Old Testament
Isaiah 15:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He has gone up to Bajith and to Dibon, the high places, to weep. Moab will wail over Nebo and Medeba. On all their heads will be baldness, and every beard will be cut off.
Compare translations
He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.
What Isaiah 15:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah describes the mourning of the people of Moab as they face destruction. The mention of Bajith and Dibon, which are high places, indicates that these locations were significant for worship or mourning. The people are depicted as weeping and howling over the loss of their cities, Nebo and Medeba. The imagery of baldness and beards being cut off symbolizes deep grief and humiliation, as these were signs of mourning in ancient cultures. The verse captures the emotional and physical toll of impending disaster on the Moabites, highlighting their despair and the seriousness of their situation. This passage serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the sorrow that follows when a nation faces judgment.
How to apply Isaiah 15:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the importance of staying aligned with our values. It reminds us that turning away from what is right can lead to sorrow and loss. We should seek to support those in mourning and recognize the weight of grief in our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 15:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 15:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 15:2 mean?
Isaiah 15:2 describes the mourning of the Moabites as they face destruction. The verse highlights their grief over the loss of their cities, Nebo and Medeba, and uses imagery of baldness and cut beards to symbolize deep sorrow and humiliation.
What is the significance of Bajith and Dibon in Isaiah 15:2?
Bajith and Dibon are mentioned as high places, indicating their importance for worship or mourning in Moab. Their mention underscores the cultural practices of the Moabites as they grieve the impending destruction of their cities.
What does the imagery of baldness and cut beards represent in Isaiah 15:2?
The imagery of baldness and cut beards in Isaiah 15:2 symbolizes deep grief and humiliation. In ancient cultures, these were common signs of mourning, reflecting the emotional toll of the disaster facing the Moabites.
How does Isaiah 15:2 relate to themes of judgment and grief?
Isaiah 15:2 relates to themes of judgment and grief by illustrating the sorrow of the Moabites in the face of impending disaster. It serves as a reminder of the emotional and physical consequences that can arise from a nation's actions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.