King James Version

What Does Isaiah 14:6 Mean?

Isaiah 14:6 in the King James Version says “He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hi...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth. a continual: Heb. a stroke without removing”

Isaiah 14:6 · KJV

Context

4

That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased! proverb: or, taunting speech golden: or, exactress of gold

5

The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.

6

He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth. a continual: Heb. a stroke without removing

7

The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.

8

Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.

Read Isaiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.' The king who struck others relentlessly ('continual stroke'—unceasing oppression) is now himself persecuted. This is divine reversal—the oppressor becomes the oppressed; the striker becomes the stricken. 'None hindereth'—no one stops his persecution, just as no one stopped his former persecution of others. This is lex talionis (law of retaliation) on a national scale: you receive what you gave. The ruler who governed in anger faces judgment without mercy. This warns all tyrants: the same ruthlessness you show will be shown to you, if not in this life, then in judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian inscriptions boast of brutal treatment of conquered peoples—mass deportations, tribute extraction, puppet rulers, rebellions brutally crushed. Nebuchadnezzar particularly was known for wrath against those who opposed him (see his treatment of Zedekiah, 2 Kings 25:6-7). Yet Babylonian kings' end was ignominious: Nebuchadnezzar went mad (Daniel 4); Evil-Merodach was assassinated; Belshazzar killed the night Babylon fell (Daniel 5). The dynasty that persecuted nations was itself terminated. This pattern of divine retribution runs through Scripture and history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle of reaping what you sow (Galatians 6:7) apply to nations and individuals alike?
  2. What comfort does this verse provide to those currently suffering under oppressive authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מַכֶּ֤ה1 of 12

“He who smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

עַמִּים֙2 of 12

“the people”

H5971

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

בְּעֶבְרָ֔ה3 of 12

“in wrath”

H5678

an outburst of passion

מַכַּ֖ת4 of 12

“stroke”

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

בִּלְתִּ֣י5 of 12

“with a continual”

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

סָרָ֑ה6 of 12
H5627

apostasy, crime; figuratively, remission

רֹדֶ֤ה7 of 12

“he that ruled”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

בָאַף֙8 of 12

“in anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

גּוֹיִ֔ם9 of 12

“the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

מֻרְדָּ֖ף10 of 12

“is persecuted”

H4783

persecuted

בְּלִ֥י11 of 12

“and none”

H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

חָשָֽׂךְ׃12 of 12

“hindereth”

H2820

to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe

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 14:6 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 14:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 7:19-21Jeremiah 50:31Revelation 17:16-17Revelation 18:8-10James 2:13Isaiah 13:14-18

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