King James Version

What Does Isaiah 34:14 Mean?

Isaiah 34:14 in the King James Version says “The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow;... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 34:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The "wild beasts" and "satyr" (Hebrew "sa'ir", possibly demons or wild goats) meeting suggests demonic activity in desolate places. The "screech owl" (Hebrew "lilit", possibly Lilith, a night demon in ancient Near Eastern mythology) finding rest indicates spiritual darkness filling the void left by God's judgment. While not affirming pagan mythology, Isaiah uses culturally understood imagery to communicate complete spiritual desolation. The Reformed view sees this as describing both literal desolation and spiritual darkness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples associated ruins with demonic activity. Jesus referenced demons seeking rest in waterless places (Matthew 12:43), connecting to this imagery.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual desolation follow when God's presence departs?
  2. What does this teach about the reality of spiritual warfare?
  3. How should we understand places and nations given over to spiritual darkness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּפָגְשׁ֤וּ1 of 15

shall also meet

H6298

to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur

צִיִּים֙2 of 15

The wild beasts of the desert

H6728

a desert-dweller, i.e., nomad or wild beast

אֶת3 of 15
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אִיִּ֔ים4 of 15

with the wild beasts of the island

H338

a howler (used only in the plural), i.e., any solitary wild creature

וְשָׂעִ֖יר5 of 15

and the satyr

H8163

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

עַל6 of 15
H5921

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

רֵעֵ֣הוּ7 of 15

to his fellow

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

יִקְרָ֑א8 of 15

shall cry

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אַךְ9 of 15
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

שָׁם֙10 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הִרְגִּ֣יעָה11 of 15

also shall rest

H7280

properly, to toss violently and suddenly (the sea with waves, the skin with boils); figuratively (in a favorable manner) to settle, i.e., quiet; speci

לִּילִ֔ית12 of 15

the screech owl

H3917

a night spectre

וּמָצְאָ֥ה13 of 15

there and find

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

לָ֖הּ14 of 15
H0
מָנֽוֹחַ׃15 of 15

for herself a place of rest

H4494

quiet, i.e., (concretely) a settled spot, or (figuratively) a home


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 34:14 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 34:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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