Isaiah 34:13
Isaiah 34:13 in Multiple Translations
Her towers will be overgrown with thorns, her fortresses with thistles and briers. She will become a haunt for jackals, an abode for ostriches.
And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls.
And thorns shall come up in its palaces, nettles and thistles in the fortresses thereof; and it shall be a habitation of jackals, a court for ostriches.
And thorns will come up in her fair houses, and waste plants in her strong towers: and foxes will make their holes there, and it will be a meeting-place for ostriches.
Thorns will grow over its palaces; weeds and thistles will take over its fortresses. It will be a place where jackals live, a home for owls.
And it shall bring foorth thornes in the palaces thereof, nettles and thistles in the strong holdes thereof, and it shall be an habitation for dragons, and a court for ostriches.
And gone up her palaces have thorns, Nettle and bramble [are] in her fortresses, And it hath been a habitation of dragons, A court for daughters of an ostrich.
Thorns will come up in its palaces, nettles and thistles in its fortresses; and it will be a habitation of jackals, a court for ostriches.
And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in her fortresses, and it shall be a habitation of dragons, and a court for owls.
And thorns and nettles shall grow up in its houses, and the thistle in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be the habitation of dragons, and the pasture of ostriches.
The deserted palaces and fortified buildings will be full of thorns and thistles. The ruins will be a place for jackals/wolves and owls to live.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 34:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Isaiah 34:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עָלְתָ֤ה
אַרְמְנֹתֶ֨י/הָ֙
סִירִ֔ים
קִמּ֥וֹשׂ
וָ/ח֖וֹחַ
בְּ/מִבְצָרֶ֑י/הָ
וְ/הָיְתָה֙
נְוֵ֣ה
תַנִּ֔ים
חָצִ֖יר
לִ/בְנ֥וֹת
יַעֲנָֽה
וְ/עָלְתָ֤ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
אַרְמְנֹתֶ֨י/הָ֙
ʼarmôwn
H759
citadel
N-mp | Suff
סִירִ֔ים
çîyr
H5518
pot
N-fp
קִמּ֥וֹשׂ
qimmôwsh
H7057
nettle
N-ms
וָ/ח֖וֹחַ
chôwach
H2336
thistle
Conj | N-ms
בְּ/מִבְצָרֶ֑י/הָ
mibtsâr
H4013
fortification
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/הָיְתָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
נְוֵ֣ה
nâveh
H5116
pasture
N-cs
תַנִּ֔ים
tannîyn
H8577
jackal
N-mp
חָצִ֖יר
châtsîyr
H2681
abode
N-ms
לִ/בְנ֥וֹת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
Prep | N-fp
יַעֲנָֽה
yaʻănâh
H3284
ostrich
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 34:13
וְ/עָלְתָ֤ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
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.
אַרְמְנֹתֶ֨י/הָ֙
ʼarmôwn
H759
"citadel"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for a high palace or fortress, like a citadel, appears in the Bible as a place of strength and power. It is often translated as castle or palace in the KJV. This word is used to describe the strongholds of kings and rulers.
Definition: : palace citadel, palace, fortress Also means: ar.mon (אַרְמוֹן ": fortress" H0759H)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: castle, palace. Compare H2038 (הַרְמוֹן). See also: 1 Kings 16:18; Jeremiah 49:27; Psalms 48:4.
סִירִ֔ים
çîyr
H5518
"pot"
N-fp
This word refers to a thorn or a hook, something that springs up rapidly. It can also mean a pot or a pan, and is used in various contexts in the Bible, including cooking and fishing.
Definition: 1) pot 1a) pot (household utensil) 1b) pot (of temple)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: caldron, fishhook, pan, (wash-)pot, thorn. See also: Exodus 16:3; Ecclesiastes 7:6; Psalms 58:10.
קִמּ֥וֹשׂ
qimmôwsh
H7057
"nettle"
N-ms
A nettle is a prickly plant that grows in the wild, often considered a nuisance. In the Bible, it is used to describe a thorny or useless plant, and is also related to the word for 'thorn' in Hebrew.
Definition: thistles or nettles, a thorny or useless plant Also means: qim.ma.shon (קִמָּשׂוֹן "thorn" H7063)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: nettle. Compare H7063 (קִמָּשׁוֹן). See also: Isaiah 34:13; Hosea 9:6.
וָ/ח֖וֹחַ
chôwach
H2336
"thistle"
Conj | N-ms
A thistle is a type of thorny plant, often found in the wilderness. In the Bible, it symbolizes something unwanted or troublesome, and is sometimes used to describe a difficult or challenging situation.
