Isaiah 14:3

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in the day {H3117} that the LORD {H3068} shall give thee rest {H5117} from thy sorrow {H6090}, and from thy fear {H7267}, and from the hard {H7186} bondage {H5656} wherein thou wast made to serve {H5647},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, when ADONAI gives you rest from your suffering and trouble and from the hard service imposed on you,

Berean Standard Bible

On the day that the LORD gives you rest from your pain and torment, and from the hard labor into which you were forced,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:3 serves as a profound prophetic declaration of divine deliverance and restoration for God's people, particularly after their period of severe oppression under the Babylonian empire. This verse anticipates a future day when the Lord will grant Israel complete relief from the deep sorrow, pervasive fear, and harsh servitude they endured, ushering in an era of peace, security, and freedom from their former captors. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ultimate sovereignty over the nations, ensuring justice and comfort for the afflicted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 14:3 is nestled within a larger prophetic oracle against Babylon, commencing in [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13 - Oracle Against Babylon"). Chapters 13 and 14 form a cohesive unit, detailing the impending downfall of Babylon, the empire that would later enslave Judah. Following a vivid description of Babylon's destruction and the humiliation of its proud king (often interpreted as a type of Lucifer, as seen in [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer")), Isaiah pivots to God's compassionate restoration of His people. [Isaiah 14:1-2](/isaiah/14-1 "Isaiah 14:1-2 - God's Compassion for Israel") explicitly states that the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, choose Israel again, and settle them in their own land, where they will even rule over their former oppressors. Verse 3 then directly describes the blessed outcome of this divine intervention, providing the specific nature of the "rest" that will follow the period of intense suffering and servitude. This verse functions as a direct consequence and promise flowing from God's sovereign judgment and redemptive purpose.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered in the 8th century BC, long before the Babylonian exile actually occurred in the 6th century BC. This makes Isaiah's detailed predictions about Babylon's rise and fall, and Judah's subsequent captivity and return, remarkably prescient. The "hard bondage" mentioned in the verse directly foreshadows the seventy years of exile in Babylon, a period characterized by forced labor, cultural assimilation pressures, and the deep psychological trauma of displacement and subjugation. The concept of "rest" (Hebrew: *menuchah*) was deeply significant in ancient Israelite culture, often associated with the Sabbath, the Promised Land, and the cessation of warfare or oppression, signifying a state of security and well-being under God's favor. The experience of slavery, particularly the memory of Egyptian bondage (as recounted in [Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11 "Exodus 1:11-14 - Hard Labor in Egypt")), provided a cultural template for understanding the severity of "hard bondage" and the profound relief of divine liberation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that God is not only aware of His people's suffering but actively intervenes to bring about justice for the oppressed and judgment upon the oppressor. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, assuring Israel that despite their unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment (exile), God's promises of restoration and an everlasting covenant would ultimately prevail (cf. [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - Everlasting Covenant")). Thirdly, the theme of **Deliverance and Restoration** is central, portraying God as the ultimate liberator who frees His people from physical, emotional, and spiritual bondage. Finally, it speaks to the **Hope of Future Peace and Security**, a recurring motif in Isaiah, envisioning a time when God's people will dwell securely, free from fear and external threats, under His protective hand (e.g., [Isaiah 32:18](/isaiah/32-18 "Isaiah 32:18 - Dwelling in Peaceful Habitations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this term refers to a day (as the warm hours), but is often used figuratively to denote "a space of time defined by an associated term." In Isaiah 14:3, "in the day" points to a specific, divinely appointed period in the future when God's redemptive actions will unfold, rather than a literal 24-hour cycle. It signifies a significant epoch in salvation history.
* **rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to settle down," this word encompasses a wide variety of applications, including to cease, be quiet, remain, or give comfort. Here, it denotes a profound state of peace, tranquility, and security granted by God, signifying not merely a cessation of labor but a deep, comprehensive relief from all forms of distress and oppression. It implies a settled, secure existence.
* **bondage (Hebrew, _ʻăbôdâh'_):** Derived from the root `ʻâbad` (to work, serve, enslave), this noun refers to "work of any kind," including "bondage" or "servitude." When paired with "hard" (qâsheh), it specifically denotes severe, oppressive, and burdensome labor or servitude, highlighting the crushing nature of the forced service Israel endured under their captors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in the day":** This introductory phrase signals a future, divinely ordained event. It emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of God's prophetic word being fulfilled, pointing to a specific time in history when the promised deliverance will occur.
* **"that the LORD shall give thee rest":** This is the core promise, emphasizing divine agency. The "LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) is the self-existent, covenant-keeping God, the one who actively intervenes in history. He is the sole source of this "rest," which is a comprehensive peace and security, not merely a temporary respite. The "thee" refers to Israel, the recipient of this divine favor.
* **"from thy sorrow, and from thy fear":** These clauses specify the internal, emotional, and psychological burdens from which Israel will be liberated. "Sorrow" (H6090) speaks of deep pain and distress, possibly even idolatry. "Fear" (H7267) refers to terror, anxiety, and the constant dread associated with living under an oppressive regime, suggesting a profound emotional and mental healing.
* **"and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve":** This clause addresses the external, physical, and societal oppression. "Hard bondage" (H7186, H5656) denotes severe, cruel, and burdensome servitude, akin to slavery. The phrase "wherein thou wast made to serve" (H5647) underscores the involuntary and forced nature of their servitude, highlighting the complete and comprehensive nature of the promised liberation—from both internal anguish and external oppression.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 14:3 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of hope and deliverance. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the verse foretells a future event—Israel's liberation from Babylonian captivity—long before it occurred. This highlights God's omniscience and sovereign control over history. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the listing of the burdens: "from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage." This tripartite structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the suffering and, by extension, the comprehensive nature of God's promised "rest." The phrase "hard bondage" also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, underscoring the extreme severity of the servitude Israel endured. Furthermore, the entire oracle against Babylon, of which this verse is a part, uses **Typology**, where the historical deliverance from Babylon foreshadows a greater, ultimate liberation that God provides for His people from all forms of spiritual and physical oppression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:3 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating His active role as a deliverer who brings justice and comfort to the oppressed. The promise of "rest" is not merely a cessation of suffering but a profound state of peace and security that only God can provide, reflecting His character as a compassionate and righteous King. This divine intervention underscores the theological truth that human suffering, even under severe oppression, is not outside the scope of God's sovereign plan and redemptive purpose. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers that seek to enslave or diminish His people.

