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Isaiah 14:11

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Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, [and] the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

Thy pomp {H1347} is brought down {H3381} to the grave {H7585}, and the noise {H1998} of thy viols {H5035}: the worm {H7415} is spread {H3331} under thee, and the worms {H8438} cover {H4374} thee.

Your pride has been brought down to Sh'ol with the music of your lyres, under you a mattress of maggots, over you a blanket of worms.'

Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket.

Thy pomp is brought down to Sheol, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and worms cover thee.

Commentary

Isaiah 14:11 delivers a stark and vivid prophetic image of the ultimate downfall of pride and earthly glory, specifically directed at the oppressive King of Babylon. It contrasts the immense power and splendor of a tyrannical ruler with his ignominious end in the grave.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle found in Isaiah chapter 14, which primarily addresses the fall of the King of Babylon, a symbol of oppressive world power. Many scholars also interpret this passage, particularly verses like Isaiah 14:12-15, as having a dual application, describing the catastrophic fall of Lucifer (Satan) from heaven due to his immense pride and ambition. The chapter rejoices over the end of the oppressor's reign, emphasizing that no matter how mighty, all earthly power is temporary and subject to divine judgment.

Key Themes

  • Humiliation of Pride: The verse powerfully illustrates that all human arrogance and self-exaltation will eventually be brought low. The "pomp" (Hebrew: ga'on), signifying majesty, pride, and splendor, is utterly destroyed.
  • Transience of Earthly Glory: The "noise of thy viols" (musical instruments of celebration and luxury) signifies the end of all earthly pleasures, wealth, and status. It underscores the temporary nature of all worldly achievements and enjoyments, which cannot accompany one beyond the grave.
  • Divine Judgment: God's ultimate authority is highlighted as He brings down even the most powerful and arrogant rulers. This serves as a warning against defiance of God's will and a promise of justice for the oppressed.
  • Mortality and Decay: The gruesome imagery of "the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee" vividly portrays the inevitable physical decay that awaits all flesh. It's a stark reminder of human mortality and the ultimate equality of all in death, regardless of their status in life. This contrasts sharply with the opulence and power the king once possessed, reducing him to mere dust and worms.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "grave" here is Sheol, which refers to the realm of the dead or the underworld. It is not merely a physical burial place but often denotes the state of existence after death, emphasizing a complete reversal of fortune from earthly glory to the dust of the earth. The "viols" (nevel) were stringed instruments often used in feasts and revelry, symbolizing the king's luxurious and self-indulgent lifestyle that is now silenced forever.

Practical Application

Isaiah 14:11 serves as a timeless warning against pride and a call to humility. It reminds us that all earthly power, wealth, and glory are fleeting. Instead of seeking to exalt ourselves or accumulate transient possessions, we are encouraged to focus on eternal values and build a relationship with God, who alone is truly sovereign and everlasting. For those who are oppressed, this verse offers hope that their oppressors, no matter how powerful, will ultimately face divine judgment and their reign of terror will end, much like the wicked who fade like grass.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 5:25 (3 votes)

    And this [is] the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

  • Daniel 5:30 (3 votes)

    ¶ In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.

  • Daniel 5:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

  • Daniel 5:4 (2 votes)

    They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

  • Job 17:13 (2 votes)

    If I wait, the grave [is] mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.

  • Job 17:14 (2 votes)

    I have said to corruption, Thou [art] my father: to the worm, [Thou art] my mother, and my sister.

  • Amos 6:3 (2 votes)

    Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;