Isaiah 24:4

KJV

The earth mourneth [and] fadeth away, the world languisheth [and] fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.

KJV (with Strong's)

The earth {H776} mourneth {H56} and fadeth away {H5034}, the world {H8398} languisheth {H535} and fadeth away {H5034}, the haughty {H4791} people {H5971} of the earth {H776} do languish {H535}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The land fades and withers, the world wilts and withers, the exalted of the land languish.

Berean Standard Bible

The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and fades; the exalted of the earth waste away.

American Standard Version

The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the lofty people of the earth do languish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 24:4 vividly portrays a scene of profound global desolation and judgment, where the physical world and its inhabitants succumb to an inescapable decay. This verse, a poignant part of what is often termed "Isaiah's Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), underscores the dire consequences of widespread human sin and rebellion against divine order. It depicts a cosmic lament, with the earth and its proud inhabitants withering under the weight of transgression, signaling a universal reckoning under God's sovereign hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 24:4 is situated within a distinct prophetic section of Isaiah, often referred to as "Isaiah's Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27). This section shifts from judgments against specific nations to a universal judgment encompassing the entire earth. Chapter 24, in particular, sets the stage for this global devastation, detailing the physical and social upheaval that will occur. Verses 1-3 establish the pervasive nature of this judgment, describing the earth being "emptied" and "laid waste," affecting all its inhabitants without distinction. Verse 4 then intensifies this imagery by personifying the earth and its people as actively "mourning" and "languishing," thereby illustrating the profound and widespread impact of the coming judgment, which is explicitly linked to humanity's covenant breaking in [Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - The Earth Defiled by Covenant Breaking"). This verse serves as a foundational statement of the cosmic consequences that follow human rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Isaiah's prophecies often address the immediate historical realities of Judah and Israel in the 8th century BCE, particularly in relation to the Assyrian and Babylonian threats, chapters 24-27 transcend these specific geopolitical concerns. This "apocalyptic" vision speaks to a future, universal "Day of the Lord," a concept prevalent in prophetic literature. This day signifies a time when God intervenes decisively in human history to judge sin and establish His righteous reign. The imagery of the earth mourning and fading away resonates with ancient Near Eastern understandings of cosmic order, where the well-being of the land was often tied to the righteousness of its inhabitants and rulers. Disruption of this order, therefore, indicated divine displeasure and the breaking of foundational covenants, whether between God and humanity or between a king and his land. The mention of "haughty people" reflects a common biblical theme of God's opposition to human pride and self-exaltation, a pervasive cultural sin that often led to societal decay and injustice.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 24:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Universal Decay and Desolation**, emphasizing that human sin has cosmic ramifications, affecting not only humanity but also the very fabric of creation. The repeated imagery of "mourning," "languishing," and "fading away" underscores a pervasive, inescapable decline that touches all aspects of existence, a concept echoed in the New Testament's description of [creation groaning](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groaning") under the weight of sin. Secondly, the verse implicitly highlights the **Consequences of Human Rebellion**. While the immediate cause is not stated in this single verse, the broader context of [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Lord's Devastation of the Earth") (especially [Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - The Earth Defiled by Covenant Breaking")) makes it clear that this widespread suffering is a direct result of humanity's disobedience and breaking of God's eternal covenant. Finally, the specific mention of "the haughty people of the earth" underscores the theme of **The Fall of Pride**. Human arrogance and self-exaltation against God's authority are identified as central to the judgment. Those who have elevated themselves will be brought low, illustrating a fundamental biblical principle that [pride precedes destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mourneth (Hebrew, _ʼâbal'_):** From H56, a primitive root meaning "to bewail; lament, mourn." In this context, it personifies the earth as actively grieving or lamenting its state of desolation. This is not merely a passive decay but an active expression of sorrow, suggesting the profound impact of the judgment.
