King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:19 Mean?

Isaiah 14:19 in the King James Version says “But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 14:19 · KJV

Context

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.

20

Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.

21

Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities .

Read Isaiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' In stark contrast to v.18, the Babylonian king receives the opposite of honorable burial. 'Cast out of thy grave'—expelled, denied burial. 'Like an abominable branch' (nezer—can mean shoot/branch, here despised)—something disgusting, discarded. Three comparisons stress degradation: (1) rejected branch; (2) clothing of the slain, blood-soaked, worthless; (3) corpse trampled underfoot. 'Go down to the stones of the pit' suggests thrown into a pit with stones—a dishonored burial or no burial. This is total disgrace: unburied, unmourned, discarded, trampled.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Dishonorable burial or non-burial was the ultimate shame in ancient culture—worse than death itself. To lie unburied meant no rest, no remembrance, joining the cursed. Several biblical figures suffered this: Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 22:19), Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37). The imagery here—abominable branch, bloodied garment, trampled corpse—combines ritual uncleanness (blood, corpse) with social disgrace (trampled, discarded). Whether this was literally fulfilled for a specific Babylonian king or speaks symbolically of the dynasty's disgraceful end, the message is clear: pride leads not just to death but to disgrace and dishonor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the denial of honorable burial serve as divine commentary on a life lived in pride and cruelty?
  2. What does the trajectory from pride ('I will ascend,' v.13) to disgrace ('cast out,' v.19) teach about sin's consequences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאַתָּ֞ה1 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הָשְׁלַ֤כְתָּ2 of 15

“But thou art cast out”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

מִֽקִּבְרְךָ֙3 of 15

“of thy grave”

H6913

a sepulcher

כְּנֵ֣צֶר4 of 15

“branch”

H5342

a shoot; figuratively, a descendant

נִתְעָ֔ב5 of 15

“like an abominable”

H8581

to loathe, i.e., (morally) detest

לְבֻ֥שׁ6 of 15

“and as the raiment”

H3830

a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife

הֲרֻגִ֖ים7 of 15

“of those that are slain”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

מְטֹ֣עֲנֵי8 of 15

“thrust through”

H2944

to stab

חָ֑רֶב9 of 15

“with a sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

יוֹרְדֵ֥י10 of 15

“that go down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֶל11 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְנֵי12 of 15

“to the stones”

H68

a stone

ב֖וֹר13 of 15

“of the pit”

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

כְּפֶ֥גֶר14 of 15

“as a carcase”

H6297

a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image

מוּבָֽס׃15 of 15

“trodden under feet”

H947

to trample (literally or figuratively)

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 14:19 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 14:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 41:9Jeremiah 41:72 Kings 9:25Isaiah 22:16-181 Kings 21:19Jeremiah 8:1-2

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