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Isaiah 21:8

Isaiah 21:8 in Multiple Translations

Then the lookout shouted: “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; night after night I stay at my post.

And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:

And he cried as a lion: O Lord, I stand continually upon the watch-tower in the day-time, and am set in my ward whole nights;

And the watchman gave a loud cry, O my lord, I am on the watchtower all day, and am placed in my watch every night:

Then the lookout shouted “Sir, I've stood here on the watchtower day after day; night after night I've remained at my post.

And he cryed, A lyon: my lorde, I stand continually vpon ye watche towre in the day time, and I am set in my watche euery night:

And he crieth — a lion, 'On a watch-tower my lord, I am standing continually by day, And on my ward I am stationed whole nights.

He cried like a lion: “Lord, I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime, and every night I stay at my post.

And he cried, a lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watch-tower in the day time, and I am set in my ward whole nights.

And a lion cried out: I am upon the watchtower of the Lord, standing continually by day: and I am upon my ward, standing whole nights.

So I did that, and one day the watchman called out, “Day after day I have stood on this watchtower, and I have continued to watch during the day and during the night.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 21:8

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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 21:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקְרָ֖א אַרְיֵ֑ה עַל מִצְפֶּ֣ה אֲדֹנָ֗/י אָנֹכִ֞י עֹמֵ֤ד תָּמִיד֙ יוֹמָ֔ם וְ/עַל מִ֨שְׁמַרְתִּ֔/י אָנֹכִ֥י נִצָּ֖ב כָּל הַ/לֵּילֽוֹת
וַ/יִּקְרָ֖א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַרְיֵ֑ה ʼărîy H738 lion N-ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
מִצְפֶּ֣ה mitspeh H4707 lookout N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֗/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff
אָנֹכִ֞י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron
עֹמֵ֤ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal
תָּמִיד֙ tâmîyd H8548 continually N-ms
יוֹמָ֔ם yôwmâm H3119 by day Adv
וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep
מִ֨שְׁמַרְתִּ֔/י mishmereth H4931 charge N-fs | Suff
אָנֹכִ֥י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron
נִצָּ֖ב nâtsab H5324 to stand V-Niphal
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הַ/לֵּילֽוֹת layil H3915 night Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 21:8

וַ/יִּקְרָ֖א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אַרְיֵ֑ה ʼărîy H738 "lion" N-ms
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
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.
מִצְפֶּ֣ה mitspeh H4707 "lookout" N-ms
A mitspeh is a watchtower or lookout point, often used for military purposes. It is a place where people can observe and watch for potential threats or enemies. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of observation.
Definition: watchtower, lookout point
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: watch tower. See also: 2 Chronicles 20:24; Isaiah 21:8.
אֲדֹנָ֗/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.
אָנֹכִ֞י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
עֹמֵ֤ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
תָּמִיד֙ tâmîyd H8548 "continually" N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
יוֹמָ֔ם yôwmâm H3119 "by day" Adv
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | 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.
מִ֨שְׁמַרְתִּ֔/י mishmereth H4931 "charge" N-fs | Suff
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
אָנֹכִ֥י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
נִצָּ֖ב nâtsab H5324 "to stand" V-Niphal
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
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.
הַ/לֵּילֽוֹת layil H3915 "night" Art | N-mp
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.

Study Notes — Isaiah 21:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Habakkuk 2:1–2 I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected. Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it.
2 Isaiah 56:10 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.
3 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
4 Psalms 63:6 When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night.
5 Jeremiah 4:7 A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited.
6 Isaiah 5:29 Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away from deliverance.
7 Jeremiah 49:19 Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?”
8 Psalms 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.
9 Jeremiah 50:44 Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Babylon from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?”
10 Isaiah 62:6 On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,

Isaiah 21:8 Summary

The lookout in Isaiah 21:8 is saying that he is always watching and waiting for something to happen, day and night. This teaches us to be patient and faithful, like the lookout, and to trust in God's plan, as seen in Psalm 130:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31. We can learn from the lookout's example to be more vigilant and watchful in our own spiritual lives, and to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, as promised in Lamentations 3:22-23 and Hebrews 13:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the lookout's role in Isaiah 21:8?

The lookout's role is to be vigilant and report what he sees, as instructed by the Lord in Isaiah 21:6, emphasizing the importance of watchfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17 and Ezekiel 33:7.

Why does the lookout mention standing on the watchtower day and night?

The lookout's statement in Isaiah 21:8 highlights his dedication to his task, demonstrating a commitment to constant prayer and vigilance, similar to the apostle's encouragement in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing.

How does the lookout's shout relate to the rest of the chapter?

The lookout's shout in Isaiah 21:8 serves as a transition to the announcement of Babylon's fall in Isaiah 21:9, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's judgment, as prophesied in Isaiah 13:19 and Jeremiah 51:43.

