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Isaiah 32:14

Isaiah 32:14 in Multiple Translations

For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become caves forever— the delight of wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks—

Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;

For the palace shall be forsaken; the populous city shall be deserted; the hill and the watch-tower shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;

For the fair houses will have no man living in them; the town which was full of noise will become a waste; the hill and the watchtower will be unpeopled for ever, a joy for the asses of the woods, a place of food for the flocks;

The palace is abandoned, the crowded town is deserted. Castles and watch towers will forever become homes loved by wild donkeys, and places where sheep graze,

Because the palace shalbe forsaken, and the noise of the citie shalbe left: the towre and fortresse shalbe dennes for euer, and the delite of wilde asses, and a pasture for flockes,

Surely the palace hath been left, The multitude of the city forsaken, Fort and watch-tower hath been for dens unto the age, A joy of wild asses — a pasture of herds;

For the palace will be forsaken. The populous city will be deserted. The hill and the watchtower will be for dens forever, a delight for wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks,

Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;

For the house is forsaken, the multitude of the city is left, darkness and obscurity are come upon its dens for ever. A joy of wild asses, the pastures of flocks,

The king’s palace will be empty; there will be no people in the city that now is very noisy. Wild donkeys will walk around and flocks of sheep will eat grass in the empty forts and watchtowers.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 32:14

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 32:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי אַרְמ֣וֹן נֻטָּ֔שׁ הֲמ֥וֹן עִ֖יר עֻזָּ֑ב עֹ֣פֶל וָ/בַ֜חַן הָיָ֨ה בְעַ֤ד מְעָרוֹת֙ עַד עוֹלָ֔ם מְשׂ֥וֹשׂ פְּרָאִ֖ים מִרְעֵ֥ה עֲדָרִֽים
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
אַרְמ֣וֹן ʼarmôwn H759 citadel N-ms
נֻטָּ֔שׁ nâṭash H5203 to leave V-Pual-Perf-3ms
הֲמ֥וֹן hâmôwn H1995 crowd N-ms
עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fs
עֻזָּ֑ב ʻâzab H5800 Forsaken V-Pual-Perf-3ms
עֹ֣פֶל ʻôphel H6076 hill N-ms
וָ/בַ֜חַן bachan H975 watchtower Conj | N-ms
הָיָ֨ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְעַ֤ד bᵉʻad H1157 about/through/for Prep
מְעָרוֹת֙ mᵉʻârâh H4631 cave N-fp
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
עוֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever N-ms
מְשׂ֥וֹשׂ mâsôws H4885 rejoicing N-ms
פְּרָאִ֖ים pereʼ H6501 wild donkey N-mp
מִרְעֵ֥ה mirʻeh H4829 pasture N-ms
עֲדָרִֽים ʻêder H5739 flock N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 32:14

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אַרְמ֣וֹן ʼarmôwn H759 "citadel" N-ms
The Hebrew word for a high palace or fortress, like a citadel, appears in the Bible as a place of strength and power. It is often translated as castle or palace in the KJV. This word is used to describe the strongholds of kings and rulers.
Definition: : palace citadel, palace, fortress Also means: ar.mon (אַרְמוֹן ": fortress" H0759H)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: castle, palace. Compare H2038 (הַרְמוֹן). See also: 1 Kings 16:18; Jeremiah 49:27; Psalms 48:4.
נֻטָּ֔שׁ nâṭash H5203 "to leave" V-Pual-Perf-3ms
To leave or forsake something, like God forsaking his people in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to permit or let something happen. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's relationship with his people.
Definition: 1) to leave, permit, forsake, cast off or away, reject, suffer, join, spread out or abroad, be loosed, cease, abandon, quit, hang loose, cast down, make a raid, lie fallow, let fall, forgo, draw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to leave, let alone, lie fallow, entrust to 1a2) to forsake, abandon 1a3) to permit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be forsaken 1b2) to be loosened, be loose 1b3) to be let go, spread abroad 1c) (Pual) to be abandoned, be deserted
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: cast off, drawn, let fall, forsake, join (battle), leave (off), lie still, loose, spread (self) abroad, stretch out, suffer. See also: Genesis 31:28; Psalms 78:60; Psalms 27:9.
הֲמ֥וֹן hâmôwn H1995 "crowd" N-ms
Being in a state of turmoil or having a lot of noise is what this Hebrew word means. It can also refer to a large crowd or abundance of something, like in the book of Proverbs where it describes a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) murmur, roar, crowd, abundance, tumult, sound 1a) sound, murmur, rush, roar 1b) tumult, confusion 1c) crowd, multitude 1d) great number, abundance 1e) abundance, wealth
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult. See also: Genesis 17:4; Isaiah 33:3; Psalms 37:16.
עִ֖יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fs
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.
עֻזָּ֑ב ʻâzab H5800 "Forsaken" V-Pual-Perf-3ms
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
עֹ֣פֶל ʻôphel H6076 "hill" N-ms
This word can mean a tumor or a mound, like a fortress or strong hold. In the Bible, it is used to describe both physical and geographical features.
Definition: hill, mound, fort, stronghold, Ophel
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: emerod, fort, strong hold, tower. See also: Deuteronomy 28:27; 1 Samuel 6:4; Isaiah 32:14.
וָ/בַ֜חַן bachan H975 "watchtower" Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a watchtower, a high structure used for observation. It appears in the book of 2 Kings. The KJV translates it as 'tower'.
Definition: watchtower
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: tower. See also: Isaiah 32:14.
הָיָ֨ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-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.
בְעַ֤ד bᵉʻad H1157 "about/through/for" Prep
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
מְעָרוֹת֙ mᵉʻârâh H4631 "cave" N-fp
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עוֹלָ֔ם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
מְשׂ֥וֹשׂ mâsôws H4885 "rejoicing" N-ms
This Hebrew word means a feeling of great joy or delight, like the rejoicing in Psalm 16:11. It's about being happy and celebrating something good. In the Bible, it often describes a positive emotional state.
Definition: exultation, joy, rejoicing
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: joy, mirth, rejoice. See also: Job 8:19; Isaiah 62:5; Psalms 48:3.
פְּרָאִ֖ים pereʼ H6501 "wild donkey" N-mp
This word refers to a wild donkey or onager, a strong and fierce animal. It is used in the Bible to describe the wilderness and the animals that live there. The wild donkey is a symbol of freedom and untamed nature.
Definition: wild ass
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: wild (ass). See also: Genesis 16:12; Psalms 104:11; Isaiah 32:14.
מִרְעֵ֥ה mirʻeh H4829 "pasture" N-ms
Pasture refers to a place where animals graze, like a feeding ground. It can also describe the act of grazing itself. In the Bible, pasture is often used to describe the care of sheep by a shepherd.
Definition: pasture, pasturage
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: feeding place, pasture. See also: Genesis 47:4; Isaiah 32:14; Nahum 2:12.
עֲדָרִֽים ʻêder H5739 "flock" N-mp
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Definition: 1) flock, herd 1a) flock 1b) herds, flocks and herds
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: drove, flock, herd. See also: Genesis 29:2; Isaiah 17:2; Psalms 78:52.

