Isaiah 14:20

KJV

Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, [and] slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not be joined {H3161} with them in burial {H6900}, because thou hast destroyed {H7843} thy land {H776}, and slain {H2026} thy people {H5971}: the seed {H2233} of evildoers {H7489} shall never {H5769} be renowned {H7121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will not be joined with those kings in the grave, because you destroyed your own land, you have brought death to your own people. The descendants of evildoers will be utterly forgotten.

Berean Standard Bible

You will not join them in burial, since you have destroyed your land and slaughtered your own people. The offspring of the wicked will never again be mentioned.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, thou hast slain thy people; the seed of evil-doers shall not be named for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:20 delivers a potent prophetic declaration of divine judgment against the tyrannical King of Babylon, foretelling an ignominious end for a ruler whose reign was marked by unparalleled cruelty and destruction. This verse, a climactic statement within a broader taunt song, emphasizes the complete rejection of the oppressor's legacy, denying him the honor of a proper burial and ensuring that his lineage will never achieve lasting renown, serving as a stark testament to the ultimate consequences of prideful wickedness and oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14:20 concludes a powerful prophetic taunt song (found in [Isaiah 14:3-23](/isaiah/14-3-23 "Isaiah 14:3-23 - The Taunt Against Babylon")) directed against the King of Babylon, celebrating his dramatic downfall. The preceding verses vividly depict the king's audacious pride, comparing his ambition to ascend above the stars and make himself "like the Most High" to the mythical figure of the Day Star, son of Dawn, who fell from heaven, as detailed in [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of the Day Star"). This section contrasts his self-exalted aspirations with his ultimate humiliation, as he is cast down to Sheol, the grave, where even the dead mock his diminished state. Verse 20 serves as the final, damning pronouncement regarding his earthly fate and lasting legacy, specifically addressing the denial of an honorable burial and the perpetual disgrace of his descendants, directly linking his ignoble end to his destructive actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Babylon in [Isaiah 13-14](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Oracle Against Babylon") is set against the backdrop of Assyrian and later Babylonian imperial power, which profoundly impacted Judah. While the immediate historical context might point to the Assyrian king Sennacherib, the language and themes often extend to the later Babylonian Empire, which would eventually conquer Judah and exile its people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a proper burial was paramount, signifying honor, continuity, and a peaceful rest in the afterlife. Kings, in particular, were interred with great pomp and ceremony, often in elaborate tombs alongside their ancestors. To be denied a burial, or to be cast out unmourned, was the ultimate disgrace, signifying utter rejection and the obliteration of one's memory. This cultural understanding amplifies the severity of the judgment pronounced in [Isaiah 14:19-20](/isaiah/14-19-20 "Isaiah 14:19-20 - The Ignominious Burial").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God** over all earthly rulers and empires, demonstrating that even the most formidable tyrants are subject to His ultimate judgment. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine justice**, showing that wickedness, particularly oppressive rule and violence against God's people, will inevitably incur severe and lasting consequences. The king's fate is a direct retribution for his actions: "because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people." Thirdly, the verse explores the theme of **legacy and renown**, contrasting the fleeting, destructive "fame" of the wicked with the enduring, blessed memory of the righteous. The pronouncement that "the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned" emphasizes that a legacy built on tyranny and bloodshed is ultimately cursed, failing to establish a respected or lasting dynasty, echoing the principle found in [Proverbs 10:7](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - The Memory of the Just and the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **joined (Hebrew, _yâchad'_):** From H3161, meaning "to be (or become) one; join, unite." In this context, the negative "Thou shalt not be joined" signifies a denial of unity or association in burial. It implies that the King of Babylon will not share the honorable resting place or communal dignity afforded to other kings; he will be isolated in his disgrace, his body cast out rather than united with his predecessors in a royal tomb.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** From H7843, meaning "to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively); batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r)." This word powerfully describes the King's active role in bringing ruin upon his own nation and people. It's not just a passive decline but an aggressive, intentional act of devastation, providing the direct justification for his severe judgment.
* **renowned (Hebrew, _qârâ'_):** From H7121, meaning "to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); ... (be) famous, ... (give) name, ... renowned." In the passive voice, as used here ("shall never be renowned"), it signifies the complete absence of positive recognition, fame, or honor for the "seed of evildoers." Their name will not be spoken of with respect or positive remembrance, ensuring their legacy is one of infamy or oblivion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial":** This clause pronounces a severe and culturally significant judgment. "Them" refers to other kings, particularly those who received honorable burials in royal sepulchres. The King of Babylon, despite his immense power and self-exaltation, will be denied this fundamental honor. His body will not be interred in a dignified manner alongside his predecessors or even in a common grave, but rather cast out, unmourned, and left to decay, symbolizing his utter rejection by God and humanity.
* **"because thou hast destroyed thy land, [and] slain thy people":** This is the explicit divine rationale for the king's ignominious fate. His punishment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of his tyrannical actions. "Destroyed thy land" (Hebrew: _'erets_ H776) refers to the devastation he brought upon his own territory, perhaps through oppressive policies, excessive taxation, or conscription that depleted its resources and people. "Slain thy people" (Hebrew: _'am_ H5971) highlights his ruthless violence and disregard for human life, even among his own populace. These acts of cruelty and destruction are the direct cause of his deserved disgrace.
* **"the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned":** This concluding phrase extends the judgment beyond the individual tyrant to his descendants or lineage ("seed," Hebrew: _zera'_ H2233). It signifies that the infamy of the wicked ruler will cling to his posterity. His "seed" (descendants) will not achieve lasting fame, respect, or a positive reputation. Their name will not be "called out" (Hebrew: _qârâ'_ H7121) with honor, ensuring that the legacy of his evil deeds will prevent his dynasty from establishing any respected or enduring renown. This underscores the lasting impact of unrighteousness across generations.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to amplify its message of judgment. **Irony** is central, as the king who aspired to ascend to the heavens is instead cast down to the lowest depths, denied even the basic dignity of burial afforded to lesser men. His grand ambition leads to the most ignoble end. **Contrast** is evident in the stark difference between the honorable burial typically accorded to kings and the utter disgrace awaiting this tyrant, whose body will be cast out. This contrast underscores the severity of divine judgment. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is used in the phrase "the seed of evildoers," where "seed" (Hebrew: _zera'_) stands for the entire progeny or descendants, extending the curse of infamy beyond the individual to his entire lineage. The prophetic declaration itself functions as a **Taunt Song**, designed to mock and deride the fallen oppressor, celebrating his demise and the liberation of the oppressed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:20 serves as a profound theological statement on divine justice, the consequences of human pride, and the nature of true legacy. It powerfully asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating that no ruler, however mighty, can escape His righteous judgment for oppression and violence. The king's ignominious end is a direct manifestation of the principle that "what a man sows, that he will also reap." This verse offers comfort to the oppressed, assuring them that their oppressors will not prevail indefinitely and that their suffering is seen by a just God who will ultimately bring down the proud and exalt the humble. It also challenges human notions of power and success, revealing that true renown is not built on conquest and destruction but on righteousness and justice.

* [Psalm 73:18-20](/psalms/73-18-20 "Psalm 73:18-20 - The Destiny of the Wicked") – "Surely you set them in slippery places; you cast them down to destruction. How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away by terrors!"
* [Proverbs 10:7](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - The Memory of the Just and the Wicked") – "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot."
* [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34-37 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration and Praise of God") – "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:20 offers timeless lessons for both individuals and nations. It serves as a stark reminder that power, when wielded for selfish ambition, oppression, and destruction, ultimately leads to a downfall far more profound than any earthly defeat—a loss of honor, legacy, and divine favor. For those who feel oppressed or witness injustice, this verse provides a powerful assurance that God sees, God judges, and God will ultimately bring justice. It encourages a long-term perspective on history, recognizing that the temporary triumph of evil will eventually yield to the enduring triumph of God's righteous order. Our actions, whether in leadership or daily life, have eternal consequences, shaping not only our immediate circumstances but also the legacy we leave behind. True renown, therefore, is not found in self-exaltation or worldly power, but in living a life that honors God and serves humanity with justice and compassion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the ultimate fate of the King of Babylon challenge modern notions of success and power?**
* **In what ways might we, even subtly, be tempted to "destroy our land" or "slay our people" through neglect, injustice, or self-serving actions in our own spheres of influence?**
* **What kind of legacy are you striving to build, and how does this verse inform your understanding of true, lasting renown?**
* **How does the assurance of God's justice in this passage bring comfort or challenge to your understanding of current global events?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of being denied burial in ancient cultures?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a proper burial was profoundly significant, symbolizing honor, respect, and the peaceful transition to the afterlife. It was a societal and religious imperative to bury the dead, often with specific rituals and in family tombs. To be denied burial, or to have one's body cast out and left unburied, was considered the ultimate disgrace and a severe curse. It signified utter rejection, the obliteration of one's memory, and the denial of rest, amplifying the severity of the judgment pronounced against the King of Babylon in [Isaiah 14:19-20](/isaiah/14-19-20 "Isaiah 14:19-20 - The Ignominious Burial").

**Does "the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned" mean that children are punished for their parents' sins?**

Answer: This phrase primarily speaks to the *legacy* and *reputation* of a tyrannical lineage, rather than an arbitrary punishment of innocent descendants for their ancestors' individual sins. It suggests that the infamy of the wicked ruler will be so great that it will tarnish the reputation of his entire dynasty, preventing his "seed" (descendants) from achieving any positive or lasting renown. It underscores the lasting consequences of profound evil and the failure of a wicked dynasty to establish a respected name. While the Bible teaches individual accountability, as seen in [Ezekiel 18:20](/zekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Each Person Accountable for Their Own Sins"), it also acknowledges that the consequences of a leader's actions can impact future generations, particularly regarding their societal standing and historical memory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 14:20, with its depiction of the ultimate downfall of a tyrannical king and the cursed legacy of evildoers, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate victory of Jesus over sin, death, and all oppressive powers. While the King of Babylon sought self-exaltation and met an ignominious end, Jesus, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He, the righteous King, willingly embraced a humble burial, not in a royal tomb, but in a borrowed one, yet from that grave, He rose in glorious triumph, shattering the power of death and the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). The "seed of evildoers" is condemned to never be renowned, but the "seed of the woman" foretold in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")—Christ Himself—has achieved eternal renown and a name above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Through His sacrifice, Christ "destroyed" (in a redemptive sense, akin to the destructive power of the King of Babylon, but here, destroying the works of the devil) the one who held the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus' Defeat of Death")), liberating His people from spiritual oppression. Thus, the justice foreshadowed in Isaiah's prophecy is fully realized in Christ's defeat of all evil and His establishment of an eternal kingdom of righteousness, where His renown will endure forever.

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

Psalms 21:10

Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.

Job 18:19

He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings.

Psalms 37:28

For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Psalms 109:13

Let his posterity be cut off; [and] in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

Isaiah 13:15

Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined [unto them] shall fall by the sword.

Isaiah 13:19

¶ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

Job 18:16

His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.