Isaiah 32:13

Isaiah 32:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and for the land of my people, overgrown with thorns and briers— even for every house of merriment in this city of revelry.

King James Version KJV

Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city:

American Standard Version ASV

Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And for the land of my people, where thorns will come up; even for all the houses of joy in the glad town.

Free Bible Version FBV

over the loss of the land of my people. Mourn because it's now overgrown with thorns and brambles, mourn because of the loss of all the happy homes and joyful towns.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Vpon the lande of my people shall growe thornes and briers: yea, vpon all the houses of ioye in the citie of reioysing,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Over the ground of my people thorn — brier goeth up, Surely over all houses of joy of the exulting city,

World English Bible WEB

Thorns and briers will come up on my people’s land; yes, on all the houses of joy in the joyous city.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; also, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Upon the land of my people shall thorns and briers come up: how much more upon all the houses of joy, of the city that rejoiced?

Translation for Translators T4T

because only thorns and thistles will grow in your soil. Your houses where you had joyful parties and your city where you have been happy will be gone.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 32:13

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 32:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עַ֚ל אַדְמַ֣ת עַמִּ֔/י ק֥וֹץ שָׁמִ֖יר תַּֽעֲלֶ֑ה כִּ֚י עַל כָּל בָּתֵּ֣י מָשׂ֔וֹשׂ קִרְיָ֖ה עַלִּיזָֽה

עַ֚ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

אַדְמַ֣ת ʼădâmâh H127 land N-fs

עַמִּ֔/י ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

ק֥וֹץ qôwts H6975 thorn N-ms

שָׁמִ֖יר shâmîyr H8068 thorn N-ms

תַּֽעֲלֶ֑ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

כִּ֚י kîy H3588 for Conj

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

בָּתֵּ֣י bayith H1004 place N-mp

מָשׂ֔וֹשׂ mâsôws H4885 rejoicing N-ms

קִרְיָ֖ה qiryâh H7151 town N-fs

עַלִּיזָֽה ʻallîyz H5947 jubilant Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 32:13

עַ֚ל 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.

אַדְמַ֣ת ʼădâmâh H127 "land" N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.

Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.

עַמִּ֔/י ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

ק֥וֹץ qôwts H6975 "thorn" N-ms

This Hebrew word simply means a thorn, like the thorns that grew in the ground after Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3:18. It can also refer to a thornbush, as in Judges 9:14.

Definition: 1) thorn, thornbush 1a) thornbush 1b) thorn

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: thorn. See also: Genesis 3:18; Isaiah 32:13; Psalms 118:12.

שָׁמִ֖יר shâmîyr H8068 "thorn" N-ms

A thorn or sharp stone, also possibly a diamond due to its sharpness. This word is used in Exodus 28:18 and Ezekiel 28:13 to describe precious stones and in Matthew 13:7 to describe thorns that choke out God's word.

Definition: 1) thorn(s), adamant, flint 1a) thorns, thorn-bushes 1b) adamant (as sharp) 1c) a sharp stone, flint 1c1) perhaps a diamond

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: adamant (stone), brier, diamond. See also: Isaiah 5:6; Isaiah 10:17; Isaiah 7:23.

תַּֽעֲלֶ֑ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

כִּ֚י 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.

עַל 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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

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.

בָּתֵּ֣י bayith H1004 "place" N-mp

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

מָשׂ֔וֹשׂ mâsôws H4885 "rejoicing" N-ms

This Hebrew word means a feeling of great joy or delight, like the rejoicing in Psalm 16:11. It's about being happy and celebrating something good. In the Bible, it often describes a positive emotional state.

Definition: exultation, joy, rejoicing

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: joy, mirth, rejoice. See also: Job 8:19; Isaiah 62:5; Psalms 48:3.

קִרְיָ֖ה qiryâh H7151 "town" N-fs

This word refers to a town or city, a place where people live and work. It is used in the Bible to describe various urban areas.

Definition: 1) city, town 1a) in general 1b) in specific 1c) collective 1d) indefinite Aramaic equivalent: qir.yah (קִרְיָה "town" H7149)

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: city. See also: Numbers 21:28; Isaiah 22:2; Psalms 48:3.

