Isaiah 14:23
Isaiah 14:23 in Multiple Translations
“I will make her a place for owls and for swamplands; I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction,” declares the LORD of Hosts.
I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.
I will also make it a possession for the porcupine, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith Jehovah of hosts.
And I will make you a heritage for the hedgehog, and pools of water: and I will go through it with the brush of destruction, says the Lord of armies.
I will make Babylon into a place for water birds and into marshland. I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction, declares the Lord Almighty.”
And I wil make it a possession to ye hedgehogge, and pooles of water, and I will sweepe it with the besome of destruction, sayeth the Lord of hostes.
And have made it for a possession of a bittern, And ponds of waters, And daubed it with the mire of destruction, The affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts!
“I will also make it a possession for the porcupine, and pools of water. I will sweep it with the broom of destruction,” says the LORD of Armies.
I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.
And I will make it a possession for the ericius and pools of waters, and I will sweep it and wear it out with a besom, saith the Lord of hosts.
I will cause Babylon to be a place where owls live, a place full of swamps; I will get rid of it completely as though [MET] I were sweeping it with a broom. That is what I, the Commander of the armies of angels, say.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 14:23
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 14:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֛י/הָ
לְ/מוֹרַ֥שׁ
קִפֹּ֖ד
וְ/אַגְמֵי
מָ֑יִם
וְ/טֵֽאטֵאתִ֨י/הָ֙
בְּ/מַטְאֲטֵ֣א
הַשְׁמֵ֔ד
נְאֻ֖ם
יְהוָ֥ה
צְבָאֽוֹת
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֛י/הָ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
לְ/מוֹרַ֥שׁ
môwrâsh
H4180
possession
Prep | N-ms
קִפֹּ֖ד
qippôwd
H7090
porcupine
N-ms
וְ/אַגְמֵי
ʼăgam
H98
pool
Conj | N-mp
מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
וְ/טֵֽאטֵאתִ֨י/הָ֙
ṭûwʼ
H2894
to sweep
Conj | V-l-1cs | Suff
בְּ/מַטְאֲטֵ֣א
maṭʼăṭêʼ
H4292
broom
Prep | N-ms
הַשְׁמֵ֔ד
shâmad
H8045
to destroy
V-Hiphil-Ptc
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָאֽוֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 14:23
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֛י/הָ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
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.
לְ/מוֹרַ֥שׁ
môwrâsh
H4180
"possession"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, and can also mean delight or pleasure in something. It describes a sense of satisfaction or joy in having something.
Definition: possession
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: possession, thought. See also: Job 17:11; Isaiah 14:23; Obadiah 1:17.
קִפֹּ֖ד
qippôwd
H7090
"porcupine"
N-ms
The porcupine is a small animal that curls up for defense, mentioned in the Bible as a shrinking creature. The KJV translates it as bittern, a type of bird.
Definition: 1) porcupine, hedgehog 1a) a shrinking animal
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bittern. See also: Isaiah 14:23; Isaiah 34:11; Zephaniah 2:14.
וְ/אַגְמֵי
ʼăgam
H98
"pool"
Conj | N-mp
A pool or marsh, often used to describe a body of calm or troubled water, like a pond or swamp, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of natural settings.
Definition: 1) pool, troubled pool 1a) troubled or muddy (gloomy) pools, marshes 1b) any pool, pond 1c) swamp reeds, reeds, rush(es)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: pond, pool, standing (water). See also: Exodus 7:19; Isaiah 14:23; Psalms 107:35.
מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וְ/טֵֽאטֵאתִ֨י/הָ֙
ṭûwʼ
H2894
"to sweep"
Conj | V-l-1cs | Suff
This word means to sweep away, often used literally or figuratively in the Bible. It appears in Isaiah 14, where God sweeps away Israel's enemies, and in Matthew 12, where Jesus talks about sweeping a house clean.
Definition: (Pilpel) to sweep, sweep away
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: sweep. See also: Isaiah 14:23.
בְּ/מַטְאֲטֵ֣א
maṭʼăṭêʼ
H4292
"broom"
Prep | N-ms
A broom is what this word translates to, used for sweeping away dirt and dust, like when Jesus talked about cleaning the temple in Matthew 21:12.
Definition: broom, besom
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: besom. See also: Isaiah 14:23.
הַשְׁמֵ֔ד
shâmad
H8045
"to destroy"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
The Hebrew word shâmad means to destroy or desolate something, used to describe annihilation or devastation. It is used in the Bible to describe the destruction of cities or nations, such as in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to destroy, exterminate, be destroyed, be exterminated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be annihilated, be exterminated 1a2) to be destroyed, be devastated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to annihilate, exterminate 1b2) to destroy Aramaic equivalent: she.mad (שְׁמַד "to destroy" H8046)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: destory(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, pluck down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 2 Samuel 22:38; Psalms 37:38.
