Isaiah 16:11

KJV

Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore my bowels {H4578} shall sound {H1993} like an harp {H3658} for Moab {H4124}, and mine inward parts {H7130} for Kirharesh {H7025}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why my heart throbs like a lyre for Mo'av, and everything in me for Kir-Heres.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres.

American Standard Version

Wherefore my heart soundeth like a harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kir-heres.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 16:11 presents a deeply moving and visceral expression of the prophet Isaiah’s profound lament over the impending desolation of Moab. Despite Moab's historical antagonism toward Israel, the prophet’s "bowels" and "inward parts" are depicted as trembling and resonating with grief, akin to the mournful sound of a harp. This verse encapsulates a divine sorrow accompanying judgment, revealing a compassionate heart that grieves even for those facing God's righteous wrath, thereby underscoring the universal reach of God's sovereignty and the prophet's empathetic identification with suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger prophetic oracle against Moab, spanning [Isaiah chapters 15 and 16](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15-16 - The Burden of Moab"). The preceding verses detail the widespread destruction and flight of the Moabite people, describing their cities laid waste, their vineyards destroyed, and their cries ascending to God. Specifically, [Isaiah 15:5](/isaiah/15-5 "Isaiah 15:5 - Moab's Flight and Lament") mentions the heart crying out for Moab, setting the emotional stage for the prophet’s intensely personal lament in verse 11. The oracle initiates with a sudden, overwhelming judgment, portraying Moab's demise as swift and complete, highlighting the futility of human strength against divine decree. The prophet's lament here serves not as an endorsement of Moab's actions but as a profound reflection of the sorrow that accompanies God's righteous judgment, even upon nations outside the covenant people. The shift from the general lament of the people to the prophet's personal anguish intensifies the emotional impact and theological significance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, serving as both a neighbor and frequent adversary of Israel. Their relationship was complex, marked by periods of conflict, such as the account in [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - Jehoram and Jehoshaphat against Moab"), and occasional peaceful interactions, exemplified by Ruth, a Moabitess who became an ancestress of King David. The oracle against Moab likely reflects a period of significant geopolitical instability, particularly the expansionist policies of the Assyrian Empire, a common threat to many nations in the ancient Near East during Isaiah’s ministry in the 8th century BCE. The mention of "Kirharesh" (also known as Kir-hareseth or Kir-heres) refers to a major fortified city in Moab, indicating that the judgment would be comprehensive, affecting even their strongest defenses. Culturally, expressions of deep sorrow involving the "bowels" or "inward parts" were common in the ancient Near East, signifying profound emotional distress, compassion, or empathy, much like the "heart" or "gut" in modern English.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes conveyed in [Isaiah 15-16](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15-16 - The Burden of Moab") and particularly underscored in [Isaiah 16:11](/isaiah/16-11 "Isaiah 16:11 - Isaiah's Lament for Moab") include the **Sovereignty of God over all Nations**, demonstrating unequivocally that no kingdom, however strong or defiant, is beyond His divine judgment and ultimate control. Another crucial theme is **Prophetic Empathy and Divine Compassion**, as the prophet's profound sorrow for Moab mirrors, in a human sense, God's own lament over the necessary consequences of sin and rebellion, even for those outside His covenant people, as powerfully illustrated in [Hosea 11:8](/hosea/11-8 "Hosea 11:8 - God's Compassion for Ephraim"). The verse also vividly highlights the **Humanity of the Prophet**, portraying Isaiah not merely as a detached messenger of divine decree but as a deeply feeling individual who genuinely grieves over the suffering of others, even those considered enemies. This personal anguish underscores the gravity of the judgment and the universal impact of sin, inviting readers to consider the depth of feeling involved in God's dealings with humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bowels (Hebrew, _mêʻeh'_):** From an unused root likely meaning "to be soft," this term, used in the plural, refers literally to the intestines or abdomen. Figuratively, as used here, it denotes the seat of deep sympathy, compassion, or profound emotion, akin to the "heart" in English. The prophet's "bowels" are stirred, indicating a visceral, gut-wrenching sorrow that affects him to his very core, a physical manifestation of deep emotional distress.
* **sound (Hebrew, _hâmâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to make a loud sound," often implying a great commotion, tumult, or moan. When applied to the "bowels," it vividly conveys an internal trembling, a deep, resonant groan or vibration of anguish. It suggests not merely a feeling of sadness, but a physical, almost audible, manifestation of intense internal distress, a turbulent inner churning.
* **harp (Hebrew, _kinnôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to twang," this refers to a stringed musical instrument, specifically a harp or lyre. The imagery of the harp here is crucial. While harps can produce joyful melodies, they are also capable of mournful, trembling, and plaintive sounds. The comparison suggests a sorrow that is not silent but resonates, vibrating with a mournful, almost musical, quality, indicative of profound lamentation and a deep, sustained wail of grief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab,"**: This opening clause establishes the prophet's intensely personal and profound emotional response to the impending judgment upon Moab. The "bowels," understood as the seat of deep emotion, are depicted as physically "sounding" or vibrating with anguish. The **simile** "like an harp" vividly portrays this internal tremor as a mournful, resonant lament, a deep, sorrowful vibration that emanates from the very core of his being, specifically directed "for Moab," the object of God's severe judgment. This indicates a deep, sympathetic identification with the suffering of even an adversarial nation.
* **"and mine inward parts for Kirharesh."**: This second clause functions as a powerful example of **synonymous parallelism**, reinforcing and intensifying the sentiment of the first. "Mine inward parts" (Hebrew, _qereb'_) serves as a near synonym for "bowels," emphasizing the totality and depth of the prophet's internal anguish. By specifically naming "Kirharesh," a prominent fortified city in Moab, the prophet underscores the comprehensive nature of the devastation and the specific focus of his lament, highlighting that the sorrow extends to the very heart of Moabite strength, population, and cultural identity. The repetition emphasizes the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the impending doom.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 16:11 is rich in **Imagery** and **Figurative Language**, powerfully conveying the prophet's emotional state. The central device is a **Simile**, comparing the prophet's internal anguish to the "sound" of a "harp." This comparison evokes a sense of deep, vibrating, and mournful lament, suggesting a sorrow that is not static but dynamically resonates within him. The use of "bowels" and "inward parts" is a powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the inner organs represent the entirety of one's deepest emotions and visceral reactions, emphasizing the physical manifestation of profound grief. This is also an example of **Personification**, as the prophet's internal organs are described as actively "sounding" or vibrating with emotion. Furthermore, the verse employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and mine inward parts for Kirharesh") echoes and intensifies the meaning of the first ("my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab"), creating a balanced yet emotionally charged expression of profound grief that deepens the pathos and impact of the prophetic message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 16:11 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of divine judgment and the empathetic response it can evoke. It challenges a simplistic view of judgment as merely punitive, revealing that even God's righteous decrees can be accompanied by a profound sorrow, a sentiment mirrored in the prophet's own anguish. This verse underscores that God's justice is not devoid of compassion, even for those who stand in opposition to Him. The prophet's lament for Moab, a nation often hostile to Israel, demonstrates a universal scope of empathy that transcends national or covenantal boundaries, reflecting a divine heart that grieves over the consequences of sin for all humanity. This prophetic sorrow serves as a model for believers to cultivate compassion, even for adversaries, and to mourn over the brokenness and suffering in the world, recognizing that all nations are ultimately accountable to the sovereign God and that His heart is grieved by the necessity of judgment.

