King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:10 Mean?

Isaiah 14:10 in the King James Version says “All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?”

Isaiah 14:10 · KJV

Context

8

Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.

9

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. Hell: or, The grave chief: Heb. leaders, or, great goats

10

All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?

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.

12

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning ! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! O Lucifer: or, O day star

Read Isaiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?' The dead kings' greeting is taunting question: 'You too? Weak like us? Become like us?' This is stunning reversal. The living king dominated nations, seemed invincible, claimed unique power. Dead, he's like everyone else—weak, powerless, equal to those he once ruled. All earthly distinctions—power, wealth, achievement—vanish in death. The question drips with irony: they who were conquered by him now mock his conquest by death. The great equalizer has arrived; the mighty is brought low; the unique proves common.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This taunt reflects ancient concepts that in death, all become equally weak—no one exercises power or authority in Sheol. Kings and paupers, oppressors and oppressed, all share the same fate of death and decay. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 states the dead 'know not any thing' and 'have no more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.' The Babylonian king's pretensions to godlike status (see vv.13-14) are mocked by death's reality—he's merely human, merely mortal, merely dust returning to dust.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does death's leveling of all human distinctions warn against pride in status, wealth, or achievement?
  2. What does the mockery of the dead kings teach about the vanity of earthly power and glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כֻּלָּ֣ם1 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יַֽעֲנ֔וּ2 of 10

“All they shall speak”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וְיֹאמְר֖וּ3 of 10

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֑יךָ4 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גַּם5 of 10
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַתָּ֛ה6 of 10
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

חֻלֵּ֥יתָ7 of 10

“unto thee Art thou also become weak”

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

כָמ֖וֹנוּ8 of 10
H3644

as, thus, so

אֵלֵ֥ינוּ9 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נִמְשָֽׁלְתָּ׃10 of 10

“as we art thou become like”

H4911

to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble

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 14:10 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 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 49:20Psalms 82:6-7Psalms 49:6-14Ecclesiastes 2:16Ezekiel 32:21Luke 16:20-23

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