* [Deuteronomy 28:65](/deuteronomy/28-65 "Deuteronomy 28:65 - Restlessness and Fear in Exile")
* [Psalm 95:11](/psalms/95-11 "Psalm 95:11 - God's Rest for His People")
* [Jeremiah 30:10](/jeremiah/30-10 "Jeremiah 30:10 - Deliverance from Bondage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:3 offers a timeless message of hope and assurance for all who find themselves in periods of profound sorrow, fear, or oppressive circumstances. While rooted in Israel's historical experience of Babylonian captivity, its spiritual resonance extends to the various forms of "bondage" we may encounter today—whether it be the weight of anxiety, the chains of addiction, the exhaustion of relentless struggle, or the spiritual oppression of sin. This verse reminds us that God sees our suffering, hears our cries, and is actively at work to bring about a day of "rest." It challenges us to place our trust not in our own strength or strategies for escape, but in the sovereign power of the LORD, who alone can grant true and lasting peace. It encourages us to endure hardship with the conviction that our present trials are temporary and that God's promised deliverance is certain, leading us into a state of spiritual and emotional tranquility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sorrows," "fears," or "hard bondages" in your life are you currently seeking rest from?**
* **How does the promise of the LORD giving "rest" impact your perspective on current difficulties or prolonged suffering?**
* **In what ways can you actively lean into God's promised rest, even before full deliverance is realized?**
* **How does knowing God is sovereign over all forms of oppression strengthen your faith and hope?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse only apply to ancient Israel and their Babylonian captivity?**

Answer: While Isaiah 14:3 has a specific historical context related to ancient Israel's deliverance from Babylonian captivity, its theological principles and promises extend beyond that single historical event. The prophecy serves as a **type** or **pattern** of God's redemptive work throughout history. It reveals God's character as a compassionate deliverer who intervenes to bring rest from sorrow, fear, and oppression for His people. Therefore, while the immediate fulfillment was for Israel, the underlying truths about God's faithfulness, justice, and power to liberate are timeless and applicable to all believers facing various forms of "bondage"—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This verse offers a universal message of hope in God's ultimate deliverance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 14:3, with its promise of divine "rest" from sorrow, fear, and hard bondage, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While historically pointing to Israel's liberation from Babylon, this prophecy casts a shadow forward to the greater spiritual deliverance offered through the Messiah. Humanity's deepest "sorrow" stems from sin and separation from God, our most profound "fear" is that of judgment and death, and our most oppressive "bondage" is to sin and its consequences (cf. [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Freed from Sin")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came precisely to give this ultimate rest. He invites all who are weary and burdened by the weight of sin and legalism to [come to Him and find rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ broke the power of sin and death, offering true freedom and peace that surpasses all understanding (cf. [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). The "day" when the LORD gives rest is fully realized in the new covenant, where believers enter into a spiritual rest in Christ, anticipating the final, complete rest in His eternal kingdom (cf. [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains")). Thus, Isaiah 14:3 beautifully foreshadows the comprehensive liberation from sin, fear, and spiritual bondage that only the Messiah could provide.

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

Jeremiah 30:10

¶ Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid.

Ezra 9:8

And now for a little space grace hath been [shewed] from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

Ezra 9:9

For we [were] bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 32:18

And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

Zechariah 8:8

And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.

Ezekiel 28:24

And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor [any] grieving thorn of all [that are] round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

Deuteronomy 28:65

And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind: