Isaiah 34:11

KJV

But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the cormorant {H6893} and the bittern {H7090} shall possess {H3423} it; the owl {H3244} also and the raven {H6158} shall dwell {H7931} in it: and he shall stretch out {H5186} upon it the line {H6957} of confusion {H8414}, and the stones {H68} of emptiness {H922}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Horned owl and hawk will possess it, screech owl and raven will live there; he will stretch over it the measuring line of confusion and the plumbline of the empty void.

Berean Standard Bible

The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction.

American Standard Version

But the pelican and the porcupine shall possess it; and the owl and the raven shall dwell therein: and he will stretch over it the line of confusion, and the plummet of emptiness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 34:11 powerfully depicts the absolute and irreversible desolation that will befall a land, particularly Edom, as a consequence of divine judgment. The verse portrays a scene where human habitation is replaced by creatures of ruin—cormorants, bitterns, owls, and ravens—signifying utter abandonment. Furthermore, it employs vivid imagery of God measuring out chaos and nothingness, using the "line of confusion" and "stones of emptiness," thereby symbolizing a deliberate act of de-creation, a return to primordial disorder as a direct result of rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 34 is a pivotal chapter within the larger prophetic book, forming part of a significant oracle concerning "The Day of the LORD's Vengeance." This chapter, often seen as a companion to the glorious vision of restoration in [Isaiah 35](/isaiah/35 "Isaiah 35 - The Desert Blooms"), starkly contrasts the fate of God's enemies with the redemption of His people. While the chapter broadly addresses judgment upon "all nations," it specifically zeroes in on Edom, Israel's ancient and persistent adversary, making Edom a symbolic representation of all who oppose God. The preceding verses (Isaiah 34:1-10) describe a scene of cosmic upheaval, divine wrath, and widespread slaughter, setting the stage for the complete devastation detailed in verse 11. The verse thus serves as the grim aftermath, illustrating the final, irreversible state of a land utterly consumed by divine fury, rendered uninhabitable by humanity and given over to the wild.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea in the mountainous region of Seir, had a long history of antagonism towards Israel, stemming from the rivalry between Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25). This animosity manifested in various conflicts and a refusal to aid Israel, notably during the Exodus and later during Jerusalem's fall (e.g., [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery Against Jacob")). Culturally, the mention of specific birds—cormorant, bittern, owl, and raven—is significant. These birds were often associated with desolate places, ruins, swamps, or were considered "unclean" in Israelite law (e.g., [Leviticus 11:13-19](/leviticus/11-13-19 "Leviticus 11:13-19 - Unclean Birds")). Their presence in a once-inhabited land underscored its complete abandonment and ruin. The imagery of a "line" and "stones" (or plumb-line and plummet) evokes the tools of an ancient builder or surveyor. While these tools were typically used to establish order, measure for construction, or ensure precision, here they are ironically employed by God to measure out destruction and chaos, indicating a deliberate and precise act of de-creation rather than building.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes interwoven throughout Isaiah 34:11 are **Divine Judgment and Desolation**, emphasizing the absolute and irreversible nature of God's wrath against sin and rebellion. The land, once potentially thriving, is reduced to a wasteland, possessed only by creatures symbolic of ruin and abandonment. A profound theme is the **Reversal of Creation**, powerfully conveyed by the phrases "line of confusion" (`qav tohu`) and "stones of emptiness" (`avne bohu`). These terms directly echo the Hebrew words `tohu` and `bohu` from [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Without Form and Void"), which describe the earth's primordial state as "without form, and void" before God's creative ordering. In Isaiah 34:11, God is depicted as actively "undoing" creation, measuring out chaos and nothingness, symbolizing a return to primordial disorder as a consequence of profound ungodliness. This signifies that the judgment is not merely destructive but a deliberate act of divine de-creation. Finally, the **Symbolism of Ruin** is evident in the specific birds mentioned. The cormorant, bittern, owl, and raven are all creatures that thrive in desolate, abandoned, or swampy environments. Their presence signifies that the land will be utterly forsaken by humanity and given over to decay and wildness, a stark contrast to a flourishing, inhabited land. This imagery reinforces the completeness of the judgment, leaving no hope for human re-habitation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **possess (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This primitive root signifies "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin." In Isaiah 34:11, it dramatically reverses the typical meaning of human inheritance or possession. Instead of people taking possession of a land, it is now the wild, unclean birds that "possess" it, indicating a complete and permanent transfer of ownership from human habitation to utter desolation and ruin. The land is not merely abandoned but actively claimed by creatures of the wild.
* **stretch out (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** This primitive root means "to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away." It is a versatile verb used for pitching tents, spreading hands in prayer, or extending a scepter. Here, its use is deeply ironic and significant. God, the ultimate architect of creation, is depicted as "stretching out" a measuring line. However, instead of measuring for building or order (as a builder would), He is measuring for destruction, chaos, and emptiness. This implies a deliberate, precise, and sovereign act of de-creation, not a random act of violence, but a measured and intentional judgment.
* **confusion (Hebrew, _tôhûw'_):** This word, derived from an unused root meaning "to lie waste," denotes "a desolation (of surface), i.e. desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain; confusion, empty place, without form, nothing, (thing of) nought, vain, vanity, waste, wilderness." Its most famous occurrence is in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Without Form and Void"), where it describes the earth as "without form" before creation. In Isaiah 34:11, its reappearance signifies a reversal of creation—a return to a state of formlessness and primordial chaos, not as a prelude to new creation, but as the final state of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it":** This clause immediately establishes the theme of desolation. The "it" refers to the land, specifically Edom, which is the primary focus of judgment in this chapter. The cormorant (`qâʼath`) and bittern (`qippôwd`) are birds typically associated with desolate, swampy, or ruined places. Their presence signifies that the land will no longer be fit for human habitation but will be claimed by creatures of the wild, underscoring its utter abandonment.
* **"the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it":** This continues the imagery of ruin and abandonment, reinforcing the complete takeover by wild creatures. The owl (`yanshûwph`) and raven (`ʻôrêb`) are also birds often linked with desolate environments and are considered unclean. Their "dwelling" in the land implies a permanent state of ruin, where the only inhabitants are those that thrive in decay and emptiness, further emphasizing the irreversible nature of the judgment.
* **"and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion":** This is a powerful anthropomorphic image of God as a divine architect or surveyor. "He" refers to God. The "line" (`qav`) is a measuring line, usually used for construction and establishing order. However, here it is the "line of confusion" (`tôhûw`). This is a direct echo of [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Without Form and Void"), where `tôhûw` describes the earth as "without form" before God brought order. The stretching out of this line signifies God's deliberate, precise, and sovereign act of measuring out chaos and disorder upon the land, effectively undoing its very structure and form.
* **"and the stones of emptiness.":** This final clause completes the imagery of de-creation. "Stones" (`ʼeben`) here likely refers to plumb-stones or plummet weights, used in conjunction with a line to ensure verticality and precision in building. But these are "stones of emptiness" (`bôhûw`). Like `tôhûw`, `bôhûw` (void) is also from [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Without Form and Void"), describing the earth as "void." The pairing of "line of confusion" and "stones of emptiness" creates a powerful **merism**, encompassing total disorder and vacuity. God is meticulously measuring out nothingness, indicating a judgment that leaves the land in a state of primordial void, devoid of life, order, or purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 34:11 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Irony**. The specific birds—cormorant, bittern, owl, and raven—are symbolic of desolation, abandonment, and ruin, transforming a once-inhabited land into a wild wasteland. The greatest **Irony** lies in God's use of a builder's tools—the measuring "line" and "stones" (plumb-line and plummet)—not to construct or bring order, but to measure out destruction and chaos. This is a profound **Allusion** to [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Without Form and Void"), where `tohu` (confusion/formlessness) and `bohu` (emptiness/void) describe the pre-creation state of the earth. By invoking these terms, Isaiah portrays God as actively "de-creating" the land, returning it to a state of primordial disorder as a definitive act of judgment. This **Allusion** serves to emphasize the absolute and irreversible nature of the divine wrath, a reversal of the very act of creation itself. The pairing of "line of confusion" and "stones of emptiness" also functions as a **Merism**, encompassing the totality of desolation and void.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 34:11 serves as a stark theological declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and unyielding justice. It underscores the biblical principle that persistent rebellion against God's righteous standards inevitably leads to severe consequences, culminating in spiritual and existential desolation. The imagery of de-creation, echoing the primordial chaos of [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Without Form and Void"), highlights God's power not only to create but also to un-create, to withdraw His life-giving order and allow a return to chaos as a form of ultimate judgment. This verse reminds us that God's wrath is a holy and active response to unrighteousness, not a passive withdrawal, but a deliberate act of bringing about the deserved consequences of sin. It stands as a powerful warning against rejecting divine order and choosing paths that lead to spiritual emptiness and confusion.

