King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:21 Mean?

Isaiah 14:21 in the King James Version says “Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor f...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 .”

Isaiah 14:21 · KJV

Context

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.

23

I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.

Read Isaiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' This is corporate judgment—children pay for fathers' sins. The command to 'prepare slaughter' (literally 'establish a slaughtering place') for the king's children is to prevent dynastic continuation. Three purposes: (1) that they not 'rise' (attain power), (2) not possess the land (inherit), (3) not fill the world with cities (expand empire). This is dynasty termination: the line must end to prevent evil's perpetuation. Modern readers struggle with children suffering for fathers' sins, yet Scripture balances this with individual responsibility (Ezekiel 18) and recognizes that sin's consequences often affect descendants.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern practice often included killing a defeated king's sons to prevent future rebellion or restoration. When Babylon fell (539 BC), the royal line indeed ended—Belshazzar died, no sons succeeded. The principle extends beyond one dynasty: throughout history, evil regimes' ends often include elimination of the former ruling family. This raises ethical questions but also theological ones: corporate solidarity means sin affects descendants; judgment sometimes requires breaking evil's intergenerational transmission. The ultimate hope is that Christ's line replaces all earthly dynasties—His kingdom has no end.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we balance corporate judgment (children affected by parents' sins) with individual responsibility before God?
  2. What does the termination of evil dynasties teach about God's commitment to ending—not just limiting—wickedness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הָכִ֧ינוּ1 of 13

“Prepare”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

לְבָנָ֛יו2 of 13

“for his children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מַטְבֵּ֖חַ3 of 13

“slaughter”

H4293

slaughter

בַּעֲוֺ֣ן4 of 13

“for the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אֲבוֹתָ֑ם5 of 13

“of their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בַּל6 of 13

“that they do not”

H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יָקֻ֙מוּ֙7 of 13

“rise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְיָ֣רְשׁוּ8 of 13

“nor possess”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אָ֔רֶץ9 of 13

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּמָלְא֥וּ10 of 13

“nor fill”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

פְנֵֽי11 of 13

“the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

תֵבֵ֖ל12 of 13

“of the world”

H8398

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

עָרִֽים׃13 of 13

“with cities”

H6145

a foe (as watchful for mischief)

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 14:21 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 14:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 20:5Matthew 23:35Habakkuk 2:8-12Leviticus 26:39Isaiah 27:6

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