This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

ISAIAH 14:26KJV
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Isaiah 14:26 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 14:26 mean?

Isaiah 14:26 says that God has a set purpose or plan that will affect the whole earth, and that His powerful action is directed toward all nations. The verse emphasizes that what God intends cannot be stopped or changed by anyone.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Judah about God’s plans for the nations, especially after describing judgment on Babylon. Isaiah is making it clear that God’s decisions and actions reach far beyond just one nation; His plan covers the entire world. This verse highlights God’s authority and the certainty that His will is carried out everywhere.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 14:26

  • "purpose" (עֵצָה, etsah): This word means a plan, counsel, or intention. Here, it shows that God’s actions are not random but are part of a deliberate plan.
  • "purposed" (יָעַץ, ya`ats): This verb means to advise, plan, or determine. The use of this word stresses that God has actively decided on this course for the whole earth.
  • "hand" (יָד, yad): In Hebrew, "hand" often symbolizes power or action. The phrase "hand that is stretched out" suggests God’s active involvement and unstoppable strength.
  • "out" (נָטָה, natah): This verb means to stretch out or extend. It adds the idea that God’s power is reaching out over all nations, not just remaining in one place.
  • "nations" (גּוֹי, goy): This word refers to peoples or nations, often those outside Israel. Its use here underlines that God’s plan is not limited to Israel but includes all peoples.

Why Isaiah 14:26 matters

  • Isaiah 14:26 clarifies that God’s plans are not just for Israel or Babylon but for the whole world, correcting any idea that God’s concern is limited to one group.
  • The verse highlights the certainty and authority of God’s actions, showing that no human or nation can oppose what God has determined.
  • This verse connects to the larger message in Isaiah that God is sovereign over all history and nations, not just the immediate situation facing Judah.

Where else these words appear

“purposed” Hebrew H3289 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Chronicles 22:4 Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.
  • Isaiah 1:26 And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

“purpose” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 21:16 Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;