Isaiah 21:16
Isaiah 21:16 in Multiple Translations
For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone.
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of a hireling, all the glory of Kedar shall fail;
For so has the Lord said to me, In a year, by the years of a servant working for payment, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end:
This is what the Lord told me: “Within one year, just as a contract worker precisely counts years, all the glory of Kedar will be gone.
For thus hath the Lord sayd vnto me, Yet a yeere according to the yeeres of an hireling, and all the glorie of Kedar shall faile.
For thus said the Lord unto me: 'Within a year, as years of a hireling, Consumed hath been all the honour of Kedar.
For the Lord said to me, “Within a year, as a worker bound by contract would count it, all the glory of Kedar will fail,
For thus hath the LORD said to me, Within a year, according to the years of a hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:
For thus saith the Lord to me: Within a year, according to the years of a hireling, all the glory of Cedar shall be taken away.
Yahweh said to me, “Exactly one year from now, all the greatness of the Kedar area in Arabia will end.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 21:16
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 21:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
כֹ֛ה
אָמַ֥ר
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
אֵלָ֑/י
בְּ/ע֤וֹד
שָׁנָה֙
כִּ/שְׁנֵ֣י
שָׂכִ֔יר
וְ/כָלָ֖ה
כָּל
כְּב֥וֹד
קֵדָֽר
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כֹ֛ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
בְּ/ע֤וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Prep | Adv
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
כִּ/שְׁנֵ֣י
shâneh
H8141
year
Prep | Adj
שָׂכִ֔יר
sâkîyr
H7916
hired
Adj
וְ/כָלָ֖ה
kâlâh
H3615
to end
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
כְּב֥וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
קֵדָֽר
Qêdâr
H6938
Kedar
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 21:16
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֹ֛ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנָ֖/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּ/ע֤וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Prep | Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
כִּ/שְׁנֵ֣י
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Prep | Adj
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
שָׂכִ֔יר
sâkîyr
H7916
"hired"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a hired worker, someone paid by the day or year. In the Bible, hired laborers were common, and the KJV translates this word as hired or hireling.
Definition: 1) hired 1a) hired (of animal) 1b) hireling, hired labourer (subst) 1b1) mercenary
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: hired (man, servant), hireling. See also: Exodus 12:45; Deuteronomy 15:18; Isaiah 16:14.
וְ/כָלָ֖ה
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כְּב֥וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
קֵדָֽר
Qêdâr
H6938
"Kedar"
N-proper
Kedar was a son of Ishmael and the name also refers to his descendants, who were Bedouin people. The name Kedar means dark, and his story is found in Genesis 25:13.
Definition: A man of the Arabs living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.13; son of: Ishmael (H3458); brother of: Nebaioth (H5032), Adbeel (H0110), Mibsam (H4017), Mishma (H4927), Dumah (H1746), Massa (H4854), Hadad (H2301), Tema (H8485), Jetur (H3195), Naphish (H5305), Kedemah (H6929) and Mahalath (H4258) § Kedar = "dark" 1) a son of Ishmael n pr people 2) the descendants of Kedar
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Kedar. See also: Genesis 25:13; Isaiah 21:17; Psalms 120:5.
Study Notes — Isaiah 21:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 21:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:16
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:16
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:16
- Sermons on Isaiah 21:16
Context — The Burden against Arabia
14Bring water for the thirsty, O dwellers of Tema; meet the refugees with food.
15For they flee from the sword— the sword that is drawn— from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle.
16For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone.
17The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 120:5 | Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! |
| 2 | Isaiah 60:7 | All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. |
| 3 | Isaiah 16:14 | And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble.” |
| 4 | Song of Solomon 1:5 | I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 27:21 | Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 49:28 | Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated, this is what the LORD says: “Rise up, advance against Kedar, and destroy the people of the east! |
| 7 | Isaiah 42:11 | Let the desert and its cities raise their voices; let the villages of Kedar cry aloud. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them cry out from the mountaintops. |
| 8 | Genesis 25:13 | These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 1:29 | These are their genealogies: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, |
| 10 | Job 7:1 | “Is not man consigned to labor on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired hand? |
Isaiah 21:16 Summary
This verse, Isaiah 21:16, tells us that God will bring an end to the glory and strength of the people of Kedar within a short time, just like a worker counts their days until payday. This shows us that God is in control and will judge those who are proud and powerful, as seen in verses like Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:6. It reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His glory above all else, as we are called to do in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17. By humbling ourselves and seeking God's glory, we can find true strength and hope, as promised in Jeremiah 9:23-24 and 2 Corinthians 10:17-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the time frame 'within one year, as a hired worker would count it' in Isaiah 21:16?
