Isaiah 21:12 net — The watchman replies,“Morning is coming, but then night. If you want to ask, ask; come back again.”

NET Bible

"The watchman replies,“Morning is coming, but then night. If you want to ask, ask; come back again.”"

— Isaiah 21:12, NET Bible

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Isaiah 21:12 in Other Translations

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Isaiah 21 — Context

9

Look what’s coming! A charioteer, a team of horses.” When questioned, he replies,“Babylon has fallen, fallen! All the idols of her gods lie shattered on the ground!”

10

O my downtrodden people, crushed like stalks on the threshing floor, what I have heard from the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, I have reported to you.

11

Bad News for Seir This is an oracle about Dumah: Someone calls to me from Seir,“Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?”

12

The watchman replies,“Morning is coming, but then night. If you want to ask, ask; come back again.”

13

The Lord Will Judge Arabia This is an oracle about Arabia: In the thicket of Arabia you spend the night, you Dedanite caravans.

14

Bring out some water for the thirsty. You who live in the land of Tema, bring some food for the fugitives.

15

For they flee from the swords– from the drawn sword and from the battle-ready bow and from the severity of the battle.

Isaiah 21:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Isaiah 21:12 say?
Isaiah 21:12 in the NET Bible reads: “The watchman replies,“Morning is coming, but then night. If you want to ask, ask; come back again.””
Where is Isaiah 21:12 in the Bible?
Isaiah 21:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 21, verse 12.
Who wrote Isaiah?
Isaiah is traditionally attributed to Isaiah son of Amoz. Many critical scholars propose multiple authors ("Deutero-" and "Trito-Isaiah") for chapters 40–66; conservative scholarship holds to single Isaianic authorship. It was written c. 740–680 BC.
What is the book of Isaiah about?
Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament — a sweeping vision of God's holiness, Judah's sin, coming judgment, and a promised Servant who would bear the iniquity of many. From "Holy, holy, holy" to "by his stripes we are healed," Isaiah speaks the gospel before the gospel.
What are the major themes of Isaiah?
Isaiah explores themes including Holiness, Judgment, Servant of the LORD, Hope, Salvation, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Isaiah 21:12.
What translation should I read Isaiah 21:12 in?
Isaiah 21:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Isaiah 21:12?
Isaiah 21:12 reads (NET): “The watchman replies,“Morning is coming, but then night. If you want to ask, ask; come back again.”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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