Isaiah 22:4
Isaiah 22:4 in Multiple Translations
Therefore I said, “Turn away from me, let me weep bitterly! Do not try to console me over the destruction of the daughter of my people.”
Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.
Therefore said I, Look away from me, I will weep bitterly; labor not to comfort me for the destruction of the daughter of my people.
For this cause I have said, Let your eyes be turned away from me in my bitter weeping; I will not be comforted for the wasting of the daughter of my people.
That's why I said, “Go away! Let me mourn in peace. Don't insist on comforting me as the daughter of my people is ruined.”
Therefore said I, Turne away from me: I wil weepe bitterly: labour not to comfort mee for the destruction of the daughter of my people.
Therefore I said, 'Look ye from me, I am bitter in my weeping, Haste not to comfort me, For the destruction of the daughter of my people.'
Therefore I said, “Look away from me. I will weep bitterly. Don’t labor to comfort me for the destruction of the daughter of my people.
Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labor not to comfort me, because of the devastation of the daughter of my people.
Therefore have I said: Depart from me, I will weep bitterly: labour not to comfort me, for the devastation of the daughter of my people.
That is why I said, “Allow me to cry alone; do not try to comfort me about my people being slaughtered.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 22:4
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 22:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
כֵּ֥ן
אָמַ֛רְתִּי
שְׁע֥וּ
מִ/נִּ֖י
אֲמָרֵ֣ר
בַּ/בֶּ֑כִי
אַל
תָּאִ֣יצוּ
לְ/נַֽחֲמֵ֔/נִי
עַל
שֹׁ֖ד
בַּת
עַמִּֽ/י
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
אָמַ֛רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
שְׁע֥וּ
shâʻâh
H8159
to gaze
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
מִ/נִּ֖י
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
אֲמָרֵ֣ר
mârar
H4843
to provoke
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
בַּ/בֶּ֑כִי
Bᵉkîy
H1065
weeping
Prep | N-ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תָּאִ֣יצוּ
ʼûwts
H213
to hasten
V-Hiphil-Juss-2mp
לְ/נַֽחֲמֵ֔/נִי
nâcham
H5162
to be sorry
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שֹׁ֖ד
shôd
H7701
violence
N-ms
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
עַמִּֽ/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 22:4
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.
כֵּ֥ן
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.
אָמַ֛רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
שְׁע֥וּ
shâʻâh
H8159
"to gaze"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To gaze means to look carefully or intensely at something, often seeking help or guidance, like the Psalmist in Psalm 121:1-2.
Definition: 1) to look at or to, regard, gaze at or about 1a) (Qal) to gaze at, regard, behold, look about 1b) (Hiphil) to look away, cause gaze to turn away 1c) (Hithpael) to look in dismay, gaze about (in anxiety)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: depart, be dim, be dismayed, look (away), regard, have respect, spare, turn. See also: Genesis 4:4; Psalms 119:117; Psalms 39:14.
מִ/נִּ֖י
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
אֲמָרֵ֣ר
mârar
H4843
"to provoke"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
The word marar means to be or make something bitter. It can also describe a strong or intense emotion, such as anger or grief. In the Bible, it is used to describe a range of feelings and experiences, from physical bitterness to emotional pain.
Definition: 1) to be bitter 1a) (Qal) to be bitter 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to show bitterness 1b2) to make bitter 1c) (Hiphil) to make bitter, embitter 1d) (Hithpalpel) 1d1) to embitter oneself 1d2) to be enraged 2) (TWOT) to be strong, strengthen
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (be, be in, deal, have, make) bitter(-ly, -ness), be moved with choler, (be, have sorely, it) grieved(-eth), provoke, vex. See also: Genesis 49:23; Job 27:2; Isaiah 22:4.
בַּ/בֶּ֑כִי
Bᵉkîy
H1065
"weeping"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means weeping or crying, and is used to describe a strong emotional response, such as overflowing tears or continual sorrow. It is often used in the Bible to describe a time of mourning.
Definition: a weeping, weeping
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: overflowing, [idiom] sore, (continual) weeping, wept. See also: Genesis 45:2; Isaiah 15:5; Psalms 6:9.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תָּאִ֣יצוּ
ʼûwts
H213
"to hasten"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2mp
This Hebrew word means to hurry or make haste, often used to describe urgency or pressure. It appears in various forms, such as in Psalm 38:22, where David asks God to hasten and help him. The word conveys a sense of urgency or being pressed for time.
Definition: 1) to press, be pressed, make haste, urge, be narrow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to press, hasten 1a2) to be pressed, confined, narrow 1a3) to hasten, make haste 1a4) be narrow 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to urge, insist 1b2) to hasten
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n, -y), labor, be narrow. See also: Genesis 19:15; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 19:2.
לְ/נַֽחֲמֵ֔/נִי
nâcham
H5162
"to be sorry"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
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.
שֹׁ֖ד
shôd
H7701
"violence"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means violence or destruction, often referring to social sin or ruin, as seen in the desolation of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. It is used to describe the devastating effects of war and oppression. This concept is discussed in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) havoc, violence, destruction, devastation, ruin 1a) violence, havoc (as social sin) 1b) devastation, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: desolation, destruction, oppression, robbery, spoil(-ed, -er, -ing), wasting. See also: Job 5:21; Jeremiah 20:8; Psalms 12:6.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
עַמִּֽ/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Isaiah 22:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 22:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 22:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 22:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 22:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 22:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 22:4
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 22:4
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 22:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 22:4
- Sermons on Isaiah 22:4
Context — The Valley of Vision
2O city of commotion, O town of revelry? Your slain did not die by the sword, nor were they killed in battle.
