Isaiah 34:12
Isaiah 34:12 in Multiple Translations
No nobles will be left to proclaim a king, and all her princes will come to nothing.
They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing.
They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there; and all its princes shall be nothing.
The jackals will be there, and her great ones will be gone; they will say, There is no longer a kingdom there, and all her chiefs will have come to an end.
Its nobles won't have anything to call a kingdom; all its princes will be gone.
The nobles thereof shall call to the kingdome, and there shalbe none, and all the princes thereof shalbe as nothing.
[To] the kingdom her freemen they call, But there are none there, And all her princes are at an end.
They shall call its nobles to the kingdom, but none shall be there; and all its princes shall be nothing.
They shall call her nobles to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing.
The nobles thereof shall not be there: they shall call rather upon the king, and all the princes thereof shall be nothing.
There will be no princes; the people who have authority will have no kingdom to rule.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 34:12
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 34:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֹרֶ֥י/הָ
וְ/אֵֽין
שָׁ֖ם
מְלוּכָ֣ה
יִקְרָ֑אוּ
וְ/כָל
שָׂרֶ֖י/הָ
יִ֥הְיוּ
אָֽפֶס
חֹרֶ֥י/הָ
chôr
H2715
noble
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
מְלוּכָ֣ה
mᵉlûwkâh
H4410
kingship
N-fs
יִקְרָ֑אוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
שָׂרֶ֖י/הָ
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp | Suff
יִ֥הְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אָֽפֶס
ʼepheç
H657
end
N-ms
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 34:12
חֹרֶ֥י/הָ
chôr
H2715
"noble"
N-mp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means noble or pure, like something made clean by fire. It describes someone of high rank or birth, like a freeborn person. It appears in various Bible translations as 'noble'.
Definition: a noble, freeborn one
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: noble. See also: 1 Kings 21:8; Nehemiah 6:17; Isaiah 34:12.
וְ/אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
מְלוּכָ֣ה
mᵉlûwkâh
H4410
"kingship"
N-fs
Melukah refers to a kingdom or realm, describing a king's domain or territory. It is related to the concept of royalty and kingship in the Bible.
Definition: kingship, royalty, kingly office
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: kingsom, king's, [idiom] royal. See also: 1 Samuel 10:16; 1 Kings 12:21; Psalms 22:29.
יִקְרָ֑אוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שָׂרֶ֖י/הָ
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp | Suff
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
יִ֥הְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אָֽפֶס
ʼepheç
H657
"end"
N-ms
This word can mean the soles of the feet or the ankles, but it can also mean an end or a stop to something. In Deuteronomy 28:35, it describes a curse that will afflict the Israelites from the soles of their feet to the top of their head.
Definition: 1) ceasing, end, finality 2) expressing non-existence
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: ankle, but (only), end, howbeit, less than nothing, nevertheless (where), no, none (beside), not (any, -withstanding), thing of nought, save(-ing), there, uttermost part, want, without (cause). See also: Numbers 13:28; Isaiah 5:8; Psalms 2:8.
Study Notes — Isaiah 34:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 34:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 34:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 34:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 34:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 34:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 34:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 34:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 34:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 34:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 34:12
Context — Judgment on Edom
10It will not be quenched—day or night. Its smoke will ascend forever. From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever again pass through it.
11The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction.
12No nobles will be left to proclaim a king, and all her princes will come to nothing.
13Her towers will be overgrown with thorns, her fortresses with thistles and briers. She will become a haunt for jackals, an abode for ostriches. 14The desert creatures will meet with hyenas, and one wild goat will call to another. There the night creature will settle and find her place of repose.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 3:6–8 | A man will seize his brother within his father’s house: “You have a cloak—you be our leader! Take charge of this heap of rubble.” On that day he will cry aloud: “I am not a healer. I have no food or clothing in my house. Do not make me leader of the people!” For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 13:2 | If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 39:6 | There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the nobles of Judah. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 12:11 | I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 27:20 | which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take when he carried Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, along with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 8:4 | So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. |
| 7 | Isaiah 41:24 | Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable. |
| 8 | Isaiah 41:11–12 | Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 10:16–17 | Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time— for strength and not for drunkenness. |
Isaiah 34:12 Summary
This verse is saying that when God judges a nation, its leaders and government will be completely destroyed, and no one will be left to take charge. This is a reminder that all human power and authority are temporary and will one day come to an end, as seen in 1 Peter 1:24. We should instead put our trust in God's eternal kingdom, which will never fade away, as promised in Revelation 21:1-4. By trusting in God, we can find true security and purpose, rather than relying on human leaders or institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for there to be no nobles left to proclaim a king?