Definition: 1) thorn, brier, bramble, thornbush, thicket 2) hook, ring, fetter Also means: cha.vach (חָוָח "thicket" H2337)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bramble, thistle, thorn. See also: 2 Kings 14:9; Job 40:26; Proverbs 26:9.
בְּ/מִבְצָרֶ֑י/הָ
mibtsâr
H4013
"fortification"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word describes a strong, fortified place like a castle or a fenced city, providing protection and safety. It is used in the Bible to describe secure and defended locations.
Definition: fortification, fortress, fortified city, stronghold
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: (de-, most) fenced, fortress, (most) strong (hold). See also: Numbers 13:19; Isaiah 34:13; Psalms 89:41.
וְ/הָיְתָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
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.
נְוֵ֣ה
nâveh
H5116
"pasture"
N-cs
A dwelling is a home or a pleasant place, like a sheepfold or a temple. It can describe a place where people or animals live, and is used in many Bible books, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) abode, habitation, abode of shepherds or flocks, pasture 1a) abode (of sheep) 1b) abode (of shepherds) 1c) meadow 1d) habitation
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: comely, dwelling (place), fold, habitation, pleasant place, sheepcote, stable, tarried. See also: Exodus 15:13; Isaiah 35:7; Psalms 68:13.
תַנִּ֔ים
tannîyn
H8577
"jackal"
N-mp
This word refers to a monster or serpent, like a sea-serpent or dragon, as described in Psalm 74:13 and Isaiah 27:1. It can also mean a venomous snake or a whale, symbolizing powerful creatures.
Definition: jackal Also means: tan.nah (תַּנָּה "dragon" H8568)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: dragon, sea-monster, serpent, whale. See also: Genesis 1:21; Isaiah 27:1; Psalms 44:20.
חָצִ֖יר
châtsîyr
H2681
"abode"
N-ms
This word means a dwelling place or a courtyard, like the one in Genesis 43:33 where Joseph's brothers ate.
Definition: a dwelling, an abode, settled abode, haunt
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: court. See also: Isaiah 34:13.
לִ/בְנ֥וֹת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
Prep | N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
יַעֲנָֽה
yaʻănâh
H3284
"ostrich"
N-fs
This word refers to the ostrich or possibly another type of bird, and is considered unclean in the Bible. It is mentioned in Leviticus as an animal not to be eaten, and is also associated with the owl. The exact meaning is not certain.
Definition: 1) an unclean bird 1a) owl, ostrich, literally translated as "daughters of the owl" 1b) perhaps an extinct bird, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] owl. See also: Leviticus 11:16; Isaiah 34:13; Isaiah 13:21.
Study Notes — Isaiah 34:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 34:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 34:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 34:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 34:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 34:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 34:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 34:13
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 34:13
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 34:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 34:13
- Sermons on Isaiah 34:13
Context — Judgment on Edom
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. 15There the owl will make her nest; she will lay and hatch her eggs and gather her brood under her shadow. Even there the birds of prey will gather, each with its mate.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 9:11 | “And I will make Jerusalem a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 10:22 | Listen! The sound of a report is coming— a great commotion from the land to the north. The cities of Judah will be made a desolation, a haunt for jackals. |
| 3 | Malachi 1:3 | but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals. ” |
| 4 | Psalms 44:19 | But You have crushed us in the lair of jackals; You have covered us with deepest darkness. |
| 5 | Zephaniah 2:9 | Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will be like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a place of weeds and salt pits, a perpetual wasteland. The remnant of My people will plunder them; the remainder of My nation will dispossess them.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 49:33 | “Hazor will become a haunt for jackals, a desolation forever. No one will dwell there; no man will abide there.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 32:13–14 | and for the land of my people, overgrown with thorns and briers— even for every house of merriment in this city of revelry. For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become caves forever— the delight of wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks— |
| 8 | Isaiah 35:7 | The parched ground will become a pool, the thirsty land springs of water. In the haunt where jackals once lay, there will be grass and reeds and papyrus. |
| 9 | Isaiah 13:21–22 | But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will howl in her fortresses and jackals in her luxurious palaces. Babylon’s time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 50:39–40 | So the desert creatures and hyenas will live there and ostriches will dwell there. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation. As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors,” declares the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. |
Isaiah 34:13 Summary
This verse is talking about what happens when a place is abandoned by God and left to itself. The city's towers and strong buildings will become overgrown with weeds and thorns, and wild animals will make their homes there, as a sign of God's judgment, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 25:11. This is a reminder that when we turn away from God, our lives and our world can become desolate and empty, but God is always ready to bring new life and restoration, as promised in Isaiah 51:3. Just like the cross of Jesus brought redemption to a fallen world, as described in John 3:16, God can bring beauty out of the ashes of our sin and rebellion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a place to be overgrown with thorns and thistles?
