Isaiah 5:14

KJV

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore hell {H7585} hath enlarged {H7337} herself {H5315}, and opened {H6473} her mouth {H6310} without measure {H2706}: and their glory {H1926}, and their multitude {H1995}, and their pomp {H7588}, and he that rejoiceth {H5938}, shall descend {H3381} into it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore Sh'ol has enlarged itself and opened its limitless jaws - and down go their nobles and masses, along with their noise and revels.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore Sheol enlarges its throat and opens wide its enormous jaws, and down go Zion’s nobles and masses, her revelers and carousers!

American Standard Version

Therefore Sheol hath enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth among them, descend into it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:14 delivers a stark prophetic warning, vividly portraying the inevitable and comprehensive judgment awaiting the unrepentant people of Judah. Through the personification of "hell" (Sheol) as an insatiable, devouring entity, the verse declares that the nation's pride, revelry, and worldly achievements—their glory, multitude, pomp, and joyous celebrations—will be utterly consumed, descending into an inescapable abyss of destruction as a direct consequence of their profound moral and spiritual decay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:14 serves as a climactic declaration of judgment within the broader "Song of the Vineyard" and the subsequent "Woes" pronounced by the prophet Isaiah. The preceding verses (Isaiah 5:1-7) establish God's disappointment with His "vineyard" (Israel/Judah), which, despite divine care, yielded wild grapes instead of justice and righteousness. This is followed by a series of six "Woes" (Isaiah 5:8-23) condemning specific societal sins: greed and land accumulation (Isaiah 5:8-10), drunkenness and revelry (Isaiah 5:11-12), moral perversion (Isaiah 5:18-19), ethical confusion (Isaiah 5:20), arrogance (Isaiah 5:21), and injustice by corrupt leaders (Isaiah 5:22-23). Verse 14 directly follows the pronouncement of captivity due to lack of knowledge and understanding (Isaiah 5:13), linking the nation's spiritual blindness and moral depravity to the impending, all-consuming judgment. It acts as a graphic, personified consequence of the behaviors detailed in the preceding "Woes," particularly the heedlessness and pride mentioned in [Isaiah 5:12](/isaiah/5-12 "Isaiah 5:12 - Indifference to God's Work").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history (c. 740-681 BC), spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This era was marked by significant political instability, including the rise of the Assyrian Empire, which posed an existential threat to both Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom). Culturally, Judah had become increasingly influenced by pagan practices and social injustices, despite its covenant relationship with Yahweh. The prosperity experienced under Uzziah had led to widespread materialism, social stratification, and moral laxity, as highlighted by the "Woes." The imagery of a devouring "hell" or Sheol would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern concepts of the underworld as a place of no return, a dark realm where the dead resided. The "glory, multitude, and pomp" refer to the outward displays of wealth, power, and celebratory revelry that characterized the elite society of Judah, which Isaiah condemned as superficial and ultimately vain in the face of divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's righteous response to sin and covenant unfaithfulness. The "enlarged hell" is a vivid metaphor for the vast and inescapable doom that will engulf the unrepentant nation, underscoring the **Consequences of Sin**—that moral decay and spiritual apathy inevitably lead to catastrophic outcomes. It highlights the **Vanity of Worldly Glory**, demonstrating that human achievements, wealth, and celebrations ("glory, multitude, pomp, and he that rejoiceth") are transient and offer no protection against divine wrath, echoing sentiments found in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities"). Finally, the imagery conveys the **Inescapability of Destruction**, portraying Sheol as an insatiable entity whose "mouth without measure" signifies a boundless, all-consuming judgment from which there is no escape, a fate foreshadowed by the captivity mentioned in [Isaiah 5:13](/isaiah/5-13 "Isaiah 5:13 - Consequences of Ignorance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hell (Hebrew, _shᵉʼôwl'_):** From H7585, this term refers to Hades or the world of the dead, often understood as a subterranean retreat. In this context, it is personified as an insatiable entity, not necessarily a place of eternal torment as in some New Testament understandings, but rather a realm of destruction, silence, and separation that consumes all who fall into it. Its "enlargement" signifies its increased capacity or voracious appetite for the doomed.
