Isaiah 14:14
Isaiah 14:14 in Multiple Translations
I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.
I will go higher than the clouds; I will be like the Most High.
I will ascend to the high places above the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’
I wil ascend aboue ye height of the cloudes, and I will be like the most high.
I go up above the heights of a thick cloud, I am like to the Most High.
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds! I will make myself like the Most High!”
I will ascend above the hights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.
I will ascend above the height of the clouds, I will be like the most High.
I will ascend above the clouds and become like the highest/greatest god!’
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 14:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 14:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶעֱלֶ֖ה
עַל
בָּ֣מֳתֵי
עָ֑ב
אֶדַּמֶּ֖ה
לְ/עֶלְיֽוֹן
אֶעֱלֶ֖ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בָּ֣מֳתֵי
bâmâh
H1116
high place
N-fp
עָ֑ב
ʻâb
H5645
cloud
N-cs
אֶדַּמֶּ֖ה
dâmâh
H1819
to resemble
V-Hithpael-Imperf-1cs
לְ/עֶלְיֽוֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 14:14
אֶעֱלֶ֖ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בָּ֣מֳתֵי
bâmâh
H1116
"high place"
N-fp
A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.
Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.
עָ֑ב
ʻâb
H5645
"cloud"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word means a dark cloud or a thicket, often used to describe a place of refuge or a sign of God's presence, as seen in 2 Chronicles 4:17. It can also refer to a cloudy or thick atmosphere. The word is used to describe natural phenomena and is found in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) darkness, cloud, thicket 1a) dark cloud 1b) cloud mass 1c) thicket (as refuge)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clay, (thick) cloud, [idiom] thick, thicket. Compare H5672 (עֲבִי). See also: Exodus 19:9; Psalms 18:13; Psalms 18:12.
אֶדַּמֶּ֖ה
dâmâh
H1819
"to resemble"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-1cs
To resemble means to compare or liken something, often used to describe a similarity. In the Bible, this word is used to make comparisons or analogies, like in the parables of Jesus where he compares the kingdom of God to everyday things.
Definition: 1) to be like, resemble 1a) (Qal) to be like, resemble 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to liken, compare 1b2) to imagine, think 1c) (Hithpael) to make oneself like 1d) (Niphal) Aramaic equivalent: de.mah (דְּמָה "be like" H1821)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: compare, devise, (be) like(-n), mean, think, use similitudes. See also: Numbers 33:56; Song of Solomon 8:14; Psalms 48:10.
לְ/עֶלְיֽוֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Prep | Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
Study Notes — Isaiah 14:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 14:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:14
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:14
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:14
- Sermons on Isaiah 14:14
Context — The Fall of the King of Babylon
12How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations.
13You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north.
14I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”
15But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. 16Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made the kingdoms tremble,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 47:8 | So now hear this, O lover of luxury who sits securely, who says to herself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or know the loss of children.’ |
| 2 | Genesis 3:5 | “For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” |
| 3 | 2 Thessalonians 2:4 | He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. |
| 4 | Isaiah 37:23–24 | Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests. |
Isaiah 14:14 Summary
In Isaiah 14:14, Satan says he wants to be above the clouds and be like the Most High, which is God. This shows how proud and arrogant Satan is, wanting to be equal with God. However, as seen in Isaiah 14:15, God will bring him down to the lowest place. This verse teaches us about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility, as seen in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:6. We should always remember that God is the Most High and we should humble ourselves before Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'I will ascend above the tops of the clouds' in Isaiah 14:14?
This statement reflects the pride and arrogance of Satan, as he seeks to elevate himself above God's creation, much like the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:4. This pride is also seen in other biblical accounts, such as 1 Timothy 3:6.
Who is the 'Most High' that Satan wants to be like in Isaiah 14:14?
The 'Most High' refers to God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, as seen in Psalm 57:2 and Isaiah 57:15. Satan's desire to be like God is a manifestation of his rebellion against his Creator.
Is Satan's statement in Isaiah 14:14 a declaration of his ability to become God?
