Isaiah 15:3
Isaiah 15:3 in Multiple Translations
In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping.
In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.
In their streets they gird themselves with sackcloth; on their housetops, and in their broad places, every one waileth, weeping abundantly.
In their streets they are covering themselves with haircloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their public places, there is crying and bitter weeping.
They wear sackcloth in their streets. On the rooftops and in the open squares they all weep, falling down crying.
In their streetes shall they bee gilded with sackecloth: on the toppes of their houses, and in their streetes euery one shall howle, and come downe with weeping.
In its out-places they girded on sackcloth, On its pinnacles, and in its broad places, Every one howleth — going down with weeping.
In their streets, they clothe themselves in sackcloth. In their streets and on their housetops, everyone wails, weeping abundantly.
In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.
In their streets they are girded with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets all shall howl and come down weeping.
In the streets people will wear rough sackcloth, and on their flat rooftops and in the city plazas everyone will wail, with tears streaming down their faces.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 15:3
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 15:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/חוּצֹתָ֖י/ו
חָ֣גְרוּ
שָׂ֑ק
עַ֣ל
גַּגּוֹתֶ֧י/הָ
וּ/בִ/רְחֹבֹתֶ֛י/הָ
כֻּלֹּ֥/ה
יְיֵלִ֖יל
יֹרֵ֥ד
בַּ/בֶּֽכִי
בְּ/חוּצֹתָ֖י/ו
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-mp | Suff
חָ֣גְרוּ
châgar
H2296
to gird
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שָׂ֑ק
saq
H8242
sackcloth
N-ms
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גַּגּוֹתֶ֧י/הָ
gâg
H1406
roof
N-mp | Suff
וּ/בִ/רְחֹבֹתֶ֛י/הָ
rᵉchôb
H7339
street/plaza
Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
כֻּלֹּ֥/ה
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
יְיֵלִ֖יל
yâlal
H3213
to wail
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
יֹרֵ֥ד
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal
בַּ/בֶּֽכִי
Bᵉkîy
H1065
weeping
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 15:3
בְּ/חוּצֹתָ֖י/ו
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
חָ֣גְרוּ
châgar
H2296
"to gird"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.
שָׂ֑ק
saq
H8242
"sackcloth"
N-ms
This term refers to a coarse cloth or sack used for mourning or carrying grain. People wore sackcloth to show humility or grief, like in the book of Esther. It symbolized repentance and sorrow.
Definition: 1) mesh, sackcloth, sack, sacking 1a) sack (for grain) 1b) sackcloth 1b1) worn in mourning or humiliation 1b2) same material spread out to lie on
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: sack(-cloth, -clothes). See also: Genesis 37:34; Psalms 69:12; Psalms 30:12.
עַ֣ל
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.
גַּגּוֹתֶ֧י/הָ
gâg
H1406
"roof"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for roof, or the top of an altar, like the one in the temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) roof, top, housetop 1a) roof (of house) 1b) top (of altar of incense)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: roof (of the house), (house) top (of the house). See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Kings 23:12; Psalms 102:8.
וּ/בִ/רְחֹבֹתֶ֛י/הָ
rᵉchôb
H7339
"street/plaza"
Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
A street or plaza, referring to a public area or open space, like a marketplace or a thoroughfare. This word is used to describe urban settings and community gathering places, often in stories about city life and trade. It appears in books like Nehemiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: broad or open place or plaza
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: broad place (way), street. See also H1050 (בֵּית רְחוֹב). See also: Genesis 19:2; Proverbs 7:12; Psalms 55:12.
כֻּלֹּ֥/ה
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יְיֵלִ֖יל
yâlal
H3213
"to wail"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This word means to wail or howl, expressing strong emotions like sadness or pain, used to describe a loud, mournful cry.
Definition: (Hiphil) to howl, wail, make a howling
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (make to) howl, be howling. See also: Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 48:31; Isaiah 14:31.
יֹרֵ֥ד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
בַּ/בֶּֽכִי
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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 15:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 15:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 15:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 15:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 15:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 15:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 15:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 15:3
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 15:3
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 15:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 15:3
- Sermons on Isaiah 15:3
Context — The Burden against Moab
1This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night!
2Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off.
3In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping.
4Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out; their souls tremble within. 5My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith; they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonah 3:6–8 | When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. Furthermore, let both man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and have everyone call out earnestly to God. Let each one turn from his evil ways and from the violence in his hands. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 19:13 | The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like that place, Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 22:8 | If you build a new house, you are to construct a railing around your roof, so that you do not bring bloodguilt on your house if someone falls from it. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 48:38–39 | On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD. “How shattered it is! How they wail! How Moab has turned his back in shame! Moab has become an object of ridicule and horror to all those around him.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 15:2 | Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 6:30 | When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. And as he passed by on the wall, the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin. |
| 7 | Matthew 11:21 | “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 3:31 | Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier. |
| 9 | Isaiah 22:4 | 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.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 22:1 | This is the burden against the Valley of Vision: What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the rooftops, |
Isaiah 15:3 Summary
[This verse, Isaiah 15:3, is describing a scene of great sorrow and mourning, where people are wearing sackcloth and wailing in the streets and public squares, because their city has been destroyed and they are grieving the loss of their homes and livelihoods, much like the Israelites mourned in Lamentations 1:1-2. The people are falling down weeping, showing the depth of their sorrow and distress, and this scene is similar to what is described in Ezekiel 27:30-32, where the people mourn the loss of their city and its glory. The verse is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that God is a just and holy God who will judge sin, as seen in Romans 6:23 and Isaiah 13:6-16. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves what things in our lives we need to mourn and repent of, and how we can seek God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:1-19.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of wearing sackcloth in Isaiah 15:3?
