King James Version

What Does Isaiah 13:21 Mean?

Isaiah 13:21 in the King James Version says “But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 13:21 · KJV

Context

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Babylon's ruins will be inhabited only by wild beasts—'wild beasts of the desert,' 'doleful creatures,' 'owls,' and 'satyrs' (wild goats). This complete reversal from human habitation to animal occupation emphasizes desolation's totality. What once echoed with human voices now hosts only animal cries. The listing of specific creatures paints a vivid picture of abandonment. This demonstrates that God's judgment transforms centers of civilization into wilderness, reversing human dominion where it opposed divine purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient travelers' accounts confirm Babylon's ruins became home to jackals, owls, and other desert creatures. Archaeological sites show how once-grand palaces became animal habitats. The imagery of wild animals in human ruins appears throughout prophetic literature as judgment symbol (Isaiah 34:13-14; Zephaniah 2:14). Babylon's transformation from world capital to wildlife refuge validates prophetic accuracy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does transformation from human civilization to animal habitat illustrate judgment's completeness?
  2. What does this reversal teach about the temporary nature of human achievement apart from God?
  3. How do abandoned ruins throughout history witness to the certainty of divine judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְרָבְצוּ1 of 13

“shall lie”

H7257

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

שָׁ֣ם2 of 13
H8033

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

צִיִּ֔ים3 of 13

“But wild beasts of the desert”

H6728

a desert-dweller, i.e., nomad or wild beast

וּמָלְא֥וּ4 of 13

“shall be full”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

בָתֵּיהֶ֖ם5 of 13

“there and their houses”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֹחִ֑ים6 of 13

“of doleful creatures”

H255

a howler or lonesome wild animal

וְשָׁ֤כְנוּ7 of 13

“shall dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

שָׁם֙8 of 13
H8033

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

בְּנ֣וֹת9 of 13

“and owls”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יַֽעֲנָ֔ה10 of 13
H3284

owl

וּשְׂעִירִ֖ים11 of 13

“there and satyrs”

H8163

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

יְרַקְּדוּ12 of 13

“shall dance”

H7540

properly, to stamp, i.e., to spring about (wildly or for joy)

שָֽׁם׃13 of 13
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 13:21 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 13:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 18:2Isaiah 34:11-15

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