Isaiah 34:15
Isaiah 34:15 in Multiple Translations
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.
There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
There shall the dart-snake make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shade; yea, there shall the kites be gathered, every one with her mate.
The arrowsnake will make her hole and put her eggs there, and get her young together under her shade: there the hawks will come together by twos.
There the owl will build its nest, lay and hatch its eggs, and raise its chicks in the shade of its wings. It has become a roost for birds of prey, each one with its mate.
There shall the owle make her nest, and laye, and hatche, and gather them vnder her shadowe: there shall the vultures also bee gathered, euery one with her make.
There made her nest hath the bittern, Yea, she layeth, and hath hatched, And hath gathered under her shadow, Only there gathered have been vultures, Each with its companion.
The arrow snake will make her nest there, and lay, hatch, and gather under her shade. Yes, the kites will be gathered there, every one with her mate.
There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
There hath the ericius had its hole, and brought up its young ones, and hath dug round about, and cherished them in the shadow thereof: thither are the kites gathered together one to another.
Owls will make their nests there and lay their eggs in the nests; and when the eggs hatch, the mother birds will cover them with their wings. There will also be falcons/hawks there, each with its mate.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 34:15
BAB
Word Study
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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 34:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁ֣מָּ/ה
קִנְּנָ֤ה
קִפּוֹז֙
וַ/תְּמַלֵּ֔ט
וּ/בָקְעָ֖ה
וְ/דָגְרָ֣ה
בְ/צִלָּ֑/הּ
אַךְ
שָׁ֛ם
נִקְבְּצ֥וּ
דַיּ֖וֹת
אִשָּׁ֥ה
רְעוּתָֽ/הּ
שָׁ֣מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
קִנְּנָ֤ה
qânan
H7077
to make a nest
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
קִפּוֹז֙
qippôwz
H7091
arrow snake
N-fs
וַ/תְּמַלֵּ֔ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
וּ/בָקְעָ֖ה
bâqaʻ
H1234
to break up/open
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
וְ/דָגְרָ֣ה
dâgar
H1716
to gather
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
בְ/צִלָּ֑/הּ
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
שָׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
נִקְבְּצ֥וּ
qâbats
H6908
to gather
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
דַיּ֖וֹת
dayâh
H1772
hawk
N-fp
אִשָּׁ֥ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
רְעוּתָֽ/הּ
rᵉʻûwth
H7468
neighbor
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 34:15
שָׁ֣מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
קִנְּנָ֤ה
qânan
H7077
"to make a nest"
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
This verb means to build or occupy a nest, like a bird making its home. It appears in the Bible as a description of God's care for his people. The KJV translates it as make a nest.
Definition: 1) to make a nest 1a) (Piel) to make a nest 1b) (Pual) to be nested
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: make...nest. See also: Psalms 104:17; Jeremiah 22:23; Isaiah 34:15.
קִפּוֹז֙
qippôwz
H7091
"arrow snake"
N-fs
The arrow snake is a fast and agile snake, possibly related to the owl, due to its swift movements. Its meaning is uncertain, but it is described as darting forward.
Definition: 1) arrow snake, owl 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: great owl. See also: Isaiah 34:15.
וַ/תְּמַלֵּ֔ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
וּ/בָקְעָ֖ה
bâqaʻ
H1234
"to break up/open"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This Hebrew word means to break or open something, like a door or a wall, and is used in the Bible to describe God breaking through to help his people, as seen in Psalm 107:16.
Definition: 1) to split, cleave, break open, divide, break through, rip up, break up, tear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cleave, cleave open 1a2) to break through, break into 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleft, be rent open, be split open 1b2) to be broken into 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cleave, cut to pieces, rend open 1c2) to break through, break down 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be ripped open, be torn open 1d2) to be rent 1d3) to be broken into 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to break into 1e2) to break through 1f) (Hophal) to be broken into 1g) (Hithpael) to burst (themselves) open, cleave asunder
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: make a breach, break forth (into, out, in pieces, through, up), be ready to burst, cleave (asunder), cut out, divide, hatch, rend (asunder), rip up, tear, win. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 78:13; Psalms 74:15.
וְ/דָגְרָ֣ה
dâgar
H1716
"to gather"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
To gather or sit on eggs like a mother bird, showing care and protection. This word appears in the Bible to describe God's gentle care for his people. It's about being gathered together in a safe place.
Definition: (Qal) to gather together as a brood
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: gather, sit. See also: Isaiah 34:15; Jeremiah 17:11.
בְ/צִלָּ֑/הּ
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
שָׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
נִקְבְּצ֥וּ
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
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.
דַיּ֖וֹת
dayâh
H1772
"hawk"
N-fp
This Hebrew word refers to a type of bird of prey, like a hawk or falcon, known for its swift flight and sharp vision. It appears in the Bible as a symbol of God's power and swiftness, including in Job 28:7 and Isaiah 46:11. The hawk is a strong and fierce bird.
Definition: a bird of prey (perhaps the kite)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: vulture. See also: Deuteronomy 14:13; Isaiah 34:15.
אִשָּׁ֥ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
רְעוּתָֽ/הּ
rᵉʻûwth
H7468
"neighbor"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a female companion or neighbor, often used to describe a woman who is an associate or friend. In the Bible, it is used to describe a close relationship. It appears in various KJV translations as 'another' or 'mate'.
Definition: female companion, mate, neighbour woman
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] another, mate, neighbour. See also: Exodus 11:2; Isaiah 34:16; Isaiah 34:15.
Study Notes — Isaiah 34:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 34:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 34:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 34:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 34:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 34:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 34:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 34:15
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 34:15
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 34:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 34:15
- Sermons on Isaiah 34:15
Context — Judgment on Edom
13Her towers will be overgrown with thorns, her fortresses with thistles and briers. She will become a haunt for jackals, an abode for ostriches.
14The 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.
15There 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.
16Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit. 17He has allotted their portion; His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 14:13 | the red kite, the falcon, any kind of kite, |
Isaiah 34:15 Summary
Isaiah 34:15 describes a desolate land where owls and birds of prey make their homes, representing the emptiness and wildness that comes when God's judgment is fulfilled, as seen in Isaiah 5:6. Yet, even in this desolate place, God provides for the needs of His creatures, showing His care and sovereignty over all creation, as taught in Matthew 6:26 and Psalm 104:24. This verse reminds us that God is always present and in control, even in the most difficult times, as promised in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, we can find comfort and hope in the midst of uncertainty, just as the birds find shelter and provision in the desolate land.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the image of the owl and birds of prey in Isaiah 34:15 represent?
The image of the owl and birds of prey in Isaiah 34:15 represents the desolation and emptiness that will come upon the land, as described in Isaiah 34:13-14, where thorns, thistles, and briers overgrow the towers and fortresses, indicating a lack of human habitation and a return to wildness, similar to the desolation described in Isaiah 5:6 and Jeremiah 25:11.
Is the gathering of birds of prey a symbol of something greater in Isaiah 34:15?
Yes, the gathering of birds of prey in Isaiah 34:15 symbolizes the fulfillment of God's judgment, as stated in Isaiah 34:16, where it is written that not one of these creatures will go missing, indicating God's sovereignty and control over all creation, as seen in Psalm 104:24 and Job 38:41.
How does Isaiah 34:15 relate to the concept of God's creation and care for all creatures?
Isaiah 34:15 shows that even in a desolate land, God provides for the needs of His creatures, as seen in the owl making her nest and laying eggs, demonstrating God's care for all creation, as described in Matthew 6:26 and Luke 12:24, where Jesus teaches about God's provision for the birds of the air.
What does the phrase 'each with its mate' in Isaiah 34:15 signify?
The phrase 'each with its mate' in Isaiah 34:15 signifies the completeness and order of God's creation, as seen in Genesis 1:25 and Genesis 7:2, where God creates animals according to their kinds, and in Genesis 2:20, where Adam names the animals, indicating God's attention to detail and care for all aspects of creation.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the owl making her nest in the desolate land say to you about God's presence and care in the midst of chaos?
- How does the gathering of birds of prey in Isaiah 34:15 challenge or comfort your understanding of God's sovereignty and control?
- What does the phrase 'each with its mate' in Isaiah 34:15 reveal to you about God's design for creation and relationships?
- In what ways can you apply the lessons from Isaiah 34:15 to your own life, particularly in times of uncertainty or desolation?
- How does the description of the owl and birds of prey in Isaiah 34:15 relate to your understanding of God's promises and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9 and Psalm 36:5?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 34:15
There shall the great owl make her nest,.... Jarchi, Kimchi, and Ben Melech, say that "kippoz" here is the same with "kippod", rendered "bittern" in Isaiah 34:11 but Aben Ezra takes them to be two
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 34:15
There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 34:15
The great owl; whether this or what other creature is meant by this Hebrew word, the learned reader may find largely discoursed in my Latin Synopsis upon this place; for others, it may suffice to know, what all agree in, that, whether it be a bird or a serpent, it is a creature that lives in desert places. Make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow, as fearing no disturbance from any men.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 34:15
Isaiah 34:15 There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.Ver. 15. There shall the great owl make her nest.] Heb., Kippoz. The Hebrews themselves agree not what creatures these are here mentioned, so far are they fallen from the knowledge of the Scripture. Their tale about Lilits, once Adam’ s first wife, but now a screech owl or an evil spirit, is not worthy the mentioning.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 34:15
(15) The great owl . . .—Better, the arrow snake.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 34:15
Verse 15. The great owl] קפוז kippoz, the ακοντιας, or darter, a serpent so called because of its suddenly leaping up or darting on its prey. Probably the mongoz or ichneumon may be intended. The vultures] דיות daiyoth, the black vultures. My old MS. Bible renders these names curiously: And ageyn cumen schul devylis: the beste, party of an asse, and party of a mam: and the wodwose, the tother schal crien to the tother. There schal byn lamya, that is, thrisse, or a beste, havynge the body liic a woman, and hors feet. Ther hadde dichis, the yrchoun, and nurshide out littil chittis. There ben gadred kiitis, the top to the top. What language!
Every one with her mate.] A MS. adds אל el after אשה ishshah, which seems necessary to the construction; and so the Syriac and Vulgate. Another MS. adds in the same place את eth, which is equivalent.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 34:15
15. the great owl] the arrowsnake as in R.V. gather under her shadow] The expression is almost meaningless, when applied to a very small snake. Duhm, by a clever emendation, reads “shall lay and hatch and heap up her eggs” (bκηehβ for bμηillβh).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 34:15
There shall the great owl - (קפוז qı̂pôz). Gesenius supposes that this is the arrow-snake, so called from its darting or springing, in the manner of the rattle-snake - from an obsolete root to draw oneself together, to contract.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 34:15
15. There shall the great owl make her nest — Bochart regards the rendering here “great owl” as entirely wrong.
Sermons on Isaiah 34:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Vulture by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the vulture as an illustration to teach about the nature of this bird of prey, its role in cleaning up decaying matter, and its keen eye for spotting food from |