They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.

ISAIAH 24:14KJV
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Isaiah 24:14 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 24:14 mean?

Isaiah 24:14 describes a group of people lifting their voices and singing to honor the greatness of the LORD, calling out loudly from across the sea. The verse shows a moment of praise and celebration directed toward God, even in the midst of a difficult or scattered situation.

In the context of Isaiah 24, the prophet is describing a time of judgment and devastation over the earth. Despite this, Isaiah 24:14 shifts to a picture of survivors or faithful people responding with worship. The voices raised from "the sea" suggest people far away or scattered nations joining in praise, highlighting God's majesty reaching beyond Israel.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 24:14

  • "Voice" (קוֹל, qōl): This word often means not just a literal voice, but a sound or proclamation. Here, it emphasizes a public and noticeable outpouring of praise.
  • "Sing" (רָנַן, rānān): This verb means to shout for joy or sing out, usually in a loud, joyful way. The word suggests more than quiet singing—it is an exuberant, communal celebration.
  • "Majesty" (גָּאוֹן, ga’ōn): This word points to greatness, splendor, or glory. The people are not just singing, but specifically praising the overwhelming greatness of the LORD.
  • "Sea" (יָם, yam): In Hebrew poetry, "the sea" can mean distant lands or peoples across the waters. The verse hints at praise coming from far-off places, not just from those nearby.

Why Isaiah 24:14 matters

  • Isaiah 24:14 shows that even in times of judgment or hardship, there are people who respond with praise rather than despair, highlighting a theme of hope and faithfulness.
  • The mention of voices from "the sea" broadens the focus from Israel alone to include distant nations, hinting at God's global significance and the spread of worship beyond one people.
  • This verse marks a turning point in the chapter, interrupting the tone of destruction with a glimpse of worship and recognition of God's majesty, which sets up later themes of restoration.

Where else these words appear

“aloud” Hebrew H6670 · used in 9 verses

  • Esther 8:15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
  • Isaiah 10:30 Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.
  • Jeremiah 5:8 They were as fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour's wife.

“majesty” Hebrew H1347 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • 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.
  • Ezekiel 24:21 Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

“sing” Hebrew H7442 · used in 52 verses

  • Leviticus 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
  • Psalms 81:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
  • Isaiah 16:10 And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.