Isaiah 22:14

KJV

And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was revealed {H1540} in mine ears {H241} by the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, Surely this iniquity {H5771} shall not be purged {H3722} from you till ye die {H4191}, saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI-Tzva'ot revealed himself in my ears: "You will not atone for this iniquity until you die." This is what Adonai ELOHIM-Tzva'ot says.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD of Hosts has revealed in my hearing: “Until your dying day, this sin of yours will never be atoned for,” says the Lord GOD of Hosts.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah of hosts revealed himself in mine ears, Surely this iniquity shall not be forgiven you till ye die, saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 22:14 delivers a profoundly solemn and irreversible divine decree against Jerusalem, asserting that a specific, grievous "iniquity" will not be purged or atoned for in the lifetime of those who committed it. This pronouncement underscores the absolute gravity of persistent, unrepentant sin and the unyielding holiness and sovereignty of the Lord of hosts, who issues a final temporal judgment when His people choose revelry and self-reliance over humility and genuine repentance in the face of impending crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 22:14 stands as the climactic and most severe pronouncement within a larger oracle against Jerusalem, referred to as the "valley of vision" (see [Isaiah 22:1](/isaiah/22-1 "Isaiah 22:1 - The Oracle Concerning the Valley of Vision")). The preceding verses ([Isaiah 22:1-13](/isaiah/22-13 "Isaiah 22:1-13 - Jerusalem's Misguided Response to Crisis")) depict a city under siege or facing imminent threat, yet instead of turning to God in lamentation and repentance, the people are found indulging in reckless revelry, feasting, and drinking, with the fatalistic motto, "Let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die" ([Isaiah 22:13](/isaiah/22-13 "Isaiah 22:13 - The People's Fatalistic Indulgence")). This profound spiritual insensitivity and defiant disregard for God's call to humility and mourning constitute the "iniquity" that provokes the irreversible judgment of verse 14. The prophet's lament in [Isaiah 22:4](/isaiah/22-4 "Isaiah 22:4 - Isaiah's Grief for His People") highlights the stark contrast between God's sorrow over their impending doom and their frivolous response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The oracle in Isaiah 22 is widely understood to refer to the Assyrian threat, particularly the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib in 701 BC during the reign of King Hezekiah. While God miraculously delivered Jerusalem from Sennacherib's army (as recounted in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - God Delivers Jerusalem from Sennacherib") and [2 Chronicles 32](/2_chronicles/32 "2 Chronicles 32 - Hezekiah's Reforms and Sennacherib's Invasion")), Isaiah 22 appears to capture a moment when the people's response to the crisis was one of carnal confidence and self-sufficiency rather than spiritual reliance on God. Instead of humbling themselves and seeking divine intervention, they focused on strengthening their physical defenses, gathering water, and fortifying walls, while neglecting the spiritual condition of their hearts. Culturally, feasting and revelry were common responses to times of peace and prosperity, but to engage in such practices during a time of national crisis and divine warning was a profound act of spiritual rebellion and defiance against the Lord.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Irreversible Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that there are certain acts of persistent and defiant sin that can lead to a final, temporal judgment from which there is no escape or atonement in this life. It highlights the **Consequences of Unrepentant Sin**, particularly the spiritual complacency and hardened hearts that reject God's call to repentance and humility. The repeated use of "the LORD of hosts" underscores the **Sovereignty and Authority of God**, asserting His absolute power over all nations and events, and His right to execute justice. This judgment, while severe, also serves as a testament to God's **Holiness and Justice**, demonstrating that His character demands a response to human sin, especially when it is marked by arrogance and a deliberate turning away from Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **revealed (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From H1540, this primitive root means "to denude," "to exile," or "to uncover." Figuratively, it means "to reveal" or "disclose." Here, it signifies that the divine message was not hidden or obscure but clearly and definitively made known to the prophet, emphasizing the certainty and clarity of the judgment. The implication is that this revelation is not merely an insight but a direct, authoritative pronouncement from God.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, this word denotes "perversity," "moral evil," "fault," or "sin." It also carries the connotation of the "punishment of iniquity." In this context, it refers to the specific, egregious sin of Jerusalem's defiant revelry and lack of repentance in the face of divine warning, a perversity of heart that inverted the appropriate response to crisis.
