King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:31 Mean?

Isaiah 14:31 in the King James Version says “Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none s...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 14:31 · KJV

Context

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
'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.' The command to howl and cry signals coming disaster. 'Dissolved' (mug) means melted, fainting, losing courage—total demoralization. The threat comes 'from the north'—typical invasion route and standard prophetic language for enemy approach. 'Smoke' may indicate fires from invading army or metaphorically represent destruction. The phrase 'none shall be alone in his appointed times' likely means the invader's ranks remain intact—no stragglers, no gaps—suggesting disciplined, overwhelming force. Philistia faces unified, powerful invasion, with no hope of resistance or escape.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Invasions from the north (Mesopotamian empires) repeatedly devastated the Levant. Philistia, located on the coastal plain, was vulnerable to such invasions. Assyrian and later Babylonian campaigns swept through, destroying cities. The 'smoke' is literal—ancient warfare involved burning cities and fields. The unified, disciplined enemy suggests Assyrian or Babylonian military efficiency. Philistia's city-states did indeed fall to successive empires, eventually losing distinct identity. The warning was validated historically: rejoicing at one enemy's fall is foolish if greater enemies approach.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the image of 'smoke from the north' serve as warning that judgment, once decreed, approaches inexorably?
  2. What does Philistia's dissolution despite their rejoicing (v.29) teach about the danger of premature celebration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
הֵילִ֤ילִֽי1 of 14

“Howl”

H3213

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

שַׁ֙עַר֙2 of 14

“O gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

זַֽעֲקִי3 of 14

“cry”

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

עִ֔יר4 of 14

“O city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

נָמ֖וֹג5 of 14

“art dissolved”

H4127

to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)

פְּלֶ֣שֶׁת6 of 14

“thou whole Palestina”

H6429

pelesheth, a region of syria

כֻּלֵּ֑ךְ7 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כִּ֤י8 of 14
H3588

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

מִצָּפוֹן֙9 of 14

“from the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

עָשָׁ֣ן10 of 14

“a smoke”

H6227

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

בָּ֔א11 of 14

“for there shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְאֵ֥ין12 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בּוֹדֵ֖ד13 of 14

“and none shall be alone”

H909

to divide, i.e., (reflexive) be solitary

בְּמוֹעָדָֽיו׃14 of 14

“in his appointed times”

H4151

properly, an assembly; figuratively, a troop

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 14:31 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 14:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 20:1Jeremiah 1:14Jeremiah 25:16-20Isaiah 13:6Isaiah 14:29Isaiah 24:12

Places in This Verse

PhilistiaRegion · Modern: Tel Ashkelon · 31.66°N, 34.55°E22 verses across 14 books
View all places in Isaiah 14 →

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