Isaiah 14:15

KJV

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet thou shalt be brought down {H3381} to hell {H7585}, to the sides {H3411} of the pit {H953}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Instead you are brought down to Sh'ol, to the uttermost depths of the pit.

Berean Standard Bible

But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.

American Standard Version

Yet thou shalt be brought down to Sheol, to the uttermost parts of the pit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:15 delivers a stark and powerful prophecy of the ultimate downfall and humiliation of the arrogant King of Babylon, serving as a climactic counterpoint to his earlier boastful claims of ascending to divine heights. This verse vividly portrays his precipitous descent from self-proclaimed glory to the deepest recesses of the underworld, symbolizing the inevitable judgment awaiting all pride and rebellion against God's sovereignty, whether human or spiritual. It underscores the profound reversal of fortune for those who attempt to usurp divine authority, highlighting the inescapable reality of God's ultimate dominion over all powers and principalities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14:15 is situated within a significant prophetic oracle against Babylon, specifically targeting its tyrannical king, who is introduced as the subject of a "proverb" or "taunt" in [Isaiah 14:4](/isaiah/14-4 "Isaiah 14:4 - Taunt Against the King of Babylon"). The preceding verses, [Isaiah 14:12-14](/isaiah/14-12-14 "Isaiah 14:12-14 - The Fall of the Day Star"), famously depict the fall of a celestial being, "Day Star, son of Dawn," who audaciously sought to "ascend to the heavens" and "make himself like the Most High." This imagery, often understood as a profound parallel to Satan's rebellion, establishes a crucial connection between spiritual pride and the earthly arrogance of the Babylonian monarch. Verse 15 directly follows these audacious claims, presenting the immediate and devastating consequence: a precipitous descent from imagined exaltation to the lowest depths. The contrast is stark and intentional, emphasizing the utter futility of defying the Almighty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Babylon in [Isaiah 13-14](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Oracle Against Babylon") reflects the geopolitical realities and future threats faced by Judah during Isaiah's ministry in the 8th century BCE. Babylon, though not yet the dominant world power it would become under Nebuchadnezzar, was a significant force and a potent symbol of oppressive imperial might. The "King of Babylon" represents the epitome of human arrogance and tyrannical rule, a power that enslaved nations, including Judah. Ancient Near Eastern cultures generally conceived of an underworld or realm of the dead, though its precise nature varied. The imagery of a "pit" or "Sheol" would have resonated with their understanding of a subterranean abode for the departed, often associated with darkness, silence, and a loss of vitality. The specific humiliation of being cast to the "sides of the pit" implies the most ignominious and remote part of this realm, far from any honor or recognition, signifying a complete and utter dethronement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. It is a profound statement on **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over nations and their rulers, capable of exalting and abasing according to His will. The theme of **Pride and Humiliation** is central, illustrating the inevitable downfall of those who self-exalt and challenge God's authority, a principle echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") and [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")). Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Justice and Judgment**, assuring God's people that oppressive powers will ultimately face divine retribution. The imagery also touches upon the **Cosmic Battle** between good and evil, with the earthly king's fate mirroring the ultimate defeat of spiritual rebellion, as seen in the broader context of [Isaiah 14](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14 - Oracle Against Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** This primitive root signifies to descend, to go downwards, or figuratively, to fall. It can also be causative, meaning "to bring down." In Isaiah 14:15, the passive voice "shalt be brought down" powerfully conveys the forced, inevitable, and humiliating descent of the proud king from his imagined heights. The verb emphasizes the active role of divine judgment in initiating this downward trajectory, standing in stark contrast to the king's earlier aspiration to "ascend."
* **hell (Hebrew, _shᵉʼôwl'_):** From the root _shā’al_ (to ask, demand), this term refers to Hades or the world of the dead, often conceived as a subterranean retreat. In the Old Testament, Sheol is the common grave of all humanity, a place of darkness and silence, not necessarily a place of eternal torment as in some New Testament uses of "hell" (Gehenna). However, in this context, it signifies the ultimate destination of degradation, oblivion, and loss of power for the one who sought to ascend to the heavens. It represents the antithesis of life, light, and glory, a place of complete disempowerment.
