Old Testament
Isaiah 21:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 21:3, the prophet expresses deep emotional turmoil and physical pain in response to a troubling vision or message he has received.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Therefore, my loins are filled with pain; agony grips me like a woman in labor. I was bent over at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.
Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 21:3, the prophet expresses deep emotional turmoil and physical pain in response to a troubling vision or message he has received. The imagery of labor pains illustrates the intensity of his distress, suggesting that the news is not just alarming but also transformative, akin to the pain of childbirth. This verse highlights the weight of prophetic responsibility, as the prophet feels overwhelmed by the impending judgment or calamity he foresees. His reaction—being bent over and dismayed—reflects the seriousness of the situation and the burden of conveying such dire news. The use of feminine imagery, particularly the pangs of a woman in labor, emphasizes the urgency and inevitability of the events to come, indicating that just as labor leads to birth, the events foretold will lead to significant change, whether good or bad. This emotional response serves as a reminder of the human cost of divine messages and the profound impact they can have on those who deliver them. Explore related sorrow.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 21:3 to your life
When faced with difficult news or situations, we can acknowledge our feelings of pain and distress. Like the prophet, we should seek to understand the deeper implications of our experiences and respond with compassion and wisdom, both for ourselves and others.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 21:3 mean?
Isaiah 21:3 expresses the prophet's intense emotional and physical pain in response to a troubling vision. The imagery of labor pains signifies the seriousness and transformative nature of the message he receives, highlighting the burden of prophetic responsibility.
What is the significance of labor pains in Isaiah 21:3?
The labor pains in Isaiah 21:3 symbolize the urgency and inevitability of the events the prophet foresees. Just as labor leads to birth, the impending events will bring significant change, reflecting the weight of the message being delivered.
How does Isaiah 21:3 relate to emotional pain?
Isaiah 21:3 relates to emotional pain by showing how the prophet feels overwhelmed and burdened by the message he must convey. His physical reaction, filled with pain and dismay, highlights the human cost of prophetic duties.
What themes are present in Isaiah 21:3?
Key themes in Isaiah 21:3 include prophetic burden, emotional pain, divine judgment, and the urgency of the message. The verse emphasizes the transformative nature of suffering and the serious implications of the prophetic message.
The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.