In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.

ISAIAH 24:12KJV
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Isaiah 24:12 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 24:12 mean?

Isaiah 24:12 describes a city left in ruins, where destruction has overtaken even the gate, which was once a symbol of strength and security. The verse paints a picture of total devastation, showing that what was once orderly and protected is now broken and deserted.

Isaiah, speaking as a prophet to the people of Judah, is describing the aftermath of judgment on a city—likely representing Jerusalem or cities in general. The verse comes in a section where Isaiah warns of widespread ruin because of people's unfaithfulness. The mention of the gate being struck with destruction highlights that no part of the city, not even its most fortified places, is spared from the disaster.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 24:12

  • "Desolation" (שְׁמָמָה, shemamah) means utter emptiness or waste. This word emphasizes that the city is not just damaged but left completely lifeless.
  • "Gate" (שַׁעַר, sha'ar) refers to the main entrance of a city, often the last line of defense and a place of gathering. Its destruction signals the total collapse of the city's defenses and social life.
  • "Smitten" (הֻכָּה, hukkah) means struck or beaten down. This word shows that the destruction is not accidental but the result of a forceful blow, likely from an invading army.

Why Isaiah 24:12 matters

  • The verse clears up that the destruction is thorough, not just partial; even the strongest parts of the city are ruined.
  • It highlights the seriousness of the judgment Isaiah is describing, connecting to the wider theme of chapter 24 about the consequences of turning away from God.
  • The detail about the gate helps readers understand the depth of loss—social order, safety, and community life are all gone, not just the physical buildings.

Where else these words appear

“smitten” Hebrew H3807 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 22:24 Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:6 And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity.
  • Isaiah 30:14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.

“desolation” Hebrew H8047 · used in 39 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:37 And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
  • Jeremiah 18:16 To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.
  • Jeremiah 49:17 Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.

“left” Hebrew H7604 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Joshua 13:1 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
  • Ezra 9:15 O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.