King James Version

What Does Isaiah 47:14 Mean?

Isaiah 47:14 in the King James Version says “Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flam... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. themselves: Heb. their souls

Isaiah 47:14 · KJV


Context

12

Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.

13

Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers , the stargazers , the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. astrologers: Heb. viewers of the heavens the monthly: Heb. that give knowledge concerning the months

14

Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. themselves: Heb. their souls

15

Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The image of false counselors becoming 'stubble' consumed by fire depicts utter impotence - they cannot even save themselves, much less others. The phrase 'there shall not be a coal to warm at' emphasizes totality of judgment; even residual benefit is removed. This foreshadows eternal judgment where those who led others astray face worse condemnation (Matthew 23:15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

When Cyrus conquered Babylon, the priestly and magician class lost their privileged status. The Persians had their own magi and did not perpetuate Babylonian occult practices, fulfilling this prophecy of counsel becoming worthless.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'counselors' (influencers, experts, gurus) will prove to be stubble when judgment comes?
  2. How can you discern between counsel that is godly substance versus worldly stubble?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הִנֵּ֨ה1 of 17
H2009

lo!

הָי֤וּ2 of 17
H1961

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

כְקַשׁ֙3 of 17

Behold they shall be as stubble

H7179

straw (as dry)

אֵ֣שׁ4 of 17

the fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

שְׂרָפָ֔תַם5 of 17

shall burn

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

לֹֽא6 of 17
H3808

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

יַצִּ֥ילוּ7 of 17

them they shall not deliver

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

אֶת8 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נַפְשָׁ֖ם9 of 17

themselves

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מִיַּ֣ד10 of 17

from the power

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לֶֽהָבָ֑ה11 of 17

of the flame

H3852

flame

אֵין12 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

גַּחֶ֣לֶת13 of 17

there shall not be a coal

H1513

an ember

לַחְמָ֔ם14 of 17

to warm

H2552

to be hot (literally or figuratively)

א֖וּר15 of 17

at nor fire

H217

flame; hence (in the plural) the east (as being the region of light)

לָשֶׁ֥בֶת16 of 17

to sit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

נֶגְדּֽוֹ׃17 of 17
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before


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 47:14 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 47:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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