* [Jeremiah 4:23-26](/jeremiah/4-23-26 "Jeremiah 4:23-26 - Prophecy of Desolation and Return to Chaos")
* [Zephaniah 2:13-15](/zephaniah/2-13-15 "Zephaniah 2:13-15 - Prophecy Against Nineveh's Desolation")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon and Its Desolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 34:11 offers a sobering reflection on the consequences of human rebellion and the unwavering nature of divine justice. While its immediate context is a historical prophecy against Edom, its underlying principles resonate deeply with the human condition. This verse compels us to consider the profound seriousness of sin, which, left unchecked, leads to a spiritual "tohu and bohu"—a life without form, void of meaning, and consumed by confusion and emptiness. It challenges us to examine areas in our lives where we might be resisting God's order, pursuing self-destructive paths, or allowing spiritual "desolation" to creep in. The imagery of God measuring out chaos serves as a powerful reminder that true flourishing comes only from aligning with His creative and redemptive purposes. It calls for repentance, a turning away from the path of spiritual decay, and an embrace of the life and order that God alone can provide, lest our own lives become a wasteland inhabited by the "ravens" of regret and the "owls" of despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "confusion" or "emptiness" (tohu and bohu), and how might these relate to a departure from God's intended order?**
* **How does the imagery of God "measuring out" desolation challenge my understanding of His justice and sovereignty?**
* **What "unclean birds" or destructive habits might be "possessing" or "dwelling" in parts of my spiritual or emotional landscape, and how can I invite God's order to dispossess them?**
* **How does this verse, despite its grim portrayal, implicitly point to the necessity and beauty of God's redemptive work in bringing order out of chaos?**

### FAQ
**Why are specific birds mentioned in this prophecy of desolation?**

Answer: The mention of the cormorant, bittern, owl, and raven is highly symbolic. These birds were commonly associated with desolate, ruined, or swampy environments in the ancient Near East. Many were also considered "unclean" according to Mosaic law (e.g., [Leviticus 11:13-19](/leviticus/11-13-19 "Leviticus 11:13-19 - Unclean Birds")). Their presence signifies that the land, once potentially inhabited by humans, will be utterly abandoned, given over to decay and wildness. It emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of the judgment, where the only "dwellers" are creatures of ruin, reinforcing the idea that the land has become a wasteland unfit for human life.

**What is the significance of the "line of confusion" and "stones of emptiness"?**

Answer: These phrases are central to the verse's meaning and are a profound [allusion to Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Without Form and Void"). The Hebrew terms are `qav tohu` ("line of confusion") and `avne bohu` ("stones of emptiness"). `Tohu` (formlessness/confusion) and `bohu` (emptiness/void) are the exact words used to describe the earth's state before God brought order to creation. Here, God is depicted using a builder's tools (a measuring line and plumb weights) not to construct or establish order, but precisely the opposite: to measure out destruction and de-creation. It implies a deliberate, sovereign act of divine judgment that leaves nothing but chaos and void, a reversal of the creative act, returning the land to a primordial state of disorder.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 34:11 vividly portrays a scene of divine judgment and de-creation, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in how Jesus Christ addresses the very chaos and emptiness that sin introduces into the world. The "line of confusion" and "stones of emptiness" that God stretches out upon rebellious nations find their spiritual echo in the human condition alienated from God, which is truly "without form and void" (cf. [Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Without Christ, without hope")). Christ, however, is the one who steps into this spiritual void. He is the pre-existent Word through whom all things were created, and in Him, "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). He bears the full weight of God's judgment against sin on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ does not measure out confusion and emptiness but rather brings forth new creation, order, and life where there was once spiritual desolation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Ultimately, the final judgment of all evil and rebellion, which Isaiah 34 foreshadows, is fully accomplished by Christ, who will bring about a new heavens and a new earth where there will be no more "tohu and bohu," but perfect order, peace, and the dwelling of God with humanity ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, Christ is the answer to the chaos, the bringer of ultimate order, and the one who transforms the "stones of emptiness" into the cornerstone of eternal life.

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 Kings 21:13

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as [a man] wipeth a dish, wiping [it], and turning [it] upside down.

Lamentations 2:8

The LORD hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion: he hath stretched out a line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying: therefore he made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together.

Zephaniah 2:14

And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; [their] voice shall sing in the windows; desolation [shall be] in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.

Revelation 18:2

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

Isaiah 14:23

I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 Samuel 8:2

And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And [so] the Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts.

Isaiah 24:10

The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in.