Isaiah 50:3
Isaiah 50:3 in Multiple Translations
I clothe the heavens in black and make sackcloth their covering.”
I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
By me the heavens are clothed with black, and I make haircloth their robe.
I can make the heavens go dark, covering them with sackcloth like they're in mourning.
I clothe the heauens with darkenesse, and make a sacke their couering.
I clothe the heavens [with] blackness, And sackcloth I make their covering.
I clothe the heavens with blackness. I make sackcloth their covering.”
I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
I will clothe the heavens with darkness, and will make sackcloth their covering.
I cause the sky to become dark, as though [MET] it was wearing black clothes because it was mourning because someone had died.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 50:3
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 50:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַלְבִּ֥ישׁ
שָׁמַ֖יִם
קַדְר֑וּת
וְ/שַׂ֖ק
אָשִׂ֥ים
כְּסוּתָֽ/ם
אַלְבִּ֥ישׁ
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
שָׁמַ֖יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
קַדְר֑וּת
qadrûwth
H6940
darkness
N-fs
וְ/שַׂ֖ק
saq
H8242
sackcloth
Conj | N-ms
אָשִׂ֥ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
כְּסוּתָֽ/ם
kᵉçûwth
H3682
covering
N-fs | Suff
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 50:3
אַלְבִּ֥ישׁ
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
שָׁמַ֖יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
קַדְר֑וּת
qadrûwth
H6940
"darkness"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means darkness or gloom, describing a state of blackness or shadow. It's used in the Bible to describe a lack of light or a somber atmosphere.
Definition: darkness, gloom
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: blackness. See also: Isaiah 50:3.
וְ/שַׂ֖ק
saq
H8242
"sackcloth"
Conj | 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.
אָשִׂ֥ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
כְּסוּתָֽ/ם
kᵉçûwth
H3682
"covering"
N-fs | Suff
A covering can also refer to a garment or clothing that is used to cover the body, as seen in many biblical descriptions of dress. It can also be used figuratively to describe a veiling or a concealment of something, such as a secret or a hidden truth. The Bible often uses this term to describe the clothing of important figures.
Definition: 1) covering, clothing 1a) covering, clothing 1b) covering (for concealment)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: covering, raiment, vesture. See also: Genesis 20:16; Job 24:7; Isaiah 50:3.
Study Notes — Isaiah 50:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 50:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 50:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 50:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 50:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 50:3
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 50:3
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 50:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 50:3
- Sermons on Isaiah 50:3
Context — Israel’s Sin
1This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
2Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst.
3I clothe the heavens in black and make sackcloth their covering.”
4The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. 5The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 6:12 | And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, |
| 2 | Psalms 18:11–12 | He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him. From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced— hailstones and coals of fire. |
| 3 | Exodus 10:21 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that darkness may spread over the land of Egypt—a palpable darkness.” |
| 4 | Matthew 27:45 | From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. |
Isaiah 50:3 Summary
Isaiah 50:3 is a powerful verse that shows us God's amazing power and control over the universe. When it says 'I clothe the heavens in black', it means God can bring darkness and judgment, like a big shadow over the whole sky. This is similar to what happened in Exodus 10:21-22 when God brought darkness over Egypt. It's a reminder that God is in charge and can do amazing things, and we should respect and obey Him, just like we learn in Psalm 104:29-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'clothe the heavens in black' in Isaiah 50:3?
This phrase is a poetic way of describing God's power to bring darkness and judgment, as seen in other passages like Exodus 10:21-22 where God brings darkness over Egypt, or in Matthew 24:29 where the sun and moon are darkened during the end times.
Is Isaiah 50:3 talking about a literal or figurative darkness?
The darkness described in Isaiah 50:3 is likely figurative, symbolizing God's judgment and mourning, similar to how sackcloth was used in biblical times to symbolize repentance and mourning, as seen in Jonah 3:6-8.
How does Isaiah 50:3 relate to God's character?
This verse highlights God's power and sovereignty over creation, as well as His ability to bring judgment, which is also seen in Psalm 104:29-30 where God's breath gives life or takes it away.
