The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.

ISAIAH 14:7KJV
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Isaiah 14:7 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 14:7 mean?

Isaiah 14:7 describes a moment when the entire earth is finally at peace and calm, so much so that people everywhere burst out in joyful singing. The verse paints a picture of relief and happiness after a time of trouble or oppression.

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking about the downfall of Babylon, a powerful nation that had caused much suffering. This verse shows the world’s reaction to Babylon’s fall: a deep sense of rest and quiet replaces fear and turmoil, and the response is spontaneous celebration. The verse emphasizes how the end of a harsh ruler brings widespread relief.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 14:7

  • earth (אֶרֶץ, ’erets): This word often means not just the ground but the whole land or even the world, showing that the peace described is widespread, not limited to one place.
  • rest (נוּחַ, nuach): This word carries the sense of settling down or being at ease, highlighting a deep, settled peace rather than just a break from activity.
  • quiet (שָׁקַט, shaqat): This word suggests a calmness or stillness, emphasizing that the peace is not just the absence of war but a true sense of security and calm.
  • forth (פָּצַח, patsach): This word means to break out or burst forth, often used for a sudden, joyful outpouring, which shows the intensity of the world’s relief.
  • singing (רִנָּה, rinah): This word refers to joyful shouting or singing, underlining that the response is not just relief but active, happy celebration.

Why Isaiah 14:7 matters

  • Isaiah 14:7 clears up the idea that peace is just the absence of conflict; the verse shows a deep, joyful rest that comes after a long period of hardship.
  • The verse highlights how the actions of one oppressive nation can affect the entire world, and how its downfall brings relief far beyond its own borders.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Isaiah 14, where God’s justice brings down the proud and lifts the burdens from many, showing the far-reaching effects of justice and liberation.

Where else these words appear

“forth” Hebrew H6476 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
  • Isaiah 49:13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.
  • Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

“singing” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Psalms 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

“quiet” Hebrew H8252 · used in 41 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
  • Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

“rest” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 7:11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
  • Isaiah 7:2 And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.