Isaiah 14:4

The Fall of the King of Babylon · Isaiah 14:3–23
Read Isaiah 14

Translations

Modern
…you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended!
Traditional
That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!
Literal
…that you will take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and you will say: “How the oppressor has ceased! The boisterous rage has ceased!
Latin
…sumes parabolam istam contra regem Babylonis, et dices: Quomodo cessavit exactor; quievit tributum?

Original

Hebrew
English
…you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended!

Notes

A song of contempt is a mocking song. It makes fun of someone by comparing that person to something else.

In this case, the king of Babylon is compared to a dead man going down to the place of the dead. The song imagines him entering that realm in defeat.

This taunting song about the king of Babylon is written like a funeral song. It speaks as if the king has already died.

The song mocks him and announces his downfall (compare Revelation 18).

Events

Places

Babylon: Ancient Mesopotamian city, capital of Babylonian Empire, site of the Tower of Babel

Glossary

Book of Jeremiah Isaiah, Book of Lucifer

Topics

Babylon: As a Power Was: Oppressive Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the Golden City Babylon: City of Prophecies Concerning Babylon: City of Splendor of Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Restoration of the Jews From Isaiah: Prophecies, Reproofs, and Exhortations of The Burden of Babylon Nation: Promises of Peace To Rulers: Wicked