Wearing sackcloth is a sign of mourning and repentance, as seen in Jonah 3:5-6 and Esther 4:1-3, where people wear sackcloth to express their sorrow and humility before God.
Why are the people wailing and weeping in Isaiah 15:3?
The people are wailing and weeping because of the destruction and devastation that has come upon their city, as stated in Isaiah 15:1, and they are mourning the loss of their homes and livelihoods, much like the Israelites mourned in Lamentations 1:1-2.
What is the spiritual significance of the rooftops and public squares in Isaiah 15:3?
The rooftops and public squares represent the most public and visible areas of the city, and the fact that the people are wailing and weeping there shows that their sorrow and repentance are not just private, but also public, as seen in Acts 2:14-21, where the apostles proclaimed the Gospel in the public squares.
How does Isaiah 15:3 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Isaiah 15:3 is part of a larger prophecy against Moab, where God is judging the nation for its sins, as stated in Isaiah 15:1-5, and the verse shows the devastating consequences of God's judgment, similar to what is seen in Isaiah 13:6-16, where God judges Babylon for its sins.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I need to mourn and repent of, and how can I express my sorrow to God?
- How can I, like the people in Isaiah 15:3, be willing to publicly acknowledge my sins and weaknesses, and seek God's forgiveness and restoration?
- What are some ways that I can comfort and support others who are going through difficult times, just as the people in Isaiah 15:3 are comforting and supporting each other in their sorrow?
- How can I, in my own life, balance the need for private devotion and repentance with the need for public witness and proclamation, as seen in Isaiah 15:3 and Acts 2:14-21?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 15:3
In their streets they shall girt themselves with sackcloth,.... Instead of their fine clothes, with which they had used to deck themselves, being a very proud people; see Isaiah 16:6 this was usual
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 15:3
In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 15:3
Shall gird themselves with sackcloth: this was another practice of mourners. The tops of their houses, which were made flat, ; to which men used to go up, either to walk, or to cry to God in heaven or to men for help. In their streets; publicly, without shame; whereas in ordinary sorrows men are wont to seek secret places for their mourning.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 15:3
Isaiah 15:3 In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.Ver. 3. In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth.] Saccum et silicium non curat Deus. God careth not for these externals where there is not a heart sprinkled with the blood of his Son. "The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination; how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?" On the tops of their houses.] Thence, as it were, to require help from heaven. Weeping abundantly.] Heb., Descending with weeping, like as with weeping they ascended; they get nothing of their gods, though they cried to them. But he that goeth to the true God with an honest heart and lawful petitions is sure to speed. See Isaiah 45:19. Miseros ergo Papicolas, qui et ipsi cum fietu ad divos divasque suas ascendunt, cum ululatu descendunt. - Scultet.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 15:3
(3) In their streets . . .—The picture of lamentation is continued. The flat roofs of Eastern houses were a natural resort for such wailings (Isaiah 22:1). The “broad places,” the bazaars or market-places, were also, like the agora of Greek cities, a natural place of concourse. The prophet represents them as filled with the sound of wailing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 15:3
Verse 3. With sackcloth] שק sak. The word is in the plural שקים sakkim, sacks, in one of De Rossi's MSS.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 15:3
3. (Jeremiah 48:37 f.) on the tops of their houses] See on Isaiah 22:1. The word streets should not be used twice; substitute in the second case broad places (as in R.V.). weeping abundantly] lit. “going down in weeping,” an unusually strong figure. In other passages the eye is said to “go down in tears” (Jeremiah 9:18; Lamentations 1:16; Lamentations 3:48); but nowhere else is the whole being spoken of as dissolved in weeping.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 15:3
In their streets - Publicly. Everywhere there shall be lamentation and grief. Some shall go into the streets, and some on the tops of the houses.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 15:3
2, 3. He — The collective people of Moab. Has gone up to Bajith — This was probably not a town, but a high place for a sanctuary. The word is so near to Beth — a house — as to indicate only a temple, the house of Moab’s gods.
Sermons on Isaiah 15:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Take the Blame and Forgive Others by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not becoming familiar with the truth of Jesus' sacrifice, urging believers to continually find the freshness and significance of the cross. |
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Will There Be Another Revival? by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches on the story of the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings, highlighting the tragic consequences of spiritual famine and unbelief among God's people. The chapter reve |
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The Folly of the World's Philosophy by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of respect and disregard for God in society today, paralleling it to the people in Isaiah's time. He highlights the promotion of evol |
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Hell #02: What Does the Bible Teach? by Edward Donnelly | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the disturbing and alarming statements found in the scripture. He compares it to someone shouting "Fire!" in a building, causing panic and di |
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The Walk of Faith - Part 7 by Larry Ainsworth | In this sermon, the preacher recounts the story of a mother who approached Jesus in desperation to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus initially ignores her, but she persists |
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The Method of Salvation Through Jesus Christ by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the method of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the necessity of faith in Christ for eternal life. He passionately urges his audience to beli |
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The Rejection of Gospel-Light, the Condemnation of Men by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the condemnation of men who reject the light of the gospel due to their love for darkness, which stems from their evil deeds. He emphasizes that the en |