Isaiah 16:6

KJV

¶ We have heard of the pride of Moab; [he is] very proud: [even] of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: [but] his lies [shall] not [be] so.

KJV (with Strong's)

We have heard {H8085} of the pride {H1347} of Moab {H4124}; he is very {H3966} proud {H1341}: even of his haughtiness {H1346}, and his pride {H1347}, and his wrath {H5678}: but his lies {H907} shall not be so.

Complete Jewish Bible

We have heard about Mo'av's pride, how very proud they are; about their haughty arrogance, their insolence and bravado.

Berean Standard Bible

We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his overflowing arrogance. But his boasting is empty.

American Standard Version

We have heard of the pride of Moab, thathe is very proud; even of his arrogancy, and his pride, and his wrath; his boastings are nought.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 16:6 delivers a forceful prophetic indictment against Moab, exposing its deeply ingrained and defiant pride, arrogance, and wrath. The verse highlights the widespread notoriety of Moab's hubris and emphatically declares that, despite their self-exalting boasts and deceptive claims, their empty words and schemes will ultimately prove futile and fail to materialize. This serves as a divine judgment against their pervasive arrogance and a powerful affirmation of God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and human boasting.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a broader prophetic oracle against Moab, spanning [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - Oracle Against Moab") and [Isaiah 16](/isaiah/16 "Isaiah 16 - Oracle Against Moab"). The preceding verses in [Isaiah 16:1-5](/isaiah/16-1-5 "Isaiah 16:1-5 - Moab's Plea for Refuge and Judah's Response") depict a distressed Moab, now seeking refuge and compassion, even appealing to Judah for shelter for their exiles. This creates a striking paradox: a nation brought low and desperate, yet still characterized by an ingrained, defiant pride that is the very target of divine judgment. The oracle as a whole meticulously details Moab's impending desolation, focusing on the destruction of its cities, the ruin of its famed vineyards, and the profound lamentation of its people, with their overwhelming pride serving as a central catalyst for this severe divine reckoning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, frequently engaged in conflict with Israel throughout its history, as evidenced in narratives like [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam and Balak"), [Judges 3](/judges/3 "Judges 3 - Ehud and Eglon"), and [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - Jehoram's Campaign Against Moab"). Renowned for its agricultural abundance, particularly its vineyards and fertile plains, Moab's prosperity often fostered a profound sense of self-sufficiency and arrogance. This led them to boast in their own strength and to consistently resist God's people. Their national deity was Chemosh, to whom they were known to offer human sacrifices, as dramatically illustrated in [2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - The King of Moab Sacrifices His Son"). This cultural backdrop of self-reliance, polytheism, and a persistent antagonistic relationship with Israel profoundly illuminates why Moab's pervasive pride was so offensive to the one true God and why its certain judgment was foretold.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pervasive Pride and Futile Boasts") is the **Destructive Nature of Pride**. The emphatic repetition of "pride" and related terms underscores its pervasive and defining characteristic for Moab, vividly illustrating how arrogance blinds both nations and individuals to their true state and to God's ultimate sovereignty. This leads directly to the theme of **Divine Judgment on Arrogance**: God consistently opposes the proud and brings down those who exalt themselves, a principle echoed throughout the biblical narrative (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")). Finally, the verse powerfully emphasizes the **Futility of Human Boasting**. The declaration that "his lies shall not be so" reveals that Moab's deceptive statements, arrogant claims of self-sufficiency, or empty threats would ultimately come to nothing, demonstrating that human words and schemes, when rooted in pride, are utterly incapable of standing against divine decree or the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gâʼôwn (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** This noun, translated as "pride" and "haughtiness" in this verse, derives from a root meaning "to rise up" or "to be exalted." While it can positively denote "majesty" or "excellency" (e.g., God's majesty in [Psalm 93:1](/psalm/93-1 "Psalm 93:1 - The Lord Reigns in Majesty")), in contexts like [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride and Lies"), it unequivocally signifies excessive, defiant pride, arrogance, or insolence. Its multiple occurrences in the verse underscore the pervasive and defining nature of Moab's self-exaltation.
* **mᵉʼôd (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_):** Translated as "very" in the phrase "very proud," this adverb conveys vehemence, intensity, or a superlative degree. It functions as a powerful intensifier, emphasizing that Moab's pride was not merely present but extreme, profound, and deeply ingrained, making their arrogance an overwhelming and defining characteristic.
