King James Version

What Does Isaiah 24:14 Mean?

Isaiah 24:14 in the King James Version says “They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.”

Isaiah 24:14 · KJV

Context

12

In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.

13

When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done.

14

They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.

15

Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea. fires: or, valleys

16

From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously. uttermost: Heb. wing My leanness: Heb. Leanness to me, or, My secret to me

Read Isaiah 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD—Amid Isaiah's apocalyptic vision of worldwide judgment (24:1-13), this verse introduces a surprising note of praise from a faithful remnant. The Hebrew שָׂא (nasa, lift up) paired with קוֹל (qol, voice) indicates loud, public proclamation. They shall sing uses רָנַן (ranan), meaning to cry out with joy, to shout triumphantly—the same verb used for Israel's victory songs.

The object of their praise is the majesty of the LORD (גְּאוֹן יְהוָה, gaon Yahweh)—His excellency, splendor, and supremacy. While judgment devastates the earth, the remnant recognizes God's sovereign glory even in catastrophe. They shall cry aloud from the sea (מִיָּם, miyam) suggests either western Mediterranean lands or indicates universal scope—praise coming from earth's distant regions. This foreshadows Gentile inclusion in worship of Israel's God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 24-27 (called 'Isaiah's Apocalypse') was written during the 8th century BC but looks beyond immediate threats (Assyria, Babylon) to ultimate divine judgment and restoration. The chapter describes cosmic catastrophe—earth devastated, cities ruined, population decimated—yet verses 14-16 interrupt with songs of praise. This pattern (judgment/salvation/judgment) reflects biblical eschatology: a remnant preserved through tribulation who worship God amid chaos. Early Christians saw parallels to Revelation's tribulation saints who sing praise during apocalyptic judgments (Revelation 7:9-10, 15:2-4).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers genuinely praise God's majesty during seasons of widespread devastation and loss?
  2. What does this remnant's worship 'from the sea' (distant places) teach about the gospel's reach beyond Israel to all nations?
  3. How should the reality of coming judgment shape the content and urgency of our worship today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הֵ֛מָּה1 of 8
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יִשְׂא֥וּ2 of 8

“They shall lift up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

קוֹלָ֖ם3 of 8

“their voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

יָרֹ֑נּוּ4 of 8

“they shall sing”

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

בִּגְא֣וֹן5 of 8

“for the majesty”

H1347

the same as h1346

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 8

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

צָהֲל֖וּ7 of 8

“they shall cry aloud”

H6670

to gleam, i.e., (figuratively) be cheerful

מִיָּֽם׃8 of 8

“from the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

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 24:14 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 24:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 44:23Jeremiah 33:11Zechariah 2:10Isaiah 27:2Isaiah 40:9Isaiah 51:11

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 24 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes