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Isaiah 14:11 — Word Study

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WLCהוּרַ֥ד שְׁא֛וֹל גְּאוֹנֶ֖ךָ הֶמְיַ֣ת נְבָלֶ֑יךָ תַּחְתֶּ֙יךָ֙ יֻצַּ֣ע רִמָּ֔ה וּמְכַסֶּ֖יךָ תּוֹלֵעָֽה׃

BSAYour pompgâʼôwn [pride, majesty, or arrogance] has been brought downyârad [to go down, or descend] to Sheolshᵉʼôwl [the underworld, hell, or grave] along with the musichemyâh [sound, or noise] of your harpsnebel [stringed instruments, or viols] Maggotsrimmâh [worms] are your bedyatsaʻ [place of rest, or laying] and wormstôwlâʻ [creatures that cover, or decay] your blanketmᵉkaççeh [covering, or shroud]

Word
Listen & take awayIsaiah 14
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 11 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (to.le.'Ah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Isaiah 14:11quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse describes the fall of pride and glory to the grave, emphasizing decay and humiliation.
Who is speakingThe speaker is addressing the fallen figure, likely a representation of a once-mighty ruler.
Where we areThis verse is part of a passage that laments the downfall of the proud, contrasting their former glory with their current state.
The hard wordיָרַד
Take awayThe verse starkly illustrates the consequences of pride and the inevitability of decay.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectרִמָּה verbיָרַד The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

1 of 10 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Isaiah 14:11

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Lament Over the Fall of Babylongenerated

10They will all respond to you, saying, “You too have become weak, as we are; you have become like us!”
11Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket.
12How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations.
13You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north.

Isaiah 14:11 depicts the dramatic downfall of a once-mighty figure, likely a metaphor for Babylon or a similar power. The passage emphasizes the transition from exaltation to humiliation, as the pride of the fallen is contrasted with their current state of decay. This theme resonates throughout the chapter, as seen in the surrounding verses, which further explore the consequences of arrogance and the ultimate fate of the proud.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Isaiah 21:4–5My heart falters; fear makes me tremble. The twilight of my desire has turned to horror.
2Isaiah 22:2O city of commotion, O town of revelry? Your slain did not die by the sword, nor were they killed in battle.
3Job 21:11–15They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about,
4Ezekiel 26:13So I will silence the sound of your songs, and the music of your lyres will no longer be heard.
5Ezekiel 32:19–20Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and be placed with the uncircumcised!

The Key Word יָרַד, hu.Radgenerated

The verb יָרַד (yarad) is a perfect passive participle, meaning 'it has been brought down.' It is derived from a root that conveys the idea of descending or going down, often used in contexts of physical descent or spiritual humiliation.

In this verse, it signifies the fall from a position of pride and power to a state of degradation, reinforcing the theme of downfall. The passive form indicates that this descent is not merely a self-inflicted action, but rather one that has been imposed.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main clause is governed by the verb יָרַד, it has been brought down, and it is accompanied by several noun phrases: שְׁאֹול, to Sheol, and גְּאוֹנֶךָ, your pride. The structure emphasizes the descent into Sheol and the accompanying loss of glory.

The arrangement of the Hebrew words places significance on the verb at the beginning, establishing the action of descent as the focal point of the sentence.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יָרַד as κατέβη (katébē), which also means 'to go down.' This choice maintains the idea of descent but may suggest a more definitive action rather than a passive state.

The translation of שְׁאֹול as ᾅδου (Hades) indicates a connection to the Greek concept of the underworld, which aligns with the Hebrew understanding of Sheol as a place of the dead.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Isaiah 14:11 describes how pride has been brought down to Sheol, the place of the dead. It says that the music of harps is gone, replaced by decay, as maggots and worms take the place of comfort. This verse starkly illustrates the consequences of pride and the inevitability of decay.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that pride has been brought down to Sheol?

This suggests that the once-exalted pride of a ruler or nation has been humbled and is now in a state of decay and dishonor.

Why are maggots and worms mentioned in this verse?

Maggots and worms symbolize decay and corruption, indicating the ultimate fate of those who are proud and arrogant.

How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?

The surrounding verses emphasize the fall of a once-great power, contrasting its former glory with its current state of humiliation and decay.

What is the significance of Sheol in this verse?

