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?