Isaiah 24:4

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

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}.

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

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

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

Isaiah 24:4 is a poignant verse from what scholars often refer to as "Isaiah's Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), depicting a scene of profound global desolation and judgment. It vividly portrays the physical world and its inhabitants succumbing to decay, highlighting the consequences of widespread human sin and rebellion against God.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic vision in Isaiah that extends beyond Israel and Judah to encompass the entire earth. Chapters 24-27 describe a universal judgment, followed by a period of restoration and God's ultimate reign. Isaiah 24 specifically details the devastation that will come upon the world, attributing it in subsequent verses to the breaking of God's eternal covenant by its inhabitants. This chapter sets a somber tone for a future reckoning where the established order is overturned due to humanity's transgressions, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all creation.

Key Themes

  • Universal Decay and Desolation: The repetition of "mourneth and fadeth away" and "languisheth and fadeth away" for both the "earth" and the "world" underscores a pervasive, inescapable decline. It speaks to a cosmic impact of human sin, where creation itself groans under the weight of wickedness, a theme echoed in Romans 8:22.
  • Consequences of Human Rebellion: While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the broader context of Isaiah 24 (especially Isaiah 24:5) reveals that this widespread suffering is a direct result of humanity's disobedience, breaking God's laws and covenants.
  • The Fall of Pride: The specific mention of "the haughty people of the earth do languish" highlights that human arrogance and self-exaltation are central to the judgment. Those who have elevated themselves against God's authority will be brought low, a common biblical principle found in Proverbs 16:18.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "mourneth" and "languisheth" is 'āmal (אָמַל), which means to wither, droop, or be feeble. Its repeated use emphasizes the profound weakness and decay affecting everything. The term for "haughty" is gābah (גָּבַהּ), meaning to be high, exalted, or proud, specifically referring to those who are arrogant or lifted up against God.

Practical Application

Isaiah 24:4 serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and the inevitable consequences of widespread sin and pride. It calls believers to humility and repentance, recognizing that our actions have far-reaching implications, not just for ourselves but for the world around us. In a world often characterized by arrogance and disregard for divine principles, this verse warns that such a path ultimately leads to desolation. It implicitly urges us to live in alignment with God's will, fostering righteousness and seeking His kingdom, understanding that true stability and flourishing come only through Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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!

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