King James Version

What Does Isaiah 26:14 Mean?

Isaiah 26:14 in the King James Version says “They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed th...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish.”

Isaiah 26:14 · KJV

Salvation

Context

12

LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. in us: or, for us

13

O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.

14

They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish.

15

Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth.

16

LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them. prayer: Heb. secret speech

Read Isaiah 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise (מֵתִים בַּל־יִחְיוּ רְפָאִים בַּל־יָקֻמוּ / metim bal-yichyu refa'im bal-yaqumu)—This verse contrasts sharply with verse 19's resurrection promise. The refa'im (shades, dead spirits) refers to Israel's defeated oppressors—the "other lords" of verse 13. Their death is final and permanent; they have no future resurrection. This demonstrates God's comprehensive judgment on wickedness.

Therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish (לָכֵן פָּקַדְתָּ וַתַּשְׁמִידֵם וַתְּאַבֵּד כָּל־זֵכֶר לָמוֹ / laken paqadta vatashmidem vate'abed kol-zeker lamo)—The verb פָּקַד (paqad, "to visit") often means divine intervention for judgment or salvation. Here it's punitive visitation. Their complete obliteration includes even their memory (zeker)—no legacy, no honor, no continued influence. Contrast this with the righteous whose names are written in God's book (Exodus 32:32, Daniel 12:1, Revelation 20:15).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah prophesied during Assyria's imperial expansion, when powerful nations seemed invincible. Yet Isaiah predicts their utter destruction and forgotten legacy. History proved him right: Assyria fell to Babylon (612 BC), Babylon to Persia (539 BC). These once-mighty empires that oppressed God's people are now archaeological ruins, their power and memory erased from living influence. This pattern continues through Rome and every empire that sets itself against God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise that God's enemies will not rise again encourage believers facing powerful opposition?
  2. What does it mean that their 'memory shall perish'—why is legacy erasure part of divine judgment?
  3. How should the certainty of God's judgment on wickedness affect how we respond to injustice and persecution today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מֵתִים֙1 of 13

“They are dead”

H4191

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

בַּל2 of 13
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יִחְי֔וּ3 of 13

“they shall not live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

רְפָאִ֖ים4 of 13

“they are deceased”

H7496

properly, lax, i.e., (figuratively) a ghost (as dead; in plural only)

בַּל5 of 13
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יָקֻ֑מוּ6 of 13

“they shall not rise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לָכֵ֤ן7 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

פָּקַ֙דְתָּ֙8 of 13

“therefore hast thou visited”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

וַתַּשְׁמִידֵ֔ם9 of 13

“and destroyed”

H8045

to desolate

וַתְּאַבֵּ֥ד10 of 13

“to perish”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

כָּל11 of 13
H3605

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

זֵ֖כֶר12 of 13

“them and made all their memory”

H2143

a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration

לָֽמוֹ׃13 of 13
H0

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 26:14 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 26:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 10:7Revelation 18:2-3Psalms 106:28Isaiah 51:12-13Isaiah 14:19-22Isaiah 8:19

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