* **fadeth away (Hebrew, _nâbêl'_):** From H5034, a primitive root meaning "to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint; figuratively, to be foolish or (morally) wicked; causatively, to despise, disgrace." The primary sense here is "to wilt" or "to fall away," conveying a sense of irreversible decline, decay, and loss of vitality, much like a leaf withering and falling from a tree. Its repetition emphasizes the thoroughness of the decay.
* **haughty (Hebrew, _mârôwm'_):** From H4791, meaning "altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation), figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft); (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward." Here, it refers to those who are elevated in pride, arrogance, or self-importance, often in defiance of God. Their "languishing" is a direct consequence of their exalted, rebellious posture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The earth mourneth and fadeth away":** This opening clause introduces the universal scope of the impending judgment. The "earth" (Hebrew: _ʼerets_) is personified, depicted as actively grieving and losing its vitality. The pairing of "mourneth" (a lament) and "fadeth away" (a physical decay) paints a picture of deep sorrow intertwined with irreversible decline, suggesting that the very ground beneath humanity's feet is suffering the consequences of sin.
* **"the world languisheth and fadeth away":** This second clause functions as a synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and intensifying the first. "The world" (Hebrew: _têbêl_, often referring to the inhabited earth or globe) emphasizes the global reach of the desolation. "Languisheth" (Hebrew: _ʼâmal_, to droop or be sick) is another term for decline, echoing "mourneth" in its sense of weakness and decay. The repetition of "fadeth away" underscores the pervasive and inescapable nature of this universal decline.
* **"the haughty people of the earth do languish":** This final clause shifts the focus from the physical world to its inhabitants, specifically identifying the cause and primary recipients of the judgment. The "haughty people" are those characterized by pride and rebellion against God. Their "languishing" directly parallels the earth's condition, implying that their spiritual and moral decay is intimately connected to the physical desolation of the world. This highlights God's justice in bringing low those who have exalted themselves.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:4 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of universal desolation. **Personification** is prominent, as the "earth" is depicted as "mourning" and "fading away," and the "world" as "languishing." This imbues the inanimate creation with human emotions and experiences, emphasizing the profound and widespread impact of the judgment, as if creation itself is groaning under the weight of human sin. **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, is evident in the repetition of similar ideas across the first two clauses ("The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away"). This repetition serves to intensify the message, underscoring the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the decay. The use of **repetition** of key verbs like "fadeth away" and "languish" further reinforces the theme of pervasive decline and loss of vitality. Finally, the verse employs a degree of **hyperbole** to describe the judgment as affecting the entire "earth" and "world," creating a sense of cosmic upheaval and emphasizing the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation and His ultimate judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 24:4 stands as a stark theological declaration of the interconnectedness between human sin and cosmic order, revealing God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to justice. The universal decay described is not an arbitrary act but a direct consequence of humanity's rebellion and covenant-breaking, as detailed in the broader context. It underscores the profound truth that sin has far-reaching implications, defiling not only the human heart but also the very ground upon which we stand. This vision of a "groaning creation" serves as a powerful reminder that God's judgment is comprehensive, touching both the moral and physical realms, ultimately bringing low the pride of humanity that exalts itself against Him. It points to a time when all things will be made right, but only after the full weight of sin's consequences has been revealed.

