Isaiah 14:22

KJV

For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I will rise up {H6965} against them, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, and cut off {H3772} from Babylon {H894} the name {H8034}, and remnant {H7605}, and son {H5209}, and nephew {H5220}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I will arise against them," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot. "I will cut off from Bavel name and remnant, offshoot and offspring," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“I will rise up against them,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will cut off from Babylon her name and her remnant, her offspring and her posterity,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And I will rise up against them, saith Jehovah of hosts, and cut off from Babylon name and remnant, and son and son’s son, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:22 delivers a profound and authoritative declaration of divine judgment against Babylon, a pivotal moment within Isaiah's prophetic oracles. This verse unequivocally asserts the LORD's absolute sovereignty and active intervention in human history, promising a comprehensive and irreversible obliteration of Babylon's name, lineage, and legacy, thereby ensuring its complete and utter downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14:22 is situated within a larger "burden" or oracle concerning Babylon, specifically found in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - The Burden Against Babylon") and [Isaiah 14](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14 - The Fall of Babylon"). This section follows a vivid description of Babylon's impending fall, marked by cosmic disturbances and the gathering of God's instruments of judgment. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 14:4-21](/isaiah/14-4 "Isaiah 14:4-21 - Taunt Against the King of Babylon") feature a triumphant taunt song, mocking the once-proud king of Babylon and his descent into Sheol. Verse 22 serves as the LORD's definitive and solemn pronouncement, sealing the fate described in the poetic taunt and emphasizing the divine origin and certainty of this judgment. It transitions from the poetic lament to a direct, unyielding declaration from God Himself, underscoring the finality of Babylon's destruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BCE), Babylon was not yet the dominant world power that would later conquer Judah and exile its people. Assyria was the prevailing empire. However, Isaiah's foresight centuries into the future, predicting Babylon's rise and subsequent catastrophic fall, highlights the divine nature of the prophecy. Babylon would later become the instrument of God's judgment against Judah (cf. [2 Kings 24](/2_kings/24 "2 Kings 24 - Judah's Exile to Babylon")), making this prophecy a profound message of hope and reassurance for God's people that their future oppressor would ultimately face divine retribution. Culturally, the concept of "name, remnant, son, and nephew" represented the totality of a people's existence – their reputation, their survivors, and their future generations. To "cut off" all these elements was to pronounce a complete and irreversible end to a nation's identity and continuation, a fate worse than mere defeat or subjugation.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes embedded in Isaiah 14:22 include the **unrelenting divine judgment** against pride and oppression, the **absolute sovereignty of God** over nations and empires, and the **certainty of prophetic fulfillment**. The declaration "I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts" powerfully asserts God's active and decisive role in history, not merely as an observer but as the ultimate executor of justice. This theme resonates throughout the prophetic books, demonstrating that no human power, however mighty, can withstand the will of the Almighty (cf. [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Sets Up and Removes Kings")). The promise to "cut off... the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew" underscores the theme of **total annihilation of legacy**, signifying a destruction so profound that Babylon's very memory and potential for revival would be erased. This serves as a stark warning against national hubris and a comforting assurance to God's people that their oppressors will not escape divine accountability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** H3772, a primitive root meaning "to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume." This verb powerfully conveys the decisive and violent nature of God's action against Babylon. It's not merely a decline or a defeat, but a complete severance, an eradication that leaves nothing remaining. While _kârath_ can also mean "to covenant" (by cutting flesh), here it is used in its destructive sense, emphasizing the irreversible termination of Babylon's existence as a power and a people.
* **son (Hebrew, _nîyn'_):** H5209, derived from a root meaning "progeny." This term specifically refers to a male descendant, indicating the direct continuation of a family line. Its inclusion signifies the cutting off of the immediate next generation, preventing the perpetuation of Babylon's people.
* **nephew (Hebrew, _neked'_):** H5220, from an unused root meaning "to propagate," referring to offspring, specifically a son's son or grandson. The inclusion of "nephew" (more accurately, grandson or descendant) alongside "son" extends the scope of destruction beyond the immediate generation to future generations. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, ensuring that no one will be left to carry on Babylon's lineage or memory, thus signifying an absolute and final end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts":** This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and authority behind the impending judgment. "I will rise up" indicates a deliberate, active, and powerful intervention by God. The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power as the commander of all creation, including celestial armies and earthly powers, underscoring His omnipotence and capacity to execute this devastating prophecy. The repeated "saith the LORD" reinforces the divine origin and certainty of the declaration.
* **"and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew":** This is the core declaration of judgment. "Cut off" signifies a complete and decisive eradication. The progression "name, and remnant, and son, and nephew" is a powerful Hebrew idiom for total obliteration. "Name" refers to reputation, fame, and memory, implying the erasure of Babylon's very identity and historical impact. "Remnant" refers to any survivors, ensuring no one is left to rebuild. "Son" and "nephew" (descendant) signify the complete cessation of its lineage and future generations, leaving no one to carry on its legacy. This comprehensive list underscores the utter finality of Babylon's destruction.
* **"saith the LORD.":** This concluding phrase reiterates the divine authorship and unshakeable certainty of the prophecy, serving as a powerful divine seal on the pronouncement. It emphasizes that this is not merely a human prediction but a decree from the sovereign God who controls history.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey the severity and certainty of God's judgment. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, used to emphasize the totality of Babylon's destruction through the phrase "cut off... the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew." While not necessarily meaning every single individual would be annihilated, it powerfully conveys the complete erasure of Babylon's identity, influence, and future as a distinct entity. This phrase also functions as a powerful **Merism**, where two contrasting or encompassing parts (like "son and nephew" representing all descendants, or "name and remnant" representing reputation and survival) are used to signify the whole, emphasizing absolute totality. The repeated phrase "saith the LORD" acts as a **Divine Affirmation** or **Anaphora**, lending immense authority and certainty to the prophecy, reinforcing that this is an unchangeable decree from the sovereign God. Furthermore, the very title "LORD of hosts" is a powerful **Epithet**, highlighting God's military might and His command over all forces, both heavenly and earthly, underscoring His capacity to execute such a comprehensive judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:22 stands as a powerful testament to God's unyielding justice and His absolute control over the course of human history. Theologically, it affirms the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all nations, raising up and bringing down empires according to His divine will. It serves as a stark warning against national pride, oppression, and rebellion against God, demonstrating that even the mightiest human kingdoms are ultimately subject to His judgment. For God's people, it offers profound comfort and reassurance that He sees their suffering and will ultimately bring justice to their oppressors, ensuring that wickedness does not prevail indefinitely. This verse underscores the theme of divine retribution, revealing a God who is not passive in the face of injustice but actively intervenes to uphold righteousness and fulfill His prophetic word.

