But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.

ISAIAH 14:19KJV
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Isaiah 14:19 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 14:19 mean?

Isaiah 14:19 describes someone who is rejected and dishonored after death, not given a proper burial, but instead thrown away like a hated branch and trampled like a corpse. The verse uses vivid images to show the shame and disgrace of this person, comparing them to filthy clothing from the battlefield and a body tossed into a pit.

In context, Isaiah is speaking about the downfall of a proud ruler, often understood as the king of Babylon, who once held great power but now faces utter humiliation. The verse is part of a larger taunt against this fallen king, showing that even in death, he receives no respect or rest, unlike others who are buried with honor.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 14:19

  • "out" (שָׁלַךְ, shalak): This word means to throw or cast away. Here, it emphasizes the forceful rejection of the person from the grave, not just a lack of burial but an active expulsion.
  • "abominable" (תָּעַב, ta'av): This word means something detestable or loathsome. The verse calls the branch "abominable," highlighting the extreme disgust felt toward this person.
  • "branch" (נֵצֶר, netser): This word often means a shoot or sprout. In this context, it is used negatively, as a branch that is cut off and thrown away, symbolizing a life that is rejected and unworthy.
  • "raiment" (לְבוּשׁ, levush): Meaning clothing or garment, here it refers to the bloodstained clothes of the slain, furthering the image of disgrace and defilement.

Why Isaiah 14:19 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that all powerful people are honored in death; it shows that pride and cruelty can lead to utter disgrace, even after life ends.
  • The imagery connects to the wider passage’s theme of reversal, where those who exalt themselves are brought low and shamed.
  • Understanding the strong language and images helps readers see how seriously the Bible treats arrogance and injustice, especially among leaders.

Where else these words appear

“branch” Hebrew H5342 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
  • Isaiah 60:21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.
  • Daniel 11:7 But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:

“feet” Hebrew H947 · used in 12 verses

  • Psalms 44:5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
  • Proverbs 27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
  • Jeremiah 12:10 Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.

“abominable” Hebrew H8581 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 7:26 Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.
  • Job 19:19 All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.
  • Psalms 107:18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

“carcase” Hebrew H6297 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 15:11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
  • 2 Kings 19:35 And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.
  • Jeremiah 33:5 They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city.