Isaiah 13 11

Isaiah 13:11 kjv

And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

Isaiah 13:11 nkjv

"I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

Isaiah 13:11 niv

I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

Isaiah 13:11 esv

I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless.

Isaiah 13:11 nlt

"I, the LORD, will punish the world for its evil
and the wicked for their sin.
I will crush the arrogance of the proud
and humble the pride of the mighty.

Isaiah 13 verses

Isaiah 13 11 Meaning

The verse signifies a divine judgment upon Babylon, stating that God will punish human pride and arrogance, rendering the proud speechless and humbled. It speaks of the destruction of the mighty and the cessation of their power due to their iniquities.

Isaiah 13 11 Context

Isaiah 13 is a prophecy concerning the judgment of Babylon. The chapter vividly describes the approaching downfall of this powerful empire, which was a significant oppressor of God's people, Israel. The context of this verse within the chapter is a declaration of God's impending wrath upon the "mighty ones" of Babylon. This judgment is framed as a consequence of their pervasive wickedness and pride. The original audience, the people of Judah, would have heard this as a message of hope and vindication against their powerful enemy. Historically, Babylon's influence grew significantly, and its conquest of Jerusalem and exile of its people made it a symbol of imperialistic oppression and defiance of God.

Isaiah 13 11 Word Analysis

• And I will punish (v'hikacti, וְהִכַּ֥תִּי): From the root "nakah" (נָכָה), meaning to strike, smite, beat, or punish. It signifies God's active and decisive action to bring retribution.

• the world (tevel, תֵּבֵ֖ל): Can refer to the earth, or in this context, a wider populace or the civilized world, encompassing those engaged in rebellion against God's order.

• for its evil (me rā’āh, מֵרָעָ֑ת): Refers to the inherent wickedness and depravity that characterizes the nations opposing God.

• and the wicked (ūwrešā‘īym, וְרִשְׁעָתָֽם): Plural form, indicating multiple individuals or groups characterized by their iniquity.

• for their iniquity (lə’āwōnām, לַעֲוֹנָתָֽם): Denotes their transgression, guilt, and wrongdoing against divine law.

• I will put an end to (āqūts, אָקִיצ): From "utha," meaning to wake up or to make cease. Here it implies causing something to stop or be terminated.

• the pride (gā’ōwn, גְּא֣וֹן): Arrogance, haughtiness, insolence, the inflated sense of self-importance that characterizes human rebellion against God.

• of the arrogant (ge’īym, גֵיאִֽים): Those who are haughty, proud, and uplifted in self.

• and will lay low (wəhōwša­p­e­l­t­ī, וְהוֹשַׁפַּלְתִּי): From "shaphel," meaning to be low, brought down, humbled. It signifies a reduction in status or dignity.

• the arrogance (gā’ōn, גְּא֣וֹן): Again, pride, haughtiness. Repetition emphasizes the pervasiveness of this sin.

• of the terrible (‘at­qrîym, עַתְּקִ֖ים): Derived from "ataq," meaning to pass away or be ancient, but here implies those who are severe, haughty, or assume authority from past or enduring strength. Other translations suggest "cruel" or "oppressors."

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity" speaks of a comprehensive divine reckoning. It's not just individual sins but systemic wickedness that will be judged. "The world" and "the wicked" cover a broad spectrum of ungodliness.
  • "I will put an end to the pride of the arrogant, and lay low the arrogance of the terrible" highlights the specific sin of pride as a primary target of God's judgment. The parallel structure ("pride of the arrogant" and "arrogance of the terrible") emphasizes the universality of this sinful attitude among those who oppose God. The humbling of the proud is a key theme in Isaiah and throughout Scripture.

Isaiah 13 11 Bonus Section

The concept of God punishing the "world" for its evil, and not just specific nations or individuals, reflects a broader theological understanding of divine judgment on human societies that deviate from His ways. The strong emphasis on "pride" (gā’ōn) being the target of God’s wrath is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, from the fall of Lucifer to warnings given to various kings and nations. It signifies a fundamental opposition to God’s nature and His design for creation. The dismantling of pride ultimately makes way for the establishment of God's righteous kingdom, where humility is honored. This verse sets a precedent for understanding how divine judgment functions as a restorative force, aiming to re-establish proper order and worship.

Isaiah 13 11 Commentary

This verse delivers a powerful pronouncement of God's judgment against human pride and wickedness, particularly as embodied by Babylon in this context. God declares that He will not tolerate arrogance and self-aggrandizement, especially when it leads to oppression and defiance of divine authority. The judgment is described as a direct consequence of iniquity. The divine action is active and conclusive: pride will be extinguished, and those who exalted themselves will be brought low. This principle applies universally, as God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The targeting of "the arrogant" and "the terrible" points to the powerful who abuse their position and wield their strength unjustly. Ultimately, this verse serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and His commitment to upholding justice by confronting and defeating the sin of pride.