Isaiah 13:11

KJV

And I will punish the world for [their] evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will punish {H6485} the world {H8398} for their evil {H7451}, and the wicked {H7563} for their iniquity {H5771}; and I will cause the arrogancy {H1347} of the proud {H2086} to cease {H7673}, and will lay low {H8213} the haughtiness {H1346} of the terrible {H6184}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the arrogance of the proud and humble the insolence of tyrants.

Berean Standard Bible

I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless.

American Standard Version

And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity: and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 13:11 delivers a powerful declaration of God's sovereign and righteous judgment against the pervasive evil of the world and, specifically, the sin of human pride. Situated within a prophetic oracle concerning the mighty kingdom of Babylon, this verse articulates God's unwavering resolve to intervene decisively in human history, bringing an end to wickedness and thoroughly humbling the arrogant and oppressive powers that exalt themselves against Him. It stands as a timeless testament to divine accountability and the ultimate triumph of God's justice over all forms of human rebellion and self-exaltation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 13 initiates a series of "burdens" or oracles against foreign nations, commencing with Babylon, which was destined to become the dominant world power and conqueror of Judah. This chapter is characterized by vivid, apocalyptic language, describing a cosmic "Day of the Lord" that signifies God's direct and devastating intervention in history. The immediate verses preceding [Isaiah 13:11](/isaiah/13-11 "Isaiah 13:11 - God's Judgment on Pride") depict the gathering of God's instruments of wrath (the Medes) and the terrifying signs accompanying divine judgment, including the darkening of celestial bodies ([Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Heavenly Signs of Judgment")). Verse 11 specifically articulates the *theological rationale* for this impending judgment: the world's pervasive evil and the haughtiness of the proud. It thus provides the moral basis for the preceding descriptions of cosmic upheaval and the subsequent portrayal of Babylon's utter desolation in [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19-22 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - The Desolation of Babylon"), making it a pivotal statement within this prophetic section.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the primary target of this prophecy is Babylon, a major power that would eventually conquer Judah, its language transcends a single historical event to encompass a universal principle of divine judgment. In Isaiah's time (8th century BCE), Assyria was the dominant empire, but the prophetic foresight of Babylon's rise was crucial. Empires of the ancient Near East, including Babylon, were often characterized by immense pride, the self-deification of their rulers, and a brutal exercise of power, believing themselves invincible and divinely favored. Babylon, with its magnificent structures, vast wealth, and perceived invincibility, epitomized this arrogance. The cultural norm of exalting human power and wisdom above divine authority is directly confronted here. Geographically, Babylon was a sprawling empire centered on the fertile crescent, a hub of political and economic might, making its promised fall all the more shocking and demonstrative of God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 13:11](/isaiah/13-11 "Isaiah 13:11 - God's Judgment on Pride") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting God's active role as the righteous Judge who holds all humanity, and especially powerful nations, accountable for their moral failings. This is not merely passive observation but active intervention against sin, as seen throughout [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah"). Secondly, the verse highlights the pervasive theme of **The Humbling of Pride**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture. God consistently opposes those who exalt themselves, whether individuals or nations, as articulated in passages like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall") and exemplified in the narrative of [Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation in Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation"). This verse serves as a potent reminder that human arrogance, particularly when coupled with oppressive power, inevitably invites divine opposition. Lastly, it reinforces the **Consequences of Wickedness**, demonstrating that evil and iniquity inevitably lead to divine punishment, emphasizing the moral order established by God and the ultimate futility of rebellion against it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Punish (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** From H6485, this root carries a wide semantic range, meaning "to visit" with either friendly or hostile intent. In this context, it clearly signifies a hostile visitation, implying an act of oversight, inspection, and subsequent judgment or reckoning. God is not merely observing but actively intervening to bring consequences for evil.
* **Arrogancy (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From H1347, this term, derived from the same root as _gaʼăvâh_, denotes a sense of exaltation or majesty. In a negative context, as here, it refers to insolent pride, inflated self-importance, and a haughty disdain for God or others. It implies a self-sufficiency that denies dependence on the divine and often manifests as boastfulness.
* **Haughtiness (Hebrew, _gaʼăvâh'_):** From H1346, this word is closely related to _gâʼôwn_ and also signifies pride, arrogance, and loftiness. Its use alongside "arrogancy" emphasizes the pervasive and deeply ingrained nature of this sin, often implying an overbearing and oppressive attitude that stems from an elevated sense of self, leading to a disregard for others and for God's authority.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _ʻârîyts'_):** From H6184, this refers to those who are fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical. It describes oppressors, the mighty, or those who wield great power in a violent and intimidating manner, inspiring dread in others. God promises to bring down those who are not only proud but also oppressive in their exercise of power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will punish the world for [their] evil":** This opening clause establishes God's direct agency and the universal scope of His judgment. The "world" (H8398, _têbêl_) signifies the inhabited earth, indicating that God's judgment is not limited to Babylon but extends to all human wickedness. "Evil" (H7451, _raʻ_) encompasses both natural and moral badness, including adversity, affliction, and wickedness in its broadest sense, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's righteous indignation against sin. This is a divine commitment to address the moral corruption prevalent in humanity.