עַלִּיזָֽה ʻallîyz H5947 "jubilant" Adj

This Hebrew word means feeling jubilant or exultant, like being full of joy. It's used to describe people rejoicing in the Bible, such as in Psalm 51. It's about being happy and celebratory.

Definition: exultant, jubilant

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: joyous, (that) rejoice(-ing) See also: Isaiah 13:3; Isaiah 24:8; Isaiah 22:2.

Study Notes — Isaiah 32:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 32:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 32:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 32:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 32:13
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 32:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 32:13
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 32:13
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 32:13
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 32:13
Sermons on Isaiah 32:13

Context — The Women of Jerusalem

11Shudder, you ladies of leisure; tremble, you daughters of complacency. Strip yourselves bare and put sackcloth around your waists. 12Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines,

13and for the land of my people, overgrown with thorns and briers— even for every house of merriment in this city of revelry.

14For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become caves forever— the delight of wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks— 15until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 22:2	O city of commotion, O town of revelry? Your slain did not die by the sword, nor were they killed in battle.
2	Hosea 9:6	For even if they flee destruction, Egypt will gather them and Memphis will bury them. Their precious silver will be taken over by thistles, and thorns will overrun their tents.
3	Isaiah 7:23	And on that day, in every place that had a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels of silver, only briers and thorns will be found.
4	Isaiah 34:13	Her towers will be overgrown with thorns, her fortresses with thistles and briers. She will become a haunt for jackals, an abode for ostriches.
5	Revelation 18:7–8	As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’ Therefore her plagues will come in one day— death and grief and famine— and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”
6	Isaiah 22:12–13	On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”
7	Psalms 107:34	and fruitful land into fields of salt, because of the wickedness of its dwellers.
8	Isaiah 6:11	Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?” And He replied: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate and ravaged,
9	Jeremiah 39:8	The Chaldeans set fire to the palace of the king and to the houses of the people, and they broke down the walls of Jerusalem.
10	Isaiah 5:6	I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.”

Isaiah 32:13 Summary

[This verse is saying that the land of God's people has become spiritually barren and desolate, like a field overgrown with thorns and briers, because of their sin and disobedience, as seen in Isaiah 5:1-7 and Deuteronomy 28:15-68. The city is also filled with revelry and worldly pleasures, but this will not bring true joy or fulfillment, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 and 1 Peter 4:3. Instead, God calls us to repentance and faith in His promises, as seen in Isaiah 32:15-20 and Jeremiah 31:31-34. By trusting in God and seeking His restoration, we can experience true joy and fulfillment, as seen in Psalm 16:11 and John 15:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the land to be overgrown with thorns and briers in Isaiah 32:13?

This phrase is a metaphor for the spiritual desolation and barrenness that results from sin and disobedience, as seen in Isaiah 5:6 and Matthew 13:7.

Why is the city described as a city of revelry in this verse?

The city is described as a city of revelry because its people have become consumed by worldly pleasures and have forgotten God, similar to the warnings in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 and 1 Peter 4:3.

What is the significance of every house of merriment being affected in this verse?

The fact that every house of merriment is affected emphasizes that no one will be exempt from the judgment and desolation that is coming, as seen in Isaiah 24:7-12 and Amos 6:1-7.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is part of a larger warning to the people of Judah about the consequences of their sin and complacency, as seen in Isaiah 32:9-14, and it serves as a call to repentance and faith in God's promises, as seen in Isaiah 32:15-20 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I have allowed thorns and briers to grow, and how can I repent and seek God's restoration?
In what ways have I been prioritizing worldly pleasures and revelry over my relationship with God, and what steps can I take to reorient my priorities?
How can I balance the enjoyment of God's gifts and blessings with a sense of reverence and awe for His holiness, as seen in Psalm 104:1-35 and 1 Timothy 4:4-5?
What does it mean for me to 'mourn' and 'lament' over the spiritual desolation of my community, as seen in this verse and in Ezekiel 9:4 and Matthew 5:4?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 32:13

Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns [and] briers,.... The curse of the earth, the spontaneous productions of it, being uncultivated, and this through want of men, they being destroyed or

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 32:13

Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city: Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers - (Isaiah 5:6; Isaiah 7:23.)

