Isaiah 14:30
Isaiah 14:30 in Multiple Translations
Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain.
And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.
And the first-born of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety; and I will kill thy root with famine, and thy remnant shall be slain.
And the poorest of the land will have food, and those in need will be given a safe resting-place: but your seed will come to an end for need of food, and the rest of you will be put to the sword.
The poor will have food, and the needy will live in safety, but you Philistines will die in a famine, and I will kill those who survive.
For the first borne of the poore shall be fed, and the needie shall lie downe in safetie: and I will kill thy roote with famine, and it shall slay thy remnant.
And delighted have the first-born of the poor, And the needy in confidence lie down, And I have put to death with famine thy root, And thy remnant it slayeth.
The firstborn of the poor will eat, and the needy will lie down in safety; and I will kill your root with famine, and your remnant will be killed.
And the first-born of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.
And the firstborn of the poor shall be fed, and the poor shall rest with confidence: and I will make thy root perish with famine, and I will kill thy remnant.
Those of my people who are very poor will take care of their flocks of sheep, and the needy people will lie down safely, but I will cause you people of Philistia who are still alive [DOU] to die from famine.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 14:30
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 14:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רָעוּ֙
בְּכוֹרֵ֣י
דַלִּ֔ים
וְ/אֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים
לָ/בֶ֣טַח
יִרְבָּ֑צוּ
וְ/הֵמַתִּ֤י
בָֽ/רָעָב֙
שָׁרְשֵׁ֔/ךְ
וּ/שְׁאֵרִיתֵ֖/ךְ
יַהֲרֹֽג
וְ/רָעוּ֙
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
בְּכוֹרֵ֣י
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-mp
דַלִּ֔ים
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
וְ/אֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Conj | Adj
לָ/בֶ֣טַח
beṭach
H983
security
Prep | N-ms
יִרְבָּ֑צוּ
râbats
H7257
to stretch
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/הֵמַתִּ֤י
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
בָֽ/רָעָב֙
râʻâb
H7458
famine
Prep | N-ms
שָׁרְשֵׁ֔/ךְ
sheresh
H8328
root
N-ms | Suff
וּ/שְׁאֵרִיתֵ֖/ךְ
shᵉʼêrîyth
H7611
remnant
Conj | N-fs | Suff
יַהֲרֹֽג
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 14:30
וְ/רָעוּ֙
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
בְּכוֹרֵ֣י
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
דַלִּ֔ים
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
וְ/אֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
לָ/בֶ֣טַח
beṭach
H983
"security"
Prep | N-ms
Security refers to a feeling of safety or refuge, like a place where one can feel protected, as the Bible describes God as a rock or fortress, providing assurance and hope to those who trust in Him.
Definition: 1) security, safety adv 2) securely
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: assurance, boldly, (without) care(-less), confidence, hope, safe(-ly, -ty), secure, surely. See also: Genesis 34:25; Isaiah 14:30; Psalms 4:9.
יִרְבָּ֑צוּ
râbats
H7257
"to stretch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To stretch or lie down, like an animal, and can imply resting or lurking, as in Exodus 23:5.
Definition: 1) to stretch oneself out, lie down, lie stretched out 1a) (Qal) to lie down, lie 1b)(Hiphil) to cause to lie down 1b1) laying (stones)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: crouch (down), fall down, make a fold, lay, (cause to, make to) lie (down), make to rest, sit. See also: Genesis 4:7; Isaiah 11:7; Psalms 23:2.
וְ/הֵמַתִּ֤י
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
בָֽ/רָעָב֙
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
Prep | N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
שָׁרְשֵׁ֔/ךְ
sheresh
H8328
"root"
N-ms | Suff
A root is the underground part of a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean a source or foundation, like in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) root 1a) root (literal) 1b) root (of people involving firmness or permanence) (fig) 1c) root, bottom (as lowest stratum) (fig) Aramaic equivalent: sho.resh (שֹׁ֫רֶשׁ "root" H8330)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bottom, deep, heel, root. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Isaiah 11:1; Psalms 80:10.
וּ/שְׁאֵרִיתֵ֖/ךְ
shᵉʼêrîyth
H7611
"remnant"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for remnant refers to what is left after something has been destroyed or taken away, like the Israelites who survived the Babylonian exile. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The concept of a remnant is key to God's plan for his people.