* [Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19-22 - Creation's Longing for Redemption")
* [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Day of the Lord and New Heavens and Earth")
* [Revelation 6:12-17](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12-17 - The Sixth Seal and Cosmic Upheaval")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 24:4 serves as a profound call to humility and a stark warning against human pride and rebellion. In a world often characterized by self-exaltation, disregard for divine principles, and exploitation of creation, this verse reminds us that such paths ultimately lead to desolation and decay. It challenges us to recognize the profound interconnectedness of our actions, God's justice, and the well-being of the entire cosmos. As believers, we are called to live in alignment with God's will, not only for our own spiritual health but also for the sake of the world around us. This means cultivating humility, practicing repentance, and actively pursuing righteousness and justice in all spheres of life, understanding that true flourishing and stability come only through submission to God's sovereign rule. The verse implicitly urges us to consider the eternal implications of our choices and to champion a lifestyle that honors God and His creation, fostering hope in the midst of a world that often seems to be "languishing."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal scope of this judgment challenge our understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might human pride and rebellion contribute to the "languishing" of our world today, both physically and spiritually?**
* **What is our responsibility as believers in light of the interconnectedness of human sin and the groaning of creation?**

### FAQ
**Why is the earth described as "mourning" and "languishing" in this verse?**

Answer: The description of the earth "mourning" and "languishing" is a powerful example of **personification**, a literary device where inanimate objects are given human qualities or emotions. In this context, it vividly portrays the profound and widespread impact of God's judgment on creation itself. The earth is depicted as grieving and withering, not merely as a passive recipient of destruction, but as actively suffering under the weight of human sin and rebellion. This imagery underscores the biblical truth that human actions, particularly disobedience to God's covenant, have cosmic consequences, affecting the very fabric of the created order. It highlights the depth of the desolation and the comprehensive nature of God's impending judgment, where even the land itself expresses sorrow and decay.

**What is "Isaiah's Apocalypse," and how does Isaiah 24:4 fit into it?**

Answer: "Isaiah's Apocalypse" is a term scholars use to refer to a specific section of the book of Isaiah, primarily chapters [Isaiah 24-27](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Lord's Devastation of the Earth"). Unlike other parts of Isaiah that focus on specific nations or historical events, this section broadens the prophetic scope to a universal, eschatological judgment upon the entire earth, followed by a period of restoration and God's ultimate reign. Isaiah 24:4 serves as a foundational verse within this "apocalypse," setting the tone for the global devastation. It immediately follows the declaration that the Lord will "empty the earth and make it desolate" ([Isaiah 24:1](/isaiah/24-1 "Isaiah 24:1 - The Earth Emptied")). By describing the earth and its proud inhabitants as "mourning," "fading away," and "languishing," the verse vividly illustrates the pervasive and inescapable nature of this universal judgment, which is rooted in humanity's breaking of God's eternal covenant ([Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - The Earth Defiled by Covenant Breaking")).

**How does this Old Testament prophecy of universal decay relate to New Testament teachings?**

Answer: Isaiah 24:4, with its depiction of universal decay and judgment, finds significant resonance and ultimate fulfillment in New Testament teachings, particularly concerning the consequences of sin and the ultimate redemption wrought by Christ. The New Testament echoes the idea that creation itself suffers due to human sin, as seen in [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groaning"), which states that "the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." This cosmic lament in Isaiah foreshadows the great day of the Lord, described in [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Day of the Lord and New Heavens and Earth"), where the heavens will pass away with a roar and the earth will be burned up, making way for "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." Ultimately, while Isaiah 24:4 paints a picture of judgment, the New Testament reveals that this judgment paves the way for Christ's redemptive work, which not only saves humanity but also promises the restoration of all creation from the curse of sin ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-5 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 24:4, with its somber prophecy of universal decay and the languishing of a proud world, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "mourning" and "fading away" of the earth and the "languishing" of its haughty inhabitants are direct consequences of sin, the very rebellion against God that Christ came to address. While this Old Testament passage foretells a judgment that brings the proud low, the New Testament reveals that Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of this cosmic consequence on the cross. His suffering and death were the ultimate act of humility, contrasting sharply with the "haughty people" mentioned in Isaiah. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only offers salvation from the judgment for humanity but also initiates the process of cosmic reconciliation. As [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ Reconciles All Things") declares, "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." Thus, the desolation prophesied in Isaiah points forward to the one who would reverse the curse of sin and ultimately usher in a new creation, where there will be no more mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-5 - New Heaven and New Earth") established by the resurrected Christ.

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

Hosea 4:3

Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Isaiah 33:9

The earth mourneth [and] languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed [and] hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off [their fruits].

Isaiah 3:26

And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she [being] desolate shall sit upon the ground.

Isaiah 2:11

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

Isaiah 2:12

For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

Jeremiah 12:4

How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.

Isaiah 28:1

¶ Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty [is] a fading flower, which [are] on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!