King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:14 Mean?

Isaiah 22:14 in the King James Version says “And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, sa...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.”

Isaiah 22:14 · KJV

Context

12

And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

13

And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.

14

And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

15

Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say,

16

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock? as: or, O he

Read Isaiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.' Divine pronouncement of irrevocable judgment: this sin won't be atoned for until death. The defiant hedonism of verse 13 ('eat, drink, tomorrow we die') seals their fate. This represents crossing a point of no return—persistent hardness leading to judicial hardening. The phrase 'revealed in mine ears' emphasizes Isaiah receiving direct divine communication. This wasn't speculation but revealed certainty. The judgment won't be purged (atoned/forgiven) until death—both physical death of the generation and potentially eternal judgment. This demonstrates the seriousness of willful sin after knowing truth (Hebrews 10:26-27)—despising divine discipline hardens the heart beyond repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This was fulfilled in the generation that experienced Babylonian destruction—the leaders who rejected prophetic warnings and pursued defiant hedonism died in the siege and exile. Many never returned, dying in Babylon. The pronouncement didn't preclude individual repentance (Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel lived through this period) but indicated corporate judgment on the rebellious leadership. This pattern repeats: when societies corporately reject divine warnings, judgment comes despite individual exceptions. Church history includes such corporate judgments—nations or churches that persistently reject truth experience decline and judgment even while individual believers remain faithful. The principle that sin can reach a point beyond atonement in this life (though not eternally for the elect) warns against presuming on divine patience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does sin not being purged until death teach about crossing points of no return?
  2. How does corporate judgment operate alongside individual accountability?
  3. What warnings does this provide against presuming on God's patience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְנִגְלָ֥ה1 of 15

“And it was revealed”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

בְאָזְנָ֖י2 of 15

“in mine ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 15

“GOD”

H3069

god

צְבָאֽוֹת׃4 of 15

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אִם5 of 15
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יְ֠כֻפַּר6 of 15

“shall not be purged”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

הֶעָוֺ֨ן7 of 15

“Surely this iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

הַזֶּ֤ה8 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לָכֶם֙9 of 15
H0
עַד10 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

תְּמֻת֔וּן11 of 15

“from you till ye die”

H4191

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

אָמַ֛ר12 of 15

“saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֥י13 of 15

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֖ה14 of 15

“by the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָאֽוֹת׃15 of 15

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

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 22:14 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 22:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 24:131 Samuel 3:14Isaiah 5:9Revelation 22:11-12Isaiah 13:11Isaiah 26:21

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