* [Jeremiah 48:36](/jeremiah/48-36 "Jeremiah 48:36 - Jeremiah's Lament for Moab")
* [Hosea 11:8](/hosea/11-8 "Hosea 11:8 - God's Compassion for Ephraim")
* [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Weeping for His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 16:11 calls us to a deeper understanding of empathy, particularly in the face of suffering, even when that suffering is a consequence of divine judgment. The prophet's visceral grief for Moab, a historical adversary, challenges us to expand the boundaries of our compassion beyond our immediate circles, families, or nations. It reminds us that while God is just and righteous in His judgments, they are often accompanied by a profound sorrow, a divine lament over the brokenness of creation and the devastating consequences of sin. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart that is deeply moved by the distress of others, to mourn with those who mourn, and to recognize the universal impact of sin and the pervasive need for God's mercy. It prompts us to consider how we respond to news of global suffering or the plight of those we might deem "outsiders" or even "enemies." Do our "bowels sound like a harp" with genuine lament, or are we quick to dismiss or judge? Ultimately, this passage invites us to reflect God's own compassionate heart in a world groaning under the weight of sin and its consequences, urging us to be agents of His comfort and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaiah's profound grief for Moab challenge your understanding of divine judgment and God's character?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of empathy for those who suffer, even if they are outside your immediate community or are considered "adversaries"?**
* **What does the prophet's personal anguish teach us about the role of genuine human emotion in spiritual leadership or prophetic ministry today?**
* **How might recognizing God's own sorrow over the necessity of judgment influence your prayers for the world and your actions in it?**

