Isaiah 13:18
Isaiah 13:18 in Multiple Translations
Their bows will dash young men to pieces; they will have no mercy on the fruit of the womb; they will not look with pity on the children.
Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.
And their bows shall dash the young men in pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.
In their hands are bows and spears; they are cruel, violently putting the young men to death, and crushing the young women; they have no pity for children, and no mercy for the fruit of the body.
Their bows will slaughter their young men; they will show no mercy to babies; they will have no pity on children.
With bowes also shall they destroy ye children, and shall haue no compassion vpon the fruit of the wombe, and their eies shall not spare the children.
And bows dash young men to pieces, And the fruit of the womb they pity not, On sons their eye hath no pity.
Their bows will dash the young men in pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb. Their eyes will not spare children.
Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.
But with their arrows they shall kill the children, and shall have no pity upon the sucklings of the womb, and their eye shall not spare their sons.
With their arrows, the soldiers of Media will shoot the young men of Babylon; they will not even act mercifully [DOU] toward infants or children!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 13:18
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 13:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/קְשָׁת֖וֹת
נְעָרִ֣ים
תְּרַטַּ֑שְׁנָה
וּ/פְרִי
בֶ֨טֶן֙
לֹ֣א
יְרַחֵ֔מוּ
עַל
בָּנִ֖ים
לֹֽא
תָח֥וּס
עֵינָֽ/ם
וּ/קְשָׁת֖וֹת
qesheth
H7198
bow
Conj | N-fp
נְעָרִ֣ים
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-mp
תְּרַטַּ֑שְׁנָה
râṭâsh
H7376
to dash in pieces
V-Piel-Imperf-3fp
וּ/פְרִי
pᵉrîy
H6529
fruit
Conj | N-ms
בֶ֨טֶן֙
beṭen
H990
belly
N-fs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְרַחֵ֔מוּ
râcham
H7355
to have compassion
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בָּנִ֖ים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תָח֥וּס
chûwç
H2347
to pity
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עֵינָֽ/ם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 13:18
וּ/קְשָׁת֖וֹת
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
Conj | N-fp
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
נְעָרִ֣ים
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-mp
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
תְּרַטַּ֑שְׁנָה
râṭâsh
H7376
"to dash in pieces"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fp
This word means to break or smash something into pieces, like dashing a vase on the floor. It is used to describe violent or destructive actions.
Definition: 1) to dash to pieces 1a) (Piel) to dash in pieces 1b) (Pual) to be dashed in pieces
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: dash (in pieces). See also: 2 Kings 8:12; Hosea 10:14; Isaiah 13:16.
וּ/פְרִי
pᵉrîy
H6529
"fruit"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the fruit that comes from the ground or from our actions. It is used in many books, including Genesis and Isaiah, to describe the results of our labor or the consequences of our choices.
Definition: 1) fruit 1a) fruit, produce (of the ground) 1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) 1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward. See also: Genesis 1:11; Proverbs 18:20; Psalms 1:3.
בֶ֨טֶן֙
beṭen
H990
"belly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְרַחֵ֔מוּ
râcham
H7355
"to have compassion"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to have compassion or show love, often used to describe God's mercy towards humanity, as seen in the Bible. It involves deep feelings of sympathy and kindness. In the KJV, it is translated as having mercy or pity.
Definition: 1) to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection, have compassion 1a) (Qal) to love 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to have compassion, be compassionate 1b1a) of God, man 1c) (Pual) to be shown compassion, be compassionate
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: have compassion (on, upon), love, (find, have, obtain, shew) mercy(-iful, on, upon), (have) pity, Ruhamah, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 33:19; Isaiah 60:10; Psalms 18:2.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בָּנִ֖ים
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תָח֥וּס
chûwç
H2347
"to pity"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To pity or have compassion on someone means to show kindness and care for their well-being, like God's compassion for his people. It involves covering or protecting them from harm.
Definition: (Qal) to pity, have compassion, spare, look upon with compassion
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: pity, regard, spare. See also: Genesis 45:20; Ezekiel 5:11; Psalms 72:13.
עֵינָֽ/ם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Isaiah 13:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 13:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 13:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 13:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 13:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 13:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 13:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 13:18
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 13:18
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 13:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 13:18
- Sermons on Isaiah 13:18
Context — The Burden against Babylon
16Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be ravished.
17Behold, I will stir up against them the Medes, who have no regard for silver and no desire for gold.
18Their bows will dash young men to pieces; they will have no mercy on the fruit of the womb; they will not look with pity on the children.
19And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. 20She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 8:12 | “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.” |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 36:17 | So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, |
| 3 | Isaiah 13:16 | Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be ravished. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 9:10 | But as for Me, I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. I will bring their deeds down upon their own heads.” |
| 5 | Hosea 13:16 | Samaria will bear her guilt because she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 9:5–6 | And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. |
| 7 | Nahum 2:1 | One who scatters advances against you, O Nineveh. Guard the fortress! Watch the road! Brace yourselves! Summon all your strength! |
| 8 | Nahum 3:10 | Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity. Her infants were dashed to pieces at the head of every street. They cast lots for her dignitaries, and all her nobles were bound in chains. |
Isaiah 13:18 Summary
[Isaiah 13:18 describes a brutal and merciless attack by the Medes, where they show no regard for human life, not even for young men, unborn babies, or children. This passage teaches us about the severity of God's judgment on sinful nations, as seen in Isaiah 13:9 and Jeremiah 25:15-16. It reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even in the face of violence and chaos, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Isaiah 13:18 and who are the Medes?
