King James Version

What Does Isaiah 34:13 Mean?

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

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.

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **An habitation of dragons, and a court for owls . . .**—The wild creatures named are identified, as elsewhere, with *“*jackals” (“wild dogs,” Delitzsch) and “ostriches.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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

Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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