What can we learn from the lookout's example in our own spiritual lives?

The lookout's example in Isaiah 21:8 teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our spiritual watchfulness, as encouraged in Matthew 24:42 and Matthew 25:13, where Jesus teaches us to be prepared and alert for His return.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to be more vigilant and watchful, like the lookout in Isaiah 21:8?
  2. How can I apply the principle of constant prayer and vigilance in my daily life, as demonstrated by the lookout?
  3. What are some spiritual 'watchtowers' that I can stand on to observe and report the things of God, and how can I be more faithful in this role?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to God's commands and instructions, like the lookout's dedication to his task?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:8

And he cried, a lion,.... That is, the watchman cried, a lion, or that he saw a lion; not Uriah the priest, as the Septuagint; nor Habakkuk, as some Jewish writers; but Cyrus, at the head of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:8

And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights: And he cried, A lion - rather, '(the watchman) cried, I am as a lion:' so

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8

And he cried, A lion: the sense of the words thus rendered is this, The watchman cried out, I see also a lion, to wit, marching before the horsemen and chariots already mentioned; which they suppose to represent Cyrus or Darius marching in the head of their armies. Or, as it is rendered in the margin, and by divers others, he cried as (which particle is oft understood, as hath been formerly and frequently noted) a lion, with a terrible cry, as being affrighted with the vision, and withal signifying the dreadfulness of that judgment which was here represented as coming upon Babylon. My lord; the watchman speaks these words either to God, or to the prophet, who by command from God had set him in this place and station; to whom therefore he gives the following account of his discharge of the work wherewith he was intrusted. I stand continually upon the watch-tower in the day time, and I am set in my ward whole nights; according to thy command I have stood, and do yet stand, continually, both day and night, upon my watch-tower.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8

Isaiah 21:8 And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:Ver. 8. And he cried, A lion,] i.e., A stout and cruel enemy is upon us. Or, He cried as a lion, so some render it - that is, the watchman cried aloud, professing his utmost vigilance in performance of his duty.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8

(8) And he cried, A lion.—Better, As a lion. The cry seems to be the low murmur of the eager, almost angry, impatience by which the prophet or the ideal watchman was stirred.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8

Verse 8. And he cried, A lion - "He that looked out on the watch"] The present reading, אריה aryeh, a lion, is so unintelligible, and the mistake so obvious, that I make no doubt that the true reading is הראה haroeh, the seer; as the Syriac translator manifestly found it in his copy, who renders it by דקוא duka, a watchman.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:8

8. If the text be right, the first clause must read: And he cried (like) a lion (Revelation 10:3). My lord] The A.V. seems here to assume that the prophet is addressed by his watchman. R.V. and most interpreters render “O Lord” (addressed to Jehovah). Nevertheless A.V. may be right, although it requires the substitution of ’Ǎ ?dônî for ’Ǎ ?dônâi. in my ward] i.e. “at my post.” For whole nights read “all the nights.”

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:8

And he cried, A lion - Margin, ‘As a lion.’ This is the correct rendering. The particle כ (k) - ‘as,’ is not unfrequently omitted (see Isaiah 62:5; Psalms 11:1).

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8

8. And he cried, A lion — This may mean that the appearance in the distance was formidable enough to be represented under the figure of “a lion;” or, more probably, it means that from long listening

Sermons on Isaiah 21:8

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson What It Means to Live by Faith by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of living by faith, drawing from the prophet Habakkuk's experience of seeking God's word amidst difficult times. It highlights the need for be
Charles E. Fuller Why Does God Permit Evil in the World? by Charles E. Fuller In this sermon, Dr. Charles E. discusses the book of Habakkuk in the Bible. He begins by referencing the familiar song "Jesus Saves" and asks the audience if they have heard it. He
Leonard Ravenhill Woe Is Me, I Am Undone - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a criminal named Charlie Peace who committed heinous crimes and was eventually sentenced to death. Despite his impending execution,
R.T. Kendall Forgiving and God by R.T. Kendall This sermon by R.T. Kendall focuses on the concept of total forgiveness, exploring the trilogy of Total Forgiveness, Totally Forgiving Ourselves, and Totally Forgiving God. The mes
Richard A. Bennett Unfiegned Faith by Richard A. Bennett In this sermon, the preacher addresses the current state of society, highlighting the rise of sexual immorality and violence. He also discusses the perversion of justice, where the
Don Courville Keys for a Successful Family Life - Part 8 by Don Courville This sermon emphasizes the importance of going to the tower, symbolizing meeting with God in prayer and seeking His guidance. It highlights the story of Habakkuk standing upon his
From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons A Plain Vision for the Church and Coming Persecution - Brian Long by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of believers. He highlights the urgency of the times, stating that the end of all things is at hand. The

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