This time frame emphasizes the certainty and swiftness of God's judgment, much like the fulfillment of prophetic words in Ezekiel 12:21-28, where the prophet Ezekiel is told that his words will be fulfilled soon, and the people will know that a prophet has been among them.
Who are the people of Kedar, and why are they significant in this verse?
The people of Kedar were a nomadic tribe that lived in the desert regions, as mentioned in Isaiah 42:11 and Ezekiel 27:21, and their glory and strength are being addressed in this verse, highlighting God's power and control over all nations, as seen in Isaiah 40:15-17.
What is the 'glory of Kedar' that will be gone, according to Isaiah 21:16?
The 'glory of Kedar' likely refers to their military strength, wealth, and influence, which will be lost due to God's judgment, similar to how God humbled the pride of Tyre in Ezekiel 28:1-10, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and kingdoms.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of God's judgment and redemption?
This verse is part of a larger narrative of God's judgment on the nations, as seen in Isaiah 13-23, and ultimately points to His redemption and salvation, as promised in Isaiah 25:1-12 and Jeremiah 31:31-34, highlighting God's justice, mercy, and faithfulness to His people.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach me about the certainty and swiftness of God's judgment, and how should I respond to this truth in my own life?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and control, even when faced with uncertainty or chaos, as seen in the example of Kedar's downfall?
- How does the concept of 'glory' in this verse relate to my own pursuits and priorities, and what does it mean to seek God's glory above all else, as commanded in Isaiah 43:7 and 1 Corinthians 10:31?
- What comfort or hope can I find in the fact that God is the one who speaks and acts with authority, as seen in this verse and throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 119:89 and Hebrews 4:12-13?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:16
For thus hath the Lord said unto me,.... The prophet; which confirms what is before said, as well as assures the accomplishment of what follows: within a year, according to the years of an hireling;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:16
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail: Years of an hireling - (note, Isaiah 16:14.) And all the glory of
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:16
Within a year, from the time of this prophecy. According to the years of an hireling, to wit, an exact year; for hirelings diligently observe and wait for the end of the year, when they are to receive their wages. All the glory; their power, and riches, and all things wherein they used to glory. This was executed by the Assyrians. Kedar; of whom see on .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:16
Isaiah 21:16 For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:Ver. 16. Within a year, after the years of an hireling.] See on Isaiah 16:14; before the year be come about. All the glory of Kedar.] Whose tents were rude, but rich.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:16
(16) According to the years of an hireling . . . The prophet uses, as in Isaiah 16:14, the formula which expressed the most precise measurement, and so gives a test as to his forecast of the future. And all the glory of Kedar shall fail.—Kedar is used, as in Psalms 120:5, Son 1:5, generically for the nomadic tribes of Arabia, including Dedan.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:16
16. according to the years of a hireling] See on Isaiah 16:14. Kedar] a tribe of pastoral nomads (Isaiah 60:7; Ezekiel 27:21) in the Syrian desert (Jeremiah 2:10), is here apparently a comprehensive designation of the north Arabian tribes (cf. Son 1:5; Psalms 120:5).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:16
Within a year - What has been said before was figurative. Here the prophet speaks without a metaphor, and fixes the time when this should be accomplished.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:16
16. Years of a hireling — The desert carriers had probably become rich, and plunder was the object of assaults upon them.
Sermons on Isaiah 21:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Folly of the World's Philosophy by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of respect and disregard for God in society today, paralleling it to the people in Isaiah's time. He highlights the promotion of evol |
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Psalm 120 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on Psalm 120, highlighting the distress caused by slander and the soul's refuge in prayer. He emphasizes that tribulation is inevitable for believers, but prayer |
|
2 Peter 2:8 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the plight of the righteous man, Lot, who lived among the wicked in Sodom, illustrating the sorrow and grief that can accompany such a situation. He highlights |
|
They Were Not Carried to Heaven on Beds of Ease! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of living a godly life amidst an ungodly world, urging Christians not to lament their circumstances but to glorify God through their struggle |
|
Death Is a Change of Company by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a believer, death signifies a transition to a better existence, where they leave behind the company of the wicked and enter into the presence of a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 28:1-9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the focus is on Isaac calling Jacob and blessing him. Isaac instructs Jacob not to take a wife from the daughters of Canaan, but instead to go to Padenarum and marr |