* **purged (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** From H3722, this primitive root means "to cover," "to expiate," "to condone," "to placate," or "to cancel." It is the foundational word for "atonement" in the Old Testament. The negative construction "shall not be purged" signifies that for this particular iniquity, no covering, no expiation, and no forgiveness will be granted by God in their lifetime. This is a declaration of ultimate, temporal judgment, where the means of reconciliation are definitively withdrawn.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. The phrase "revealed in mine ears" indicates a direct, personal, and unmistakable communication from God to the prophet Isaiah, emphasizing that this is not Isaiah's personal opinion but a direct oracle from the Almighty. The title "the LORD of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) immediately signals the speaker's supreme power and authority as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation, lending immense weight and certainty to the ensuing pronouncement.
* **"Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die":** This is the core of the divine decree, a stark and irreversible judgment. "Surely" (or "Indeed") emphasizes the absolute certainty of the statement. The "iniquity" refers to the specific, unrepentant spiritual rebellion described in the preceding verses—the people's defiant revelry and refusal to humble themselves. The phrase "shall not be purged" (from _kâphar_) signifies that no atonement, no covering, no forgiveness, and no reconciliation will be granted for this particular sin. The temporal qualifier "till ye die" means that this judgment is final and irrevocable within their earthly lives; the consequences of this specific sin will remain upon them until their death. It is a declaration of ultimate temporal judgment.
* **"saith the Lord GOD of hosts":** This concluding phrase reiterates and reinforces the divine authority and unchangeable nature of the pronouncement. The repetition of the divine titles, now including "the Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH), further underscores the solemnity, certainty, and omnipotence of the One issuing the decree. It serves as a powerful seal on the judgment, leaving no doubt as to its source or its immutability.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 22:14 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its grave message. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, as the verse explicitly states, "it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts" and concludes with "saith the Lord GOD of hosts." This framing device establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the pronouncement, making it an unchallengeable decree from the Creator. **Repetition** of the title "LORD of hosts" (or "GOD of hosts") serves to emphasize God's supreme power, His role as commander of all creation, and the unwavering certainty of His judgment. This repetition adds solemnity and weight, impressing upon the listener the finality of the word spoken. Furthermore, the phrase "shall not be purged from you till ye die" functions as a form of **Irreversible Pronouncement** or **Temporal Finality**, highlighting the severity of the iniquity and God's resolute response. While not strictly hyperbole, it uses definitive language to convey the absolute and unalterable nature of the judgment within the lifetime of the unrepentant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 22:14 stands as a stark reminder of God's unyielding holiness and justice, demonstrating that while He is abundant in mercy and forgiveness, there are limits to His patience when met with persistent, defiant unrepentance. The "iniquity" of Jerusalem was not merely a lapse but a hardened posture of heart that rejected God's call to humility and mourning in a time of crisis, choosing instead a path of self-indulgence and reliance on human strength. This verse teaches that such a deliberate and arrogant spurning of divine grace can lead to a temporal judgment from which there is no escape or atonement in this life. It underscores that God takes sin seriously, especially when His people treat His warnings with contempt, and that His ultimate authority means His decrees are unchangeable once issued.

