Isaiah 13:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵשֵׁ֣ב
be inhabited
H3427
תֵשֵׁ֣ב
be inhabited
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לָנֶ֔צַח
It shall never
H5331
לָנֶ֔צַח
It shall never
Strong's:
H5331
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁכֹּ֖ן
neither shall it be dwelt
H7931
תִשְׁכֹּ֖ן
neither shall it be dwelt
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
5 of 16
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 16
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
וָד֑וֹר
in from generation
H1755
וָד֑וֹר
in from generation
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
וָד֑וֹר
in from generation
H1755
וָד֑וֹר
in from generation
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁם֙
H8033
עֲרָבִ֔י
neither shall the Arabian
H6163
עֲרָבִ֔י
neither shall the Arabian
Strong's:
H6163
Word #:
12 of 16
an arabian or inhabitant of arab (i.e., arabia)
וְרֹעִ֖ים
there neither shall the shepherds
H7462
וְרֹעִ֖ים
there neither shall the shepherds
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
13 of 16
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 14:23I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.Jeremiah 51:43Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth any son of man pass thereby.
Historical Context
After initial conquest (539 BC), Babylon declined gradually. By Christian era, it was abandoned ruins. Alexander the Great planned to rebuild it but died before accomplishing this. Throughout centuries, the site remained desolate. Attempts to rebuild have consistently failed, fulfilling this prophecy precisely. The archaeological site confirms perpetual desolation—a testimony to prophetic accuracy and divine judgment's permanence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does perpetual desolation demonstrate the permanence of divine judgment?
- What does failed attempts to rebuild Babylon teach about inability to reverse God's curses?
- How do ancient ruins of judged nations serve as witnesses to God's justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Babylon will remain perpetually uninhabited—never settled, no nomads pitching tents, no shepherds grazing flocks. The three negatives (never, neither, neither) emphasize permanent desolation. Even nomads and shepherds—who use any land—will avoid it. This curse of complete abandonment demonstrates divine judgment's thoroughness. What God curses remains cursed. The land itself bears witness to God's judgment on Babylon's sins.