* **"and the wicked for their iniquity":** This clause parallels the first, narrowing the focus from general "evil" to the "wicked" (H7563, _râshâʻ_), those who are morally wrong and actively bad, and their "iniquity" (H5771, _ʻâvôn_), which denotes perversity, moral evil, and the guilt associated with sin. It emphasizes that God's judgment is specific and just, targeting those who actively defy His moral standards and whose actions are characterized by deliberate rebellion.
* **"and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease":** Here, the focus shifts to a specific, deeply offensive manifestation of evil: pride. God declares His intent to bring an end to the "arrogancy" (H1347, _gâʼôwn_) of the "proud" (H2086, _zêd_), those who are arrogant and presumptuous. This signifies God's direct opposition to self-exaltation, human boastfulness, and the tendency to usurp divine prerogative, demonstrating that no human power or self-proclaimed greatness can stand against Him.
* **"and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible":** This final clause reinforces the previous one, using different but related terms to emphasize the same divine action. God will "lay low" (H8213, _shâphêl_, to depress or humiliate) the "haughtiness" (H1346, _gaʼăvâh_) of the "terrible" (H6184, _ʻârîyts_), referring to the powerful, tyrannical, and oppressive. This highlights God's commitment to dismantle not only the internal attitude of pride but also its external manifestation in oppressive power structures and violent domination, ensuring that those who terrorize others will themselves be brought low.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 13:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with profound impact. **Parallelism** is prominently featured throughout the verse, particularly in the two main couplets: "I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity" and "I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible." This poetic structure, common in Hebrew poetry, reinforces the message through repetition and variation, emphasizing the comprehensive and dual nature of God's judgment—against both general wickedness and specific pride. The use of "world" can be seen as **Hyperbole**, magnifying the scope of judgment to encompass all humanity, not just Babylon, thereby underscoring the universal principle of divine accountability for sin. The repeated declarations "I will punish," "I will cause... to cease," and "I will lay low" demonstrate **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions and intentions (punishing, causing to cease, laying low) to God. This makes His active involvement in history relatable and immediate, emphasizing His personal commitment to justice. Finally, the specific targeting of "arrogancy" (_gâʼôwn_) and "haughtiness" (_gaʼăvâh_) through distinct but related Hebrew terms demonstrates **Emphasis through Synonymous Repetition**, underscoring the particular abhorrence God has for pride and self-exaltation in all its forms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 13:11 is a profound statement on God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to the affairs of humanity but actively intervenes to confront evil and humble the proud. This divine action is rooted in God's holy character, which cannot tolerate sin, especially the sin of pride that seeks to usurp His rightful place. The judgment on Babylon, while historically fulfilled, serves as an archetypal example of God's dealings with all nations and individuals who defy His moral order and exalt themselves. It assures believers that despite the apparent triumph of wickedness or the oppressive power of the arrogant, God's ultimate justice will prevail, bringing all things into alignment with His righteous will and demonstrating His supreme authority over all earthly powers.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Proud") - "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."
* [Proverbs 16:5](/proverbs/16-5 "Proverbs 16:5 - The Lord Detests the Proud") - "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished."
* [Daniel 4:37](/daniel/4-37 "Daniel 4:37 - Nebuchadnezzar Praises God") - "Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 13:11 offers both a sobering warning and a comforting assurance for contemporary believers. It is a powerful reminder that God's justice is not an abstract concept but an active force in the world, ensuring that wickedness and pride will not have the final word. For those who witness or experience injustice, this verse provides profound hope that evil and oppression will not ultimately prevail; God Himself will "punish the world for their evil" and "lay low the haughtiness of the terrible." This should inspire us to trust in His perfect timing and methods, even when His justice seems delayed, and to find solace in the certainty of His ultimate triumph. Simultaneously, the verse serves as a profound call to personal humility. If God so vehemently opposes the "arrogancy of the proud," then we are compelled to examine our own hearts for any seeds of self-exaltation, self-sufficiency, or disdain for others. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, which includes a humble recognition of our dependence on Him and a willingness to submit to His will. This humility is not weakness but a pathway to grace and true strength, as God "giveth grace unto the humble" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")). Ultimately, living in light of this verse means cultivating a spirit of humility, pursuing righteousness, and resting in the certainty of God's final and just judgment over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, unknowingly exhibit "arrogancy" or "haughtiness" in our attitudes or actions, perhaps even in our spiritual lives?**
* **How does the promise of God's ultimate justice against evil and pride bring me comfort, and how might it challenge my perspective on current world events or personal struggles?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God in my daily life, reflecting His opposition to pride?**