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 32:13

Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers. If any of you think there is no great cause for such trembling and lamentation, which shall last but for a year and some days, know that this calamity by the Assyrians is but an earnest of further and sorer judgments; for the time is coming when this land shall be laid desolate, and instead of vines and other fruits, it shall yield nothing but briers and thorns; of which see on ,24. Upon all the houses of joy; upon that ground where now your houses stand, in which you delight, and take your fill of mirth and pleasure.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 32:13

Isaiah 32:13 Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns [and] briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy [in] the joyous city:Ver. 13. Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns.] Here the prophet proceedeth to denounce the destruction of the land that should one day come by the Babylonians; and yet he foretelleth that afterwards God shall receive them into favour, and restore unto them such a kingdom as wherein righteousness and peace shall meet and mutually salute. In the joyous city.] Or, Revelling city. See Isaiah 22:2; Isaiah 22:13 Zephaniah 2:15.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 32:13

Verse 13. Shall come up thorns and briers - "The thorn and the brier shall come up"] All the ancient Versions read ושמיר veshamir, with the conjunction. And an ancient MS. has תעלה בו taaleh bo, "shall come up in it," which seems to be right; or rather בה bah: and there is a rasure in the place of בו bo in another ancient MS. Yea, upon all the houses of joy] For כי ki, the ancient Versions, except the Vulgate, seem to have read ו ve. כי ki may perhaps be a mistake for בו bo, or בה bah, in it, above mentioned. It is not necessary in this place. The description of impending distress which begins at Isaiah 32:13 belongs to other times than that of Sennacherib's invasion, from which they were so soon delivered. It must at least extend to the ruin of the country and city by the Chaldeans. And the promise of blessings which follows was not fulfilled under the Mosaic dispensation; they belong to the KINGDOM of Messiah. Compare Isaiah 32:15 with Isaiah 29:17, and see the note there.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 32:13

13. Upon the land … briers] It is perhaps better to take this as continuing Isaiah 32:12, rendering thus: For the (cultivated) land of my people, which goes up in thorns and briers (cf. ch. Isaiah 5:6); yea, for all, &c. (The verb “goes up” is fem. and must have as its subj. the fem “land”; “thorns” and “briers” are masc.) the joyous city] (see on ch. Isaiah 22:2) may be a genitive depending on “houses,” or may be a parallel phrase, governed by “for.”

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 32:13

Upon the land of my people - A description similar to this, in regard to the consequences of the invasion of Sennacherib, is given in Isaiah 7:20-25 (see the notes at that passage).

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 32:13

13, 14. Upon the land… thorns and briers — Recurrence again to what is yet to happen to Judah and Jerusalem makes the language of the prophet in the original grammatically complicated, just as is

Sermons on Isaiah 32:13

	Sermon	Description
	Holy Spirit #29: The Spirit of Revival by Alan Cairns	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer for revival in times of spiritual decline in the Church. He refers to Isaiah 62:6-7, where God sets watchmen on the
	The Happy Effects of the Pouring Out of the Spirit by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the necessity of a general outpouring of the Holy Spirit for national reformation and individual salvation. He emphasizes the dire consequences of sin
	The Crisis, or the Uncertain Doom of Kingdoms at Particular Times by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the uncertainty and anxiety faced by nations in times of crisis, using the example of Nineveh's impending doom due to sin. He emphasizes the importance
	Isaiah and Jerusalem by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson explores the profound messages of the prophet Isaiah, emphasizing his dual focus on sin and judgment for Jerusalem, alongside a hopeful vision of redemption and restor
	Isaiah Chapter 4 Isaiah and Jerusalem by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson explores the profound messages of the prophet Isaiah, focusing on the themes of sin, judgment, and eventual redemption for Judah and Jerusalem. He highlights Isaiah's
	An Inquiry After Truth and Righteousness, and After the People, &C. by Isaac Penington	Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 34478 preaches on the significance of mourning over sin, emphasizing the need for genuine confession, repentance, and sorrow. The preacher high
	Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of singing as a delightful part of worship bestowed by God to show forth His praise. He reflects on the original purpose of singing and how s