3All your rulers have fled together, captured without a bow. All your fugitives were captured together, having fled to a distant place.
4Therefore I said, “Turn away from me, let me weep bitterly! Do not try to console me over the destruction of the daughter of my people.”
5For the Lord GOD of Hosts has set a day of tumult and trampling and confusion in the Valley of Vision— of breaking down the walls and crying to the mountains. 6Elam takes up a quiver, with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovers the shield.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 9:1 | Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people. |
| 2 | Matthew 2:18 | “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” |
| 3 | Psalms 77:2 | In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. |
| 4 | Micah 1:8 | Because of this I will lament and wail; I will walk barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and mourn like an ostrich. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 13:17 | But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 31:15 | This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 33:7 | Behold, their valiant ones cry aloud in the streets; the envoys of peace weep bitterly. |
| 8 | Matthew 26:75 | Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 8:18 | My sorrow is beyond healing; my heart is faint within me. |
| 10 | Isaiah 15:3 | In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping. |
Isaiah 22:4 Summary
[This verse is saying that the speaker is so sad about what is happening to God's people that they just want to be left alone to cry. They don't want anyone to try to make them feel better because their pain is so deep. This is similar to how God feels when we rebel against Him, as seen in Isaiah 1:2-4. The speaker is expressing a sense of grief and loss that is hard to put into words, but it's a feeling that God understands and empathizes with, as seen in Psalm 103:13-14.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the speaker in Isaiah 22:4 referring to when they say 'the destruction of the daughter of my people'?
The speaker is likely referring to the judgment and devastation that will come upon Jerusalem, as seen in Isaiah 22:2, and is expressing deep sorrow and grief over this event, similar to how God feels over the rebellion of His people in Isaiah 1:2-4.
Why does the speaker ask others to turn away and not try to console them?
The speaker asks others to turn away because their grief is so great that they do not want to be comforted or distracted from their sorrow, much like how Jesus wept over Jerusalem in Luke 19:41-44, showing the depth of God's emotional response to sin and rebellion.
What can we learn from the speaker's emotional response in this verse?
We can learn that it is okay to express and process our emotions, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and that God is a God who feels deeply and empathizes with His people, as seen in Psalm 103:13-14 and Matthew 9:36.
How does this verse relate to the larger context of Isaiah 22?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy against Jerusalem and its leaders, warning them of the coming judgment and devastation, and serves as a call to repentance and faith, as seen in Isaiah 22:5-6 and Isaiah 1:18-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can empathize with those who are suffering, like the speaker in this verse?
- How can I balance the need to process my emotions with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 37:7?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to turn to God and express my sorrow and grief, rather than trying to hide or deny them?
- How can I use my emotions and experiences to deepen my relationship with God and to minister to others, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and Psalm 51:17?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 22:4
Therefore said I,.... Not God to the ministering angels, as Jarchi; but the prophet to those that were about him, his relations, friends, and acquaintance: look away from me; turn away from me, look
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 22:4
Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people. Look away from me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 22:4
Look away from me; take off your eyes and thoughts from me, and leave me alone, that I may take my fill of sorrows. Labour not to comfort me; for all your labour will be lost, I neither can nor will receive any consolation. Of the daughter of my people; of that city and nation whereof I am a member. The title of daughter is oft given both to cities and nations, as hath been noted before.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 22:4
Isaiah 22:4 Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.Ver. 4. Therefore said I, Look away from me.] Ut luctui et lamentis me totum dedam; that unseen I may soak myself in the salt tears of sorrow for Zion.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 22:4
(4) Therefore said I, Look away from me.—The tone is that of one who wishes to be alone in his sorrow. It is too deep for visits of consolation. He “refuses to be comforted.” Isaiah bewails the destruction of “the daughter of his people” in much the same strain as that of Jeremiah over a later catastrophe (Lamentations 3:48).
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 22:4
4. Look away from me] i.e. “leave me alone,” as Job 7:19. labour not is strictly press not upon me, and spoiling should be destruction. The prophet’s gaze is already on the future. daughter of my people] The phrase, common in Jeremiah and Lamentations, occurs only here in Isaiah.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 22:4
Look away from me - Do not look upon me - an indication of deep grief, for sorrow seeks to be alone, and grief avoids publicity and exposure.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 22:4
4, 5. Therefore… Look away from me — Advice to let the prophet alone, to obtrude not on his sorrow. No consolation can reach him. Daughter of my people — Inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Sermons on Isaiah 22:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses various topics such as the influence of media, the importance of reading the New Testament, and the power of one individual to make a differen |
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Jeremiah by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of a nation being put into bondage for seventy years and then returning. He emphasizes that despite the despairing pictures, the |
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The Power of Weeping by Michael Youssef | In this sermon, the speaker expresses deep concern and lament over the current condition of the Church of Jesus Christ. He urges the audience not to dismiss his words as judgmental |
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Importance of Right Spiritual Climate by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being captive to various things in life. He shares a personal story about feeling captive to the responsibility of raising his |
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Needed a Broken Body by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the role it plays in the lives of prophets. He shares a personal experience from 1940 when he was in Bath, Engla |
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The Man God Tore Apart by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and concern for the state of the nation. He emphasizes that God's mercy and patience are running out, as they have crucified Jesu |
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Daniel, a Role Model by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of persecution. He references the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego f |