* **bad (Hebrew, _bad'_):** This term, rendered as "lies," refers to a brag, a lie, or empty talk. It implies deceptive or false claims, vain boasts, or idle chatter that lacks substance, truth, or efficacy. In this context, it speaks to the ultimate futility and emptiness of Moab's arrogant pronouncements and self-assured declarations, which are exposed as hollow and ineffective against divine will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We have heard of the pride of Moab;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the widespread notoriety of Moab's defining characteristic. The "we" likely refers to the prophet Isaiah and the people of God, implying that Moab's notorious pride was not a hidden trait but a well-known, public reputation, a defining feature that had reached the ears of all who observed them.
* **"he is very proud: [even] of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath:":** This segment emphatically reiterates and amplifies the intensity of Moab's pride. The use of "very proud" (intensified by _mᵉʼôd_) highlights the extreme degree of their arrogance. The subsequent enumeration of "haughtiness," "pride," and "wrath" serves as a powerful rhetorical device, detailing various facets and manifestations of their self-exaltation. "Haughtiness" (another form of pride, _gaʼăvâh_) and "wrath" (an outburst of passion, _ʻebrâh_) are presented as direct expressions or consequences of their deep-seated arrogance, perhaps reflecting their oppressive actions or aggressive posture towards others.
* **"but his lies [shall] not [be] so.":** This concluding clause introduces a sharp contrast and a decisive divine verdict. The conjunction "but" signals a dramatic turning point, declaring that despite Moab's overwhelming pride, haughtiness, and wrath, their "lies"—their empty boasts, deceptive claims, or arrogant declarations of self-sufficiency—will not come to pass or hold true. This powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty over human arrogance, revealing that Moab's defiant words and schemes are ultimately powerless and ineffective against His divine will and judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. **Repetition** is exceptionally prominent, with variations of "pride" appearing multiple times ("pride," "very proud," "haughtiness," "pride"). This serves to underscore the pervasive and defining nature of Moab's arrogance, emphasizing its centrality to their character and the reason for their impending judgment. The phrase "he is **very proud**" utilizes **hyperbole** to highlight the extreme and excessive degree of Moab's self-exaltation, painting a vivid picture of their overwhelming hubris. A strong **contrast** is established between Moab's defiant boasts and the ultimate futility of their words, dramatically emphasized by the concluding declaration: "but his lies shall not be so." This sharp antithesis highlights the powerlessness of human arrogance against divine truth and judgment. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **prophetic oracle**, a direct and authoritative declaration from God delivered through His prophet, carrying divine certainty regarding Moab's inevitable fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 16:6 serves as a powerful testament to a foundational biblical truth: God consistently opposes the proud but extends grace to the humble. Moab's excessive pride, detailed with such intensity and repetition, is not merely a character flaw but a profound affront to the sovereignty, majesty, and righteous character of God. The divine declaration that their "lies" or arrogant boasts will not stand underscores the inherent futility of human self-reliance and defiance in the face of divine judgment. This principle is woven throughout the entire fabric of Scripture, affirming that true stability, enduring strength, and lasting peace are found not in human might, self-exaltation, or deceptive pronouncements, but solely in humility and absolute dependence upon the Almighty God.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Humility and Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient oracle against Moab in Isaiah 16:6 resonates with profound and timeless relevance for individuals and communities in every generation. It serves as a potent warning against the insidious and destructive nature of pride, reminding us that self-exaltation—whether manifested in personal achievements, nationalistic fervor, ideological certainty, or even spiritual arrogance—ultimately leads to a devastating fall. When we boast in our own strength, wisdom, or resources, or when we cling to self-generated narratives of superiority, we are, in essence, uttering "lies" that will not stand in the face of God's ultimate reality and sovereign truth. This verse calls us to a posture of radical humility, recognizing that all true strength, profound wisdom, and lasting prosperity originate solely from God. It challenges us to diligently examine our own hearts for any subtle or overt forms of arrogance, encouraging us to cultivate a spirit of absolute dependence on God, integrity in our words, and authenticity in our actions. True security and flourishing are found not in our defiant self-assertions, but in humbly acknowledging God's supreme sovereignty and aligning our lives fully with His eternal truth and boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "pride of Moab," relying on my own strength or boasting in my own accomplishments rather than God's grace and provision?**
* **How does the "wrath" mentioned in the verse relate to pride, and how might my own anger, frustration, or resentment be rooted in a sense of entitlement or unfulfilled pride?**
* **What "lies" or empty boasts might I be telling myself or others about my capabilities, my future, or my independence from God, and how can I align my words and actions more fully with God's truth?**
* **Considering God's consistent opposition to the proud, what practical and intentional steps can I take to cultivate a deeper spirit of humility, dependence on Him, and genuine trust in His sovereign plan daily?**