### FAQ
**Does God really punish the "world" for evil, or is this specific to Babylon?**

Answer: While [Isaiah 13:11](/isaiah/13-11 "Isaiah 13:11 - God's Judgment on Pride") is situated within an oracle against Babylon, the use of the term "world" (Hebrew: *têbêl*, meaning the inhabited earth) indicates a broader, universal principle of divine judgment. This prophecy serves as a specific historical example of a universal truth: God holds all nations and individuals accountable for their evil and pride. The fall of Babylon was a dramatic demonstration of God's power over seemingly invincible human empires, foreshadowing His ultimate judgment over all forms of wickedness and rebellion throughout history and at the end of time. It reinforces the biblical teaching that God is the sovereign judge of all the earth, as seen in passages like [Psalm 96:13](/psalm/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - He Will Judge the World Righteously"), which declares, "For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth."

**What is the difference between "arrogancy" and "haughtiness" as used in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew words for "arrogancy" (*gâʼôwn*, H1347) and "haughtiness" (*gaʼăvâh*, H1346) are closely related and often used synonymously in Scripture. Both refer to excessive pride, self-exaltation, and an inflated sense of self-importance. Their use together in [Isaiah 13:11](/isaiah/13-11 "Isaiah 13:11 - God's Judgment on Pride") is a literary device known as synonymous parallelism, common in Hebrew poetry. This pairing serves to emphasize the intensity and pervasiveness of this sin. It underscores that God's opposition is directed at every facet and manifestation of human pride, whether it's an internal attitude of superiority, a boastful display, or an outward expression of overbearing and oppressive power. The repetition highlights the severity of this particular offense in God's eyes, demonstrating His comprehensive judgment against all forms of self-exaltation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 13:11, with its declaration of God's judgment against the world's evil and the humbling of the proud, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of a historical judgment on Babylon, it simultaneously points to a cosmic and final judgment that Christ Himself will execute. Jesus, the humble [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly embodied the antithesis of the pride condemned here. He chose humility and obedience, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation")), rather than grasping for power or status. Yet, this same humble Christ is also the appointed Judge of all the earth, before whom every knee will ultimately bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The "punishment" of the world's evil and the "laying low" of the haughty are ultimately accomplished through Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the forces of spiritual pride and rebellion that animate human wickedness. His first coming inaugurated the defeat of these powers through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")), and His second coming will bring their final, decisive end, establishing a kingdom where humility reigns and all glory belongs to God alone ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, Isaiah 13:11 not only prophesies God's justice but also implicitly anticipates the One through whom that justice, and the ultimate humbling of all human pride, would be perfectly and eternally realized.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 2:11

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

Isaiah 5:15

And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:

Daniel 5:22

And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;

Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

Jeremiah 50:29

Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.

Jeremiah 50:32

And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.

Isaiah 2:17

And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.