For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.

ISAIAH 14:22KJV
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Isaiah 14:22 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 14:22 mean?

Isaiah 14:22 declares that the LORD will rise up against Babylon and completely destroy every trace of it, including its name, survivors, descendants, and even distant relatives. This verse is a strong statement of total judgment, promising that nothing of Babylon will remain.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking God's message to the people, specifically addressing the fate of Babylon, a powerful enemy nation. The LORD of hosts, a title emphasizing God's command over heavenly armies, announces a thorough and final end to Babylon’s legacy. The verse stresses that not only the city but also its people and their future generations will be wiped out, underlining the completeness of the judgment.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 14:22

  • יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated "Yahweh" or "the LORD"): This is the personal name of God, used here to emphasize the authority and certainty of the judgment.
  • צְבָאוֹת (tseva’ot, "hosts"): This word means "armies" or "forces," highlighting God's power as the commander of all heavenly and earthly forces.
  • שֵׁם (shem, "name"): In Hebrew thought, a "name" often represents reputation, memory, or legacy. The promise to cut off Babylon’s "name" means erasing its memory and influence.
  • שְׁאָר (she’ar, "remnant"): This refers to any survivors or remaining people. God’s judgment will leave no survivors in Babylon.

Why Isaiah 14:22 matters

  • Isaiah 14:22 clarifies that God’s judgment on Babylon is not partial or symbolic but total, leaving nothing and no one behind.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage where God is pronouncing judgment on nations that oppose Him, showing His sovereignty over world powers.
  • By mentioning the removal of the "name" and all descendants, Isaiah 14:22 emphasizes the end of Babylon’s influence and the certainty of God’s promises against proud and oppressive nations.

Where else these words appear

“son” Hebrew H5209 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 21:23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.
  • Job 18:19 He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings.

“nephew” Hebrew H5220 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 21:23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.
  • Job 18:19 He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings.

“remnant” Hebrew H7605 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 11:8 And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
  • Nehemiah 11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
  • Isaiah 11:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.