* **pit (Hebrew, _bôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to bore" or "to dig," _bôwr_ refers to a pit-hole, often used as a cistern or a dungeon. This word reinforces the imagery of a deep, confined, and inescapable place. When combined with "sides," it evokes the deepest, most remote, and most ignominious part of the underworld, emphasizing the uttermost depths of defeat, shame, and imprisonment. It is a place of no return for the one cast into it, signifying total and irreversible ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell,"**: This clause directly counters the king's boastful declaration in [Isaiah 14:13-14](/isaiah/14-13-14 "Isaiah 14:13-14 - The King's Arrogant Boasts") that he would ascend to the heavens and exalt his throne above the stars. The emphatic "yet" introduces a dramatic and irreversible reversal, highlighting the futility of his pride. The passive voice "shalt be brought down" implies divine agency; it is God who orchestrates this precipitous descent, not the king's own will or a natural consequence. The destination, "hell" (Sheol), signifies not merely death, but a profound and ignominious demise, a complete loss of power, status, and existence in the realm of the living, a place of darkness and oblivion.
* **"to the sides of the pit."**: This phrase intensifies the preceding declaration, adding a layer of extreme degradation and isolation. "Sides" (Hebrew, _yᵉrêkâh_) implies the innermost, remotest, or deepest parts, often used for the extreme borders or recesses. The "pit" (Hebrew, _bôwr_) further emphasizes a dark, confined, and inescapable dungeon-like existence within Sheol. This imagery conveys the uttermost depths of humiliation, signifying that the king will not merely enter the realm of the dead, but will be cast to its most despised, forgotten, and powerless corners, far from any honor, memory, or possibility of escape.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of judgment. **Irony** is profoundly evident, as the king's audacious aspiration to ascend to the highest heavens is met with a diametrically opposed descent to the lowest depths of Sheol. This stark contrast highlights the futility and absurdity of human pride against divine power. **Hyperbole** is also utilized in the description of the descent to the "sides of the pit," emphasizing an extreme and total humiliation far beyond a mere death. This exaggerated language underscores the severity and comprehensiveness of God's judgment. Furthermore, the verse employs vivid and visceral **Imagery**, painting a picture of a precipitous fall into darkness and confinement. The "pit" serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for utter destruction, imprisonment, and the stripping away of all power and glory. The entire passage functions as an **Antithesis** to the king's earlier boasts, creating a dramatic and unforgettable portrayal of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:15 serves as a profound theological statement on the ultimate fate of all pride and rebellion against God. It underscores the biblical principle that divine sovereignty is absolute and that any attempt to usurp God's glory or elevate oneself above His rightful place will inevitably lead to a catastrophic downfall. This verse, in its immediate context, vividly illustrates God's justice against tyrannical human powers, assuring His people that even the mightiest oppressors are subject to His judgment. More broadly, its association with the fall of a celestial being (often interpreted as Satan) extends its theological reach to encompass the defeat of all spiritual forces that oppose God, reinforcing the certainty of their ultimate humiliation and confinement. It is a timeless warning against hubris and a powerful affirmation of God's unassailable authority and the triumph of His righteous will.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud But Gives Grace to the Humble")
* [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble Yourselves Under the Mighty Hand of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:15 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in pride and self-exaltation. In a world that often celebrates self-sufficiency, ambition, and the pursuit of personal glory, this verse calls us to a profound humility, recognizing that true strength and lasting honor come not from our own striving but from God alone. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any subtle inclinations towards arrogance, any desire to usurp God's place in our lives or to claim glory that belongs solely to Him. For believers, it reinforces the call to walk humbly before God and others, understanding that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God Resists the Proud")). This passage also offers immense comfort and assurance to those who suffer under oppressive powers, whether human or spiritual. It declares unequivocally that no power, no matter how formidable or arrogant, can ultimately stand against the sovereign will of God. Their end is certain, their downfall inevitable, and God's justice will prevail. This should inspire both a reverent fear of God and a steadfast hope in His ultimate victory over all evil, encouraging us to trust in His righteous governance of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to exhibit pride or self-exaltation, perhaps subtly, and how can I counter these tendencies?**
* **How does the inevitable downfall of the proud, as depicted here, shape my understanding of God's justice and His absolute sovereignty over all earthly and spiritual powers?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God in my daily life, acknowledging His rightful place in all things?**
* **How does the assurance of God's judgment against oppressive powers bring me comfort or challenge my perspective on current global issues and injustices?**