This phrase suggests that the leadership and government of the nation will be completely destroyed, leaving no one to establish a new ruler, as seen in Isaiah 34:12, a fulfillment of the judgment prophesied in Deuteronomy 28:20.
How does this verse relate to the idea of God's judgment?
This verse is part of a larger passage describing God's judgment on the nation of Edom, as seen in Isaiah 34:1-17, and serves as a warning to all nations of the consequences of rebellion against God, as stated in Proverbs 14:34.
What is the significance of the princes coming to nothing?
The princes coming to nothing signifies the complete collapse of the nation's leadership and power structure, much like the downfall of Babylon in Isaiah 13:19 and the fall of Tyre in Ezekiel 26:3-5.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing the fleeting nature of human power and authority, and instead, seeking to build our lives on the eternal rock of God's Word, as encouraged in Matthew 7:24-27 and Psalm 119:89.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be relying on human leaders or institutions for security, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty?
- How can I use my own position of influence, no matter how small, to proclaim the kingdom of God and point others to Jesus Christ?
- In what ways can I be a part of building God's eternal kingdom, rather than seeking to build my own earthly legacy?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my own desires for power and control, and instead, submit to God's will and purposes?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 34:12
They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none [shall be] there,.... They shall call them to take upon them the kingdom and government, and there shall be none to do it, or that will
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 34:12
They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 34:12
They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there; they shall endeavour to heal their breaches, but in vain; the remnant of the people shall seek for any fit person, and offer the kingdom to him; but they shall not find any such who shall be willing to undertake the government. Shall be nothing; either shall be lost and cut off, or shall have no courage or strength left in them.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 34:12
Isaiah 34:12 They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none [shall be] there, and all her princes shall be nothing.Ver. 12. They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom.] The Venetians have magistrates called pregadi; because at first men were prayed to take the office, and to help to govern the State: but here were none left for such a purpose.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 34:12
(12) They shall call the nobles thereof . . .—The monarchy of Edom seems to have been elective, its rulers being known, not as kings, but by the title which the English version renders by “dukes” (Genesis 36:15-43). It will be noticed that no chief in the list of dukes is the son of his predecessor. Isaiah fore tells as part of the utter collapse of Edom that there shall be neither electors nor any to elect.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 34:12
12. They shall call the nobles … there] A very obscure sentence, probably through a defect in the text. The rendering of E.V. might be maintained if with Prof. Weir we suppose a transposition of words in the original; the inference being that the monarchy in Edom was elective (cf. Genesis 36:31 ff.). More likely, however, “her nobles” is the subject of a sentence the rest of which is now lost; and the following words are to be translated “and there is no kingdom there which they may proclaim.”
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 34:12
They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom - A more correct rendering of this would be, ‘As to the nobles, they shall call them, but there shall be there no kingdom.’ The idea is, that the
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 34:12
11, 12. The picture of a solitary, foul, and marshy land, and of disgusting animals and birds, taking complete possession thereof, is a favourite one with Isaiah, (see Isaiah 13:20-22; Isaiah 14:23,) and others copy him.
Sermons on Isaiah 34:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Decree of Judgment by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of judgment and the decree of judgment as prescribed by the Lord. The sermon explores the idea that what we sow, we will reap, a |
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(Om Orientation) Our Motive Love - Part 1 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience to the word of God, particularly in regards to possessions and giving. He mentions that many people today are re |
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(Basics) 38. Jesus Valued People More Than Things by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the upside-down values of the world, where money is often prioritized over God and people. He emphasizes that Christians should believe and |
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Seeking God for Power - Power to Love Until the End by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and unity among believers. He challenges the idea that miracles and signs are the ultimate proof of being God's people |
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Here I Am, Send Me by George Verwer | This sermon emphasizes the importance of wisdom, humility, and perseverance as believers prepare to leave a spiritual gathering. It highlights the need for biblical balance, the in |
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(Om Orientation) Our Weapons the Word - Part 2 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing evangelism and spreading the word of God to the lost souls around us. They argue that many Christian activitie |
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The Divine Purpose and Principles of the Christian Life by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance and energy of life. He compares life to an incredible energy that opens up new worlds for those who experience it. The Christ |