### FAQ
**What does "my bowels shall sound like an harp" mean in Isaiah 16:11?**

Answer: This vivid phrase is a Hebrew idiom expressing intense, visceral emotional distress, particularly deep sorrow, grief, or compassion. In ancient Hebrew thought, the "bowels" (and "inward parts") were considered the literal seat of profound emotion and deep-seated feelings, much like how we use "heart" or "gut feeling" today. The comparison to a "harp" suggests a trembling, vibrating, and mournful sound, indicating that the prophet's internal anguish is so profound it feels like a resonant, sorrowful melody. It signifies a gut-wrenching, almost physical, manifestation of lament over the impending destruction of Moab, a deep internal churning of grief.

**Why would Isaiah, an Israelite prophet, lament for Moab, a nation often hostile to Israel?**

Answer: Isaiah's lament for Moab highlights a crucial aspect of prophetic ministry and divine character: compassion and God's universal sovereignty. While Moab was indeed often an adversary of Israel, the prophets frequently demonstrated a broader concern for justice and the well-being of all nations, recognizing God's ultimate dominion over the entire world. This lament shows that God's judgment, while righteous and necessary, is not devoid of sorrow, and His prophets often shared in that divine grief. It underscores the universal nature of sin's consequences and the profound empathy that a true servant of God should possess, even for those outside their immediate covenant or community. It reflects God's own sorrow over the need for judgment, as powerfully seen in passages like [Hosea 11:8](/hosea/11-8 "God's Compassion for Ephraim"), where God expresses His reluctance to give up Ephraim despite their rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound, visceral lament of Isaiah for Moab in [Isaiah 16:11](/isaiah/16-11 "Isaiah 16:11 - Isaiah's Lament for Moab") finds its ultimate and most perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Isaiah's "bowels" sounded with grief over the judgment of a rebellious nation, so too did Christ embody divine sorrow over the sin and suffering of all humanity. We see this in His weeping over Jerusalem, lamenting their rejection of God's grace and their impending desolation, as recorded in [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem"), where His tears reveal a divine heart broken over human rebellion. His agony in Gethsemane, where His soul was "very sorrowful, even to death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")), reveals a depth of internal anguish far surpassing any human prophet's, as He contemplated the full weight of the world's sin. On the cross, Christ bore not just the physical pain but the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, experiencing the ultimate separation from the Father, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Through His suffering and sacrifice, Jesus entered into and ultimately conquered the very sorrow and judgment that Isaiah lamented. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering redemption and comfort to all nations, fulfilling the hope that emerges from the depths of prophetic lament and inviting all to find solace in His compassionate sacrifice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 15:5

My 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 63:15

¶ Look 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?

Hosea 11:8

¶ How 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.

Jeremiah 48:36

Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kirheres: because the riches [that] he hath gotten are perished.

Philippians 2:1

¶ If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Jeremiah 31:20

[Is] 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.

Jeremiah 4:19

¶ My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.