King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:30 Mean?

Isaiah 14:30 in the King James Version says “And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.”

Isaiah 14:30 · KJV

Context

28

In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

29

Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. cockatrice: or, adder

30

And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.

31

Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times. none: or, he shall not be alone appointed: or, assemblies

32

What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it. trust: or, betake themselves unto it

Read Isaiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.' Contrast between God's people and Philistia: the poor and needy (likely Israel, often described thus) will be fed and safe, while Philistia faces destruction ('kill thy root with famine,' 'slay thy remnant'). 'Firstborn of the poor' may mean the poorest of the poor or God's people as firstborn. 'Feed' and 'lie down in safety' are covenant blessing language (Leviticus 26:5-6). Meanwhile, Philistia's 'root' (source, foundation) dies via famine, and their remnant (survivors) are slain. Total reversal: the weak are protected; the strong are destroyed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy may have been fulfilled when Hezekiah struck Philistia (2 Kings 18:8), or when Assyria devastated the region, or through cumulative judgments. Philistia as a distinct entity gradually disappeared from history, absorbed into other peoples and empires. Meanwhile, Judah—though small, often oppressed, frequently called 'poor and needy'—survived. The principle extends to God's people throughout history: the world despises them, yet God preserves them; empires threaten them, yet they outlast those empires. The church outlasted Rome, outlasted persecutors, and will outlast all opposition because God feeds and protects His own.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the reversal (poor fed, strong destroyed) demonstrate God's values differing from worldly power and wealth?
  2. What does God's protection of the 'firstborn of the poor' teach about His care for the weak and marginalized?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְרָעוּ֙1 of 11

“shall feed”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

בְּכוֹרֵ֣י2 of 11

“And the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

דַלִּ֔ים3 of 11

“of the poor”

H1800

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

וְאֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים4 of 11

“and the needy”

H34

destitute

לָבֶ֣טַח5 of 11

“in safety”

H983

properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely

יִרְבָּ֑צוּ6 of 11

“shall lie down”

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

וְהֵמַתִּ֤י7 of 11

“and I will kill”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בָֽרָעָב֙8 of 11

“with famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

שָׁרְשֵׁ֔ךְ9 of 11

“thy root”

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

וּשְׁאֵרִיתֵ֖ךְ10 of 11

“thy remnant”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

יַהֲרֹֽג׃11 of 11

“and he shall slay”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

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 14:30 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 14:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 7:21-22Zephaniah 2:4-7Isaiah 30:23-24Isaiah 51:19Isaiah 3:15Amos 1:6-8

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