King James Version

What Does Isaiah 30:14 Mean?

Isaiah 30:14 in the King James Version says “And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit. the potters': Heb. the bottle of potters”

Isaiah 30:14 · KJV

Context

12

Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: oppression: or, fraud

13

Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

14

And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit. the potters': Heb. the bottle of potters

15

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

16

But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

Read Isaiah 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel (שֶׁבֶר נֵבֶל יוֹצְרִים/shever nevel yotzerim)—Pottery breaking imagery appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 2:9, Jeremiah 19:11, Revelation 2:27). The nevel was a large earthenware jar; when shattered, it became utterly useless. The phrase broken in pieces (כָּתַת/katat) means pulverized, beaten to powder.

Not a sherd to take fire from the hearth—not even a pottery fragment (חֶרֶשׂ/cheres) large enough for practical use survives. The judgment is so complete that nothing can be salvaged or repurposed. This total destruction contrasts sharply with God's promise to the remnant (v. 19-21)—judgment falls on the rebellious structure, but God preserves a people for himself.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pottery was ubiquitous in ancient Israel—broken sherds were sometimes reused as writing surfaces (ostraca) or for carrying coals. Isaiah's image of destruction so complete that not one usable sherd remains would communicate utter devastation. Archaeological excavations of destroyed cities reveal massive pottery destruction layers from ancient conquests.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of your life would survive God's judgment, and what would be utterly shattered?
  2. How does God's willingness to completely destroy false refuges demonstrate his love?
  3. What 'sherds' of old life are you trying to salvage that God wants pulverized?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וּ֠שְׁבָרָהּ1 of 17

“And he shall break”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

כְּשֵׁ֨בֶר2 of 17

“it as the breaking”

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

נֵ֧בֶל3 of 17

“' vessel”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

יוֹצְרִ֛ים4 of 17

“of the potters”

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

כָּת֖וּת5 of 17

“that is broken in pieces”

H3807

to bruise or violently strike

לֹ֣א6 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַחְמֹ֑ל7 of 17

“he shall not spare”

H2550

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

וְלֹֽא8 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמָּצֵ֤א9 of 17

“so that there shall not be found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בִמְכִתָּתוֹ֙10 of 17

“in the bursting”

H4386

a fracture

חֶ֔רֶשׂ11 of 17

“of it a sherd”

H2789

a piece of pottery

לַחְתּ֥וֹת12 of 17

“to take”

H2846

to lay hold of; especially to pick up fire

אֵשׁ֙13 of 17

“fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

מִיָּק֔וּד14 of 17

“from the hearth”

H3344

to burn

וְלַחְשֹׂ֥ף15 of 17

“or to take”

H2834

to strip off, i.e., generally to make naked (for exertion or in disgrace), to drain away or bail up (a liquid)

מַ֖יִם16 of 17

“water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

מִגֶּֽבֶא׃17 of 17

“withal out of the pit”

H1360

a reservoir; by analogy, a marsh

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 30:14 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 30:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 2:9Jeremiah 19:10-11Revelation 2:272 Peter 2:4-5Romans 11:21Ezekiel 24:14

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