### FAQ
**Why is Moab's pride highlighted so extensively in this prophecy?**

Answer: Moab's pride is highlighted so extensively because it was a defining characteristic of the nation and a primary reason for their impending judgment. Their historical prosperity, self-sufficiency, and idolatrous worship of Chemosh fostered a deep-seated arrogance that led them to defy God and oppress His people. This pride was not merely a character flaw but an active rebellion against divine sovereignty, making it a central theme in God's indictment against them. The repetition of terms for pride in [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pervasive Pride") emphasizes its pervasive nature and serves as a profound theological statement about God's consistent opposition to human hubris, a theme found throughout the Bible (e.g., [Proverbs 16:5](/proverbs/16-5 "Proverbs 16:5 - The Proud are an Abomination to the Lord")).

**What exactly are "his lies" that "shall not be so"?**

Answer: "His lies" refer to Moab's empty boasts, arrogant claims, deceptive statements, or self-assured pronouncements that are deeply rooted in their pride. These are not necessarily direct falsehoods in the sense of intentional deceit, but rather vain words or declarations that reflect their overconfidence, defiance of God, and misplaced trust in their own strength or resources. The phrase "shall not be so" means these boasts will not come to pass; they will not materialize, and they will ultimately prove to be hollow, ineffective, and without any lasting power. It signifies the utter futility of human arrogance and the certainty that Moab's perceived strength and self-reliance will utterly fail in the face of God's judgment, as their kingdom would indeed face desolation as powerfully prophesied in [Isaiah 15-16](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15-16 - Oracle Against Moab").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 16:6, with its stark condemnation of Moab's pervasive pride and the ultimate futility of their "lies," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Moab's earthly kingdom was built on human arrogance and ultimately crumbled into ruin, Christ's eternal kingdom is established on divine humility and unassailable truth. The Lord Jesus perfectly embodies the absolute antithesis of Moab's pride; He did not cling to His divine status or equality with God, but rather "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His entire life and ministry were characterized by radical humility and selfless obedience, culminating in His voluntary submission to death, even "death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Moab's "lies" that would not stand, Christ is the very embodiment of truth, declaring with divine authority, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Life")). His words are not empty boasts but eternal realities that "will not pass away" ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")). The judgment against Moab's pride foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all human rebellion and self-exaltation, which Christ, through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, has definitively conquered. In Him, the proud are humbled, and the humble are exalted, for His kingdom is not of this world, built on fleeting human power or deceit, but on divine grace, eternal truth, and the sovereign love of God ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")).

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

Amos 2:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:

Jeremiah 48:29

We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.

Jeremiah 48:30

I know his wrath, saith the LORD; but [it shall] not [be] so; his lies shall not so effect [it].

Obadiah 1:3

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation [is] high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

Obadiah 1:4

Though thou exalt [thyself] as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 48:42

And Moab shall be destroyed from [being] a people, because he hath magnified [himself] against the LORD.

Zephaniah 2:8

¶ I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified [themselves] against their border.