King James Version

What Does Isaiah 13:20 Mean?

Isaiah 13:20 in the King James Version says “It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

Isaiah 13:20 · KJV


Context

18

Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.

19

And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. as: Heb. as the overthrowing

20

It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

21

But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. wild: Heb. Ziim doleful: Heb. Ochim owls: or, ostriches: Heb. daughters of the owl

22

And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged. the wild: Heb. Iim desolate: or, palaces


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Babylon will remain perpetually uninhabited—never settled, no nomads pitching tents, no shepherds grazing flocks. The three negatives (never, neither, neither) emphasize permanent desolation. Even nomads and shepherds—who use any land—will avoid it. This curse of complete abandonment demonstrates divine judgment's thoroughness. What God curses remains cursed. The land itself bears witness to God's judgment on Babylon's sins.

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Historical & Cultural Context

After initial conquest (539 BC), Babylon declined gradually. By Christian era, it was abandoned ruins. Alexander the Great planned to rebuild it but died before accomplishing this. Throughout centuries, the site remained desolate. Attempts to rebuild have consistently failed, fulfilling this prophecy precisely. The archaeological site confirms perpetual desolation—a testimony to prophetic accuracy and divine judgment's permanence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does perpetual desolation demonstrate the permanence of divine judgment?
  2. What does failed attempts to rebuild Babylon teach about inability to reverse God's curses?
  3. How do ancient ruins of judged nations serve as witnesses to God's justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
לֹֽא1 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵשֵׁ֣ב2 of 16

be inhabited

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לָנֶ֔צַח3 of 16

It shall never

H5331

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

וְלֹ֥א4 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁכֹּ֖ן5 of 16

neither shall it be dwelt

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

עַד6 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

וָד֑וֹר7 of 16

in from generation

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וָד֑וֹר8 of 16

in from generation

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וְלֹֽא9 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַהֵ֥ל10 of 16

pitch tent

H167

to tent

שָׁם֙11 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עֲרָבִ֔י12 of 16

neither shall the Arabian

H6163

an arabian or inhabitant of arab (i.e., arabia)

וְרֹעִ֖ים13 of 16

there neither shall the shepherds

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

לֹא14 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַרְבִּ֥צוּ15 of 16

make their fold

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

שָֽׁם׃16 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 13:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 13:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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