Isaiah 14:16
Isaiah 14:16 in Multiple Translations
Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made the kingdoms tremble,
They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
They that see thee shall gaze at thee, they shall consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
Those who see you will be looking on you with care, they will be in deep thought, saying, Is this the troubler of the earth, the shaker of kingdoms?
Those who see you will stare at you, examining you closely, asking, ‘Is this the man who shook the earth, who made kingdoms tremble?
They that see thee, shall looke vpon thee and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, and that did shake the kingdomes?
Thy beholders look to thee, to thee they attend, Is this the man causing the earth to tremble, Shaking kingdoms?
Those who see you will stare at you. They will ponder you, saying, “Is this the man who made the earth to tremble, who shook kingdoms,
They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying , Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that shook kingdoms:
They that shall see thee, shall turn toward thee, and behold thee. Is this the man that troubled the earth, that shook kingdoms,
The other dead people there stare at you; they wonder what happened to you. They say, ‘Is this the man who caused the earth to shake and caused the people in many kingdoms to tremble?
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 14:16
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 14:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רֹאֶ֨י/ךָ֙
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
יַשְׁגִּ֔יחוּ
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ
יִתְבּוֹנָ֑נוּ
הֲ/זֶ֤ה
הָ/אִישׁ֙
מַרְגִּ֣יז
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
מַרְעִ֖ישׁ
מַמְלָכֽוֹת
רֹאֶ֨י/ךָ֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal | Suff
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יַשְׁגִּ֔יחוּ
shâgach
H7688
to gaze
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יִתְבּוֹנָ֑נוּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-r-Imperf-3mp
הֲ/זֶ֤ה
zeh
H2088
this
Part | Pron
הָ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
מַרְגִּ֣יז
râgaz
H7264
to tremble
V-Hiphil
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
מַרְעִ֖ישׁ
râʻash
H7493
to shake
V-Hiphil
מַמְלָכֽוֹת
mamlâkâh
H4467
kingdom
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 14:16
רֹאֶ֨י/ךָ֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יַשְׁגִּ֔יחוּ
shâgach
H7688
"to gaze"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This word means to gaze or stare at something, often used to describe looking closely or narrowly at something, like in Job 33:18.
Definition: (Hiphil) to gaze, stare
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: look (narrowly). See also: Psalms 33:14; Song of Solomon 2:9; Isaiah 14:16.
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יִתְבּוֹנָ֑נוּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-r-Imperf-3mp
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
הֲ/זֶ֤ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Part | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הָ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מַרְגִּ֣יז
râgaz
H7264
"to tremble"
V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this word means to shake or tremble with strong emotions like fear, anger, or excitement. It can also mean to provoke or disturb someone, causing them to become agitated. The KJV Bible translates it in various ways, including 'tremble', 'quake', and 'rage'.
Definition: 1) tremble, quake, rage, quiver, be agitated, be excited, be perturbed 1a)(Qal) to quake, be disquieted, be excited, be perturbed 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to quake, disquiet, enrage, disturb 1c) (Hithpael) to excite oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth. See also: Genesis 45:24; Isaiah 5:25; Psalms 4:5.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מַרְעִ֖ישׁ
râʻash
H7493
"to shake"
V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this word means to shake or quake, often describing the earth or sky trembling with fear. It's used in the books of Psalms and Isaiah, describing God's power and majesty.
Definition: 1) to quake, shake 1a) (Qal) to quake, shake 1b) (Niphal) to be made to quake 1c)(Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to quake 1c2) to cause to spring or leap (of horse)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: make afraid, (re-) move, quake, (make to) shake, (make to) tremble. See also: Judges 5:4; Jeremiah 49:21; Psalms 18:8.
מַמְלָכֽוֹת
mamlâkâh
H4467
"kingdom"
N-fp
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
Study Notes — Isaiah 14:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 14:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:16
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:16
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:16
- Sermons on Isaiah 14:16
Context — The Fall of the King of Babylon
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,
17who turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities, who refused to let the captives return to their homes?” 18All the kings of the nations lie in state, each in his own tomb.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 50:23 | How the hammer of the whole earth lies broken and shattered! What a horror Babylon has become among the nations! |
| 2 | Psalms 58:10–11 | The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 51:20–23 | “You are My war club, My weapon for battle. With you I shatter nations; with you I bring kingdoms to ruin. With you I shatter the horse and rider; with you I shatter the chariot and driver. With you I shatter man and woman; with you I shatter the old man and the youth; with you I shatter the young man and the maiden. With you I shatter the shepherd and his flock; with you I shatter the farmer and his oxen; with you I shatter the governors and officials. |
| 4 | Psalms 64:9 | Then all mankind will fear and proclaim the work of God; so they will ponder what He has done. |
| 5 | Isaiah 14:4–5 | you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended! The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers. |
| 6 | Psalms 52:7 | “Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.” |
Isaiah 14:16 Summary
This verse is talking about a powerful king who thought he was above God, but is now being judged and brought low. The people who see him are shocked and amazed at how someone so powerful could fall so far, as we see in the example of the king of Tyre in Ezekiel 28:1-10. It's a reminder that pride and arrogance can lead to a great fall, but humility and trust in God can bring strength and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 4:10. We can learn from this king's example to stay humble and reliant on God, rather than our own strength, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the man being referred to in Isaiah 14:16?
The man being referred to in this verse is the king of Babylon, who has been prideful and arrogant, as seen in Isaiah 14:13-14, and is now being judged by God, as prophesied in Isaiah 13:19.
What does it mean to 'shake the earth' in this context?
To 'shake the earth' means to have great power and influence, as seen in Isaiah 2:19, where God shakes the earth in judgment, and in Isaiah 13:13, where God's judgment causes the earth to tremble.
How does this verse relate to the concept of pride and humility?
This verse shows the consequences of pride, as the king of Babylon is brought low by God, as warned in Proverbs 16:18, and as seen in the example of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:37, who learned humility after being judged by God.
What is the significance of the onlookers 'pondering his fate'?
The onlookers pondering the king's fate shows that they are in awe of the sudden and dramatic fall of this powerful leader, much like the astonishment of the nations in Ezekiel 28:19, when they see the downfall of the king of Tyre.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the king of Babylon, may be exhibiting pride in my own life, and how can I humble myself before God?
- How can I balance confidence in my abilities with humility, recognizing that all my strength and power come from God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:7?
- In what ways can I, like the onlookers in this verse, learn from the examples of others, both positively and negatively, to inform my own walk with God, as encouraged in Romans 15:4?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and sovereignty, rather than my own strength, as seen in Isaiah 40:29-31?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:16
They that see thee,.... These are the words of the dead, speaking of the living, who when they should see the carcass of the king of Babylon lying on the ground, shall narrowly look upon thee, [and]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:16
They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; -The passers by contemplate with astonishment the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:16
Shall narrowly look upon thee; as hardly believing their own eyes, because this change seemed impossible to them. The earth; all the nations of the earth.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:16
Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, [and] consider thee, [saying, Is] this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;Ver. 16. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee.] Shall look wishingly upon thee, as scarce believing their own eyes, for the strangeness of the thing. Is this the man that made the earth to tremble?] The earth to quake, and men’ s hearts to ache? yea, sure, this is very he. At one end of the library at Dublin was a globe, at the other a skeleton, to show, saith mine author, that though a man be lord of all the world, yet he must die, nullusque fiet, qui omnia esse affectabat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:16
(16) They that see thee . . .—The context shows that the picture before the prophet’s eye is no longer the shadow-world of Hades, but the field of battle, Men look at the corpse of the mighty conqueror as it lies dishonoured, bloody, and unburied.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:16
4b—21. The song of triumph over the king of Babylon is one of the finest specimens of Hebrew poetry which the Old Testament contains. A division into five strophes, each containing seven long lines, is distinctly recognisable, and the occasional deviations from strict symmetry of form are probably due to defects in the text.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:16
They that see thee - That is, after thou art dead. The scene here changes, and the prophet introduces those who would contemplate the body of the king of Babylon after he should be slain - the
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:16
16, 17. The scene is now changed from sheol to earth; from a shadowy personage to an unburied corpse. Look upon… consider thee — Intently examine thee as some strange sight.
Sermons on Isaiah 14:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Philemon I. 17-19 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, using the letter of Paul to Philemon as a powerful example. He emphasizes the need to extend grace and |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 13 - God's True Message by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of the day of the Lord, where God will judge and punish all nations based on their actions. He warns that whatever one gives out |
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God's Agency in War by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes God's sovereignty and agency in the affairs of nations, particularly in times of war and judgment. He argues that just as God punished nations in the Old Testa |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 12 Psalm 137 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 137, emphasizing its prophetic nature and the deep sorrow of the Israelites in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. He explores the contrast be |
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Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding Isaiah's prophecies in the context of the surrounding nations that influenced Israel's history. He explains how Judah and |
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Isaiah Chapter 5 Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding the geopolitical context of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly the neighboring nations that influenced Israel and Judah. He |
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Exposition on Psalm 52 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the contrast between those who trust in earthly riches and those who trust in the mercy of God for everlasting life. He emphasizes the importance of ro |