* [Jeremiah 51:62-64](/jeremiah/51-62 "Jeremiah 51:62-64 - Prophecy of Babylon's Utter Destruction")
* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")
* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Symbolic Fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:22, while a declaration of ancient judgment, holds profound contemporary relevance for believers. It calls us to reflect on the nature of God as a righteous and sovereign judge who will ultimately bring all things to account. In a world often marked by injustice, oppression, and the seemingly unchecked power of evil, this verse offers an anchor of hope and trust in God's ultimate justice. It reminds us that no empire, no ideology, and no individual can stand against the will of the Almighty. For those who feel oppressed or witness injustice, it provides comfort that God is actively engaged in history and will not allow wickedness to go unpunished forever. Conversely, it serves as a solemn warning against pride, arrogance, and the abuse of power, whether on a national or personal level. We are called to humble ourselves before God, recognizing His supreme authority and seeking to live in accordance with His righteous standards, rather than building our lives or societies on foundations of self-sufficiency or oppression.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration of God's judgment against Babylon strengthen your trust in His justice in the face of present-day injustices?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, exhibit the kind of pride or oppressive tendencies that God opposes?**
* **How does the historical fulfillment of prophecies like this one impact your faith in the reliability and truthfulness of God's Word for your life today?**
* **What practical steps can we take to align our lives and actions more closely with God's righteous character, as revealed in His judgment against Babylon?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the title "LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is highly significant because it emphasizes God's supreme authority and power. "Sabaoth" refers to armies, hosts, or masses, implying God's command over all creation—celestial armies, earthly powers, and all natural forces. In the context of Isaiah 14:22, it underscores His omnipotence and His capacity to fulfill His every word, including this devastating prophecy against Babylon. It assures the reader that the one making this declaration has the power to bring it to pass. This title frequently appears in prophetic books, affirming God's control over historical events and the fate of nations, as seen in passages like [Psalm 46:7](/psalm/46-7 "Psalm 46:7 - The LORD of Hosts is with us").

**How was the prophecy of Babylon's "name, remnant, son, and nephew" being cut off fulfilled?**

Answer: This prophecy was fulfilled through the gradual but decisive decline and ultimate desolation of Babylon. While the city was initially conquered by the Persians under Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE (as described in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon")), it was not immediately destroyed. However, over centuries, its glory faded. Subsequent conquerors, like Xerxes, further dismantled its structures, and Alexander the Great's plans to restore it never materialized. Eventually, the city fell into ruin, becoming uninhabited and a desolate place, exactly as prophesied (cf. [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Babylon's Desolation")). The "name" was erased as its influence vanished; the "remnant" ceased to exist as a distinct people; and "son and nephew" meant its lineage and future generations were utterly cut off, preventing any revival of the Babylonian empire or culture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 14:22 directly prophesies the judgment of literal Babylon, its profound theological principles find ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Christ. The "LORD of hosts" who rises up against Babylon is the same sovereign God who, in Christ, decisively confronts and triumphs over all forms of spiritual Babylon—the systems of sin, rebellion, and oppression that stand against Him. Just as Babylon's "name, remnant, son, and nephew" were cut off, signifying a complete and final judgment, so too does Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection accomplish a definitive victory over sin and death, cutting off their power and dominion over those who believe (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). The ultimate "cutting off" of all that opposes God is realized in the person of Jesus, who, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and as the returning King, will finally and completely judge all unrighteousness, bringing about a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells (cf. [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse") and [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")). Thus, the judgment declared in Isaiah 14:22 foreshadows the comprehensive and final victory of God's kingdom through Christ, ensuring that all forms of spiritual and historical opposition to His rule will ultimately be eradicated.

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

Proverbs 10:7

¶ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

1 Kings 14:10

Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, [and] him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.

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 50:35

A sword [is] upon the Chaldeans, saith the LORD, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise [men].

Jeremiah 51:56

Because the spoiler is come upon her, [even] upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

Jeremiah 51:57

And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise [men], her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 13:5

They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, [even] the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.