Sheol represents the underworld or grave, highlighting the finality of death and the absence of glory for the proud.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can pride lead to downfall in my own life?
  2. How can I recognize and address areas of arrogance in my character?
  3. What does this verse teach about the nature of true humility?
  4. How can I support others who may be struggling with pride?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Isaiah 14:11 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave,.... Or "hell"; all the state and majesty in which he appeared, when sitting on the throne of his kingdom, with a glittering crown on his head, a sceptre in his

Read John Gill on Isaiah 14 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.

Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 14 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave; all thy glory is lost and buried with thee. The noise of thy viols; all thy musical and melodious instruments, which were much used in Babylon, ,7,10, and were doubtless used in Belshazzar’ s solemn feast, , at which time the city was taken; to which possibly the prophet here alludes. The worm is spread under thee, instead of those rich and stately carpets upon which thou didst frequently tread.

Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 14 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Isaiah 14:11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, [and] the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.Ver. 11. Thy pomp is brought down to the grave.] Ipsaque iusta sepulta iacent, funeral rites, those dues of the dead, are wanting to thee. This was fulfilled in Belshazzar, slain at his impious feast, while he profaned the vessels of God’ s house to quaff in to the honour of Shac, his drunken god, and had no doubt variety of music. See Jeremiah 51:39; Jeremiah 51:41; Jeremiah 51:47 Daniel 5:1; Daniel 5:30. The worm is spread under thee, and worms cover thee.] Pro linteamine tinea sternitur: pro lodice vermes superimponuntur. For sheets thou hast maggots…

Read John Trapp on Isaiah 14 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(11) Thy pomp is brought down to the grave. Literally, to Sheol, as in Isaiah 14:9. The “pomp” is the same as the “beauty” of Isaiah 13:19. The noise of thy viols.—Perhaps harps, or cymbals, representing one of the prominent features of Babylonian culture (Daniel 3:5). The singers see, as it were, all this kingly state mouldering in the grave, maggots and worms (the two words are different in the Hebrew) taking the place of the costly shawls and carpets on which the great king had been wont to rest.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Isaiah 14 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 11. Cover thee - "Thy covering."] Twenty-eight MSS. (ten ancient) of Kennicott's, thirty-nine of De Rossi's, twelve editions, with the Septuagint and Vulgate, read ומכסך umechassecha, in the singular number.

Read AdamClarke on Isaiah 14 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

11. It is doubtful whether this verse continues the address of the shades. It certainly does not extend further. For the grave read Sheol. the noise of thy viols] possibly indicating that the king had been cut down suddenly at a riotous feast (see Isaiah 21:5; Daniel 5). the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee] (The Heb. uses two distinct words for “worm.”) His lot is far worse than that of other potentates. No kingly throne is reserved for him in Sheol, but as one who has been denied honourable burial on earth (Isaiah 14:19) he is laid in the “recesses of the pit” (Isaiah 14:15) and makes his bed in corruption.

Read Cambridge on Isaiah 14 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Thy pomp - Thy magnificence (see the note at Isaiah 5:14). The noise of thy viols - Instruments of music were often used in their feasts; and the meaning here is, that instead of being surrounded

Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 14 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, with the sound of your stringed instruments. Maggots are spread out under you, and worms cover you.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Your splendor has been brought down to Sheol, as well as the sound of your stringed instruments. You lie on a bed of maggots, with a blanket of worms over you.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Thy pomp is brought down to Sheol, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and worms cover thee.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Thy pomp is brought down to hell, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and worms cover thee.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Thy pompe is brought downe to ye graue, and the sounde of thy violes: the worme is spred vnder thee, and the wormes couer thee.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

— Thy pomp is brought down to Sheol, the noise of thy lyres: the maggot is spread under thee, and worms cover thee.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Brought down to Sheol hath been thine excellency, The noise of thy psaltery, Under thee spread out hath been the worm, Yea, covering thee is the worm.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Your excellence has been brought down to Sheol, || The noise of your stringed instruments, || The worm has been spread out under you, || Indeed, the worm is covering you.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Into the nether world is brought down thy pride, the clatter of thy psalteries: beneath thee is spread the worm, and thy cover is the moth.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol with the sound of your string instruments. Maggots are spread under you, and worms cover you.'

