Isaiah 21:6
Isaiah 21:6 in Multiple Translations
For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman; let him declare what he seeth:
For so has the Lord said to me, Go, let a watchman be placed; let him give word of what he sees:
This is what the Lord told me: “Go! Have a lookout keep watch, and make sure he reports what he sees.
For thus hath the Lord said vnto me, Go, set a watchman, to tell what he seeth.
For thus said the Lord unto me: 'Go, station the watchman, That which he seeth let him declare.'
For the Lord said to me, “Go, set a watchman. Let him declare what he sees.
For thus hath the LORD said to me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.
For thus hath the Lord said to me: Go, and set a watchman: and whatsoever he shall see, let him tell.
Then Yahweh said to me, “Put a watchman on the wall of Jerusalem, and tell him to shout/proclaim what he sees.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 21:6
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 21:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
כֹ֥ה
אָמַ֛ר
אֵלַ֖/י
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
לֵ֚ךְ
הַעֲמֵ֣ד
הַֽ/מְצַפֶּ֔ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יִרְאֶ֖ה
יַגִּֽיד
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כֹ֥ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֛ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
לֵ֚ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הַעֲמֵ֣ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
הַֽ/מְצַפֶּ֔ה
tsâphâh
H6822
to watch
Art | V-Piel
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִרְאֶ֖ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יַגִּֽיד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 21:6
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֹ֥ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֛ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
לֵ֚ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
הַעֲמֵ֣ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
הַֽ/מְצַפֶּ֔ה
tsâphâh
H6822
"to watch"
Art | V-Piel
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִרְאֶ֖ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יַגִּֽיד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
Study Notes — Isaiah 21:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 21:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:6
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:6
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:6
- Sermons on Isaiah 21:6
Context — Babylon Is Fallen
4My heart falters; fear makes me tremble. The twilight I desired has turned to horror.
5They prepare a table, they lay out a carpet, they eat, they drink! Rise up, O princes, oil the shields!
6For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.
7When he sees chariots with teams of horsemen, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be alert, fully alert.” 8Then the lookout shouted: “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; night after night I stay at my post.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 33:2–7 | “Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman, and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people. Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. Since he heard the sound of the horn but failed to heed the warning, his blood will be on his own head. If he had heeded the warning, he would have saved his life. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’ As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 3:17 | “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. |
| 3 | Habakkuk 2:1–2 | I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected. Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 9:17–20 | Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi —he is driving like a madman!” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 51:12–13 | Raise a banner against the walls of Babylon; post the guard; station the watchmen; prepare the ambush. For the LORD has both devised and accomplished what He spoke against the people of Babylon. You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut. |
| 6 | Isaiah 62:6 | On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, |
Isaiah 21:6 Summary
In Isaiah 21:6, the Lord instructs the prophet to post a lookout and report what he sees. This means that the Lord wants to be informed about the events that are happening in the world, just like a king would want to know what's going on in his kingdom (see 2 Samuel 18:24-27). The lookout is like a watchman, who is responsible for warning others of potential dangers (as seen in Ezekiel 33:2-6). We can apply this principle to our own lives by being watchful and aware of the world around us, and using our observations to warn others and bring glory to God (see Matthew 25:1-13 and 1 Corinthians 16:13).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Lord saying 'Go, post a lookout' in Isaiah 21:6?
This instruction signifies the Lord's desire to be informed about the events unfolding, much like in Ezekiel 3:17, where the prophet is appointed as a watchman to warn the people of impending judgment.
Who is the lookout being addressed in Isaiah 21:6?
The lookout is likely the prophet Isaiah himself, who is being instructed by the Lord to observe and report the events that will unfold, similar to the role of prophets in Jeremiah 6:17 and Ezekiel 33:2-6.
What is the purpose of the lookout's report in Isaiah 21:6?
The purpose of the lookout's report is to provide the Lord with information about the actions of the nations, which will ultimately lead to their judgment, as seen in Isaiah 13:19 and Jeremiah 25:12-14.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us of the importance of being watchful and aware of the world around us, just as the apostle Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 16:13, and to be prepared to give an account of our actions to the Lord, as seen in Romans 14:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more watchful and attentive, just like the lookout in Isaiah 21:6?
- How can I apply the principle of being a 'watchman' in my own life, as described in Ezekiel 3:17-21?
- What are some potential consequences of not being vigilant and aware of the world around me, as warned in Matthew 25:1-13?
- In what ways can I use my observations and insights to warn others of potential dangers, just like the prophets in the Bible?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:6
For thus hath the Lord said unto me,.... This is a confirmation of the above prophecy from the Lord himself, he showing to the prophet, in a visionary way, the ruin of Babylon, and the means and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:6
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth. God's direction to Isaiah to set a watchman to "declare" what he sees.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:6
Thus hath the Lord said unto me; I speak not my own fancies, but what God hath made me to see and hear in a vision; the particulars whereof are related in the following verses. A watchman; either, 1. A prophet; such being oft so called, as 33:2. Or rather, 2. A military watchman. For this was now done only in a vision, which yet did foresignify what should be done really afterwards. Let him declare, to thee in vision, to them really.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:6
Isaiah 21:6 For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.Ver. 6. For thus hath the Lord said unto me.] Confirming, by a prophetic vision, what I had foretold concerning the calamity of the Chaldees.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:6
(6) Go, set a watchman . . .—The prophet is, as it were, placed in vision on a lofty watch-tower, and reports what meets his gaze, or that of the watchman with whom he identifies himself (Ezekiel 33:7). (Comp. the striking parallel of Hab 2:1-2.)
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:6
6–9. Hitherto the prophet has spoken of his vision as a thing “announced” to him; now he proceeds to describe, in a very interesting passage, the method of its communication. The delineation is figurative, but seems in some sense to imply a dual consciousness of the writer. The watchman is the prophet himself in the ecstatic condition; he then sees and hears things beyond human ken. Meanwhile his ordinary waking consciousness is not suspended, but is ready to receive and transmit to the world the “watchman’s” report. The same figure is somewhat differently applied in Habakkuk 2:1. For the expression, cf. Jeremiah 6:17; Ezekiel 3:17; Ezekiel 33:7.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:6
Go, set a watchman - This was said to Isaiah in the vision. He represents himself as in Babylon, and as hearing God command him to set a watchman on the watch-tower who would announce what was to come to pass.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:6
6. Go, set a watchman — As if a degree of languor was already coming on the scene.
Sermons on Isaiah 21:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Blind Watchman by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel challenges listeners to be watchmen for God and to declare His truth to the world. He references Isaiah 21:6 and 56:10, highlighting the importance of |
|
|
A Watchman by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the role of watchmen in the context of Isaiah chapter 21. He emphasizes the importance of being watchful and alert in the face of the trends |
|
Why Will You Die? by Achille Blaize | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He highlights that God issues a universal invitation to all people to turn from thei |
|
Feast at the Table by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a deep and personal commitment to Jesus. He uses the example of the apostle Paul, who despite experiencing supernatural encounte |
|
The Way of the Righteous and the Way of the Wicked by George Plante | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of entertainment and its impact on Christians. He acknowledges that some people may view entertainment as just a form of enjoyment, |
|
True Christianity Defended by John Wesley | John Wesley defends true Christianity by addressing the corruption in both doctrine and practice within the Church, lamenting how the faithful city has become unfaithful. He emphas |
|
Bible Survey - Ezekiel by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the life and prophecies of Ezekiel, a priestly prophet who ministered among the exiles in Babylon. Ezekiel's unique style of ministry involved using symbo |