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
Prep | N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
כַּ/כִּנּ֖וֹר
kinnôwr
H3658
"lyre"
Prep | N-ms
Kinnor is a musical instrument, specifically a lyre or harp. It is used to make music and is mentioned in the Bible as a instrument used by musicians.
Definition: lyre, harp
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: harp. See also: Genesis 4:21; Job 21:12; Psalms 33:2.
יֶֽהֱמ֑וּ
hâmâh
H1993
"to roar"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To make a loud noise, like roaring or moaning, is what this Hebrew word means. It can also imply a state of turmoil or commotion, like in the book of Jeremiah where it describes a city in uproar.
Definition: 1) to murmur, growl, roar, cry aloud, mourn, rage, sound, make noise, tumult, be clamorous, be disquieted, be loud, be moved, be troubled, be in an uproar 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to growl 1a2) to murmur (fig. of a soul in prayer) 1a3) to roar 1a4) to be in a stir, be in a commotion 1a5) to be boisterous, be turbulent
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clamorous, concourse, cry aloud, be disquieted, loud, mourn, be moved, make a noise, rage, roar, sound, be troubled, make in tumult, tumultuous, be in an uproar. See also: 1 Kings 1:41; Song of Solomon 5:4; Psalms 39:7.
וְ/קִרְבִּ֖/י
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
לְ/קִ֥יר
Qîyr Cheres
H7025
"Kir-hareseth"
Prep | N-proper
Kir-hareseth, or Kir-haresh, refers to a place in Moab, one of its chief strongholds. The name means wall of potsherds, possibly describing the materials used to build its walls. It is mentioned in the Bible as a significant location in the region of Moab.
Definition: Kir-hareseth or Kir-hares or Kir-haresh = "wall of potsherds" one of the two chief strongholds of Moab Another name of qir (קִיר "Kir" H7024B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kir-haraseth, Kir-hareseth, Kirharesh, Kir-heres. See also: 2 Kings 3:25; Isaiah 16:11; Isaiah 16:7.
חָֽרֶשׂ
Qîyr Cheres
H7025
"Kir-hareseth"
N-proper
Kir-hareseth, or Kir-haresh, refers to a place in Moab, one of its chief strongholds. The name means wall of potsherds, possibly describing the materials used to build its walls. It is mentioned in the Bible as a significant location in the region of Moab.
Definition: Kir-hareseth or Kir-hares or Kir-haresh = "wall of potsherds" one of the two chief strongholds of Moab Another name of qir (קִיר "Kir" H7024B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kir-haraseth, Kir-hareseth, Kirharesh, Kir-heres. See also: 2 Kings 3:25; Isaiah 16:11; Isaiah 16:7.
Study Notes — Isaiah 16:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 16:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 16:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 16:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 16:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 16:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 16:11
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 16:11
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 16:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 16:11
- Sermons on Isaiah 16:11
Context — Moab’s Destruction
9So I weep with Jazer for the vines of Sibmah; I drench Heshbon and Elealeh with my tears. Triumphant shouts have fallen silent over your summer fruit and your harvest.
10Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard; no one sings or shouts in the vineyards. No one tramples the grapes in the winepresses; I have put an end to the cheering.
11Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres.
12When Moab appears on the high place, when he wearies himself and enters his sanctuary to pray, it will do him no good. 13This is the message that the LORD spoke earlier concerning Moab.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 15:5 | My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith; they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 48:36 | Therefore My heart laments like a flute for Moab; it laments like a flute for the men of Kir-heres, because the wealth they acquired has perished. |
| 3 | Hosea 11:8 | How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred! |
| 4 | Philippians 2:1 | Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, |
| 5 | Isaiah 63:15 | Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation. Where are Your zeal and might? Your yearning and compassion for me are restrained. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 31:20 | Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 4:19 | My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. |
Isaiah 16:11 Summary
Isaiah 16:11 is a verse where the prophet expresses his deep sorrow and mourning for the people of Moab, who are about to face judgment and destruction. He compares his heart to a harp, which is a musical instrument that can produce sad and mournful sounds, as seen in Psalm 137:2-3 where the Israelites weep and hang up their harps. The prophet's lamenting is a way of showing his compassion and empathy for the people of Moab, even though they are facing judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 33:11 where God desires that none should perish. This verse reminds us of the importance of showing love and compassion to those who are struggling, even if they are facing the consequences of their actions, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:44-45.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the heart lamenting like a harp in Isaiah 16:11?
The heart lamenting like a harp in Isaiah 16:11 is a poetic expression of deep sorrow and mourning, similar to the lamenting in Jeremiah 9:1 and Ezekiel 33:10, where the prophets express their grief over the sins of the people.
Why is the prophet mourning for Moab and Kir-heres?