Study Notes — Isaiah 32:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 24:12 The city is left in ruins; its gate is reduced to rubble.
2 Isaiah 24:10 The city of chaos is shattered; every house is closed to entry.
3 Isaiah 25:2 Indeed, You have made the city a heap of rubble, the fortified town a ruin. The fortress of strangers is a city no more; it will never be rebuilt.
4 Isaiah 27:10 For the fortified city lies deserted— a homestead abandoned, a wilderness forsaken. There the calves graze, and there they lie down; they strip its branches bare.
5 Luke 21:20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near.
6 Luke 21:24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
7 Isaiah 5:9 I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: “Surely many houses will become desolate, great mansions left unoccupied.
8 Isaiah 24:1–3 Behold, the LORD lays waste the earth and leaves it in ruins. He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants— people and priest alike, servant and master, maid and mistress, buyer and seller, lender and borrower, creditor and debtor. The earth will be utterly laid waste and thoroughly plundered. For the LORD has spoken this word.
9 Psalms 104:11 They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
10 2 Kings 25:9 He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building.

Isaiah 32:14 Summary

Isaiah 32:14 describes a scene of complete desolation and abandonment, where even the palace and busy city are left empty and still. This verse reminds us that everything in this world is temporary and can be taken away, as seen in Matthew 24:35 and 1 Peter 1:24. Just as the wild donkeys and flocks will inhabit the abandoned city, we can allow God to inhabit and transform our lives, making us a new creation in Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17. By recognizing the fleeting nature of earthly things, we can focus on what truly lasts, our relationship with God and His kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 'palace' and 'busy city' refer to in Isaiah 32:14?

The 'palace' and 'busy city' likely refer to the royal palace and the city of Jerusalem, which will be abandoned and left to ruin, as prophesied in Isaiah 24:10 and Jeremiah 22:5.

What is the significance of the 'hill and watchtower' becoming 'caves forever'?

The 'hill and watchtower' becoming 'caves forever' signifies the complete desolation and destruction of the city's defenses and strongholds, a stark contrast to the watchtowers mentioned in 2 Kings 18:8, which were once symbols of security and protection.

Why are 'wild donkeys' and 'flocks' mentioned in this verse?

The 'wild donkeys' and 'flocks' represent the wild and untamed creatures that will inhabit the abandoned city, emphasizing the extent of its desolation and neglect, much like the desolate landscapes described in Jeremiah 9:11 and Isaiah 13:21.

Is this verse talking about a literal or spiritual abandonment?