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָאֽוֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
Study Notes — Isaiah 14:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 14:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 14:23
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:23
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:23
- Sermons on Isaiah 14:23
Context — The Fall of the King of Babylon
21Prepare a place to slaughter his sons for the iniquities of their forefathers. They will never rise up to possess a land or cover the earth with their cities.
22“I will rise up against them,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will cut off from Babylon her name and her remnant, her offspring and her posterity,” declares the LORD.
23“I will make her a place for owls and for swamplands; I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction,” declares the LORD of Hosts.
24The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. 25I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zephaniah 2:14 | 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. |
| 2 | Isaiah 13:21–22 | 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 | 1 Kings 14:10 | Because of all this, behold, I am bringing disaster on the house of Jeroboam: I will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both slave and free, in Israel; I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns up dung until it is gone! |
| 4 | Revelation 14:8 | Then a second angel followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who has made all the nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 34:11–15 | The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction. No nobles will be left to proclaim a king, and all her princes will come to nothing. Her towers will be overgrown with thorns, her fortresses with thistles and briers. She will become a haunt for jackals, an abode for ostriches. The desert creatures will meet with hyenas, and one wild goat will call to another. There the night creature will settle and find her place of repose. There the owl will make her nest; she will lay and hatch her eggs and gather her brood under her shadow. Even there the birds of prey will gather, each with its mate. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 51:42–43 | The sea has come up over Babylon; she is covered in turbulent waves. Her cities have become a desolation, a dry and arid land, a land where no one lives, where no son of man passes through. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 51:25–26 | “Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, you who devastate the whole earth, declares the LORD. I will stretch out My hand against you; I will roll you over the cliffs and turn you into a charred mountain. No one shall retrieve from you a cornerstone or a foundation stone, because you will become desolate forever,” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Revelation 18:2 | And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast. |
| 9 | Revelation 18:21–23 | Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again. And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again. The light of a lamp will never shine in you again, and the voices of a bride and bridegroom will never call out in you again. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.” |
| 10 | 2 Kings 21:13 | I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab, and I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes out a bowl—wiping it and turning it upside down. |
Isaiah 14:23 Summary
Isaiah 14:23 is a powerful verse that shows God's judgment and destruction of evil. The Lord says He will make Babylon a desolate place, like a swampland where only owls live, and He will sweep it away completely. This means that God is serious about getting rid of sin and wickedness, just like He did in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25). As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God is a holy and just God who hates sin, but loves and redeems His people (Psalm 119:137).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to 'sweep her away with the broom of destruction' in Isaiah 14:23?
This phrase is a metaphor for God's complete and thorough judgment, where He removes all remnants of evil and wickedness, much like a broom sweeps away dust and dirt, as seen in Isaiah 5:24 and Matthew 3:12.
Why does God compare Babylon to a place for owls and swamplands in Isaiah 14:23?
The comparison is meant to convey a sense of desolation and abandonment, as owls and swamplands are often associated with dark, uninhabitable places, much like the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24-25.
Is Isaiah 14:23 a prophecy that has already been fulfilled, or is it still to come?
While the prophecy in Isaiah 14:23 was partially fulfilled in the historical context of Babylon's downfall, its ultimate fulfillment is still tied to God's broader plan of judgment and redemption, as seen in Revelation 18:21 and Isaiah 13:19.
How does Isaiah 14:23 relate to God's character and nature?
This verse highlights God's holiness, justice, and power, as He judges wickedness and destroys evil, demonstrating His commitment to righteousness and His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Psalm 119:137.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that God might be calling me to 'sweep away' in order to make room for His presence and purpose?
- In what ways can I trust God's plan of judgment and redemption, even when it seems unclear or uncertain?
- How can I apply the principle of God's holiness and justice to my own life, recognizing the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance?
