Isaiah 16:11
Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kir-haresh.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּן֙
H3651
כֵּן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
מֵעַ֣י
Wherefore my bowels
H4578
מֵעַ֣י
Wherefore my bowels
Strong's:
H4578
Word #:
3 of 9
used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru
לְמוֹאָ֔ב
for Moab
H4124
לְמוֹאָ֔ב
for Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
4 of 9
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
יֶֽהֱמ֑וּ
shall sound
H1993
יֶֽהֱמ֑וּ
shall sound
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
6 of 9
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
וְקִרְבִּ֖י
and mine inward parts
H7130
וְקִרְבִּ֖י
and mine inward parts
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
Cross References
Isaiah 15:5My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.Isaiah 63:15Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?Jeremiah 48:36Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kir-heres: because the riches that he hath gotten are perished.Hosea 11:8How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.Philippians 2:1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,Jeremiah 31:20Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Ancient Hebrew understanding located emotions in internal organs (heart, kidneys, bowels) rather than brain. Deep sorrow was described as internal organs being moved or making sound. The harp (kinnor) frequently accompanied lamentations. Kirharesh represents Moab's strength, so mourning for it symbolizes grief over the entire nation. Isaiah's role involved both proclaiming judgment and embodying appropriate response—demonstrating how God's people balance truth and compassion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does visceral grief over judgment model God's attitude toward the wicked's destruction?
- What does Isaiah's compassion teach pastors about proclaiming difficult truths?
- How should Christians balance confidence in God's justice with sorrow over sin's consequences?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"My bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh." The prophet's internal organs "sound" with grief—visceral, physical sorrow. Harp imagery suggests plaintive mourning music. The Hebrew mei (bowels) represents emotion's seat in ancient physiology—deepest feelings. Isaiah's grief matches Moab's, demonstrating that proclaiming judgment and mourning its necessity aren't contradictory. God takes no pleasure in the wicked's death (Ezekiel 33:11), grieving sin's consequences while maintaining justice. This models pastoral theology: ministers must feel judgment's weight, never becoming callous about divine wrath.