Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities.

ISAIAH 14:21KJV
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Isaiah 14:21 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 14:21 mean?

Isaiah 14:21 describes a command to prepare the destruction of the children of a wicked lineage because of the wrongdoing of their ancestors, so that they will not rise again, take over the land, or rebuild cities across the world. The verse emphasizes a complete removal to prevent any future threat or legacy from this group.

In Isaiah 14, the prophet is speaking about the downfall of Babylon and its king, using strong language to show how thoroughly their power will be broken. The instruction is not just for the king himself but extends to his descendants, highlighting the totality of the judgment. The verse fits into a larger passage where God, through Isaiah, promises that oppressive powers will be brought low and will not have the chance to rise again.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 14:21

  • "Slaughter" (טֶבַח, ṭeḇaḥ) refers to a violent and complete destruction, not just a defeat in battle. This word stresses the severity of the judgment being described.
  • "Iniquity" (עָוֹן, ʿāwōn) means guilt or wrongdoing, especially of a moral or spiritual kind. The verse connects the punishment of the children to the accumulated guilt of their fathers, showing a focus on generational consequences.
  • "Fill" (מָלֵא, mālēʾ) and "face" (פָּנֶה, pāneh) together describe the idea of populating or spreading across the earth. The warning is that the descendants will not be able to repopulate or rebuild their influence.
  • "Cities" (עִיר, ʿîr and עָרִים, ʿārîm) uses two related words, emphasizing the idea of urban centers or places of power and civilization. The destruction is meant to prevent any resurgence of their dominance.

Why Isaiah 14:21 matters

  • Isaiah 14:21 clarifies that the judgment against Babylon is not just personal but extends to the king’s entire line, showing the seriousness of their actions and the thoroughness of the coming judgment.
  • The verse helps explain why Babylon’s fall was seen as so final and complete in the Bible, with no chance for the old power structure to return.
  • This verse connects to the broader biblical theme of consequences for evil and the end of oppressive empires, reinforcing the message that unjust power will not last.

Where else these words appear

“cities” Hebrew H6145 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Samuel 28:16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?
  • Psalms 9:6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
  • Micah 5:11 And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds:

“not” Hebrew H1077 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 10:15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.
  • Psalms 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
  • Isaiah 26:10 Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

“world” Hebrew H8398 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
  • Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
  • Isaiah 13:11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.