- What are some ways that I can cooperate with God's work of 'sweeping away' evil and darkness in my community and the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:23
I will also make it a possession for the bittern,.... Instead of being possessed by any of the family of the king of Babylon.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:23
I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:23
The bittern; a great water fowl, which thrusting its bill into some broken reed, or hollow thing, makes a great noise; which also delights in solitary places, as also in waterish grounds, such as those were about Babylon. Others render the word hedge-hog, or porcupine; but this being not considerable in itself, nor at all necessary for the clearing of the text, I shall not trouble the English reader with any discourse about it; and the learned may consult my Latin Synopsis. Pools of water: the ground about Babylon was of itself very moist and waterish, because of the great river Euphrates running by it, which was kept from overflowing the country with charge and labour; which being neglected, as it must needs be when the city was destroyed and dispeopled, it was easily turned into pools of water.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:23
Isaiah 14:23 I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.Ver. 23. I will also make it a possession for the bittern.] Which is a kind of water fowl that maketh a hideous noise. And I will sweep it with the besom of destruction.] Scopa vastatrice verram eam, Vatab. I will not brush them for ornament, but sweep them, or rather scrub them to their ruin by my Persian Praedones, whom I will set upon them. And here the Jewish Rabbis acknowledge that they came to understand this text by hearing an Arabian woman mention a broom or a besom in her language, to her maid. Apollos, a learned teacher, may yet learn of a tent maker. Scopis non purgatoriis sed perditoriis. - R. David in Radic. שׁà שׁà. - Mercer. in Pagnin. Thesaur.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:23
(23) I will also make it a possession for the bittern . . .—Naturalists are not agreed as to the meaning of the noun. In the LXX. and Vulgate it appears as “hedgehog,” or “porcupine,” and the “tortoise,” “beaver,” “otter,” and “owl” have all been suggested by scholars. Its conjunction with “pelican in Isaiah 34:11 and Zephaniah 2:14, and with” pools of water “here, is in favour of some kind of water-fowl. The “hedgehog” frequents dry places, and not marshes, and does not roost, as in Zephaniah 2:14, on the capitals of ruined columns. On the whole, therefore, “bittern” (Botaurus stellaris) may as well stand. Pools of water.—These were the natural result of the breaking up of the canals, sluices, reservoirs, which had kept the overflow of the Euphrates within bounds (Diod. Sic., ii. 7). I will sweep it with the besom of destruction . . .—The phrase has its parallel in the “sieve of vanity,” in Isaiah 30:28. (Comp. Isaiah 34:11) The force of the image must not be lost sight of Babylon is to be swept away as men sweep away some foul rubbish from their house.
The world is cleaner for its destruction. The solemn doom closes the “burden” of Babylon.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 14:23
Verse 23. I will sweep it with the besom of destruction - "I will plunge it in the miry gulf of destruction"] I have here very nearly followed the Version of the Septuagint; the reasons for which see in the last note on De Poesi Hebr. Praelect, xxviii. The besom of destruction, as our Version renders it. במטאטא bematate. This, says Kimchi, is a Chaldee word: and it is worthy of remark that the prophet, writing to the Chaldeans, uses several words peculiar to their own language to point out the nature of the Divine judgments, and the causes of them. See Clarke on Jeremiah 10:11. Sixteen of Kennicott's MSS., and seventeen of De Rossi's, and one ancient of my own, have the word במטאטי bematatey, in the plural. "I will sweep her with the besoms of destruction."
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:23
23. the bittern] (ch. Isaiah 34:11; Zephaniah 2:14). Usually rendered “hedgehog” (R.V. porcupine) in accordance with the LXX. and Vulg. and the analogy of Arabic. The bittern certainly suits the scene best, and it is said to have the hedgehog’s trick of rolling itself up into an unrecognisable mass. (Tristram, Natural History of the Bible, p. 243.) pools of water] marshes, caused by the overflow of the Euphrates when the dykes and canals were no longer kept in repair.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:23
I will also make it a possession for the bittern - The word ‘bittern,’ in English, means a bird with long legs and neck, that stalks among reeds and sedge, feeding upon fish.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:23
22, 23. I will rise up against — Hitherto the prophet had spoken in his own name, though not by his own authority; but now he speaks in the name of Jehovah, intimating not human agency merely, but
Sermons on Isaiah 14:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Israel by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses various aspects of the Bible and its accuracy. They mention the fulfillment of prophecies, such as the destruction of Babylon and the reestabl |
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Revelation 2 - Through the Bible by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Revelation, highlighting the battle between good and evil, the triumph of Jesus Christ over the devil, the importance of living a transparent an |
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If Any Man by J.C. Ryle | The preacher delves into the concept of outbursts of anger, exploring the Greek word 'thumos' which describes a passionate and impulsive anger that rushes along, often leading to s |
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Epistle 236 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the enduring power of truth and the sovereignty of God amidst trials and tribulations. He encourages believers to find strength in Christ, the bread of li |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 20:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He introduces his new book, "Standing Up in a Fallen World," which i |
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The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole |
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(Isaiah) Judgment of the Nations by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Babylon as described in the book of Isaiah. He emphasizes the vividness and power of God's word, which conveys the panic and terr |