King James Version

What Does Isaiah 34:13 Mean?

Isaiah 34:13 in the King James Version says “And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation o...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 34:13 · KJV

Context

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

14

The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest. The wilddesert: Heb. Ziim the wildisland: Heb. Ijim screech: or, night monster

15

There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

Read Isaiah 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thorns and nettles overtaking palaces reverses the cultivated garden ideal, recalling Eden's curse (Genesis 3:18). Dragons (jackals) and owls represent desolation and demonic associations in Scripture. The habitation becoming a dwelling for unclean creatures illustrates how sin's consequences include spiritual defilement. This imagery foreshadows Babylon's fall in Revelation 18:2, where demons inhabit the ruined city.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Edomite palaces, once symbols of wealth and power, became archaeological ruins. The transformation from human habitation to wild animal dens was a common ancient Near Eastern curse formula.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does nature reclaiming human civilization illustrate the futility of building without God?
  2. What does the inhabitation by unclean creatures teach about spiritual desolation?
  3. How should this affect our investment in earthly kingdoms versus God's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְעָלְתָ֤ה1 of 12

“shall come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אַרְמְנֹתֶ֙יהָ֙2 of 12

“in her palaces”

H759

a citadel (from its height)

סִירִ֔ים3 of 12

“And thorns”

H5518

a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook

קִמּ֥וֹשׂ4 of 12

“nettles”

H7057

a prickly plant

וָח֖וֹחַ5 of 12

“and brambles”

H2336

a thorn; by analogy, a ring for the nose

בְּמִבְצָרֶ֑יהָ6 of 12

“in the fortresses”

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

וְהָיְתָה֙7 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נְוֵ֣ה8 of 12

“thereof and it shall be an habitation”

H5116

(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild

תַנִּ֔ים9 of 12

“of dragons”

H8577

a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal

חָצִ֖יר10 of 12

“and a court”

H2681

a court or abode

לִבְנ֥וֹת11 of 12

“for owls”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יַעֲנָֽה׃12 of 12
H3284

owl

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 34:13 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 34:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 9:11Jeremiah 10:22Malachi 1:3Psalms 44:19Hosea 9:6Jeremiah 50:39-40

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