The prophet is mourning for Moab and Kir-heres because they are about to face judgment and destruction, as prophesied in Isaiah 15:1-9, and the prophet feels a sense of sorrow and compassion for them, as seen in Ezekiel 33:11 where God desires that none should perish.
What is the significance of Kir-heres in this verse?
Kir-heres is another name for Kir, a city in Moab, and its mention in Isaiah 16:11 emphasizes the extent of the judgment that will come upon Moab, as prophesied in Numbers 21:28-30 where Kir is mentioned as a Moabite city.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy against Moab, as seen in Isaiah 15:1-16:14, where the prophet announces judgment and destruction upon Moab for their sins, and this verse specifically highlights the prophet's emotional response to the coming judgment, as also seen in Isaiah 15:5 where the prophet weeps for Moab.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can express my sorrow and compassion for those who are facing judgment or difficult circumstances, just like the prophet in Isaiah 16:11?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with my need to show compassion and mercy to those who are struggling, as seen in Micah 6:8?
- What are some ways that I can use my emotions and passions to serve God and minister to others, as the prophet uses his lamenting to express his sorrow for Moab?
- What can I learn from the prophet's example in Isaiah 16:11 about the importance of empathy and compassion in my relationships with others, as also seen in Matthew 9:36-38?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 16:11
Wherefore my bowels shall sound like a harp for Moab,.... Making a noise as the harp does, and a mournful one as that, when used at funerals; which it makes when it is stricken or played on with the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 16:11
Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh. My bowels - in Scripture the seat of yearning compassion. It means the inward seat of emotion, the heart, etc. (Isaiah 63:15 : cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 16:11
Shall sound, through compassion to them; of which See Poole "". In excessive griefs the bowels are sometimes rolled and tumbled together, so as to make an audible noise. Hereby he signifies the greatness of their approaching calamity, which being so grievous to him, must needs be intolerable to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 16:11
Isaiah 16:11 Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh. Ver. 11. Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab.] The "elect of God, holy and beloved, have bowels of mercy, tenderness, and kindness" toward their very enemies also, whom they do oft pity more than they pity themselves, as Habakkuk did the Chaldeans’ calamity, and as Daniel did Nebuchadnezzar’ s downfall. Sicut cithara plectro tacta dat sonitum in funere funereum, As they have mournful music at funerals; or as the strings of a shawm sound heavily, so do my heart strings for miserable Moab. In a harp, if one string be touched, all the rest sound; so it should be with us in regard of fellow feeling. We should feel others’ hard cords through our soft beds. Ego ex intimis visceribus meis conturbatus. - Jun.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 16:11
(11) My bowels shall sound like an harp . . .—The context leaves it uncertain whether the speaker is the prophet as in Isaiah 16:9, or Jehovah as in Isaiah 16:10. The former seems, perhaps, the most natural. On the other hand, the very phrase is used of the compassion of Jehovah in Isaiah 63:15. The “bowels,” as in modern language the “heart,” were looked on as the seat of the emotions, and as such they vibrate, like the chords of the harp or lyre (kinnûr) used at funerals, with the thrills of pity.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 16:11
11. (Jeremiah 48:36) my bowels shall sound like a harp] omit “shall” with R.V. The poet’s emotion flows forth spontaneously in the strains of the elegy. The bowels are the seat of the more intense emotions (Job 30:27), especially of compassion (Jeremiah 4:19; Jeremiah 31:20; Son 5:4). Kir-haresh] Kir-heres. See on Isaiah 16:7.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 16:11
Wherefore my bowels - This is also an expression of the deep grief of the prophet in view of the calamities which were coming upon Moab.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 16:11
11. Wherefore my bowels — An expression of deepest grief. The viscera above the diaphragm, including heart, lungs, liver, are here called “bowels.” Shall sound like a harp — Grief was capable, it was
Sermons on Isaiah 16:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Affections and Emotions of God by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that God is a moral agent who experiences genuine emotions such as love, grief, and compassion towards humanity. He illustrates that it grieves God to aba |
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Backsliders; Saved or Lost? by John R. Rice | John R. Rice preaches about the backslider's status as a child of God, emphasizing that despite deserving punishment for disobedience, every born-again child of God who falls into |
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The Honey and the Sting! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's heart is not inclined to afflict His children, as seen in Lamentations 3:33. He explains that while God may allow hardships, it is not His desir |
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The Great Giver by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound love of God demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, as a guarantee for all other blessings. He explains that if God did not s |
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The Saint's Inventory by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the profound grace of God revealed in the 1st Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, showcasing how God's sovereign grace shines brightly in the lives of t |
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The Mind of Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of seeking God and being called to work with gangs and drug addicts. They express a deep desire to live a life that a |
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The Mind of Christ by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the wonders of God's love and the worthlessness of man. He emphasizes that although man is at the bottom, God did not leave him there. The |