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Thy pride is brought down to hell, thy carcass is fallen down: under thee shall the moth be strewed, and worms shall be thy covering.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Your pride is now buried with you in the grave, along with the harp music you loved. Maggots are the bed you lie on, and worms are your blanket.’

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Your pride has gone down into the underworld, and the noise of your instruments of music; the worms are under you, and your body is covered with them.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

clauseverbהוּרַ֥דit.has.been.brought.downadverbialשְׁא֛וֹלSheolnoun phrase · subjectnoun phraseגְּאוֹנֶ֖prideךָyournoun phraseהֶמְיַ֣תthe.soundnoun phraseנְבָלֶ֑יyour.lyresךָyourclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalתַּחְתֶּ֨יunderךָ֙youverbיֻצַּ֣עit.is.spread.as.a.bedsubjectרִמָּ֔הmaggot[s]וּandclausenoun phrase · predicateמְכַסֶּ֖יcoveringsךָyoursubjectתּוֹלֵעָֽה[are].worm[s]

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text (MT) of Isaiah 14:11 reads: 'Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket.' The Septuagint (LXX) aligns closely with the MT, matching 9 of the 10 words, although its word order and articles differ due to its Greek structure. The Dead Sea Scrolls (1Qisaa) also largely agree with the MT, preserving 9 words with one partially restored, while 4Q59 contains fewer words, with some restored and supplied by an editor. Overall, the main witnesses show a strong consistency with the MT, confirming its textual integrity in this verse.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

הוּרַ֥ד שְׁא֛וֹל גְּאוֹנֶ֖ךָ הֶמְיַ֣ת נְבָלֶ֑יךָ תַּחְתֶּ֙יךָ֙ יֻצַּ֣ע רִמָּ֔ה וּמְכַסֶּ֖יךָ תּוֹלֵעָֽה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
הוּרַ֥דκατέβηשְׁא֛וֹלᾅδουגְּאוֹנֶ֖ךָσουנְבָלֶ֑יךָσουתַּחְתֶּ֙יךָ֙σουיֻצַּ֣עστρώσουσινרִמָּ֔הσῆψινוּמְכַסֶּ֖יךָσουתּוֹלֵעָֽה׃σκώληχ

9 of the 10 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 1Qisaaa copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

הורד שאול גאונ׳ך המות נבלת׳ך תחתי׳ך יצע רמה ומכס׳ך תולעה

9 words on the leather — 1 partly restored.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q59a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[הורד] [שאול] גאונ׳ך המית נבלת׳ תחתי׳ך ע [רמה] [ומכסי׳ך] [תולעה]

3 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 5 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Isaiah 14:11יָרַדit has beenit has been broיָרַדשְׁאוֹלSheolSheolשְׁאוֹלגָּאוֹןpride yourpride yourגָּאוֹןהֶמְיָה[the] sound[the] sound ofהֶמְיָהנֵ֫בֶלlyres yourlyres yourנֵ֫בֶלתַּחַתunder youunder youתַּחַתיָצַעit is spreait is spread asיָצַערִמָּהmaggot[s]maggot[s]רִמָּהמְכַסֶּהand coverinand coverings yמְכַסֶּהתּוֹלָע[are] worm[[are] worm[s]תּוֹלָעשָׁאַלto askto askשָׁאַלגָּאָהto rise upto rise upגָּאָההָמָהto roarto roarהָמָהנָבֵלbe senselebe senselessנָבֵלרָמֹםbe exaltedbe exaltedרָמֹםכָּסָהto coverto coverכָּסָהלוּעto blurtto blurtלוּעתּוֹחַתּוֹחַשְׁאוֹלhell: Sheohell: Sheolשְׁאוֹלבּוֹרpitpitבּוֹריָגוֹןsorrowsorrowיָגוֹןשֵׂיבָהgreyheadedgreyheadedשֵׂיבָההָדָרglorygloryהָדָרמְצִלְתַּיִםcymbalcymbalמְצִלְתַּיִםכִּנּוֹרlyrelyreכִּנּוֹראֶ֫דֶןsocketsocketאֶ֫דֶןשֶׁ֫מֶשׁsunsunשֶׁ֫מֶשׁאֵ֫פֶרashesashesאֵ֫פֶר
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Isaiah 14:11

