Isaiah 14:19 Meaning and Explanation
“But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The king is cast out of his grave, dishonored like a dead branch or corpse, left uncovered and desecrated.
The Context of Isaiah 14:19
The king faces the ultimate indignity—denial of burial and honor.
What Does Isaiah 14:19 Mean?
But—contrast again. The king's body is cast out, not buried with honor. Like a withered branch, he is rejected. Like corpses of the slain thrust through with swords, he will lie unburied. The imagery piles on: rejected, trampled, in the pit.
Denial of proper burial was the ultimate shame in ancient Near Eastern culture. It meant no memorial, no honor, no rest. The body itself becomes a symbol of rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 14:19
What does Isaiah 14:19 mean?
The king is cast out of his grave, dishonored like a dead branch or corpse, left uncovered and desecrated.
What is the context of Isaiah 14:19?
The king faces the ultimate indignity—denial of burial and honor.