No, Satan's statement is a declaration of his desire to be like God, but it is not a statement of his ability to become God. As seen in Isaiah 14:15, God will ultimately bring Satan down to Sheol, demonstrating His power and authority over all creation.
How does Isaiah 14:14 relate to the fall of man in Genesis 3:1-7?
Isaiah 14:14 and Genesis 3:1-7 are connected in that they both involve the temptation to be like God. In Genesis 3, Satan tempts Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, promising they will be like God, and in Isaiah 14:14, Satan himself desires to be like God, demonstrating the ongoing rebellion against God's authority.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Satan, try to elevate myself above others or above God's authority in my life?
- How can I recognize and resist the temptation to pride and arrogance in my own heart, as seen in Isaiah 14:14?
- What does it mean to humble myself before God, and how can I practice humility in my daily life, as seen in Matthew 23:12 and James 4:10?
- In what ways can I, like Satan, be deceived by my own desires and ambitions, and how can I seek God's wisdom and guidance to avoid this deception, as seen in James 1:5-8?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:14
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,.... Which are the chariots of God, and in which he rides, and so this proud monarch affected to be as he; perhaps some reference is had to the cloud in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:14
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! -The Jews address him again as a fallen once-bright star.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:14
Above the heights of the clouds, to wit, into heaven, as he said, . Like the Most High, in the uncontrollableness of my power, and the universal extent of my dominion over all the earth.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:14
Isaiah 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.Ver. 14. I will ascend above the height of the clouds.] Ut verbo dicam, ero summa et sacra maiestas. “ Attingit solium Iovis, et coelestia tentat. ” - Hor., lib. i. Ode 3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:14
(14) I will be like the most High.—The Chaldaean king is rightly represented as using a Divine name (Elîôn), which was not essentially Israelite, but common to the Phœnicians and other kindred nations. (See Genesis 14:18; Daniel 4:24; Luke 8:28; Acts 16:17.) The Persians carried their adulation still further, and applied the title “god” to their kings (Æsch. Pers. 623), as the Syrians afterwards did in the case of Antiochus Theos. The Assyrian and Babylonian inscriptions, for the most part, fall short of this, and describe the king as the “servant,” or “priest,” of Assur, or Bel, or Nebo, “the viceroy, or vicar, of the gods.”
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:14
14. I will be like the most High] Better: I will make myself like to the Most High. The sense of all the previous metaphors is gathered up in this sentence. The king arrogates to himself divine honour.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:14
I will be like the Most High - There is a remarkable resemblance between this language and that used in 2 Thessalonians 2:4, in regard to antichrist: ‘He, as God, sitteth in the temple of God,
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:14
14. Heights of the clouds — The simplest sense of the words is doubtless their true meaning. To climb above the highest clouds is an expression of the highest ambition and arrogance.
Sermons on Isaiah 14:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sunday Night Meditations 59 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the second verse of the Bible, which describes a creation in disorder and chaos. The speaker compares this to the condition of the |
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The Function of the Son of God by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ as the supreme representative of God, revealing the invisible God through His life and work. He explains that th |
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Spiritual Greatness Through Childlike Humility by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the concept of greatness in the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing the importance of childlike humility as the path to spiritual greatness. Jesus teaches that |
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The Mystery of Iniquity by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the concept of the 'kingdom of heaven' and its various stages throughout history, from God ruling through patriarchs, judges, and kings of Israel to |
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Sheep and Shepherds by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches on the destructive nature of selfish ambition, highlighting its presence in churches and its roots in Satan's sin and the temptation faced by Eve. He emphasize |
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Be Saved From the Spirit of the Antichrist by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen warns against the spirit of the Antichrist that seeks admiration and worship from others, paralleling it with Satan's desire for worship. He emphasizes that this spirit |
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Defining Sin by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer explores the nature of sin, emphasizing that for an act to be sinful, it must be a voluntary choice made with moral knowledge. He illustrates this with the example of Lu |