King James Version

What Does Isaiah 34:11 Mean?

Isaiah 34:11 in the King James Version says “But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch o...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness. cormorant: or, pelican”

Isaiah 34:11 · KJV

Context

9

And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.

10

It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

11

But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness. cormorant: or, pelican

12

They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing.

13

And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls . owls: or, ostriches: Heb. daughters of the owl

Read Isaiah 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The "cormorant and bittern" (unclean birds) inhabiting ruins symbolizes defilement and desolation. The "line of confusion" and "stones of emptiness" invert creation's ordering process (Genesis 1), applying chaos measurements instead of purposeful design. The Hebrew "tohu" (confusion) and "bohu" (emptiness) are the same terms describing pre-creation chaos. This de-creation imagery shows that God's judgment returns rebellion to primordial chaos.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient rulers used measuring lines to plan cities and temples. God uses them ironically to measure out destruction, a concept repeated in Lamentations 2:8.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the reversal to chaos demonstrate that blessing and order flow from obedience to God?
  2. What does this teach about the nature of life apart from God?
  3. How should this shape our understanding of society's moral chaos when it rejects God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וִירֵשׁ֙וּהָ֙1 of 13

“shall possess”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

קָאַ֣ת2 of 13

“But the cormorant”

H6893

probably the pelican (from vomiting)

וְקִפּ֔וֹד3 of 13

“and the bittern”

H7090

a species of bird, perhaps the bittern (from its contracted form)

וְיַנְשׁ֥וֹף4 of 13

“it the owl”

H3244

an unclean (acquatic) bird; probably the heron (perhaps from its blowing cry, or because the nightheron is meant)

וְעֹרֵ֖ב5 of 13

“also and the raven”

H6158

a raven (from its dusky hue)

יִשְׁכְּנוּ6 of 13

“shall dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

בָ֑הּ7 of 13
H0
וְנָטָ֥ה8 of 13

“in it and he shall stretch out”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

עָלֶ֛יהָ9 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

קַֽו10 of 13

“upon it the line”

H6957

a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord

תֹ֖הוּ11 of 13

“of confusion”

H8414

a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain

וְאַבְנֵי12 of 13

“and the stones”

H68

a stone

בֹֽהוּ׃13 of 13

“of emptiness”

H922

a vacuity, i.e., (superficially) an undistinguishable ruin

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 34:11 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 34:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 21:13Lamentations 2:8Zephaniah 2:14Revelation 18:22 Samuel 8:2Isaiah 14:23

Places in This Verse

EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
View all places in Isaiah 34 →

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