The Medes, mentioned in Isaiah 13:17, were a powerful ancient nation that God would stir up against Babylon, as seen in Isaiah 13:18, where their brutal warfare is described, with no regard for human life, similar to the conquests described in Deuteronomy 2:34-35 and 1 Samuel 15:3.
Why does the Bible describe such violent scenes in Isaiah 13:18?
The Bible describes the violent scenes in Isaiah 13:18 to convey the severity of God's judgment on sinful nations, as seen in Isaiah 13:9 and Jeremiah 25:15-16, where God's wrath is poured out on those who refuse to repent and turn to Him.
What does the phrase 'fruit of the womb' mean in Isaiah 13:18?
The phrase 'fruit of the womb' in Isaiah 13:18 refers to unborn babies or children, emphasizing the merciless nature of the attackers, who show no regard for human life, similar to the warnings given in Psalm 106:38 and Hosea 13:16.
Is Isaiah 13:18 still relevant to us today?
Yes, Isaiah 13:18 is still relevant today, as it reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, even in the face of violence and chaos, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Romans 8:28, where we are encouraged to trust in God's goodness and provision.
Reflection Questions
- How does the description of the Medes' brutality in Isaiah 13:18 make you feel, and what does it teach you about the nature of sin and God's judgment?
- In what ways can you apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty, despite the presence of evil and violence in the world, as seen in Isaiah 13:18?
- What does the phrase 'no mercy on the fruit of the womb' reveal about the character of the Medes, and what does it teach you about the importance of valuing human life?
- How does Isaiah 13:18 relate to the broader theme of God's judgment on sin, as seen in other passages like Revelation 6:15-17 and Matthew 25:31-46?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 13:18
[Their] bows also shall dash their young men to pieces,.... That is, the bows of the Medes should dash in pieces the young men of the Babylonians.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 13:18
Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. (Their) bows-in the use of which the Persians were particularly skilled.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 13:18
Their bows; under which are comprehended their arrows, and possibly other weapons of war; for so generally sometimes is the bow used in Scripture, as . Shall dash the young men to pieces; or, shall pierce the young men through, as the Chaldee readers it.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 13:18
Isaiah 13:18 [Their] bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.Ver. 18. Their bows also shall dash the young men.] They shall double destroy them. O barbaram crudelitatem! O cruel barbarian. And they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb.] Quamvis adhuc teneri essent et fructus novelli, ripping up their mothers; or at the Sicilian Vespers; and as in the late Parisian and Irish massacres, which were the most prodigious horrid villanies that ever the sun saw. Their eye shall not spare children.] In the massacre of Paris, a bloody Papist having snatched up a little child from one of the Protestants in his arms, the poor babe began to play with his beard, and to smile upon him. But he, more merciless than a tiger, stabbed it with a dagger, and so cast it all gory and bloody into the river. Incredibilis sanguinis aviditas in milite bacchabitur. Acts. and Mon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 13:18
(18) Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces.—These, as in Isaiah 22:6, Jeremiah 1:9-14, were the characteristic weapons of the Medo-Persian armies.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 13:18
Verse 18. Their bows also shall dash - "Their bows shall dash"] Both Herodotus, i. 61, and Xenophon, Anab. iii., mention, that the Persians used large bows τοξαμεγαλα: and the latter says particularly that their bows were three cubits long, Anab. iv. They were celebrated for their archers, see Isaiah 22:6; Jeremiah 49:35. Probably their neighours and allies, the Medes, dealt much in the same sort of arms. In Psalms 18:34, and Job 20:24, mention is made of a bow of steel; if the Persian bows were of metal, we may easily conceive that with a metalline bow of three cubits' length, and proportionably strong, the soldiers might dash and slay the young men, the weaker and unresisting of the inhabitants (for they are joined with the fruit of the womb and the children) in the general carnage on taking the city. תרתשנה terattashnah, shall be broken or shivered to pieces. This seems to refer, not to נערים nearim, young men, but to קשתות keshathoth, their bows. The bows of the young men shall be broken to pieces. On the fruit, &c. - "And on the fruit," &c.] A MS. of Dr. Kennicott's reads ועל פרי veal peri and on the fruit. And nine MSS.
(three ancient) and two editions, with the Septuagint, Vulgate, and Syriac, add likewise the conjunction ו vau, and, to על al, upon, afterwards.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 13:18
17, 18. The description of the character of the invaders, perhaps even the mention of their name, is of the nature of a climax to the terrors of the picture.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 13:18
Their bows also - Bows and arrows were the usual weapons of the ancients in war; and the Persians were particularly skilled in their use.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 13:18
18. Their bows — Of very ancient use, generally made of wood, in a few instances of brass. Persian archers are spoken of with applause in profane history.
Sermons on Isaiah 13:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the |
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Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t |
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Daniel and His Times by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson delves into the life of the prophet Daniel, highlighting his unique role as a recipient of divine revelations rather than an inspired prophet. Daniel, living in |
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(Hosea) True Wisdom Turns Us Back to God by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of forgetting God when times are good and turning back to Him in times of crisis. He highlights the tendency of humans to forget G |
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Freedom From Denominationalism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's truth and total freedom from anything that binds us. He encourages humility, servanthood, and having a father |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difficulty of describing heavenly things in human language. He uses the example of Ezekiel's vision of heavenly beings with four faces to |
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Judgment Begins at the House of God by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes that God's judgment begins within His own house, as illustrated by Peter's reflection on Ezekiel 9:5-6. He points out that before God pronounces judgment o |