According to Isaiah 34:13, this is a sign of desolation and abandonment, much like the curse placed upon the earth in Genesis 3:18 after the fall of man. This image is also found in other Bible passages, such as Matthew 13:7, where it represents the choking of God's word by worldly cares.
Why are jackals and ostriches mentioned as inhabiting this desolate place?
In biblical times, these animals were often associated with desolate and uninhabited areas, as seen in Isaiah 13:21 and Jeremiah 9:11. Their presence here emphasizes the complete abandonment of the city to the forces of nature.
Is this verse speaking of a literal or figurative desolation?
While the language used is poetic, the desolation described in Isaiah 34:13 is likely a literal consequence of God's judgment, as seen in similar passages such as Jeremiah 25:11 and Ezekiel 33:28. However, it also carries a spiritual significance, as in Romans 8:20-21, where creation itself is said to be subject to futility and decay.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Isaiah 34:13 is part of a larger oracle of judgment against the nations, particularly Edom, as seen in Isaiah 34:5-6. The desolation described here is a direct result of God's judgment against the wickedness of these nations, as proclaimed in Isaiah 34:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which our own hearts and lives can become like the desolate, overgrown places described in this verse, and how can we prevent this from happening?
- In what ways can we, like the jackals and ostriches, make our homes in the ruins of our own sin and rebellion against God, and how can we turn back to Him?
- How does the image of thorns and thistles in this verse relate to the thorns and thistles that Jesus wore on the cross, as described in John 19:2, and what does this tell us about the nature of God's judgment and redemption?
- What are some areas in our lives where we need to allow God to bring desolation and destruction, in order to make way for new life and growth, as seen in Isaiah 40:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 34:13
And thorns shall come up in her palaces,.... Where their kings and princes dwelt, and kept their courts, popes and cardinals; here will be the tokens of God's curse, as thorns are, these being the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 34:13
And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 34:13
This is another mark and evidence of extreme desolation, as it is also, .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 34:13
Isaiah 34:13 And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, [and] a court for owls.Ver. 13. A court for owls.] Or, Ostriches. See on Isaiah 34:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 34:13
(13) An habitation of dragons, and a court for owls . . .—The wild creatures named are identified, as elsewhere, with “jackals” (“wild dogs,” Delitzsch) and “ostriches.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 34:13
Verse 13. And thorns shall come up in her palaces] ועלו בארמנותיה vealu bearmenotheyha; so read all the ancient versions. A court for owls.] יענה yaanah, the ostrich, from ענה anah, to cry, because of the noise it makes. "They roar," says Dr. Shaw, "sometimes like a lion-sometimes like a bull. I have often heard them groan as if in the utmost distress."
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 34:13
13. The mention of nobles and princes naturally leads to the palaces and castles. dragons … owls] jackals … ostriches (R.V.). See on ch. Isaiah 13:21 f.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 34:13
And thorns ... - (see the note at Isaiah 5:6) It shall be an habitation of dragons - On the meaning of the word ‘dragons,’ see the note at Isaiah 13:22. Court for owls - A place of resort, a residence of owls.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 34:13
13. The natural consequence of Edom’s depopulation follows. In her palaces, and over all her ruined walls of fortresses, there grow up thorns, nettles, and brambles. Thither also the wild beasts of the desert congregate.
Sermons on Isaiah 34:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Pride and Shame or Humility and Wisdom by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of walking in humility rather than pride to receive God's grace and wisdom. Those who walk in pride end up with shame, as seen in the wicked |
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Holy Spirit #29: The Spirit of Revival by Alan Cairns | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer for revival in times of spiritual decline in the Church. He refers to Isaiah 62:6-7, where God sets watchmen on the |
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The Happy Effects of the Pouring Out of the Spirit by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the necessity of a general outpouring of the Holy Spirit for national reformation and individual salvation. He emphasizes the dire consequences of sin |
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The Crisis, or the Uncertain Doom of Kingdoms at Particular Times by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the uncertainty and anxiety faced by nations in times of crisis, using the example of Nineveh's impending doom due to sin. He emphasizes the importance |