Definition: What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, [as] he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, [and] that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 22:16. It’s a really powerful and somewhat poetic passage about God's perspective on humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Core Idea:
God is looking down at us – specifically at our lives – with a sense of deep, almost horrified, judgment. He’s asking a very pointed question: “What are you doing
now
? And who are you, really? You’ve created a tomb for yourself!”
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
“What hast thou here?”
– This is a general inquiry about our current situation. It's not asking about our possessions or accomplishments. It’s asking about
our present state
.
“And whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here…”
– This is the crucial part. "Hewed thee out" means
creating
us. God is saying, “You've built a tomb for yourself.” The word "hewed" suggests a deliberate and forceful action.
“[as] he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high…”
– This reinforces the idea of a final, prepared resting place. It’s not just any burial; it's a
final
one, a grave for himself. It implies a sense of abandonment and a lack of purpose.
“[and] that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?”
– This is where the imagery gets really striking. “Graveth” means to build or establish something. “Habitation” refers to a home, a place of belonging. “In a rock” suggests a secure, steadfast, and enduring place - a foundation of strength. God is saying he's building
his own
lasting legacy in this final resting place.
Overall Meaning & Tone:
The verse conveys several important things:
God’s Perspective:
It shows that God sees us as flawed, restless, and perhaps even selfish. He doesn’t condone our choices; he's observing them with a sense of seriousness.
Judgment and Consequences:
This isn't just about a bad life; it’s about the
potential
for destruction and lack of lasting purpose. God is warning us that we are on a path towards self-destruction.
Hope & Redemption (Possible):
However, there's also an undercurrent of hope. The verse suggests that God has a plan for
himself
, and that the "rock" represents a place where he can find peace and permanence. It’s a call to repentance – to change our ways if we want to be remembered for something lasting.
In short, Isaiah 22:16 is a powerful warning about human nature, urging us to reconsider our choices and strive for a life that will endure beyond our own fleeting existence.
---
Do you have any specific aspects of this verse you'd like me to elaborate on? For example:
Are you curious about its symbolism?
Would you like me to compare it to another biblical passage?