Isaiah 14:18

KJV

All the kings of the nations, [even] all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the kings {H4428} of the nations {H1471}, even all of them, lie {H7901} in glory {H3519}, every one {H376} in his own house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"All other kings of the nations, all of them, lie in glory, each in his tomb.

Berean Standard Bible

All the kings of the nations lie in state, each in his own tomb.

American Standard Version

All the kings of the nations, all of them, sleep in glory, every one in his own house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:18 presents a poignant contrast, describing the customary, honored burial of all other kings of the nations, each laid to rest with dignity in their grand tombs. This verse establishes the universal norm of royal interment—a display of earthly glory even in death—only to dramatically set the stage for the unparalleled and ignominious fate awaiting the proud king of Babylon, whose exceptional downfall would deny him this common privilege.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a powerful prophetic taunt-song (Isaiah 14:4-23) directed against the oppressive king of Babylon, celebrating his anticipated downfall. The preceding verses (e.g., [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - Sheol Greets the King of Babylon")) depict the underworld (Sheol) stirring to greet the fallen monarch, with deceased kings rising from their "thrones" to mock him, astonished that he, too, has become weak. Verse 18 serves as a crucial setup, establishing the dignified standard of royal burial that the king of Babylon will conspicuously fail to receive. It heightens the dramatic irony and emphasizes the severity of his impending judgment, which will be so profound that it violates even the basic respect afforded to other fallen rulers, as elaborated in [Isaiah 14:19-20](/isaiah/14-19 "Isaiah 14:19-20 - The King of Babylon's Undignified Burial").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the burial of kings was an elaborate and highly significant affair. Rulers were often interred in magnificent tombs, mausoleums, or pyramid-like structures, complete with rich grave goods, servants, and symbols of their power and wealth. These "houses" were not merely burial sites but were considered eternal dwellings, reflecting the king's continued status and legacy. The practice of embalming, elaborate funeral processions, and the construction of monumental resting places were common across empires like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. The honor of a proper burial was paramount, signifying respect, the continuation of the royal line, and the king's enduring "glory" even in death. To be denied such a burial was the ultimate disgrace, implying a complete erasure of legacy and a profound curse, as seen in various ancient texts and archaeological findings.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah 14 and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights the **Dignity of Royal Burial** as a universal expectation, contrasting the honor typically afforded to deceased rulers with the unique disgrace awaiting Babylon's king. Secondly, it underscores the **Norm vs. The Exception**, establishing a baseline of respect for fallen monarchs only to dramatically reveal the unparalleled humiliation reserved for the proud Babylonian oppressor. This sets up the stark depiction of his undignified fate in [Isaiah 14:19](/isaiah/14-19 "Isaiah 14:19 - Cast Out Like a Loathed Branch"). Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment Against Pride**. The fact that even other powerful kings, despite their earthly might, received a proper burial accentuates the extraordinary nature of the disgrace reserved for the king whose arrogance and cruelty exceeded all bounds, echoing the principle found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") that "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kings (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From the root meaning "to rule," this term refers to a sovereign ruler, one who exercises authority and power over a nation. In this context, it emphasizes the universal nature of the custom, applying to all rulers, regardless of their specific kingdom or empire, highlighting their shared status and the common respect accorded to them in death.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Properly meaning "weight," this word is used figuratively here to denote splendor, honor, wealth, and prestige. It refers to the earthly pomp, elaborate funeral rites, rich grave goods, and the monumental nature of royal tombs that signified the king's status and honor even after death. It is a human, rather than divine, glory.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** While commonly meaning a physical dwelling, "house" in this context refers to the king's tomb, sepulchre, or mausoleum. These were often grand, permanent structures, seen as the king's eternal dwelling place, designed to reflect his earthly power and ensure his legacy. The term emphasizes the secure and respected resting place afforded to these rulers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the kings of the nations, even all of them":** This phrase emphasizes the universality of the custom being described. It is not just some kings, or kings of a particular region, but "all" of them, from "all the nations." This sets a broad, undeniable standard of royal treatment in death, making the contrast with the Babylonian king's fate even more striking and humiliating.
* **"lie in glory":** This describes the manner of their repose. "Lie" suggests a peaceful, dignified rest. "In glory" signifies that their burial was accompanied by honor, pomp, and the display of their earthly prestige, including elaborate funeral ceremonies, rich grave goods, and magnificent tombs. It speaks to the respect and reverence shown to their deceased bodies and their legacy.
* **"every one in his own house":** This specifies the location of their burial. "Every one" reiterates the individual nature of this dignified rest, with each king having his own dedicated, often grand, tomb or burial chamber. This "house" was their final, secure resting place, a monument to their reign and a symbol of their enduring presence, even in death.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Isaiah 14:18 is **Contrast**, which is masterfully used to set up the dramatic irony of the subsequent verses. By first establishing the universal norm of dignified royal burial, the prophet creates a stark backdrop against which the ignominious fate of the king of Babylon will be highlighted. This **Foreshadowing** builds anticipation for the unique and humiliating judgment awaiting the oppressor. The phrase "lie in glory" uses **Metonymy**, where "glory" stands for the elaborate and honorable funeral rites and magnificent tombs associated with royal burials. The repetition of "all" ("All the kings of the nations, even all of them") serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the widespread nature of this custom and further intensifying the exceptional nature of the Babylonian king's disgrace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:18, while descriptive of ancient burial customs, serves a profound theological purpose by setting the stage for a divine judgment that transcends human norms. It subtly teaches that while earthly power and prestige may afford a dignified repose in this life, true and lasting honor is not found in human accolades or monumental tombs, but in humility before God. The fate of the Babylonian king, contrasted with the "glory" of other kings' burials, underscores God's sovereignty over all earthly rulers and His unwavering commitment to bringing down the proud and exalting the humble. This passage reminds us that no amount of worldly power or perceived glory can exempt one from divine accountability, and that God's justice ultimately prevails over all forms of human oppression and arrogance.

* [Proverbs 11:2](/proverbs/11-2 "Proverbs 11:2 - When Pride Comes, Then Comes Disgrace")
* [Psalm 49:10-12](/psalms/49-10 "Psalm 49:10-12 - The Wise and the Foolish Die Alike")
* [Daniel 4:37](/daniel/4-37 "Daniel 4:37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humility and Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:18, in its stark contrast, offers a powerful lens through which to examine our own values and pursuits. It challenges us to consider where we place our ultimate hope and seek our lasting "glory." If even the most powerful kings of ancient times, who "lie in glory" in their grand "houses," ultimately face judgment and the fleeting nature of their earthly achievements, how much more should we, who possess far less temporal power, recognize the transience of worldly success? This verse serves as a sober reminder that true dignity and an honorable legacy are not built on self-exaltation, oppression, or material wealth, but on a life lived in humility, justice, and reverence for God. It encourages us to cultivate an eternal perspective, understanding that our ultimate resting place and true "glory" are determined not by human pomp, but by our relationship with the divine and our obedience to His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between the "glory" of other kings' burials and the fate of the king of Babylon challenge my understanding of true honor and lasting legacy?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek "glory" or security in earthly achievements, possessions, or status, rather than in God?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the ultimate end of pride and the certainty of divine judgment for those who oppress others?**

### FAQ

**Why is the burial of other kings mentioned here, if the focus is on the king of Babylon?**

Answer: The mention of other kings serves a crucial literary and theological purpose: to establish a universal norm and then highlight the extreme deviation from that norm in the case of the king of Babylon. By stating that "All the kings of the nations...lie in glory," the prophet Isaiah sets a baseline of expected dignity in death for rulers. This makes the subsequent description of the king of Babylon's ignominious fate—being denied a proper burial and cast out like refuse (as detailed in [Isaiah 14:19](/isaiah/14-19 "Isaiah 14:19 - The King of Babylon's Undignified Burial"))—all the more shocking and humiliating. It underscores the severity of God's judgment against his unparalleled pride and oppression, demonstrating that his downfall is so complete that it strips him of even the most basic human respect afforded to other deceased monarchs.

**What does "lie in glory" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Isaiah 14:18, "lie in glory" refers to the customary and elaborate burial practices of ancient Near Eastern kings. "Glory" (Hebrew: *kâbôwd*) here signifies earthly honor, splendor, and prestige, not divine glory. It encompasses the pomp and ceremony of royal funerals, the rich grave goods buried with the deceased, and the construction of magnificent, often monumental, tombs or mausoleums. These "houses" (Hebrew: *bayith*) were designed to be permanent, secure resting places that reflected the king's power and status even in death, ensuring his memory and legacy. Thus, "lying in glory" means being interred with all the customary honors and elaborate trappings befitting a powerful sovereign, in a grand and respected tomb.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 14:18, while describing the earthly "glory" of kings in their tombs, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate contrast found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Unlike earthly monarchs whose "glory" was confined to their magnificent "houses" of death, Jesus, the true King of Kings, embraced a path of profound humility and apparent ignominy. He had "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), was born in a manger, and died a criminal's death, buried in a borrowed tomb ([Matthew 27:57-60](/matthew/27-57 "Matthew 27:57-60 - Jesus Buried in a New Tomb")). His "house" of death was not one of earthly glory but of shame. Yet, it is precisely through this humble path, this ultimate act of self-emptying love on the cross, that true and eternal glory was revealed. His resurrection from the dead ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")) shattered the power of death and the grave, demonstrating a glory that far surpasses any earthly king's tomb. Jesus did not "lie in glory" in the way of human kings; rather, He rose in divine glory, ascending to His heavenly throne ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus Ascends to Heaven")) to reign eternally. His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and His "glory" is not found in human pomp or monumental tombs, but in His redemptive power, His victory over sin and death, and His eternal reign as the Lamb who was slain and is worthy of all praise ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")). He is the ultimate King whose true "house" is the eternal Kingdom of God, where He welcomes all who humble themselves and believe in Him, granting them a share in His imperishable glory ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of 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

2 Chronicles 24:25

And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.

Job 30:23

For I know [that] thou wilt bring me [to] death, and [to] the house appointed for all living.

Ezekiel 32:18

Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, [even] her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

Ezekiel 32:32

For I have caused my terror in the land of the living: and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that are] slain with the sword, [even] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

2 Chronicles 24:16

And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

Isaiah 22:16

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, [as] he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, [and] that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?

Ecclesiastes 6:3

If a man beget an hundred [children], and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also [that] he have no burial; I say, [that] an untimely birth [is] better than he.