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Isaiah 22:16

Isaiah 22:16 in Multiple Translations

What are you doing here, and who authorized you to carve out a tomb for yourself here—to chisel your tomb in the height and cut your resting place in the rock?

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?

What doest thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out here a sepulchre? hewing him out a sepulchre on high, graving a habitation for himself in the rock!

Who are you, and by what right have you made for yourself a resting-place here?

‘What are you doing here? Who do you think you are, cutting out a tomb for yourself high up on a hill, carving out for yourself a place to rest?

What haste thou to doe here? and whome hast thou here? that thou shouldest here hewe thee out a sepulchre, as he that heweth out his sepulchre in an hie place, or that graueth an habitation for him selfe in a rocke?

What — to thee here? And who — to thee here? That thou hast hewn out to thee here — a sepulchre? Hewing on high his sepulchre, Graving in a rock a dwelling for himself.

‘What are you doing here? Who has you here, that you have dug out a tomb here?’ Cutting himself out a tomb on high, chiseling a habitation for himself in the rock!”

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulcher here, as he that heweth him out a sepulcher on high, and that graveth a habitation for himself in a rock?

What dost thou here, or as if thou wert somebody here? for thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, thou hast hewed out a monument carefully in a high place, a dwelling for thyself in a rock.

'Who do you think you are? Who gave you the authority to build a beautiful tomb where you will be buried, chiseling it out of the rocky cliff high above this valley?

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 22:16

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 22:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB מַה לְּ/ךָ֥ פֹה֙ וּ/מִ֣י לְ/ךָ֣ פֹ֔ה כִּֽי חָצַ֧בְתָּ לְּ/ךָ֛ פֹּ֖ה קָ֑בֶר חֹצְבִ֤י מָרוֹם֙ קִבְר֔/וֹ חֹקְקִ֥י בַ/סֶּ֖לַע מִשְׁכָּ֥ן לֽ/וֹ
מַה mâh H4100 what? Part
לְּ/ךָ֥ Prep | Suff
פֹה֙ pôh H6311 here Adv
וּ/מִ֣י mîy H4310 who? Conj | Part
לְ/ךָ֣ Prep | Suff
פֹ֔ה pôh H6311 here Adv
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
חָצַ֧בְתָּ châtsab H2672 to hew V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לְּ/ךָ֛ Prep | Suff
פֹּ֖ה pôh H6311 here Adv
קָ֑בֶר qeber H6913 grave N-ms
חֹצְבִ֤י châtsab H2672 to hew V-Qal
מָרוֹם֙ mârôwm H4791 height N-ms
קִבְר֔/וֹ qeber H6913 grave N-ms | Suff
חֹקְקִ֥י châqaq H2710 to decree V-Qal
בַ/סֶּ֖לַע çelaʻ H5553 crag Prep | N-ms
מִשְׁכָּ֥ן mishkân H4908 tabernacle N-ms
לֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 22:16

מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לְּ/ךָ֥ "" Prep | Suff
פֹה֙ pôh H6311 "here" Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
וּ/מִ֣י mîy H4310 "who?" Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
לְ/ךָ֣ "" Prep | Suff
פֹ֔ה pôh H6311 "here" Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
כִּֽי 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.
חָצַ֧בְתָּ châtsab H2672 "to hew" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To hew means to cut or carve wood, stone, or other materials, like the skilled laborers who built Solomon's Temple in 1 Kings. This word is used to describe various tasks, from quarrying to engraving.
Definition: 1) to dig, cleave, divide, hew, make, cut out, dig out, cut down, quarry, hewer, mason 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hew out, dig 1a2) to hew 1a2a) stone 1a2b) wood 1a3) to hew in pieces (metaph.) 1a4) to divide, cleave 1b) (Niphal) to be cut, be hewn, be engraved 1c) (Hiphil) to hew into pieces, cut up into pieces 1d) (Pual) to be cut from, be hewn from
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cut, dig, divide, grave, hew (out, -er), made, mason. See also: Deuteronomy 6:11; Nehemiah 9:25; Psalms 29:7.
לְּ/ךָ֛ "" Prep | Suff
פֹּ֖ה pôh H6311 "here" Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
קָ֑בֶר qeber H6913 "grave" N-ms
A grave or sepulchre is a place where the dead are buried, often a tomb or burial site. This word is used in the Bible to describe the final resting place of individuals, and is translated as burying place or sepulchre in the KJV.
Definition: grave, sepulchre, tomb
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 23:4; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Psalms 5:10.
חֹצְבִ֤י châtsab H2672 "to hew" V-Qal
To hew means to cut or carve wood, stone, or other materials, like the skilled laborers who built Solomon's Temple in 1 Kings. This word is used to describe various tasks, from quarrying to engraving.
Definition: 1) to dig, cleave, divide, hew, make, cut out, dig out, cut down, quarry, hewer, mason 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hew out, dig 1a2) to hew 1a2a) stone 1a2b) wood 1a3) to hew in pieces (metaph.) 1a4) to divide, cleave 1b) (Niphal) to be cut, be hewn, be engraved 1c) (Hiphil) to hew into pieces, cut up into pieces 1d) (Pual) to be cut from, be hewn from
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cut, dig, divide, grave, hew (out, -er), made, mason. See also: Deuteronomy 6:11; Nehemiah 9:25; Psalms 29:7.
מָרוֹם֙ mârôwm H4791 "height" N-ms
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
קִבְר֔/וֹ qeber H6913 "grave" N-ms | Suff
A grave or sepulchre is a place where the dead are buried, often a tomb or burial site. This word is used in the Bible to describe the final resting place of individuals, and is translated as burying place or sepulchre in the KJV.
Definition: grave, sepulchre, tomb
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 23:4; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Psalms 5:10.
חֹקְקִ֥י châqaq H2710 "to decree" V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to decree or enact a law, like writing it in stone. It appears in Judges 5:14, where it talks about being a scribe. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's laws and decrees.
Definition: 1) to cut out, decree, inscribe, set, engrave, portray, govern 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in 1a2) to cut in or on, cut upon, engrave, inscribe 1a3) to trace, mark out 1a4) to engrave, inscribe (of a law) 1b) (Poel) 1b1) to inscribe, enact, decree 1b2) one who decrees, lawgiver (participle) 1c) (Pual) something decreed, the law (participle) 1d) (Hophal) to be inscribed
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, pourtray, print, set. See also: Genesis 49:10; Proverbs 8:27; Psalms 60:9.
בַ/סֶּ֖לַע çelaʻ H5553 "crag" Prep | N-ms
This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.
Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.
מִשְׁכָּ֥ן mishkân H4908 "tabernacle" N-ms
The tabernacle was a special tent where God met with the Israelites, as described in Exodus and Leviticus. It was a portable place of worship, like a dwelling place for God. The Israelites carried it with them.
Definition: 1) dwelling place, tabernacle 1a) dwelling-place 1b) dwellings Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. See also: Exodus 25:9; Numbers 3:23; Psalms 26:8.
לֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Isaiah 22:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 27:60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut into the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance to the tomb and went away.
2 2 Chronicles 16:14 And he was buried in the tomb that he had cut out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a bier that was full of spices and various blended perfumes; then they made a great fire in his honor.
3 2 Samuel 18:18 During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument.
4 Job 3:14 with kings and counselors of the earth, who built for themselves cities now in ruins,
5 Micah 2:10 Arise and depart, for this is not your place of rest, because its defilement brings destruction— a grievous destruction!
6 Isaiah 14:18 All the kings of the nations lie in state, each in his own tomb.
7 Isaiah 52:5 And now what have I here? declares the LORD. For My people have been taken without cause; those who rule them taunt, declares the LORD, and My name is blasphemed continually all day long.

Isaiah 22:16 Summary

[This verse is about a man named Shebna who thought he was very important and wanted to be remembered forever, so he built a big tomb for himself. But God asked him, 'What are you doing, and who gave you permission to do this?' God was not happy with Shebna's pride and arrogance, as we see in similar situations in the Bible, like in Esther 5:11 and Daniel 4:37. This teaches us that true humility and recognition of God's power are essential, and we should not try to elevate ourselves above others or forget our place before God, as reminded in Romans 12:3 and 1 Peter 5:6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is being addressed in Isaiah 22:16?

The verse is addressing Shebna, the steward in charge of the palace, as indicated in Isaiah 22:15. Shebna's actions and pride are being called into question by God through the prophet Isaiah.

What is the significance of carving out a tomb in the height and cutting a resting place in the rock?

This act represents Shebna's attempt to secure a lasting legacy and memorial for himself, but God is questioning his authority to do so, highlighting the futility of human pride and self-exaltation, as seen in Psalms 49:11-12.

How does this verse relate to the concept of pride and humility?

Isaiah 22:16 illustrates the dangers of pride and self-aggrandizement, as Shebna's actions are seen as a manifestation of his arrogance, whereas humility and recognition of God's sovereignty are essential for true leadership, as emphasized in Proverbs 22:4 and Micah 6:8.

What is the tone of God's question to Shebna in this verse?

The tone of God's question is one of rebuke and condemnation, as He is confronting Shebna's pride and sinful actions, similar to the tone found in Ezekiel 28:2-10, where God addresses the pride of the king of Tyre.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to 'carve out a tomb' for myself, seeking to establish my own legacy or security apart from God?
  2. How do I respond to God's questioning of my motives and actions, and what does this reveal about my humility and recognition of His sovereignty?
  3. In what ways can I apply the lesson of Shebna's pride and downfall to my own life, seeking to cultivate humility and a deep awareness of God's presence and authority?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the fleeting nature of human achievements and the importance of prioritizing my relationship with God above all else?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 22:16

What hast thou here?.... In the king's house, or in Jerusalem; what business hast thou here? thou art unworthy of such an office, nor shalt thou long continue in it; what inheritance hast thou here?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 22:16

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock? What hast thou here, and whom?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 22:16

What hast thou here? or, What dost thou here? what right hast thou to this place and office? Whom; either, 1. What friends, in whom thou canst confide? Thou hast so ill managed thyself and thy affairs, that thou art universally hated. Or, 2. What kindred or relations? For the Jews say he was a stranger by birth; which is the more probable, because his pedigree is not mentioned in any of those places of Scripture where he is named. Hewed thee out a sepulchre, as great and ambitious men used to do. Here; not in thine own country, the proper place for such a monument; but in Jerusalem, which should not be defiled nor disparaged with it. On high; in a high and eminent place, as . An habitation; either, 1. A sepulchre, which is called a man’ s house, ; or, 2. A dwelling-house. He erected, or is compared to one that doth erect, a stately house to live in, and a stately sepulchre to receive him when he dies. And these two are fitly joined together, because their sepulchres were commonly built in or near their houses. See . In a rock; a fit place both for strength and state. Thus we read of a sepulchre hewed out of a rock, .

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 22:16

Isaiah 22:16 What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, [as] he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, [and] that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?Ver. 16. What hast thou here?] What inheritance, possession? And whom hast thou here?] sc., Of thy stock and kindred? Art not thou a foreigner, a new man, an upstart mushroom? Why, then, dost thou cut thee out such a costly and stately sepulchre in Jerusalem, as if you were of the royal family, or as if you were sure to die here in thy nest? Will it not prove a true κενοταφιον, as the Greeks call it? Some conceive that for the safeguard of his tomb, and other trinkets, Shebna was one of those princes that gave the king counsel to fortify so strongly. The Hebrews say that he likewise secretly kept correspondence with the enemy, that he might have a stake in store which way soever the dice chanced to turn; yea, that he treacherously agreed with the enemy to deliver the city into his hands; and therefore it was but time to take him a link lower, as Hezekiah did upon this prophecy of Isaiah. Some add, that for betraying the city he hoped to be made king there till his death, and therefore hewed him out a mausoleum or royal sepulchre there, and that among those of the house of David, say the Rabbis. Terrae filius. Son of the earth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 22:16

(16) What hast thou here? . . .—The prophet’s indignation is roused by Shebna’s last act of arrogance. He had no “sepulchre of his fathers” to deck with fresh stateliness, and, like the kings and great ones of the earth (the kings of Sidon, the Pharaohs of Egypt, the kings of Assyria), had built one for himself, hollowed out of the wells (probably on one of the hills of Jerusalem), to be his own everlasting “habitation,” his domus œterna. So in Ecclesiastes 12:5, the grave is the “long home” of man. Rock-hewn sepulchres of this type are found on the slopes of all the hills in the neighbourhood of the holy city.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 22:16

Verse 16. A sepulchre on high - in a rock] It has been observed before, on Isaiah 13:1, that persons of high rank in Judea, and in most parts of the east, were generally buried in large sepulchral vaults, hewn out in the rock for the use of themselves and their families. The vanity of Shebna is set forth by his being so studious and careful to have his sepulchre on high - in a lofty vault; and that probably in a high situation, that it might be more conspicuous. Hezekiah was buried, למעלה lemalah, εναναβασει Sept.: in the chiefest, says our translation; rather, in the highest part of the sepulchres of the sons of David, to do him the more honour, 2 Chronicles 32:33. There are some monuments still remaining in Persia of great antiquity, called Naksi Rustam, which give one a clear idea of Shebna's pompous design for his sepulchre. They consist of several sepulchres, each of them hewn in a high rock near the top; the front of the rock to the valley below is adorned with carved work in relievo, being the outside of the sepulchre. Some of these sepulchres are about thirty feet in the perpendicular from the valley, which is itself perhaps raised above half as much by the accumulation of the earth since they were made. See the description of them in Chardin, Pietro della Valle, Thevenot, and Kempfer. Diodorus Siculus, lib. xvii., mentions these ancient monuments, and calls them the sepulchres of the kings of Persia. - L.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 22:16

16. We may imagine the meeting between Isaiah and the vizier to have taken place at the sepulchre which the latter, after the Eastern fashion, was having prepared in his lifetime. By this act the novus homo asserted his equality with the aristocracy of Jerusalem, a piece of presumption which evidently kindles the ire of the prophet. What hast thou (to do) here? and whom (as kindred or descendants) hast thou here?] i.e. “Thou neither hast the rights of a citizen, nor canst claim to be the founder of a family.” Shebna’s grave was simply the monument of his own vulgar and ostentatious vanity. that thou hast hewed … here] (see below)—in so conspicuous a position. That Shebna actually placed his tomb amongst those of the kings and princes of Judah is not to be assumed; but he had plainly chosen a pretentious situation. as he that heweth …] Render: Hewing out his sepulchre on high! Graving in the rock an habitation for him! Ejaculations of unutterable scorn. The use of the third person suggests that there were bystanders.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 22:16

What hast thou here? - This verse contains a severe repoof of the pride and ostentation of Shebna, and of his expectation that he would be buried where be had built his own tomb.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 22:16

15, 16. The “Burden” now passes from the character of the people to that of chief individuals, and of their characters in contrast.

Sermons on Isaiah 22:16

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 22:16 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith warns the Jewish nation about their impending destruction due to their rejection of God's law. He references the story of King Hezekiah, who was
Michael L. Brown Seeking the Lord by Michael L. Brown In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and difficulties they are facing as a ministry. They talk about the lack of financial support and the feeling of being abandone
J.C. Philpot Name and Fame by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot delves into the human desire for name and fame, highlighting the ambitious heart's yearning for earthly immortality and recognition among fellow men. He contrasts the
J.C. Philpot George Isbell by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot reflects on the enduring memorials of a servant of God, emphasizing that the most lasting legacy is found in the works of a minister, whether through the lives touched
Richard Owen Roberts Corporate Confession and Repentance - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scenario of a young girl getting married to an older man, emphasizing the importance of finding the right partner in God's eyes.
From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons Simple Church - Tony Dale by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons In this sermon, the speaker shares his firsthand experience of preaching the gospel in England during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. He describes going to villages and sharing the gospel
Phil Beach Jr. The Seduction of the Church by Phil Beach Jr. Phil Beach Jr. addresses the dangers of seducing spirits infiltrating the church, emphasizing the need for believers to remain vigilant against distractions that lead to spiritual

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