King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:17 Mean?

Isaiah 14:17 in the King James Version says “That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? opene...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? opened: or, did not let his prisoners loose homeward?”

Isaiah 14:17 · KJV

Context

15

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

16

They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

17

That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? opened: or, did not let his prisoners loose homeward?

18

All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.

19

But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?' The observers recite the king's crimes: turning the world into wilderness (devastation, depopulation), destroying cities (not just conquering but ruining), never releasing prisoners (perpetual captivity, no mercy). These accusations indict tyranny's methods: environmental destruction, urban devastation, refusal of mercy. The final charge—not opening prisoners' house—may allude to refusing to let exiles return home, particularly relevant for Israel's experience. Cyrus, by contrast, opened prisoners' houses, allowing peoples to return (including Jews, Ezra 1:1-4). The Babylonian king's refusal of mercy becomes evidence in judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian and Babylonian policies did exactly this: depopulating regions through mass deportation (turning them into 'wilderness'), destroying cities that rebelled (archaeological evidence confirms), and keeping populations in permanent exile. The reference to not opening prisoners' houses may specifically indicate not allowing exiled peoples to return home, contrary to ancient Near Eastern norms where conquerors sometimes permitted this after sufficient time. Cyrus's policy of allowing returns was unusual and fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy. The charge sheet against Babylon includes both their treatment of conquered peoples and their violation of mercy and justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern forms of empire-building replicate the same destruction, oppression, and refusal of mercy?
  2. What does the charge of not releasing prisoners teach about the value God places on freedom and mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
שָׂ֥ם1 of 9

“That made”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

תֵּבֵ֛ל2 of 9

“the world”

H8398

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

כַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר3 of 9

“as a wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וְעָרָ֣יו4 of 9

“the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הָרָ֑ס5 of 9

“and destroyed”

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

אֲסִירָ֖יו6 of 9

“of his prisoners”

H615

bound, i.e., a captive

לֹא7 of 9
H3808

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

פָ֥תַח8 of 9

“thereof that opened”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

בָּֽיְתָה׃9 of 9

“not the house”

H1004

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

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 14:17 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 14:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joel 2:3Ezekiel 6:14Zephaniah 2:13-14Ezra 1:2-42 Chronicles 28:8-15Isaiah 45:13

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