Isaiah 13:20 Meaning and Explanation
“It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Babylon will remain perpetually desolate and uninhabited.
The Context of Isaiah 13:20
The perpetual abandonment of Babylon's ruins.
What Does Isaiah 13:20 Mean?
The prophecy announces permanent desolation: 'never be inhabited,' 'not from generation to generation.' This is an absolute statement about Babylon's future—it will not recover, rebuild, or regain its former population.
Even nomadic peoples—Arabians and shepherds who typically inhabit marginal lands—will avoid the site entirely. If even those seeking pasture and shelter refuse to stay, Babylon becomes a place of such desolation that even survival-level habitation is impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 13:20
What does Isaiah 13:20 mean?
Babylon will remain perpetually desolate and uninhabited.
What is the context of Isaiah 13:20?
The perpetual abandonment of Babylon's ruins.