Isaiah 14:17
Isaiah 14:17 in Multiple Translations
who turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities, who refused to let the captives return to their homes?”
That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?
that made the world as a wilderness, and overthrew the cities thereof; that let not loose his prisoners to their home?
Who made the world a waste, overturning its towns; who did not let his prisoners loose from the prison-house.
Is this the one who turned the world into a desert, destroyed cities, and never let his prisoners return home?’
He made the worlde as a wildernesse, and destroied the cities thereof, and opened not the house of his prisoners.
He hath made the world as a wilderness, And his cities he hath broken down, Of his bound ones he opened not the house.
who made the world like a wilderness, and overthrew its cities, who didn’t release his prisoners to their home?”
That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed its cities; that opened not the house of his prisoners?
That made the world a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof, that opened not the prison to his prisoners?
Is this the man who tried to cause the world to become a desert, who conquered its cities and did not allow the people whom he captured to return to their homes?’
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 14:17
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 14:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׂ֥ם
תֵּבֵ֛ל
כַּ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
וְ/עָרָ֣י/ו
הָרָ֑ס
אֲסִירָ֖י/ו
לֹא
פָ֥תַח
בָּֽיְתָ/ה
שָׂ֥ם
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
תֵּבֵ֛ל
têbêl
H8398
world
N-fs
כַּ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
וְ/עָרָ֣י/ו
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | N-fp | Suff
הָרָ֑ס
hâraç
H2040
to overthrow
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲסִירָ֖י/ו
ʼâçîyr
H615
prisoner
N-mp | Suff
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
פָ֥תַח
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בָּֽיְתָ/ה
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
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 14:17
שָׂ֥ם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
תֵּבֵ֛ל
têbêl
H8398
"world"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for world, it refers to the earth and its inhabitants. In the Bible, it's used to describe the world God created, like in Psalm 24, which says the earth belongs to God.
Definition: world
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: habitable part, world. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 97:4; Psalms 9:9.
כַּ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
וְ/עָרָ֣י/ו
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הָרָ֑ס
hâraç
H2040
"to overthrow"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to overthrow or destroy something, like breaking down a wall or throwing something to the ground. It is used to describe God's power and judgment.
Definition: 1) to tear down, break down, overthrow, beat down, break, break through, destroy, pluck down, pull down, throw down, ruined, destroyer, utterly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to throw down, tear down 1a2) to break through 1a3) to break down, break away 1b) (Niphal) to be torn down, be thrown down 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to overthrow, tear down 1c2) destroyer (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break (down, through), destroy, overthrow, pluck down, pull down, ruin, throw down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 15:7; Isaiah 49:17; Psalms 11:3.
אֲסִירָ֖י/ו
ʼâçîyr
H615
"prisoner"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a prisoner or captive, someone who is bound or restrained. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are held in captivity or slavery.
Definition: prisoner, captive, bondman
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (those which are) bound, prisoner. See also: Genesis 39:20; Psalms 69:34; Psalms 68:7.
לֹא
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.
פָ֥תַח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
בָּֽיְתָ/ה
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — Isaiah 14:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 14:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:17
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:17
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:17
- Sermons on Isaiah 14:17
Context — The Fall of the King of Babylon
15But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.
16Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made the kingdoms tremble,
17who turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities, who refused to let the captives return to their homes?”
18All the kings of the nations lie in state, each in his own tomb. 19But you are cast out of your grave like a rejected branch, covered by those slain with the sword, and dumped into a rocky pit like a carcass trampled underfoot.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joel 2:3 | Before them a fire devours, and behind them a flame scorches. The land before them is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them, it is like a desert wasteland— surely nothing will escape them. |
| 2 | Isaiah 13:19–22 | And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will howl in her fortresses and jackals in her luxurious palaces. Babylon’s time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged. |
| 3 | Isaiah 45:13 | I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.” |
| 4 | Ezra 1:2–4 | “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let every survivor, wherever he lives, be assisted by the men of that region with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.’” |
| 5 | Isaiah 58:6 | Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? |
| 6 | Zephaniah 2:13–14 | And He will stretch out His hand against the north and destroy Assyria; He will make Nineveh a desolation, as dry as a desert. Herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. Both the desert owl and screech owl will roost atop her pillars. Their calls will sound from the window, but desolation will lie on the threshold, for He will expose the beams of cedar. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 6:14 | I will stretch out My hand against them, and wherever they live I will make the land a desolate waste, from the wilderness to Diblah. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’” |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 28:8–15 | Then the Israelites took 200,000 captives from their kinsmen—women, sons, and daughters. They also carried off a great deal of plunder and brought it to Samaria. But a prophet of the LORD named Oded was there, and he went out to meet the army that returned to Samaria. “Look,” he said to them, “because of His wrath against Judah, the LORD, the God of your fathers, has delivered them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reaches up to heaven. And now you intend to reduce to slavery the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem. But are you not also guilty before the LORD your God? Now therefore, listen to me and return the captives you took from your kinsmen, for the fierce anger of the LORD is upon you.” Then some of the leaders of the Ephraimites —Azariah son of Jehohanan, Berechiah son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai—stood in opposition to those arriving from the war. “You must not bring the captives here,” they said, “for you are proposing to bring guilt upon us from the LORD and to add to our sins and our guilt. For our guilt is great, and fierce anger is upon Israel.” So the armed men left the captives and the plunder before the leaders and all the assembly. Then the men who were designated by name arose, took charge of the captives, and provided from the plunder clothing for the naked. They clothed them, gave them sandals and food and drink, anointed their wounds, and put all the feeble on donkeys. So they brought them to Jericho, the City of Palms, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria. |
| 9 | Isaiah 64:10 | Your holy cities have become a wilderness. Zion has become a wasteland and Jerusalem a desolation. |
Isaiah 14:17 Summary
This verse is describing a powerful leader who has caused great destruction and chaos, turning the world into a desert and destroying cities, and refusing to let captives return home. This kind of leadership is opposed to the way of God, who desires freedom and restoration for all people, as seen in John 10:10. The Bible teaches that those who lead in this way will ultimately be judged by God, as seen in Psalm 9:15-16. By looking at this verse, we can learn the importance of leading with kindness, compassion, and a desire to set people free, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of leader is being described in Isaiah 14:17?