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

it has been brought down Sheol pride your [the] sound of lyres your under you it is spread as a bed maggot[s] and coverings your [are] worm[s]
הוּרַ֥דhu.Rad it has been brought down H3381 Verb · Hophal · perfect third person masculine singular
381× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Amplified meaning
to go down, or descend
Tyndale gloss
to go down
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word יָרַד (yarad) means to come or go down, covering various contexts such as descending from mountains, going to battle, or sinking in water. It can also refer to divine manifestations descending or being prostrated. The word has different forms including Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, which indicate various nuances of bringing down or being brought down.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָרַד 380 vb. come or go down, descend

Qal 306

come or go down

go down (usu. from mountain or hill-country into plain), to battle

go down to (acc.) threshing-floor

go down (abs.) from Palestine to Egypt

from Jerusalem

from altar

go down

= sink, in water

go down to She’ôl

fig. going down (dissolving) in tears

= be prostrated

of divine manifestations: descend

of inanimate things

Hiph.

cause to come or go down

bring down

send down rain = cause to flow down

= lay prostrate to (acc.) threshing-floor

bring down to She’ôl

take down (from cart)

let down

Hoph.

be brought down

be taken down

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3381 יָרַד come or go down, descend .. . come or go down

. go down (usu. from mountain or hill-country into plain), to battle

. go down to (acc.) threshing-floor

. go down (abs.) from Palestine to Egypt

. from Jerusalem

. from altar

. go down

. = sink, in water

. go down to She’ôl

. fig. going down (dissolving) in tears

. = be prostrated

. of divine manifestations: descend

. of inanimate things

. . cause to come or go down . bring down

. send down rain = cause to flow down

. = lay prostrate to (acc.) threshing-floor

. bring down to She’ôl

. take down (from cart)

. let down

. . be brought down

. be taken down

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3381 yarad yaw-rad'

a primitive root; to descend (literally, to go downwards; or

conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary,

the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); causatively, to

bring down (in all the above applications); -X abundantly,

bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down,

fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, X

indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to,

let) run down, sink, subdue, take down.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָרַד (ya.rad) — to go down.

1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go or come down

1a2) to sink

1a3) to be prostrated

1a4) to come down (of revelation)

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to bring down

1b2) to send down

1b3) to take down

1b4) to lay prostrate

1b5) to let down

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be brought down

1c2) to be taken down

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hophal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Hophal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVHp3ms
it has been brought down Sheol pride your [the] sound of lyres your under you it is spread as a bed maggot[s] and coverings your [are] worm[s]
שְׁא֛וֹלshe.'ol Sheol H7585 Noun common · both singular absolute
66× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Amplified meaning
the underworld, hell, or grave
Tyndale gloss
hell: Sheol
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שְׁאוֹל (sh'owl) refers to the underworld or the realm of the dead in Hebrew. It encompasses concepts such as hell, the grave, and a pit, often associated with punishment for the wicked and a place from which the righteous are not abandoned. The term implies a location of extreme degradation and is noted for its lack of praise for God.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שְׁאוֹל, שְׁאֹל n.f. Shᵉ’ōl, underworld (√ dub.; i.e. place of inquiry)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7585 שְׁאוֹל, שְׁאֹל Shᵉ’ōl, underworld (√ dub.; i.e. place of inquiry)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7585 sh'owl sheh-ole'

or shol {sheh-ole'}; from 7592; Hades or the world of the

dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories

and inmates:--grave, hell, pit.

see HEBREW for 07592

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שְׁאוֹל (she.ol) — hell: Sheol.

Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit

1a) the underworld

1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead

1b1) place of no return

1b2) without praise of God

1b3) wicked sent there for punishment

1b4) righteous not abandoned to it

1b5) of the place of exile (fig)

1b6) of extreme degradation in sin

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun common · both singular absolute
HNcbsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

she'-ol (she'ol):

1. The Name

2. The Abode of the Dead

(1) Not a State of Unconsciousness

(2) Not Removed from God's Jurisdiction

(3) Relation to Immortality

3. Post-canonical Period

1. The Name:

This word is often translated in the King James Version "grave" (e.g. Ge 37:35; 1Sa 2:6; Job 7:9; 14:13; Ps 6:5; 49:14; Isa 14:11, etc.) or "hell" (e.g. De 32:22; Ps 9:17; 18:5; Isa 14:9; Am 9:2, etc.); in 3 places by "pit"…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sheol

(Heb., “the all-demanding world” = Gr. Hades, “the unknown region”), the invisible world of departed souls. (See HELL.)

