Isaiah 14:5 Meaning and Explanation
“The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God has shattered the power and authority of the wicked rulers.
The Context of Isaiah 14:5
God's judgment against oppressive power.
What Does Isaiah 14:5 Mean?
The staff and scepter are symbols of authority and punishment. By breaking them, God removes the tool by which rulers oppressed others. This is not merely political change; it is divine action against wickedness.
The psalmist emphasizes that God himself is the agent—'the LORD hath broken.' This grounds the downfall in divine justice, not human ambition or accident.
Isaiah 14:5 in the Original Language
shevet (שֵׁבֶט), 'staff' — instrument of rule and also of striking; breaking it ends both authority and violence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 14:5
What does Isaiah 14:5 mean?
God has shattered the power and authority of the wicked rulers.
What is the context of Isaiah 14:5?
God's judgment against oppressive power.