Isaiah 21:11 This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, "Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?"

◄ Isaiah 21:11 ►

New International Version
A prophecy against Dumah: Someone calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?”

New Living Translation
This message came to me concerning Edom: Someone from Edom keeps calling to me, “Watchman, how much longer until morning? When will the night be over?”

English Standard Version
The oracle concerning Dumah. One is calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, what time of the night? Watchman, what time of the night?”

Berean Standard Bible
This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?”

King James Bible
The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

New King James Version
The burden against Dumah. He calls to me out of Seir, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?”

New American Standard Bible
The pronouncement concerning Edom: One keeps calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, how far gone is the night? Watchman, how far gone is the night?”

NASB 1995
The oracle concerning Edom. One keeps calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, how far gone is the night? Watchman, how far gone is the night?”

NASB 1977
The oracle concerning Edom. One keeps calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, how far gone is the night? Watchman, how far gone is the night?”

Legacy Standard Bible
The oracle concerning Dumah. One keeps calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, how far gone is the night? Watchman, how far gone is the night?”

Amplified Bible
The [mournful, inspired] oracle (a burden to be carried) concerning Dumah (Edom): Someone keeps calling to me from Seir (Edom), “Watchman, what is left of the night [of Assyrian oppression]? Watchman, what is left of the night? [How long until morning?]”

Christian Standard Bible
A pronouncement concerning Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
An oracle against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir,” Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?”

American Standard Version
The burden of Dumah. One calleth unto me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

Contemporary English Version
This is a message about Dumah: From the country of Seir, someone shouts to me, "Guard, how much longer before daylight?"

English Revised Version
The burden of Dumah. One calleth unto me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is the divine revelation about Dumah. Someone is calling to me from Seir, "Watchman, how much of the night is left? Watchman, how much of the night is left?"

Good News Translation
This is a message about Edom. Someone calls to me from Edom, "Sentry, how soon will the night be over? Tell me how soon it will end."

International Standard Version
A message concerning Dumah. "Someone is calling to me from Seir: 'Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?'

Majority Standard Bible
This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, ?Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night??

NET Bible
Here is a message about Dumah: Someone calls to me from Seir, "Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?"

New Heart English Bible
The burden of Dumah. One calls to me out of Seir, "Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?"

Webster's Bible Translation
The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

World English Bible
The burden of Dumah. One calls to me out of Seir, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
The burden of Dumah. [One] is calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?”

Young's Literal Translation
The burden of Dumah. Unto me is one calling from Seir 'Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?'

Smith's Literal Translation
The burden of Dumah. He called to me from Seir, Watch, what of the night? watch, what of the night?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The burden of Duma calleth to me out of Seir: Watchman, what of the eight? watchman, what of the night?

Catholic Public Domain Version
The burden of Dumah, cried out to me from Seir: “Watchman, how goes the night? Watchman, how goes the night?”

New American Bible
Oracle on Dumah: They call to me from Seir, “Watchman, how much longer the night? Watchman, how much longer the night?”

New Revised Standard Version
The oracle concerning Dumah. One is calling to me from Seir, “Sentinel, what of the night? Sentinel, what of the night?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
The prophecy concerning Dumah. He called to me from Seir. Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The burden of Duma called to me from Seir: "Watchman, what is there in the night?"

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
The burden of Dumah. One calleth unto me out of Seir: 'Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
THE VISION OF IDUMEA. Call to me out of Seir; guard ye the bulwarks.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

An Oracle Concerning Edom
11This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?” 12The watchman replies, “Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Psalm 130:6
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning—more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Habakkuk 2:1
I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.

Ezekiel 3:17
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.

Jeremiah 6:17
I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’

Matthew 24:42
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.

Mark 13:35-37
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. / Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. / And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!”

Luke 12:38
Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed.

1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.

Revelation 3:3
Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.

Revelation 16:15
“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”

Psalm 63:6
When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night.

Psalm 119:148
My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your word.

Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.

Lamentations 2:19
Arise, cry out in the night from the first watch of the night. Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children who are fainting from hunger on the corner of every street.

Micah 7:4
The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion.

Treasury of Scripture

The burden of Dumah. He calls to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

Dumah.

Genesis 25:14
And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,

1 Chronicles 1:30
Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,

me out

Isaiah 34:1
Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.

Isaiah 63:1-6
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save…

Numbers 24:18
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

what

Isaiah 21:6
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.

Jeremiah 37:17
Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.

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Isaiah 21

1. The prophet, bewailing the captivity of his people,
6. sees in a vision the fall of Babylon by the Medes and Persians.
11. Edom, scorning the prophet, is moved to repentance.
13. The set time of Arabia's calamity.

