King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:13 Mean?

Isaiah 14:13 in the King James Version says “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Isaiah 14:13 · KJV


Context

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

13

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

15

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lucifer's fivefold 'I will' reveals the essence of satanic rebellion: 'I will ascend into heaven...exalt my throne above the stars of God...sit also upon the mount of the congregation...ascend above the heights of the clouds...be like the most High.' Each declaration asserts autonomous will against divine authority. The desire to 'be like the most High' echoes the serpent's temptation in Eden (Genesis 3:5). All sin ultimately traces to this prideful autonomy—desiring equality with or independence from God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This passage influenced Milton's Paradise Lost and Christian demonology. Understanding Satan's fall as pride-driven rebellion illuminates why humility and submission to God's will are central Christian virtues.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of your life do you assert 'I will' against God's revealed will?
  2. How does Christ's opposite pattern—'not my will, but thine' (Luke 22:42)—provide the remedy for satanic pride?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאַתָּ֞ה1 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אָמַ֤רְתָּ2 of 15

For thou hast said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בִֽלְבָבְךָ֙3 of 15

in thine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם4 of 15

into heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

אֶֽעֱלֶ֔ה5 of 15

I will ascend

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִמַּ֥עַל6 of 15

above

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

לְכֽוֹכְבֵי7 of 15

the stars

H3556

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

אֵ֖ל8 of 15

of God

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אָרִ֣ים9 of 15

I will exalt

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

כִּסְאִ֑י10 of 15

my throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

וְאֵשֵׁ֥ב11 of 15

I will sit

H3427

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

בְּהַר12 of 15

also upon the mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מוֹעֵ֖ד13 of 15

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

בְּיַרְכְּתֵ֥י14 of 15

in the sides

H3411

properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess

צָפֽוֹן׃15 of 15

of the north

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)


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 14:13 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 14:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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