Nave's Topical Bible

→ See HELL (Hades)

it has been brought down Sheol pride your [the] sound of lyres your under you it is spread as a bed maggot[s] and coverings your [are] worm[s]
גְּאוֹנֶ֖ךָge.'o.Ne.kha pride your H1347 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means pride or majesty, describing something excellent or arrogant, like nations or God's power, as seen in the KJV translations of Isaiah and Psalms.
Amplified meaning
pride, majesty, or arrogance
Tyndale gloss
pride
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גָּאוֹן (ga'own) refers to exaltation, majesty, and excellence, but can also imply pride in a negative sense. It is derived from the root associated with arrogance and includes connotations of both divine and national majesty, as well as references to the Jordan. The entries consistently highlight these meanings without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גָּאוֹן n.m. exaltation

exaltation, majesty, excellence

pride (bad sense)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1347 גָּאוֹן exaltation . exaltation, majesty, excellence

. pride (bad sense)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1347 ga'own gaw-ohn'

from 1342; the same as 1346:--arrogancy, excellency(-lent),

majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling.

see HEBREW for 01342

see HEBREW for 01346

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גָּאוֹן (ga.on) — pride.

1) exaltation, majesty, pride

1a) majesty, exaltation, excellence

1a1) of nations

1a2) of God

1a3) of the Jordan

1b) pride, arrogance (bad sense)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp2ms
it has been brought down Sheol pride your [the] sound of lyres your under you it is spread as a bed maggot[s] and coverings your [are] worm[s]
הֶמְיַ֣תhem.Yat [the] sound of H1998 Noun common · feminine singular construct
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means sound or music, often referring to the sound of instruments. It is used in various contexts, including Psalm 98, to describe joyful noises.
Amplified meaning
sound, or noise
Tyndale gloss
sound
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הֶמְיָה (hemyah) refers to sound or music, particularly in relation to instruments. It is derived from a root meaning 'noise' and is used in contexts like Isaiah 14:11. The entries consistently emphasize its association with sound and music.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[הֶמְיָה] n.f. sound, music, of instruments Is 14:11.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1998 [הֶמְיָה] sound, music, of instruments

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1998 hemyah hem-yaw'

from 1993; sound:--noise.

see HEBREW for 01993

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֶמְיָה (hem.yah) — sound.

sound, music (of instruments)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

it has been brought down Sheol pride your [the] sound of lyres your under you it is spread as a bed maggot[s] and coverings your [are] worm[s]
נְבָלֶ֑יךָne.va.Lei.kha lyres your H5035 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
38× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A harp is a musical instrument, and this word is also used to describe a skin-bag for liquids or a vase. It is often translated as a psaltery or viol in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
stringed instruments, or viols
Tyndale gloss
bag
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נֵ֫בֶל (nevel) refers to both a container and a musical instrument. It can denote a skin-bottle or jar used for liquids, as well as a harp or lute. The word is derived from a root meaning to collapse, reflecting its use for a flexible container. The entries consistently highlight these two main meanings without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נֵ֫בֶל n.m.

skin-bottle, skin

jar, pitcher

base

נֵ֫בֶל, נֶ֫בֶל n.m. a musical instrument, either a portable harp, or a lute, guitar

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5035a נֵ֫בֶל . skin-bottle, skin

. jar, pitcher

H5035b נֵ֫בֶל, נֶ֫בֶל a musical instrument, either a portable harp, or a lute, guitar

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5035 nebel neh'-bel

or nebel {nay'-bel}; from 5034; a skin-bag for liquids (from

collapsing when empty); hence, a vase (as similar in shape

when full); also a lyre (as having a body of like

form):--bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol.

see HEBREW for 05034

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נֵ֫בֶל (ne.vel) — bag.