Berean Study Bible

This is an oracle
The term "oracle" in Hebrew is "מַשָּׂא" (massa), which can mean a burden or a message. In the prophetic context, it often refers to a divine revelation or pronouncement. This suggests that the message is weighty and significant, carrying the authority of God. The use of "oracle" indicates that what follows is not merely human speculation but a communication from the divine, meant to instruct, warn, or guide.

concerning Dumah
"Dumah" is traditionally understood to refer to a region or people, possibly linked to Edom, as suggested by the context of Seir. The name "Dumah" itself means "silence" or "stillness," which could symbolize the impending judgment or desolation. Historically, Dumah is associated with a tribe descended from Ishmael (Genesis 25:14), and its mention here may imply a broader message to the surrounding nations, emphasizing the reach of God's sovereignty and judgment.

Someone calls to me
The phrase suggests an urgent inquiry or plea. The caller's identity is not specified, which may imply a universal or representative voice, symbolizing those who seek understanding or reassurance in times of uncertainty. This calling out reflects a deep human need for guidance and clarity, especially in the face of impending danger or judgment.

from Seir
Seir is a mountainous region associated with Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea. It holds historical significance as the dwelling place of Esau's descendants. The mention of Seir connects the oracle to Edom, a nation often in conflict with Israel. This geographical reference roots the prophecy in a real-world context, reminding readers of the historical enmity and the broader narrative of God's dealings with the nations.

Watchman
The "watchman" is a metaphor for a prophet or spiritual leader tasked with vigilance and warning. In ancient times, watchmen were crucial for a city's defense, alerting inhabitants to approaching danger. Spiritually, the watchman represents those who are attentive to God's revelations and who warn others of spiritual and moral perils. This role underscores the responsibility of leaders to be discerning and proactive in guiding their communities.

what is left of the night?
The repetition of this question emphasizes urgency and concern. "Night" often symbolizes darkness, danger, or a period of trial. The inquiry about what remains of the night suggests a longing for the end of suffering or uncertainty. It reflects a hope for the dawn, a new beginning, or divine intervention. This question resonates with the human experience of waiting and longing for deliverance and clarity.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(11) The burden of Dumah.--Several places of the name are mentioned in the Old Testament (Genesis 25:14; Joshua 15:52), but these are not in the direction of Seir. Probably here, as in Isaiah 21:1 and Isaiah 22:1, we have a mystical prophetic name, Edom being altered to Dumah, i.e., "silence," as in Psalm 94:17; Psalm 115:17, the silence of the grave. In this case, as in the preceding, there is first the oppressive silence of expectancy, and then of desolation. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 11, 12. - THE BURDEN OF DUMAH. This short "burden" is probably to be understood as uttered with reference to Edom, which the prophet prefers to call "Dumah," i.e. "silence," in reference to the desolation which he sees to be coming upon the country. Such a play upon words is very usual in the East. Isaiah has already given an instance of it in the name under which he has designated Heliopolis (Isaiah 19:18). Verse 11. - Dumah. There were at least two towns of this name ('Dict. of the Bible,' vol. 1. pp. 459, 460); but neither of them is in the district of Seir. It is best, therefore, to regard "Dumah" here as representing Edom, or Iaumaea (so the LXX., Jarchi, Rosenmüller, Kay, Cheyne, and others). He calleth to me; rather, one calleth to me; i.e. I seem to hear a call from Mount Seir, as of one making inquiry of me. There is no need to suppose that the inquiry was actually made. Mount Self, or the district south-south-east of the Dead Sea, was the heart of the Idumaean country, which thence extended vaguely eastward and westward. What of the night? i.e. what hour, or, rather, perhaps, what watch of the night is it? May we consider that "the night is far spent, and the day at hand? Edom had offended Sargon by joining with Ashdod (G. Smith, 'Eponym Canon,' p. 130), and was probably at tiffs time oppressed by Sargon in consequence.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

[This is] an oracle
מַשָּׂ֖א (maś·śā)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4853: A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire

concerning Dumah:
דּוּמָ֑ה (dū·māh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1746: Dumah -- a son of Ishmael, also a city in Judah and a name of Edom

One calls
קֹרֵ֣א (qō·rê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

to me
אֵלַי֙ (’ê·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

from Seir,
מִשֵּׂעִ֔יר (miś·śê·‘îr)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8165: Seir -- a mountain range in Edom, also its inhabitants, also a mountain in Judah

“Watchman,
שֹׁמֵר֙ (šō·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

what is left
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

of the night?
מִלַּ֔יְלָה (mil·lay·lāh)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

Watchman,
שֹׁמֵ֖ר (šō·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

what is left
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

of the night?”
מִלֵּֽיל׃ (mil·lêl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

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OT Prophets: Isaiah 21:11 The burden of Dumah (Isa Isi Is)