* **without measure (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** From H2706, meaning an enactment, appointment, or set limit. The phrase "without measure" (literally "without its appointed limit") emphasizes the boundless, insatiable nature of the destruction. Sheol's capacity to swallow is depicted as limitless, exceeding any normal boundary or decree, underscoring the totality and severity of the impending judgment.
* **descend (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** From H3381, a primitive root meaning to go downwards, to fall, or to be brought down. Here, it vividly portrays the inevitable downward trajectory of Judah's proud and reveling populace into the consuming maw of Sheol, signifying their utter ruin and demise. It denotes a complete and irreversible fall from their former state of glory and celebration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure:"** This opening clause establishes the terrifying consequence of Judah's sins, linking it directly to the preceding woes. "Hell" (Sheol) is personified as a monstrous, living entity actively preparing for its victims. The phrase "enlarged herself" suggests an expansion of its capacity, an insatiable hunger for the multitudes of the unrighteous. "Opened her mouth without measure" further emphasizes this boundless appetite, indicating that the destruction will be total and unrestrained, consuming all without limit or exception. It implies a judgment so vast that no one, regardless of their status or number, will escape its grasp.
* **"and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp,"** This segment identifies the specific aspects of Judah's society that will be swallowed by Sheol. "Glory" (H1926, _hâdâr_) refers to their splendor, honor, and outward magnificence. "Multitude" (H1995, _hâmôwn_) denotes their vast numbers, their crowds, their influence, or even their wealth. "Pomp" (H7588, _shâʼôwn_) signifies their uproar, revelry, ostentation, and the celebratory noise associated with their luxurious lifestyle. These terms collectively represent the superficial, worldly achievements and self-indulgent pleasures that Judah cherished, which are now revealed as utterly futile in the face of divine judgment.
* **"and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it."** This final clause brings the judgment to a personal level, specifically targeting "he that rejoiceth" (H5938, _ʻâlêz_), referring to those who reveled in their worldly success and scoffed at God's warnings (as seen in Isaiah 5:11-12). The verb "shall descend" (H3381, _yârad_) underscores the inevitability of their fall into this all-consuming abyss. It signifies a complete and irreversible descent into ruin, where all their earthly delights and perceived security will vanish.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:14 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message of impending doom. **Personification** is central, as Sheol (often translated "hell" in the KJV) is given human-like attributes: it "hath enlarged herself" and "opened her mouth." This transforms an abstract concept of the grave or underworld into a terrifying, active predator. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "opened her mouth without measure," exaggerating Sheol's capacity to emphasize the immense scale and totality of the destruction awaiting Judah. This is not merely a large grave, but an infinitely hungry maw. Furthermore, Sheol functions as a potent **metaphor** for the comprehensive judgment and ruin that will befall the unrighteous nation. The "mouth" and "enlarging" are also **metaphorical** for an insatiable appetite for destruction. The repetition of "and their" (glory, multitude, pomp) creates a sense of accumulating loss, emphasizing that every aspect of their worldly pride will be consumed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:14 stands as a profound theological statement on the certainty and severity of divine judgment against unrepentant sin. It underscores God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice, demonstrating that a nation's moral decay and rejection of covenant responsibilities inevitably lead to catastrophic consequences. The personification of Sheol as an insatiable devourer highlights the comprehensive nature of this judgment, implying that no aspect of human glory, power, or revelry can withstand or escape God's righteous wrath. This serves as a timeless warning against spiritual apathy, materialism, and pride, urging humanity to recognize the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits in contrast to the eternal weight of God's moral order. The verse powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that sin, when left unchecked, culminates in a spiritual and often physical "death" or ruin.

