King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:20 Mean?

Isaiah 14:20 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of ev...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 14:20 · KJV

Context

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 .

22

For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The reason for dishonorable burial: crimes against his own land and people. Unlike foreign conquest (which was expected), this king destroyed his own territory and killed his own people—perhaps through oppressive policies, internal purges, or reckless wars. 'Thou shalt not be joined with them'—even denied common burial with other kings (v.18). The final sentence is principle and prophecy: 'the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned'—wicked rulers' descendants lose renown, are forgotten, cut off. No dynasty, no legacy, no honor—complete erasure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Some Babylonian kings did oppress their own people—Nabonidus alienated the Babylonian priesthood and people by favoring the moon god over Marduk, contributing to Babylon's fall. More broadly, tyrannical rulers throughout history sacrifice their own people's welfare for personal glory or power. The principle that evildoers' seed loses renown has repeated fulfillment—how many ancient dynasties are lost to history, their names forgotten? Yet God's promise to David (2 Samuel 7:16) stands eternal. The contrast: wicked dynasties vanish; the Messianic line endures forever. Christ is the eternal 'seed' (Galatians 3:16) whose renown never fades.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the loss of renown for evildoers' descendants demonstrate that lasting legacy comes through righteousness, not power?
  2. What does the contrast between forgotten wicked dynasties and Christ's eternal kingdom teach about true greatness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לֹֽא1 of 14
H3808

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

תֵחַ֤ד2 of 14

“Thou shalt not be joined”

H3161

to be (or become) one

אִתָּם֙3 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בִּקְבוּרָ֔ה4 of 14

“with them in burial”

H6900

sepulture; (concretely) a sepulcher

כִּֽי5 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַרְצְךָ֥6 of 14

“thy land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שִׁחַ֖תָּ7 of 14

“because thou hast destroyed”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

עַמְּךָ֣8 of 14

“thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָרָ֑גְתָּ9 of 14

“and slain”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

לֹֽא10 of 14
H3808

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

יִקָּרֵ֥א11 of 14

“be renowned”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לְעוֹלָ֖ם12 of 14

“shall never”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

זֶ֥רַע13 of 14

“the seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

מְרֵעִֽים׃14 of 14

“of evildoers”

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

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 14:20 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 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 21:10Job 18:19Psalms 109:13Psalms 37:28Psalms 137:8-9Job 18:16

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