What is the significance of 'sackcloth' in Isaiah 50:3?
Sackcloth was a coarse, dark fabric worn in biblical times to express mourning, repentance, or grief, as seen in Esther 4:1-3, so in this context, it represents God's mourning over the sins of His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can reflect on God's power and sovereignty in my own life, especially during difficult times?
- How can I apply the concept of 'clothing the heavens in black' to my understanding of God's judgment and mercy?
- What does this verse teach me about God's emotional response to sin and rebellion, and how can I respond in a similar way to my own sin?
- In what ways can I use this verse to inform my prayers and petitions to God, especially when seeking forgiveness or guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 50:3
I clothe the heavens with blackness,.... With gross and thick darkness; perhaps referring to the three days' darkness the Egyptians were in, Exodus 10:12, or with thick and black clouds, as in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 50:3
I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering. I clothe the heavens with blackness - another of the judgments on Egypt to be repeated hereafter on the last enemy of God's people (Exodus 10:21).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 50:3
I clothe the heavens with blackness; or, I will or can clothe &c. What I once did in Egypt, when I drew black curtains before all the heavenly lights, and caused an unparalleled and amazing darkness for three days together, to the great terror of mine enemies, so I can and will do still when it is necessary to save my people. And therefore you have no reason to distrust me. I make sackcloth their covering; I cover them with thick and dark clouds, black as sackcloth, as is said, , or as that stuff of which the tents of Kedar were made, . From this and some other expressions it appears that they wore a black sackcloth, which also was most suitable to the state of mourners, by whom it was used.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 50:3
Isaiah 50:3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.Ver. 3. I clothe the heavens with blackness.] I did so in that three days’ darkness in Egypt, and shall do so again at the time of my passion. I can therefore, doubtless, deliver you, not only from Babylon, but from sin, death, and hell, by giving you an entrance into heaven by the waters of baptism, and by bringing you out of darkness into my marvellous light. And make sackcloth their covering.] Ita ut coelum pullata veste obtensum fuisse dixeris. So Revelation 6:12.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 50:3
3. Comp. Exodus 10:21 with blackness] with murky storm-clouds. The word, which occurs only here, denotes (like sackcloth in the next clause) the garb of mourning. Cf. Revelation 6:12. The strophe ends somewhat abruptly, and the thought is perhaps incomplete.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 50:3
I clothe the heavens with blackness - With the dark clouds of a tempest - perhaps with an allusion to the remarkable clouds and tempests that encircled the brow of Sinai when he gave the law.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 50:3
3. I clothe the heavens with blackness — As at Sinai, but I cause the terror stricken still to live, and lay before them my commands. Should not such a husband, such a father, helper, friend, be worthy of confidence?
Sermons on Isaiah 50:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Revelation - Part 1): John Saw Further in All Directions by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and the visions that John saw. He describes how John saw various apocalyptic events, such as the sun turning black, th |
|
Facing Your Fears - Part 2 by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the doctrine of the wrath of God and its significance in the last days. He emphasizes that the closer one walks with God, the more likely the |
|
All Shall Stand Before the Judgment Seat of Christ by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the book of Revelation as a revelation of mystery, majesty, and misery, depicting the final state of the lost separated from God. It emphasizes the solemn r |
|
The Desire of All Nations by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the importance of aligning our priorities with God's kingdom, as seen in the book of Haggai where the people had lost focus and were urged to put God first. |
|
The Apocalypse - Revelation 6b (The Sixth Seal) by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sixth seal and its physical attributes. They begin by noting that the list of reactions described in the sixth seal applies to every categ |
|
Overview of Revelation by Edgar Reich | This sermon delves into the topic of the end times, exploring various prophecies and events leading up to the end of the world as described in the book of Revelation. It emphasizes |
|
Days of the Lamb by John Ridley | John Ridley preaches on the profound imagery found in Revelation 6:12-17, emphasizing the great day of God's wrath and the cosmic upheaval that accompanies it. He reflects on the g |