Old Testament
Isaiah 16:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But now the LORD has spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of a hired worker, the glory of Moab will be despised, along with all its great multitude; and the remnant will be very small and weak.
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But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.
What Isaiah 16:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares that within three years, the glory and strength of Moab will be diminished. The comparison to the years of a hired worker suggests a set, limited time frame for this judgment. Moab, known for its pride and wealth, will face a downfall, leading to a significant reduction in its population and power. The term 'despised' indicates that Moab's former glory will be looked down upon, and the remaining people will be weak and insignificant. This prophecy serves as a warning about the consequences of pride and reliance on human strength rather than on God. It emphasizes that no nation can stand against God's will, and even those who seem powerful can quickly fall into weakness and obscurity when they oppose Him.
How to apply Isaiah 16:14 to your life
This verse reminds us to remain humble and recognize that our strength and success are temporary. We should not place our trust in worldly achievements or pride, as they can quickly fade. Instead, we should rely on God for our strength and purpose.
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Keep studying Isaiah 16:14
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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 16:14 mean?
Isaiah 16:14 conveys God's message that within three years, Moab's glory and strength will diminish significantly. This prophecy highlights the consequences of pride and reliance on human power, emphasizing that even strong nations can fall when opposed to God's will.
What is the significance of the three years in Isaiah 16:14?
The three years mentioned in Isaiah 16:14 symbolize a specific and limited time frame for God's judgment on Moab. It indicates that the downfall of Moab's glory will happen swiftly, serving as a warning about the fleeting nature of human strength and pride.
What does 'the glory of Moab will be despised' mean in Isaiah 16:14?
The phrase 'the glory of Moab will be despised' means that Moab's former pride and power will be looked down upon and considered insignificant. This reflects the idea that no matter how strong a nation may seem, it can quickly lose its status when it stands against God's plans.
How does Isaiah 16:14 relate to the theme of humility?
Isaiah 16:14 relates to humility by illustrating that reliance on human strength and pride can lead to downfall. The verse serves as a reminder that true strength comes from God, and those who are proud may find themselves diminished.
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