Isaiah 13:14
Isaiah 13:14 in Multiple Translations
Like a hunted gazelle, like a sheep without a shepherd, each will return to his own people, each will flee to his native land.
And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.
And it shall come to pass, that as the chased roe, and as sheep that no man gathereth, they shall turn every man to his own people, and shall flee every man to his own land.
And it will be that, like a roe in flight, and like wandering sheep, they will go every man to his people and to his land.
Like a gazelle being hunted, or like sheep without a shepherd, the Babylonians will return to their own people, they will run away to their own land.
And it shall be as a chased doe, and as a sheepe that no man taketh vp. euery man shall turne to his owne people, and flee eche one to his owne lande.
And it hath been, as a roe driven away, And as a flock that hath no gatherer, Each unto his people — they turn, And each unto his land — they flee.
It will happen that like a hunted gazelle and like sheep that no one gathers, they will each turn to their own people, and will each flee to their own land.
And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one to his own land.
And they shall be as a doe fleeing away, and as a sheep: and there shall be none to gather them together: every man shall turn to his own people, and every one shall flee to his own land.
And all the foreigners in Babylon will run around like [SIM] deer that are being hunted, like sheep that do not have a shepherd. They will try to find other people from their countries, and then they will escape from Babylon and return to their own countries.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 13:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 13:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָה֙
כִּ/צְבִ֣י
מֻדָּ֔ח
וּ/כְ/צֹ֖אן
וְ/אֵ֣ין
מְקַבֵּ֑ץ
אִ֤ישׁ
אֶל
עַמּ/וֹ֙
יִפְנ֔וּ
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
אֶל
אַרְצ֖/וֹ
יָנֽוּסוּ
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כִּ/צְבִ֣י
tsᵉbîy
H6643
beauty
Prep | N-cs
מֻדָּ֔ח
nâdach
H5080
to banish
V-Hophal-Inf-c
וּ/כְ/צֹ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Conj | Prep | N-cs
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מְקַבֵּ֑ץ
qâbats
H6908
to gather
V-Piel
אִ֤ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עַמּ/וֹ֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
יִפְנ֔וּ
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַרְצ֖/וֹ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
יָנֽוּסוּ
nûwç
H5127
to flee
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 13:14
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ/צְבִ֣י
tsᵉbîy
H6643
"beauty"
Prep | N-cs
A gazelle is a beautiful animal, known for its splendor and speed, described in the Bible as a symbol of beauty and glory. The word also means something or someone that is pleasant and lovely to look at.
Definition: 1) beauty, glory, honour 1a) beauty, decoration 1b) honour
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: beautiful(-ty), glorious (-ry), goodly, pleasant, roe(-buck). See also: Deuteronomy 12:15; Isaiah 13:19; Proverbs 6:5.
מֻדָּ֔ח
nâdach
H5080
"to banish"
V-Hophal-Inf-c
To banish or drive away, used in various contexts, such as expelling someone from a community, as seen in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to impel, thrust, drive away, banish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to impel 1a2) to thrust away, banish 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be impelled 1b2) to be thrust out, be banished 1b2a) banished, outcast (participle) 1b3) to be driven away 1b4) to be thrust away, thrust aside 1c) (Pual) to be thrust into 1c1) thrust (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to thrust, move, impel 1d2) to thrust out, banish 1d3) to thrust away, thrust aside 1e) (Hophal) to be chased, be hunted 1e1) chased, hunted (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: banish, bring, cast down (out), chase, compel, draw away, drive (away, out, quite), fetch a stroke, force, go away, outcast, thrust away (out), withdraw. See also: Deuteronomy 4:19; Isaiah 27:13; Psalms 5:11.
וּ/כְ/צֹ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מְקַבֵּ֑ץ
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
V-Piel
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
אִ֤ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עַמּ/וֹ֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
יִפְנ֔וּ
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַרְצ֖/וֹ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
יָנֽוּסוּ
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 13:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 13:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 13:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 13:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 13:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 13:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 13:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 13:14
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 13:14
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 13:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 13:14
- Sermons on Isaiah 13:14
Context — The Burden against Babylon
12I will make man scarcer than pure gold, and mankind rarer than the gold of Ophir.
13Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts on the day of His burning anger.
14Like a hunted gazelle, like a sheep without a shepherd, each will return to his own people, each will flee to his native land.
15Whoever is caught will be stabbed, and whoever is captured will die by the sword. 16Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be ravished.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 22:17 | So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 50:16 | Cut off the sower from Babylon, and the one who wields the sickle at harvest time. In the face of the oppressor’s sword, each will turn to his own people, each will flee to his own land. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 22:36 | As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: “Every man to his own city, and every man to his own land!” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 51:9 | “We tried to heal Babylon, but she could not be healed. Abandon her! Let each of us go to his own land, for her judgment extends to the sky and reaches to the clouds.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 17:13 | The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale. |
| 6 | Revelation 18:9–10 | Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 47:15 | This is what they are to you— those with whom you have labored and traded from youth— each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you. |
Isaiah 13:14 Summary
Isaiah 13:14 describes a scene of chaos and panic, where people are running for their lives, like a hunted animal, and are without guidance or protection, like a sheep without a shepherd. This verse reminds us that, in times of crisis, we need to turn to God for comfort and guidance, rather than relying on our own strength or familiar surroundings, as seen in Psalms 42:1. Just as a sheep needs a shepherd to protect and care for it, we need God's guidance and care in our lives, as described in John 10:11. By trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, we can find peace and stability, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, as promised in Matthew 11:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'like a hunted gazelle' in Isaiah 13:14?
This phrase suggests a state of frantic fear and desperation, as a gazelle being chased by a predator, similar to the emotional state described in Psalms 42:1, where the psalmist longs for God like a deer pants for water.
Why would people 'return to their own people' and 'flee to their native land'?
In times of crisis and chaos, people often seek comfort and safety in what is familiar, as seen in Isaiah 13:14, which may be a natural human response, but it is also a sign of spiritual desperation, as described in Proverbs 28:26, where it is written that 'he who trusts in his own heart is a fool'
Is this verse talking about a specific historical event or a future prophecy?
While Isaiah 13:14 is part of a larger prophecy against Babylon, the imagery used here can also be applied to other times of judgment and chaos, as described in Matthew 24:7-8, where Jesus talks about nations rising against nations and kingdom against kingdom.
How does this verse relate to the concept of shepherd and sheep in the Bible?
The image of a 'sheep without a shepherd' in Isaiah 13:14 is a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual guidance and leadership, as seen in John 10:11, where Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt 'like a hunted gazelle' or 'a sheep without a shepherd', and how did I respond to those situations?
- In what ways can I be a source of comfort and guidance for others who may be feeling lost or alone, as described in Isaiah 13:14?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and dependence on God, rather than relying on my own strength or familiar surroundings, as warned against in Proverbs 28:26?
- What are some ways that I can prepare myself spiritually for times of crisis or uncertainty, so that I can remain steadfast and faithful, as encouraged in Psalms 42:1?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 13:14
And it shall be as the chased roe,.... That is, Babylon, and the inhabitants thereof, shall be like a roe when hunted by the dogs; which is a very fearful creature, and at the sight and noise of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 13:14
And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land. It - Babylon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 13:14
And it, to wit, Babylon, shall be as the chased roe; fearful in itself, especially when it is pursued by the hunter. As a sheep that no man taketh up; in a most forlorn and neglected condition. Every man; those soldiers of other and more warlike nations whom she had hired to assist her; which she used to do at other times, but especially upon this great occasion; of which See Poole ""; See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 13:14
Isaiah 13:14 And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.Ver. 14. And it shall be as the chased roe.] Or, "She," that is, Babylon, "shall be," when drunk with security, that usher of destruction, she shall be suddenly surprised. So strong were her walls and bulwarks, that she feared no irruption of the enemy; and so bold she bore herself upon her twenty years’ provision laid in beforehand that she feared no famine by the straitness of a long siege. Herodotus telleth us that when Babylon was taken by Cyrus, some part of the city knew not of their condition till the third day after: the suddenness of their surprise must needs be very dreadful. They shall every man,] i.e., All her confederates and presidiaries. Herod., lib. i.; Arist. Polit., lib. ill.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 13:14
(14) And it shall be as the chased roe.—Better, as with a chased roe . . . . as with sheep . . . The roe and the sheep represent the “mixed multitude” (Ӕ ?sch., Pers. 52) of all nations who had been carried into Babylon, and who would naturally take to flight, some, though without a leader, returning to their own lands on the approach of the invader.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 13:14
Verse 14. "And the remnant"] Here is plainly a defect in this sentence, as it stands in the Hebrew text; the subject of the proposition is lost. What is it that shall be like a roe chased? The Septuagint happily supply it, οικαταλελειμμενοι, שאר shear, the remnant. A MS. here supplies the word יושב yosheb, the inhabitant; which makes a tolerably good sense; but I much prefer the reading of the Septuagint. They shall - turn - "They shall look"] That is, the forces of the king of Babylon, destitute of their leader, and all his auxiliaries, collected from Asia Minor, and other distant countries, shall disperse and flee to their respective homes.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 13:14
9–16. The middle division of the prophecy enlarges on the nature, purpose and effects of this day of Jehovah.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 13:14
And it shall be - Babylon shall be. As the chased roe - Once so proud. lofty, arrogant, and self-confident; it shall be as the trembling gazelle, or the timid deer pursued by the hunter, and panting for safety.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 13:14
14. It shall be — That is, Babylon shall be. As the chased roe — The figure is, Babylon shall be as timid and panting when seeking an escape as a “chased” gazelle.
Sermons on Isaiah 13:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Papacy Is the Antichrist 1 of 3 (1888) - Part 3 by J.A. Wylie | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the depiction of judgment and the destruction of Babylon in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes that this day of wrath will be one of the |
|
My Peace I Give Unto You by A.B. Simpson | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of fiery ordeal as depicted in the Bible, particularly focusing on the refining process likened to a smelting furnace where imp |