While the verse does describe a literal abandonment of the city, it also alludes to a spiritual abandonment, where the people have turned away from God, as seen in Isaiah 1:4 and Hosea 1:2, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal and restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the things in my life that I have allowed to become 'abandoned' or 'forsaken', and how can I reclaim them for God's purposes?
  2. How can I apply the principle of Isaiah 32:14 to my own life, recognizing the fleeting nature of earthly structures and institutions?
  3. In what ways can I be a part of bringing spiritual renewal and restoration to my community, just as the Spirit is poured out in Isaiah 32:15?
  4. What are the 'thorns and briers' in my life, as mentioned in Isaiah 32:13, and how can I allow God to transform them into something beautiful and fruitful?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 32:14

Because the palaces shall be forsaken,.... The palaces of the princes and nobles shall be forsaken by them, they being obliged to flee from the enemy, or being taken, and either slain, or carried captive.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 32:14

Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks; Because the palaces - most

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 32:14

The palaces, Heb. the palace; the king’ s house, and other magnificent buildings in the city. Shall be left; or rather, shall be forsaken, to wit, of God, and given up into their enemies’ hands. And the verb in the foregoing clause may be rendered, shall be left. A joy of wild asses; desolate places, in which wild asses delight to be, ,6 Jeremiah 2:24.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 32:14

Isaiah 32:14 Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;Ver. 14. The multitude of the city shall be left.] For the city shall be left of its multitude. The forts and towers.] Heb, Ophel and Bachan. The Hebrews tell us that these were two high towers in Jerusalem; now they were to be dismantled and lie waste.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 32:14

(14) The palaces shall be forsaken.—With a bold pencil and rapid strokes the picture of desolation is sketched in outline. The forts are those of Ophel (so in Heb.), the fortified south-eastern slope of the Temple mountain; the towers, probably such as “the tower of the flock,” mentioned in conjunction with Ophel in Micah 4:8. These would serve as dens for the wild asses, which commonly roved in the open country.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 32:14

Verse 14. The palaces shall be forsaken] The house of the sanctuary (the temple) shall be destroyed. - Targum. The forts - "Ophel"] It was a part of Mount Zion, rising higher than the rest, at the eastern extremity, near to the temple, a little to the south of it; called by Micah, Micah 4:8, "Ophel of the daughter of Zion." It was naturally strong by its situation; and had a wall of its own, by which it was separated from the rest of Zion.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 32:14

14. Render: For the palace is forsaken, the tumult of the city is a solitude (as in ch. Isaiah 6:12), &c. The tenses are prophetic perfects. the forts and towers] Better as in R.V.: the hill and the watch tower. The first word is ‘Ophel, the name of the southern projection of the hill on which the temple stood (Nehemiah 3:26 f., Nehemiah 11:21; 2 Chronicles 27:3; 2 Chronicles 33:14), and is doubtless mentioned as the aristocratic quarter of the city, near the royal palace. The word translated “watch tower” occurs nowhere else, and is of uncertain significance; probably, like Ophel, it denotes a particular locality in the capital. The phrase for ever must be understood in a relative sense, being restricted by the “until” of Isaiah 32:15. The verse contains an absolute and explicit prediction of the complete overthrow of Jerusalem. Dillmann’s assertion that such an expectation must have been expressed in different language is inexplicable, and his distinction between destruction and desolation is sophistical. Surprising as this idea may be alongside of certain passages in this section of the book, it is not to be explained away, and after all it does not go very much beyond what is said in ch. Isaiah 29:4. For a complete parallel, however, we must go back to the early prophecy of ch. Isaiah 5:14; Isaiah 5:17.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 32:14

Because the palaces shall be forsaken - That is, the palaces in the cities and towns which Sennacherib would lay waste.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 32:14

13, 14. Upon the land… thorns and briers — Recurrence again to what is yet to happen to Judah and Jerusalem makes the language of the prophet in the original grammatically complicated, just as is

Sermons on Isaiah 32:14

SermonDescription
Derek Prince First Discover the Spine - Part 1 by Derek Prince This sermon by Derek Prince delves into the spine of biblical prophecy, focusing on Matthew chapter 24 as the key piece to understanding prophecy. It explores the fulfillment of Je
Milton Green In the Word #14 by Milton Green This sermon focuses on the importance of repentance, highlighting the sins of the church and the need for a godly repentance. It emphasizes the urgency of turning back to God, ackn
Zac Poonen In the Things to Come-Jerusalem vs. Babylon by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the significance of Jesus Christ's return to earth and the completion of redemption. It explores the signs mentioned in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, pointing to
Zac Poonen Building the Body of Christ - 9 Enoch and Noah Walked With God by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the story of Enoch, the first preacher in the Bible who preached about the second coming of Christ and judgment against sin. It emphasizes the importance of
Vance Havner Weep Not for Me by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the scene where Jesus is being crucified and the women are crying for him. He explains that Jesus was not a helpless victim, but willingly
William Kelly The Tribulation, and Those Who Are to Pass Through It. by William Kelly William Kelly preaches about the great tribulation, emphasizing the distinction between the tribulation that the Christian must endure in this world and the specific trouble at the
David Servant Day 59, 1 Thessalonians 2 by David Servant David Servant preaches about Paul's journey from being tested and approved by God to being entrusted with the gospel, emphasizing the importance of being found faithful in ministry

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