1) a skin-bag, jar, pitcher

1a) skin-bottle, skin

1b) jar, pitcher (earthen)

נֵ֫בֶל (ne.vel) — harp.

harp, lute, guitar, musical instrument

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp2ms
it has been brought down Sheol pride your [the] sound of lyres your under you it is spread as a bed maggot[s] and coverings your [are] worm[s]
תַּחְתֶּ֙יךָ֙tach.Tei.kha under you H8478 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
505× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Tyndale gloss
underneath: under
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תַּחַת (tachath) refers to the concept of being underneath or below. It can function as a noun meaning 'the under part,' or as an adverb and preposition indicating position or substitution, such as 'instead of' or 'for the sake of.' The word encompasses various uses, including physical placement and metaphorical meanings related to subjection or exchange.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תַּחַת n.[m.] the under part, hence as adv. accus. and prep. underneath, below, instead of

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8478 תַּחַת the under part, hence as adv. accus. and prep. underneath, below, instead of

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8478 tachath takh'-ath

from the same as 8430; the bottom (as depressed); only

adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix

underneath), in lieu of, etc.:--as, beneath, X flat,

in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead

of, under, X unto, X when...was mine, whereas, (where-)fore,

with.

see HEBREW for 08430

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תַּחַת (ta.chat) — underneath: under.

: under/below

1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m

1a) the under part adv accus

1b) beneath prep

1c) under, beneath

1c1) at the foot of (idiom)

1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig)

1c3) of subjection or conquest

1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands

1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun)

1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense)

1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged)

conj

1e) instead of, instead of that

1f) in return for that, because that in compounds

1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion)

1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

תַּחַת (ta.chat) — underneath: instead.

: instead/in_place/exchange

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpc/Sp2ms — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp2ms
it has been brought down Sheol pride your [the] sound of lyres your under you it is spread as a bed maggot[s] and coverings your [are] worm[s]
יֻצַּ֣עyu.Tza' it is spread as a bed H3331 Verb · Hophal · imperfect third person masculine singular
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to lay or spread something out, like making a bed or laying out a surface. It appears in various forms, such as in Exodus 7:28. In the Bible, it's often used to describe everyday activities.
Amplified meaning
place of rest, or laying
Tyndale gloss
to lay
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָצַע (yatsa`) is a Hebrew verb that primarily means to lay or spread out. It appears in the Hiphil form, indicating an action of laying or spreading, and in the Hophal form, suggesting a state of being laid or spread. The word is associated with actions like making a bed or spreading a surface.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[יָצַע] vb. Hiph. lay, spread, late

Hiph. lay, spread out

Hoph. be laid, spread

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3331 יָצַע Hiph. lay, spread, late

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3331 yatsa` yaw-tsah'

a primitive root; to strew as a surface:--make (one's) bed, X

lie, spread.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָצַע (ya.tsa) — to lay.

1) to spread out, make a bed

1a) (Hiphil) to lay, spread out

1b) (Hophal) to be laid, be spread out

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hophal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVHi3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Bed

(Heb. mittah), for rest at night (Ex. 8:3; 1 Sam. 19:13, 15, 16, etc.); during sickness (Gen. 47:31; 48:2; 49:33, etc.); as a sofa for rest (1 Sam. 28:23; Amos 3:12). Another Hebrew word (er’es) so rendered denotes a canopied bed, or a bed with curtains (Deut. 3:11; Ps. 132:3), for sickness (Ps. 6:6; 41:3).

In the New Testament it denotes sometimes a litter with a coverlet (Matt. 9:2, 6;

The Jewish bed consisted of the mattress, a mere mat, or one or more quilts; the covering, a finer quilt, or sometimes the outer garment worn by day, (1 Samuel 19:13) which the law provided should not be kept in pledge after sunset, that the poor man might not lack his needful covering, (24:13) the pillow, (1 Samuel 19:13) probably formed of sheep’s fleece or goat’s skin with a stuffing of cotton, etc.; the bedstead, a divan or bench along the side or end of the room, sufficing at a support for the bedding. Besides we have bedsteads made of ivory, wood, etc. referred to in (3:11; Amos 6:4) The ornamental portions were pillars and a canopy, Judith 13:9, ivory carvings, gold and silver, and probably mosaic work, purple and fine…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

