Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

ISAIAH 47:14KJV
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Isaiah 47:14 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 47:14 mean?

Isaiah 47:14 describes how those who trusted in their own power or magic will be completely destroyed, like dry stubble burned up by fire, unable to save themselves or find any comfort or warmth from what remains. The verse emphasizes that their efforts and defenses will be useless in the face of coming judgment.

In this passage, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to Babylon, warning them that their pride and reliance on sorcery will not protect them from God's judgment. The language paints a vivid picture: just as stubble (dry plant stalks) is quickly consumed by fire, so Babylon’s wise men and magicians will be powerless. The verse also stresses that not even a small coal or fire will be left for comfort, highlighting the totality of their downfall.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 47:14

  • "stubble" (קַשׁ, qash, H7179): This word refers to the dry, leftover stalks after grain is harvested. It burns very quickly and completely, showing how fast and total the destruction will be.
  • "deliver" (נָצַל, natsal, H5337): This verb means to rescue or save. The verse says they "shall not deliver themselves," stressing that no one can escape or save themselves from what is coming.
  • "power" (יָד, yad, H3027): Often translated as "hand," this word here means control or grasp. The "power of the flame" means being completely in the grip of destruction.
  • "coal" (גַּחֶלֶת, gachelet, H1513): This word means a burning coal. The verse says there won’t even be a coal left to warm oneself, showing that nothing useful or comforting will survive the judgment.

Why Isaiah 47:14 matters

  • Isaiah 47:14 clears up the idea that Babylon’s wisdom, magic, or resources could offer any protection; the verse insists that none of these will help in the end.
  • The verse emphasizes the completeness of Babylon’s downfall by saying not even a small coal will remain, connecting to the wider chapter’s theme of total judgment.
  • This verse helps the reader see the contrast between human efforts and God’s power, a key message running through Isaiah’s warnings to the nations.

Where else these words appear

“fire” Hebrew H217 · used in 6 verses

  • Isaiah 24:15 Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.
  • Isaiah 31:9 And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.
  • Isaiah 50:11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

“warm” Hebrew H2552 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 16:21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
  • Job 31:20 If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
  • Isaiah 44:15 Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.

“stubble” Hebrew H7179 · used in 16 verses

  • Exodus 5:12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.
  • Psalms 83:13 O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.
  • Jeremiah 13:24 Therefore will I scatter them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness.

“coal” Hebrew H1513 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
  • Psalms 18:8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
  • Proverbs 25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.