* [Numbers 15:30](/numbers/15-30 "Numbers 15:30 - The Sin with a High Hand")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - No More Sacrifice for Willful Sin")
* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing Upon Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 22:14 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and a hardened heart in the face of divine warnings. It challenges us to examine our own responses to crises and calls for repentance. Are we quick to humble ourselves before God, or do we, like ancient Jerusalem, seek comfort in worldly distractions and rely on our own strength? This verse reminds us that while God's grace is vast, His holiness demands a response to sin. Persistent, defiant unrepentance can lead to severe, even irreversible, consequences in this life. It compels us to cultivate a posture of humility, self-examination, and prompt repentance, ensuring that we do not presume upon God's patience or take His gracious warnings lightly. This passage, though stern, ultimately calls us to a deeper reverence for God's character and a more earnest pursuit of His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "hardened heart" or spiritual complacency, similar to Jerusalem's "iniquity"?**
* **How do I typically respond to times of crisis or divine warning—with humility and repentance, or with self-reliance and distraction?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the seriousness of sin and the unyielding holiness of God?**
* **How can I cultivate a more consistent posture of self-examination and prompt repentance in my daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific "iniquity" being judged in Isaiah 22:14?**

Answer: The "iniquity" refers to the specific, unrepentant spiritual rebellion of the people of Jerusalem described in the preceding verses of Isaiah 22. Instead of humbling themselves, mourning, and seeking God's face in a time of national crisis (likely an impending Assyrian siege), they chose defiant revelry, feasting, and drinking, saying, "Let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die" ([Isaiah 22:13](/isaiah/22-13 "Isaiah 22:13 - The People's Fatalistic Indulgence")). Their sin was not just their actions but their hardened hearts and their arrogant rejection of God's call to repentance, coupled with a misplaced reliance on human defenses rather than divine protection (see [Isaiah 22:9-11](/isaiah/22-9 "Isaiah 22:9-11 - Jerusalem's Preparations Without God")).

**Does "till ye die" mean there is no forgiveness after death for this sin?**

Answer: The phrase "till ye die" in Isaiah 22:14 signifies a final, irreversible temporal judgment, meaning that for this specific, defiant iniquity, there would be no atonement or forgiveness granted within their earthly lives. The consequences of this sin would remain with them until their death. It does not necessarily speak to the state of their souls after death, but rather emphasizes the severity and finality of God's judgment in this present life. This is distinct from the New Testament concept of the "unpardonable sin" (e.g., [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")), which refers to a spiritual state of persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony about Christ.

**How does this harsh pronouncement reconcile with God's character of mercy and forgiveness?**

Answer: While Isaiah 22:14 is a severe pronouncement, it does not contradict God's character of mercy and forgiveness, but rather highlights His holiness and justice. God's mercy is always available to those who genuinely repent (e.g., [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing Upon Repentance")). However, when His people defiantly and persistently refuse to humble themselves and turn from their wicked ways, treating His warnings with contempt, His justice demands a response. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's patience has limits and that there are consequences for hardened hearts that spurn His grace. It underscores that true mercy is not an absence of justice, but a gracious offer to escape it through repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 22:14, with its declaration that a specific iniquity "shall not be purged... till ye die," finds its ultimate theological fulfillment and profound contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament concept of "purging" (Hebrew _kâphar_) refers to atonement, a covering for sin, often through sacrifice. The grim reality of Isaiah 22:14 is that for Jerusalem's hardened heart, no such covering would be provided in their lifetime. However, the New Testament reveals the perfect and final atonement accomplished by Christ. He is the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice on the cross provides the complete and eternal "purging" (or propitiation) for sin that no animal sacrifice or human effort could achieve (see [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness") and [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation for Sins")). Through His shed blood, believers are truly cleansed and reconciled to God, experiencing a forgiveness that extends beyond the temporal limits of earthly life (as promised in [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Thus, while Isaiah 22:14 pronounces an unpurged iniquity leading to temporal death, Christ offers eternal life and a permanent purging of sin for all who believe, transforming the dire pronouncement of judgment into a glorious promise of grace and reconciliation. He is the one through whom even the most grievous iniquity can be truly and eternally purged.

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

Ezekiel 24:13

In thy filthiness [is] lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.

Isaiah 5:9

In mine ears [said] the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, [even] great and fair, without inhabitant.

1 Samuel 3:14

And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

Revelation 22:11

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Revelation 22:12

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

John 8:21

¶ Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

John 8:24

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins.