Isaiah 14:8
Isaiah 14:8 in Multiple Translations
Even the cypresses and cedars of Lebanon exult over you: “Since you have been laid low, no woodcutter comes against us.”
Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.
Yea, the fir-trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid low, no hewer is come up against us.
Even the trees of the wood are glad over you, the trees of Lebanon, saying, From the time of your fall no wood-cutter has come up against us with an axe.
The cypress and cedar trees are glad you're gone. They sing, ‘Since you were cut down no woodcutters are coming to cut us down!’
Also the firre trees reioyced of thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid downe, no hewer came vp against vs.
Even firs have rejoiced over thee, Cedars of Lebanon — [saying]: Since thou hast lain down, The hewer cometh not up against us.
Yes, the cypress trees rejoice with you, with the cedars of Lebanon, saying, “Since you are humbled, no lumberjack has come up against us.”
Yes, the fir-trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying , Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.
The fir trees also have rejoiced over thee, and the cedars of Libanus, saying: Since thou hast slept, there hath none come up to cut us down.
It will be as though even the trees in the forests will joyfully sing this song, the cyprus/pine trees and the cedar trees in Lebanon will sing it: ‘You ◄have been overthrown/are no longer a ruler►, and now no one comes to get rid of us [MET].’
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 14:8
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 14:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּם
בְּרוֹשִׁ֛ים
שָׂמְח֥וּ
לְ/ךָ֖
אַרְזֵ֣י
לְבָנ֑וֹן
מֵ/אָ֣ז
שָׁכַ֔בְתָּ
לֹֽא
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
הַ/כֹּרֵ֖ת
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
בְּרוֹשִׁ֛ים
bᵉrôwsh
H1265
cypress
N-mp
שָׂמְח֥וּ
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
אַרְזֵ֣י
ʼerez
H730
cedar
N-mp
לְבָנ֑וֹן
Lᵉbânôwn
H3844
Lebanon
N-proper
מֵ/אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Prep | Adv
שָׁכַ֔בְתָּ
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הַ/כֹּרֵ֖ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
Art | V-Qal
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 14:8
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
בְּרוֹשִׁ֛ים
bᵉrôwsh
H1265
"cypress"
N-mp
A cypress tree or a type of evergreen is what this word refers to, also used to make objects like lances or musical instruments, as seen in the KJV translation 'fir tree'.
Definition: 1) cypress, fir, juniper, pine 1a) a noble tree (lit.) 1b) of stateliness (fig.) 1c) material for temple
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: fir (tree). See also: 2 Samuel 6:5; Isaiah 14:8; Psalms 104:17.
שָׂמְח֥וּ
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
אַרְזֵ֣י
ʼerez
H730
"cedar"
N-mp
A cedar tree, known for its strength and durability, like the cedar wood used to build Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 5-6. The cedar tree was highly valued in ancient times for its timber and wood.
Definition: 1) cedar 1a) cedar tree 1b) cedar timber, cedar wood (in building) 1c) cedar wood (in purifications)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cedar (tree). See also: Leviticus 14:4; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Psalms 29:5.
לְבָנ֑וֹן
Lᵉbânôwn
H3844
"Lebanon"
N-proper
Lebanon is a mountain range in Israel, named for its white snow or limestone peaks, often mentioned in Psalms and other books.
Definition: Combined with biq.ah (בִּקְעָה " Valley" H1237I) § Lebanon = "whiteness" a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: Lebanon. See also: Deuteronomy 1:7; Psalms 104:16; Psalms 29:5.
מֵ/אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Prep | Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
שָׁכַ֔בְתָּ
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
הַ/כֹּרֵ֖ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
עָלֵֽי/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 14:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 14:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:8
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:8
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:8
- Sermons on Isaiah 14:8
Context — The Fall of the King of Babylon
6It struck the peoples in anger with unceasing blows; it subdued the nations in rage with relentless persecution.
7All the earth is at peace and at rest; they break out in song.
8Even the cypresses and cedars of Lebanon exult over you: “Since you have been laid low, no woodcutter comes against us.”
9Sheol beneath is eager to meet you upon your arrival. It stirs the spirits of the dead to greet you— all the rulers of the earth. It makes all the kings of the nations rise from their thrones. 10They will all respond to you, saying, “You too have become weak, as we are; you have become like us!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 31:16 | I made the nations quake at the sound of its downfall, when I cast it down to Sheol with those who descend to the Pit. Then all the trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the well-watered trees, were consoled in the earth below. |
| 2 | Isaiah 55:12–13 | You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will grow, and instead of the brier, a myrtle will spring up; they will make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign, never to be destroyed.” |
| 3 | Zechariah 11:2 | Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen; the majestic trees are ruined! Wail, O oaks of Bashan, for the dense forest has been cut down! |
Isaiah 14:8 Summary
Isaiah 14:8 says that even the trees of Lebanon are happy because the Babylonian empire, which used to cut them down, has been defeated. This verse is saying that when God brings down proud and oppressive powers, all of creation can rejoice, just like in Psalm 96:12 where all of nature is called to praise God. It's a reminder that God is a God of justice and will ultimately bring freedom to all those who are oppressed, as seen in Exodus 1:14. This verse encourages us to trust in God's power and justice, and to rejoice in the fact that He is our deliverer, just like the Israelites were freed from their oppressors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cypresses and cedars of Lebanon in Isaiah 14:8?
The cypresses and cedars of Lebanon are rejoicing because they are no longer being cut down by the Babylonian empire, now that it has been laid low, as seen in Isaiah 14:8, a stark contrast to the oppression mentioned in Isaiah 13:19.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah 14?
Isaiah 14:8 highlights the consequences of pride and the fall of Babylon, which is a recurring theme throughout the chapter, as seen in Isaiah 14:13-14, where the king of Babylon's pride is explicitly mentioned.
What does the phrase 'no woodcutter comes against us' mean in this context?
The phrase 'no woodcutter comes against us' means that the trees of Lebanon are no longer being exploited by the Babylonian empire for their wood, now that the empire has been defeated, much like the Israelites were freed from their oppressors in Exodus 1:14.
Is this verse a literal or figurative expression of joy?
This verse is a figurative expression of joy, using the trees of Lebanon as a metaphor to convey the relief and celebration of the nations that were once oppressed by the Babylonian empire, similar to the rejoicing in Psalm 96:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can identify and resist the temptation of pride in my own life, in light of the fall of Babylon in Isaiah 14:8?
- How can I, like the trees of Lebanon, find joy and relief in the fact that God is a God of justice and will ultimately bring down all oppressive powers, as seen in Isaiah 14:8 and Psalm 37:35-36?
- What are some practical ways in which I can 'break out in song' and celebrate God's deliverance in my life, as mentioned in Isaiah 14:7?
- How can I use my own experiences of freedom and deliverance to minister to and encourage others who may be struggling under oppression, in the same way that the trees of Lebanon are rejoicing in Isaiah 14:8?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:8
Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, [and] the cedars of Lebanon,.... Which by, a prosopopoeia are represented as singing and rejoicing, as inanimate creatures often are in Scripture, these being now
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:8
That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:8
The cedars of Lebanon, which were felled down for the service of her pride and luxury, but now are suffered to stand and flourish. It is a figure usual in sacred and profane writers, called prosopopaeia.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:8
Isaiah 14:8 Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, [and] the cedars of Lebanon, [saying], Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.Ver. 8. Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee.] A notable metaphor, whereby sense and speech is attributed to senseless creatures; the trees once afraid to be felled are now freed from that fear. This tyrant was the terror of things on earth, and things under earth. Hence men and trees are said to rejoice, hell to be in a hurry, &c. No feller is come up against us.] As was wont to do, for thy shipping, buildings, warlike engines, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:8
(8) Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee.—The tree has been identified (Carruthers, in Bible Educator, 4, 359) with the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), which grows abundantly on the Lebanon range above the zone of the evergreen oaks. The LXX. often translates it by “cypress,” the Vulgate and Authorised version commonly by “fir tree.” Its wood was largely used in house and ship-building, but was less precious than the cedar (1 Kings 5:10; 1 Kings 6:15; 1 Kings 6:34; Isaiah 41:19; Ezekiel 27:5). No feller is come up against us—The literal and figurative senses melt into each other, the former perhaps being the more prominent. It was the boast of Assurbanipal and other Assyrian kings that wherever they conquered they cut down forests and left the land bare. (Comp. Isaiah 37:24 : Records of the Past, i. 86.) As the fir tree, the cedar, and the oak were the natural symbols of kingly rule (Jeremiah 22:7; Ezekiel 17:3; Ezekiel 31:3), this devastation represented the triumph of the Chaldæan king over other princes. On his downfall, the trees on the mountain, the kings and chieftains in their palaces, would alike rejoice.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:8
8. the fir trees] Some render “cypresses.” no feller is come up] Assyrian kings frequently mention among their exploits the cutting of trees in Lebanon and Amanus. Nebuchadnezzar, whose inscriptions have been found on Lebanon, doubtless did the same thing.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:8
Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee - They join with the inhabitants of the nations in rejoicing at thy downfall - for they now, like those inhabitants, are suffered to remain undisturbed.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:8
7, 8. Earth is at rest — Better, Hath gone into rest. Is quiet — Has become quiet. The verbs are inchoatively past. Break forth into singing — There being no subject to the verb, great generality is given to the rejoicing.
Sermons on Isaiah 14:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Blood Covenant) 4 - the War Against the Covenant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the inner man's spirit rather than the physical body. He encourages listeners to question old traditions and t |
|
Lead Me in the Way Everlasting by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and effectiveness of God's word in our lives. He encourages listeners to cry out to God and acknowledge that His ways and thoughts |
|
Logos in Language by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story about killer sharks and their ability to communicate with their trainers. He then transitions to discussing the role of the lo |
|
Being Led by Charles Leiter | This sermon focuses on the theme of being led, drawing from the example of Jesus allowing Himself to be led by the Spirit, by the devil in temptation, and by wicked men. It emphasi |
|
Full of Song by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound joy that comes from the forgiveness of sin, which transforms sorrow into delight and fills creation with music. He illustrates how a renewed h |
|
Isaiah's Gospel by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson expounds on Isaiah's Gospel, emphasizing the invitation to all who thirst to come and receive the abundant blessings of God without cost. He illustrates the richness o |
|
Christ's World of Nature by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes that Jesus Christ entered our world at the perfect time, and while His own people rejected Him, nature welcomed Him. He illustrates how the star guided the wi |