Verse MeaningIsaiahComplex verse
Isaiah 14:4: Meaning Explained
That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden...
Isaiah 14:4
“you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon and say: "How the oppressor has come to an end! How his fury has ceased!"”
What Does This Verse Mean?
You will make fun of the king of Babylon and say, "Look! The cruel ruler is finally gone! His anger is over!"
What’s Happening Here
After the king falls, people will mock him. The oppression he brought is ended.
Key Words
tauntmean words making fun of someone
oppressorsomeone who treats others cruelly
furyextreme anger
Why It Matters
This verse reminds us that unjust power and oppression are temporary, offering hope that cruelty and tyranny will not last forever. It encourages people to trust in justice and the eventual end of suffering caused by human arrogance.
Did You Know?
The word translated as 'taunt' can also mean 'proverb' or 'parable,' suggesting this mocking song was a formal, memorable saying meant to be passed down about the king's downfall.
Word Study
H5375
That thou shalt take upוְנָשָׂ֜אתָ
H4912
this proverbהַמָּשָׁ֥ל
H4428
against the kingמֶ֥לֶךְ
H894
of Babylonבָּבֶ֖ל
H559
and sayוְאָמָ֑רְתָּ
H7673
ceasedשָׁבְתָ֖ה
H5065
How hath the oppressorנֹגֵ֔שׂ
H4062
the golden cityמַדְהֵבָֽה׃
Cross References
Continue Exploring
Read Isaiah 14:4 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.