Definition: 1) rest, residue, remainder, remnant 1a) rest, what is left 1b) remainder, descendants
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: that had escaped, be left, posterity, remain(-der), remnant, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 45:7; Jeremiah 42:19; Psalms 76:11.
יַהֲרֹֽג
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
Study Notes — Isaiah 14:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 14:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 14:30
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:30
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:30
- Sermons on Isaiah 14:30
Context — Philistia Will Be Destroyed
28In the year that King Ahaz died, this burden was received:
29Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken. For a viper will spring from the root of the snake, and a flying serpent from its egg.
30Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain.
31Wail, O gate! Cry out, O city! Melt away, all you Philistines! For a cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there are no stragglers in its ranks. 32What answer will be given to the envoys of that nation? “The LORD has founded Zion, where His afflicted people will find refuge.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 7:21–22 | On that day a man will raise a young cow and two sheep, and from the abundance of milk they give, he will eat curds; for all who remain in the land will eat curds and honey. |
| 2 | Zephaniah 2:4–7 | For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon left in ruins. Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted. Woe to the dwellers of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you, and no one will be left.” So the seacoast will become a land of pastures, with wells for shepherds and folds for sheep. The coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will attend to them and restore their captives. |
| 3 | Isaiah 5:17 | Lambs will graze as in their own pastures, and strangers will feed in the ruins of the wealthy. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 25:15–17 | This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance, taking vengeance with malice of soul to destroy Judah with ancient hostility, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast. I will execute great vengeance against them with furious reproof. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay My vengeance upon them.’” |
| 5 | Isaiah 8:21 | They will roam the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged; and looking upward, they will curse their king and their God. |
| 6 | Isaiah 65:13–14 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit. |
| 7 | Zechariah 9:5–7 | Ashkelon will see and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, as will Ekron, for her hope will wither. There will cease to be a king in Gaza, and Ashkelon will be uninhabited. A mixed race will occupy Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. I will remove the blood from their mouths and the abominations from between their teeth. Then they too will become a remnant for our God; they will become like a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites. |
| 8 | Isaiah 51:19 | These pairs have befallen you: devastation and destruction, famine and sword. Who will grieve for you? Who can comfort you? |
| 9 | Isaiah 3:15 | Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. |
| 10 | Isaiah 9:20 | They carve out what is on the right, but they are still hungry; they eat what is on the left, but they are still not satisfied. Each one devours the flesh of his own offspring. |
Isaiah 14:30 Summary
This verse is saying that even when things seem really tough, God will take care of those who are struggling and make sure they have what they need. He will protect them and keep them safe, as seen in Isaiah 14:30. At the same time, God will punish those who are doing evil and hurting others, as stated in Isaiah 14:29-30 and other verses like Psalm 37:1-2. We can trust God to be fair and just, and to always do what is best for us, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the firstborn of the poor to find pasture?
This phrase suggests that even in times of hardship, God will provide for and care for the most vulnerable among us, as seen in Isaiah 14:30, and is reminiscent of the promise in Psalm 23:2 that God will lead us to green pastures.
Why will the needy lie down in safety?
The needy will lie down in safety because God will protect and provide for them, as stated in Isaiah 14:30, and this promise is echoed in Jeremiah 33:6 where God promises to bring health and healing to His people.
What is the root that God will kill by famine?
The root that God will kill by famine is likely a reference to the evil and oppressive systems that have been hurting the poor and needy, as seen in Isaiah 14:29-30, and is similar to the concept of God judging wickedness in Isaiah 5:24
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy against the Philistines, as seen in Isaiah 14:28-32, and serves as a reminder that God is just and will punish those who oppress the weak, as also stated in Proverbs 21:15
Reflection Questions
- How have you seen God provide for you in times of need, and how can you trust Him to do so in the future?
- What are some ways that you can help care for the poor and needy in your community, as God commands in Isaiah 58:6-7 and other verses?
- How can you find rest and safety in God, even when the world around you seems uncertain or frightening, as described in Matthew 11:28-30?