The leader being described is one who has caused great destruction and chaos, as seen in the fact that he 'turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities' (Isaiah 14:17), which is reminiscent of the destruction caused by unrighteous leaders in the book of Judges, such as in Judges 3:12-14.
Why did the leader refuse to let captives return to their homes?
The leader's refusal to let captives return home was likely a demonstration of his power and control, as seen in other biblical accounts of oppressive leaders, such as in Exodus 1:13-14 where the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger passage that describes the fall of a powerful leader, with the preceding verse, Isaiah 14:16, noting that those who see him will be shocked and amazed at his downfall, much like the downfall of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12.
What can we learn from the description of the leader's actions in this verse?
We can learn that unrighteous and oppressive leadership will ultimately be judged by God, as seen in verses like Psalm 9:15-16, where the wicked are caught in their own snares, and in Psalm 37:35-36, where the wicked are ultimately cut off.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be contributing to spiritual 'desolation' in my own life or in the lives of those around me, and how can I work to reverse that?
- How can I balance the desire for freedom and autonomy with the need to submit to rightful authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-2?
- In what ways can I be an agent of restoration and healing in a world that has been 'turned into a desert' by sin and rebellion, as seen in Isaiah 61:1-4?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be 'holding captive' others, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and how can I work to set them free, as seen in Galatians 5:1?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:17
[That] made the world as a wilderness,.... Both by destroying the inhabitants of it, and by laying waste cities, towns, villages, fields, vineyards, gardens, and all places improved and cultivated,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:17
They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; -The passers by contemplate with astonishment the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:17
Whereby he signifies both his irresistible power, and his continued cruelty. He neither was willing to give them any liberty or ease, nor could any force him to do it.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:17
Isaiah 14:17 [That] made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; [that] opened not the house of his prisoners?Ver. 17. That made the world as a wilderness.] Nero the tyrant came into the world an Agrippa, or born with his feet forward, and turned the world upside down ere he went out of it; so that the senate at last proclaimed him a public enemy to mankind, and condemned him to be drawn through the city, and whipped to death. That opened not the house of his prisoners.] Or, That did not loose his prisoners homewards, but kept them in durance with prisoners’ pittance.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:17
(17) That opened not the house of his prisoners.—Better, as in the margin, he loosed not his prisoners to their homes. This was, we may note, a characteristic feature of the cruelty of the Assyrian kings. So Sennacherib and Assurbanipal boast of having carried off captive kings in “chains of iron” (Records of the Past, i. pp. 43, 62, 72), and kept them chained like dogs in the court of their palace (ib., pp. 93, 97). So Jehoiachin was kept in prison for thirty-seven years (Jeremiah 52:31).
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:17
17. opened not the house of his prisoners] Translate as R.V. let not loose his prisoners to their home (a so-called pregnant construction). But from this point the rhythm is defective, and the text is almost certainly in some disorder. The immediate difficulty might be surmounted by bringing the words “every one in his house” from the end of Isa 14:18 (where they are rhythmically superfluous) to the end of Isa 14:17 : thus (with a slight alteration):— “That let not loose his prisoners,—each to his home.” But a satisfactory reconstruction of the passage as a whole seems impossible.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:17
That made the world as a wilderness - That made cities and kingdoms desolate. That opened not the house of his prisoners - This is a description of his oppression and cruelty. Of course many prisoners would be taken in war.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:17
16, 17. The scene is now changed from sheol to earth; from a shadowy personage to an unburied corpse. Look upon… consider thee — Intently examine thee as some strange sight.
Sermons on Isaiah 14:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Fall of Lucifer by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Lucifer and the contrasting path taken by Jesus. He highlights how Lucifer's ambition and pride led to his downfall, as described |
|
Preparing for the Day of the Lord by Randy Krahn | In this sermon, the preacher warns about the dangers of being consumed by worldly distractions such as video games, lust, and social media. He emphasizes the importance of watching |
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Stirred by the Holy Spirit to Serve God by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of being stirred by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's calling, drawing parallels to the story of Cyrus in the book of Ezra who |
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Bible Survey - Ezra by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Ezra, a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, who led the second expedition from Babylon to reinforce and inspire the struggling Judeans in rebu |
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love - a Personal Journey by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of God, seeking His beauty, and abiding in Him as the ultimate source of strength and peace. It highlights the nee |
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Beware When You Are Full by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and mercy of God in difficult situations. He references the book of Esther, where the people of God fasted and prayed in desperati |
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What Is a Good Work by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of pleasure and how it can lead people away from total obedience to God. The speaker shares a personal experience of being distr |