In the East, is, and was anciently, a divan, or broad low step around the sides of a room, like a sofa, which answered to purpose of a sofa by day for reclining, and of a bed by night for sleeping, Ex 8:3 2Sa 4:5-7. Sometimes it was raised several steps above the floor, 2Ki 1:4 Ps 132:4. It was covered very differently, and with more or less ornament, according to the rank of owner of the house. The poor had but a simple mattress or sheepskin; or a cloak or blanked, which also answered to wrap themselves in by day, Ex 22:2 De 24:13. Hence it was easy for the persons…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Made of wood So 3:7-9

→ Made of iron De 3:11

→ Made of ivory Am 6:4

→ Made of gold and silver Es 1:6

→ Used at meals Am 6:4

→ Exempt from execution for debt Pr 22:27

→ Perfumed Pr 7:17

→ FIGURATIVE

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
it has been brought down Sheol pride your [the] sound of lyres your under you it is spread as a bed maggot[s] and coverings your [are] worm[s]
רִמָּ֔הri.Mah maggot[s] H7415 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A worm or maggot, symbolizing decay, is described in the Bible as a sign of corruption.
Amplified meaning
worms
Tyndale gloss
worm
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רִמָּה (rimmah) refers to a worm or maggot, often associated with decay. The word is derived from a root meaning to breed, highlighting its rapid reproduction. It is noted in the context of decay in the Old Testament, emphasizing its role as a sign of deterioration.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רִמָּה n.f. worm (cause and sign of decay)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7415 רִמָּה worm (cause and sign of decay)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7415 rimmah rim-maw'

from 7426 in the sense of breading (compare 7311); a maggot

(as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively:--worm.

see HEBREW for 07426

see HEBREW for 07311

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רִמָּה (rim.mah) — worm.

maggot, worm (as cause and sign of decay)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
it has been brought down Sheol pride your [the] sound of lyres your under you it is spread as a bed maggot[s] and coverings your [are] worm[s]
וּמְכַסֶּ֖יךָu.me.kha.Sei.kha and coverings your H4374 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes a covering, like a garment, bed cover, or awning, and is also used to describe the omentum in the body. It appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Amplified meaning
covering, or shroud
Tyndale gloss
covering
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מְכַסֶּה (mkacceh) refers to a covering, such as a garment or a bed coverlet. It can also denote an awning for protection from the sun or the omentum, which covers the intestines. The word is built from the root meaning to cover and encompasses various forms of covering.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מְכַסֶּה n.m. covering

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4374 מְכַסֶּה covering

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4374 mkacceh mek-as-seh'

from 3680; a covering, i.e. garment; specifically, a coverlet

(for a bed), an awning (from the sun); also the omentum (as

covering the intestines):--clothing, to cover, that which

covereth.

see HEBREW for 03680

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מְכַסֶּה (me.khas.seh) — covering.

covering, that which covers

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HC/Ncmsc/Sp2ms
it has been brought down Sheol pride your [the] sound of lyres your under you it is spread as a bed maggot[s] and coverings your [are] worm[s]
תּוֹלֵעָֽה׃to.le.'Ah [are] worm[s] H8438 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
43× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.
Amplified meaning
creatures that cover, or decay
Tyndale gloss
worm
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תּוֹלָע (towla') refers to a worm, specifically the crimson-grub from which scarlet dye is made. It can also denote scarlet stuff or crimson color derived from this worm. The feminine forms תּוֹלֵעָה (towle'ah) and תּוֹלַ֫עַת (tolai'ath) also mean worm. The entries indicate a connection between the worm and the dye used in textiles.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תּוֹלָע n.[m.] worm, scarlet stuff

base

תּוֹלֵעָה, תּוֹלַ֫עַת 40 n.f. worm

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8438a תּוֹלָע worm, scarlet stuff H8438b תּוֹלֵעָה, תּוֹלַ֫עַת worm

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8438 towla` to-law'

and (feminine) towleoah {to-lay-aw'}; or towla ath

{to-lah'-ath}; or tolaiath {to-lah'-ath}; from 3216; a maggot

(as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of 8144) the

crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color

from it, and cloths dyed therewith:--crimson, scarlet, worm.

see HEBREW for 03216

see HEBREW for 08144

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תּוֹלָע (to.la) — worm.

1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson

1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis'

1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet

1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis"

Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)

תּוֹלֵעָה (to.le.ah) — worm.

1) worm, maggot

1a) worm, grub

1b) the worm "coccus ilicis"

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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