- What are some 'roots' of evil or oppression in your own life that God may need to 'kill' in order for you to find true freedom and safety, as discussed in Romans 6:1-14?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:30
And the firstborn of the poor shall feed,.... That is, the Jews, who were brought very low in the times of Ahaz, reduced to the greatest straits and difficulties; for so the word "firstborn" may
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:30
And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:30
The first-born of the poor; the people of the Jews, who are brought to extreme poverty by the cruelty and the malice of other enemies. The first-born were the chief of all the children. Hence the title of first-born is given to persons or things which are most eminent in their kinds, as to the people of Israel, , to David, , to a grievous death, , and here to persons eminently poor. Shall feed; shall have plenty of provisions, in spite of all thine attempts against them. I will kill thy root; I will utterly destroy thee both root and branch, so that there shall not be a remnant of thy people reserved, as it follows. It is a metaphor from a tree, which for want of nourishment is dried up by the roots.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:30
Isaiah 14:30 And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.Ver. 30. And the firstborn of the poor shall feed,] i.e., God’ s poor people shall; who though never so poor - as they were at a very low ebb under Ahaz - were God’ s "firstborn," and, in that respect, "higher than the kings of the earth." And I will kill thy root.] See Zephaniah 2:4.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:30
(30) And the firstborn of the poor shall feed.—As the “children of the needy” in Psalms 72:4 are simply the poor as a class, so the “firstborn” are those who, as it were, inherit the double portion, not of riches, but of poverty. (Comp. “the firstborn of death” in Job 18:13.) The people spoken of are those of Judah, which in the days of Ahaz had been “brought very low” (2 Chronicles 28:19). For these the prophet foretells a time of plenty; not so for Philistia. Either through the sieges of their towns or the devastation of their fields, they would be reduced to the last extremities of famine. With them there should be no “remnant” to return.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 14:30
Verse 30. And the first-born of the poor, c.] The Targum goes on applying all to the Messiah. "And the poor of the people shall he feed, and the humble shall dwell securely in his days: and he shall kill thy children with famine, and the remnant of thy people shall he slay." I will kill - "He will slay"] The Septuagint reads המית hemith, in the third person, ανελει and so the Chaldee. The Vulgate remedies the confusion of persons in the present text, by reading both the verbs in the first person.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:30
30. While Philistia is utterly destroyed, Israel enjoys perfect security under Jehovah’s protection (see Isaiah 14:32). the firstborn of the poor] must be explained as a superlative—“the poorest of the poor.” But many commentators prefer, by slightly altering the word for “firstborn,” to read “in my meadow the poor shall feed” (cf. Isaiah 30:23). he shall slay] In spite of the change of person, the subject is still Jehovah, not the Assyrian. Or the verb might be equivalent to a passive, as in R.V. (“shall be slain”).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:30
And the first-born of the poor shall feed - That is, there shall be safety to those parts of Judah which have long been exposed to the invasions of the Philistines.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:30
30. Firstborn of the poor — Or, sons of the poor, God’s own — the lowly; here, his true people in Judah. Feed… lie down — The figures are from a flock of sheep — shall feed quietly, undisturbed by Philistine skirmishes.
Sermons on Isaiah 14:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod -Part 2 by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity for Christians to remain mute and silent during afflictions, drawing from Psalm 39:9 to illustrate that silence allows believers to hear the |
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He Dares Spit in the Very Face of God Himself! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the folly of fretting against God during times of distress, illustrating how individuals often blame God for their suffering instead of recognizing their o |
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The Last Days as Seen by the Prophets by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of coming out of a certain entity, referred to as "her." He mentions the historical context of the United States' involvement |
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When the Wicked Shall Have Filled Up the Measure of Their Sin, Wrath Will Come Upon Them to the Uttermost by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the consequences of continuing in sin and filling up the measure of one's sins, leading to the ultimate wrath of God coming upon them to the uttermo |
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His Servants Shall Serve Him by Robert Hawker | Robert Hawker preaches about the blessedness of being servants of Christ, who are distinguished from the world by serving Him. God's servants partake in the spiritual feast of Jesu |
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Spiritual Rest and Fullness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly to experience spiritual rest and fullness. He contrasts the abundance found in God's presence with the empti |