Isaiah 14 14

Isaiah 14:14 kjv

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Isaiah 14:14 nkjv

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'

Isaiah 14:14 niv

I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High."

Isaiah 14:14 esv

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'

Isaiah 14:14 nlt

I will climb to the highest heavens
and be like the Most High.'

Isaiah 14 verses

Isaiah 14 14 Meaning

This verse states the aspiration to ascend above the clouds and resemble the Most High. It speaks of a desire for unparalleled exaltation, seeking to achieve a divine status.

Isaiah 14 14 Context

This verse is part of a larger oracle concerning the king of Babylon, who exhibited excessive pride and a desire to elevate himself to the level of God. The immediate context (Isaiah 14:4-20) contrasts the king's arrogant self-exaltation with his inevitable fall to Sheol (the grave/underworld). This oracle is deeply rooted in the historical and political reality of the Neo-Babylonian Empire's power and the theological understanding of God's sovereignty in ancient Israel. The king of Babylon is presented as an archetype of human pride that defies divine authority, often interpreted in light of a more universal spiritual rebellion.

Isaiah 14 14 Word Analysis

• וַאֲמַר (wa-'ămar): And I will say. A conjunction ("and") with the verb "to say," indicating a future declaration or intention.
• בְּלִבִּי (bə-libbî): In my heart. "Beth" (in, at) and "lev" (heart), signifying the seat of thought, will, and desire.
• אֶעֱלֶה ('e‘elĕh): I will ascend. First-person singular imperfect of the verb "to ascend," "to go up." Expresses a future action of climbing or rising.
• שָׁמָיִם (šāmayim): Heavens. Plural noun referring to the sky, the upper atmosphere, or the abode of God.
• מַעְלָה (ma‘lāh): Above, upward. An adverb indicating position or direction of ascent.
• כּוֹכְבֵי (kôḵə-ḇê): Stars of. Plural construct state of "koḵāḇ" (star), linking it to the following noun.
• אֵל ('ēl): God. A general term for a divine being or deity. In this context, it specifically refers to the supreme God.
• מָרוֹם (mārōm): Height, heights, exalted place. Refers to a high place, often associated with the dwelling of God.
• וְאֶתְיַצֵּב (wə-’eṯ-yaṣṣêḇ): And I will establish myself, and I will take my seat. Conjunction "waw" with the first-person singular imperfect of the verb "yatsav," meaning to stand, set oneself, or establish oneself.
• סוֹד (sōḏ): Council, assembly. Noun referring to a close gathering or intimate assembly, often implying authority.
• נֹשְׂאִים (nōśî’îm): Bearing, carrying. Plural active participle of the verb "nasa," meaning to lift, carry, bear. Implies a position of authority or importance within the assembly.
• אוּלָם ('ûlām): But, yet. A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrasting thought. This introduces the turning point of the oracle.

Words Group Analysis

The phrase "I will ascend to heaven" (אֶעֱלֶה שָׁמָיִם) captures the essence of ambitious self-exaltation, aspiring to the very dwelling place of God. "Above the stars of God" (מַעְלָה כּוֹכְבֵי אֵל) intensifies this by aiming to surpass even the celestial beings in proximity and status with God. The desire to "establish myself" (וְאֶתְיַצֵּב) signifies a claim to divine authority and permanence, not just a visit, but a rightful positioning. The aspiration to sit "in the appointed place of the assembly of the Highest" (סוֹד נֹשְׂאִים) is the ultimate expression of this pride, seeking to usurp God's sovereign council and ruling position.

Isaiah 14 14 Bonus Section

The ambition expressed in Isaiah 14:14 is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, often associated with the adversarial principle that opposes God's will and God's people. This verse is frequently linked to interpretations of Lucifer's fall from heaven, as mentioned by Jesus in Luke 10:18 and alluded to in passages concerning Satan's initial rebellion (Ezekiel 28:12-17 also describes the fall of the king of Tyre in similar terms, often seen as a prefigurement or parallel). The desire to attain God's unique attributes – sovereignty, omnipresence, supreme authority – is ultimately a futile and destructive pursuit for any created being. The inverse of this pride is the humility of Christ, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" (Philippians 2:6-7). This contrast highlights the foundational difference between God's intrinsic divine nature and any creature's aspiration to usurp it.

Isaiah 14 14 Commentary

This verse vividly depicts the ultimate act of defiance against divine authority: pride that seeks to dethrone God and occupy His position. The aspiration is not merely to ascend physically but to gain equal standing, power, and worship. This desire reflects a complete rejection of creaturely limitations and a yearning for self-deification. The "stars of God" likely represent celestial beings, possibly angels, over whom this aspiring ruler wishes to preside. The "council of the Highest" signifies God's supreme ruling assembly, suggesting a desire to influence or usurp divine decrees. The language here is powerfully evocative of Satan's rebellion as understood in biblical tradition, providing a theological depth beyond just a human king’s hubris.