* [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - The Ruin of the Simple")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:14 serves as a sobering mirror for all generations, challenging us to examine the foundations upon which we build our lives and societies. It compels us to confront the deceptive allure of worldly glory, material accumulation, and self-indulgent pleasure, reminding us that these pursuits, when elevated above God's righteousness, are ultimately ephemeral and lead to spiritual emptiness and ruin. The prophet's vivid imagery of an insatiable grave should ignite a profound sense of urgency within us to repent of our own pride, apathy, and moral compromises. True security and lasting joy are not found in the fleeting applause of the world or the accumulation of possessions, but in humble obedience to God and a life lived in accordance with His just and loving commands. This verse calls us to shift our priorities from temporal delights to eternal values, to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, and to live with a sober awareness of the inevitable consequences of unrepentant sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "glory, multitude, or pomp" in my own life or society might be distracting us from God's commands and leading us towards spiritual emptiness?**
* **How does the imagery of an "enlarged hell" challenge my perception of the consequences of sin, both individually and corporately?**
* **In what ways am I, or is my community, "rejoicing" in things that are ultimately fleeting and subject to divine judgment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my life is built on a foundation of humility and righteousness, rather than worldly pursuits?**

### FAQ
**What does "hell" mean in Isaiah 5:14, and how does it relate to the New Testament concept?**

Answer: In Isaiah 5:14, "hell" is a translation of the Hebrew word _Sheol_ (H7585). In the Old Testament, _Sheol_ generally refers to the grave, the realm of the dead, or the underworld—a place of darkness, silence, and no return. It signifies a state of utter destruction and separation from the living, rather than a place of eternal conscious torment as often understood by the Greek word _Gehenna_ in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")). Here, _Sheol_ is personified as an insatiable, devouring monster, emphasizing the totality and severity of the impending judgment and ruin that will consume Judah's proud and unrepentant populace. It represents the ultimate consequence of their sin, a comprehensive demise.

**What is the significance of "without measure" in describing Sheol's mouth?**

Answer: The phrase "without measure" (from Hebrew _chôq_, H2706, meaning "limit" or "decree") emphasizes the boundless and insatiable nature of the destruction. It signifies that Sheol's capacity to swallow is limitless, exceeding any normal boundary or appointed limit. This hyperbole underscores the vastness and totality of the impending judgment, implying that no matter how many people, how much wealth, or how much glory Judah possesses, Sheol has an infinite capacity to consume it all. It highlights the inescapable and overwhelming nature of God's judgment against their profound moral decay, leaving no room for escape or survival.

**Who are "their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth" that shall descend?**

Answer: These terms collectively describe the proud, wealthy, and self-indulgent elite of Judah whom Isaiah is condemning. "Their glory" (H1926, _hâdâr_) refers to their splendor, honor, and outward magnificence. "Their multitude" (H1995, _hâmôwn_) signifies their vast numbers, their influence, or their accumulated wealth. "Their pomp" (H7588, _shâʼôwn_) denotes their noisy revelry, ostentation, and the celebratory atmosphere of their luxurious lifestyle. "He that rejoiceth" (H5938, _ʻâlêz_) specifically points to those who indulged in these earthly pleasures and scoffed at God's warnings (as seen in [Isaiah 5:11-12](/isaiah/5-11 "Isaiah 5:11 - Woe to the Drunkards")). Together, these phrases represent the entire spectrum of Judah's worldly pursuits, pride, and revelry, all of which are depicted as being utterly consumed by the impending divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 5:14 vividly portrays the terrifying consequences of unrepentant sin and the insatiable maw of death (Sheol) consuming all worldly glory, it ultimately points forward to Christ as the one who conquers this very dominion. The "wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")), and humanity's glory, multitude, and pomp are indeed swallowed by the grave. However, Jesus Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, entered the very realm of death and emerged victorious. He "descended into the lower parts of the earth" ([Ephesians 4:9](/ephesians/4-9 "Ephesians 4:9 - Christ's Descent and Ascent")), not to be consumed, but to disarm the powers of darkness and "destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Incarnation and Victory Over Death")). Where Sheol "enlarged herself" to consume humanity, Christ's resurrection demonstrates that death's mouth is no longer "without measure" for those who believe in Him. He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering an escape from the judgment described in Isaiah. Ultimately, the Book of Revelation proclaims that Death and Hades themselves will be "thrown into the lake of fire" ([Revelation 20:14](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14 - The Lake of Fire")), signifying Christ's final and complete triumph over the very forces that once consumed humanity's fleeting glory. In Him, true glory and eternal life are found, transcending the temporary nature of all earthly pomp.

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

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

Habakkuk 2:5

¶ Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, [he is] a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and [is] as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:

Proverbs 30:16

The grave; and the barren womb; the earth [that] is not filled with water; and the fire [that] saith not, [It is] enough.

Matthew 7:13

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Proverbs 27:20

¶ Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Psalms 55:15

Let death seize upon them, [and] let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness [is] in their dwellings, [and] among them.

Revelation 20:13

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.