King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:25 Mean?

Isaiah 14:25 in the King James Version says “That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from o...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.”

Isaiah 14:25 · KJV

Context

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.

24

The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:

25

That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.

26

This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

27

For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Read Isaiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.' The shift from Babylon (future threat) to Assyria (immediate threat) shows God's sovereignty over all oppressors. Breaking 'the Assyrian' (singular, possibly the king or nation personified) happens 'in my land, on my mountains'—Judah, God's territory. To tread underfoot is complete defeat. Result: the yoke (symbol of servitude) and burden depart. This was fulfilled in 701 BC when 185,000 Assyrian soldiers died overnight (Isaiah 37:36) and Sennacherib withdrew. God personally defends His land and people, breaking invaders' power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyria dominated the ancient Near East during Isaiah's ministry, conquering the northern kingdom of Israel (722 BC) and threatening Judah. Sennacherib's 701 BC invasion was defeated miraculously. One night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers; Sennacherib fled and was later assassinated by his sons (Isaiah 37:36-38). This fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy precisely: Assyria broken in Judah, its yoke removed. The Assyrian Empire never recovered its former power; within a century it fell to Babylon (612 BC). God's timing and methods (supernatural intervention) demonstrate He fights for His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's defense of 'my land' and 'my mountains' demonstrate His covenant faithfulness to His people?
  2. What does the sudden reversal (from siege to slaughter of besiegers) teach about trusting God when circumstances seem desperate?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לִשְׁבֹּ֤ר1 of 13

“That I will break”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אַשּׁוּר֙2 of 13

“the Assyrian”

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

בְּאַרְצִ֔י3 of 13

“in my land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעַל4 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָרַ֖י5 of 13

“and upon my mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֲבוּסֶ֑נּוּ6 of 13

“tread him under foot”

H947

to trample (literally or figuratively)

יָסֽוּר׃7 of 13

“depart”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶם֙8 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עֻלּ֔וֹ9 of 13

“then shall his yoke”

H5923

a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively

וְסֻ֨בֳּל֔וֹ10 of 13

“from off them and his burden”

H5448

load (figuratively)

מֵעַ֥ל11 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שִׁכְמ֖וֹ12 of 13

“from off their shoulders”

H7926

the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

יָסֽוּר׃13 of 13

“depart”

H5493

to turn off (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 14:25 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 14:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 9:4Nahum 1:13Isaiah 37:36-38Isaiah 10:12Isaiah 10:16-19Isaiah 10:32-34

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
View all places in Isaiah 14 →

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