### FAQ
**What is "hell" in the Old Testament context of Isaiah 14:15?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "hell" in Isaiah 14:15 translates the Hebrew word _Sheol_ (שְׁאוֹל). In the Old Testament, _Sheol_ generally refers to the grave, the realm of the dead, or the underworld. It is conceived as a subterranean place where all the departed go, regardless of their moral standing. It is characterized by darkness, silence, and a cessation of earthly activity. Unlike the New Testament concept of Gehenna (often translated as "hell"), _Sheol_ does not inherently carry the connotation of eternal fiery torment. However, in this specific context, being "brought down to Sheol" and "to the sides of the pit" for the King of Babylon signifies a profound and humiliating demise, a complete loss of power, glory, and any semblance of an honorable afterlife. It represents the ultimate degradation for one who sought to ascend to the heavens, a place of utter ignominy.

**Does this verse refer to the literal King of Babylon or to Satan?**

Answer: Isaiah 14:15, along with the broader passage of [Isaiah 14:4-21](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14 - Oracle Against Babylon"), is primarily an oracle against the historical King of Babylon, who is depicted as a tyrannical oppressor of God's people. The language used, particularly in [Isaiah 14:12-14](/isaiah/14-12-14 "Isaiah 14:12-14 - The Fall of the Day Star"), employs imagery that has led many theological traditions to interpret it as also having a secondary, symbolic application to the fall of Satan (often identified with Lucifer, the "day star"). While the immediate target is an earthly ruler, the hyperbolic language and the king's audacious claims of ascending to divine heights transcend mere human ambition, pointing to a spiritual prototype of rebellion against God. Therefore, it can be understood as having both a primary historical fulfillment and a profound symbolic or typological application to the ultimate fate of all spiritual pride and rebellion, including that of Satan, affirming God's ultimate triumph over all opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 14:15, with its stark portrayal of the proud king's ignominious descent into the pit, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a similar judgment upon Christ, but in His victorious descent and subsequent exaltation. While the King of Babylon's forced descent into Sheol signifies his utter and irreversible defeat, Christ's descent into death and the grave was a voluntary act of profound self-humiliation for our salvation. The New Testament speaks of Christ's descent to the "lower parts of the earth" ([Ephesians 4:9](/ephesians/4-9 "Ephesians 4:9 - Christ's Descent and Ascent")) and His triumphant conquest over the powers of death and Hades. He is the one who holds "the keys of Death and Hades" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), demonstrating His complete authority over the very realm to which the proud king was condemned. The King of Babylon was brought down in judgment; Christ willingly went down to conquer judgment and death itself, emerging gloriously victorious through His resurrection. His humility unto death on the cross, a profound descent, was the pathway to His ultimate exaltation "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion" ([Ephesians 1:21](/ephesians/1-21 "Ephesians 1:21 - Christ Exalted Above All Authority")). Thus, the judgment pronounced in Isaiah 14:15 foreshadows the defeat of all spiritual pride and rebellion, a victory ultimately secured by Christ, who, through His own descent and resurrection, provides the only escape from the "pit" of sin and death for all who believe in Him, leading them to eternal life and glory.

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

Matthew 11:23

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

Acts 12:22

And the people gave a shout, [saying, It is] the voice of a god, and not of a man.

Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Ezekiel 32:23

Whose graves are set in the sides of the pit, and her company is round about her grave: all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which caused terror in the land of the living.

Luke 10:15

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

Revelation 19:20

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Isaiah 14:3

And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,