Isaiah 14:10
All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?
Original Language Analysis
כֻּלָּ֣ם
H3605
כֻּלָּ֣ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יַֽעֲנ֔וּ
All they shall speak
H6030
יַֽעֲנ֔וּ
All they shall speak
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Historical Context
This taunt reflects ancient concepts that in death, all become equally weak—no one exercises power or authority in Sheol. Kings and paupers, oppressors and oppressed, all share the same fate of death and decay. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 states the dead 'know not any thing' and 'have no more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.' The Babylonian king's pretensions to godlike status (see vv.13-14) are mocked by death's reality—he's merely human, merely mortal, merely dust returning to dust.
Questions for Reflection
- How does death's leveling of all human distinctions warn against pride in status, wealth, or achievement?
- What does the mockery of the dead kings teach about the vanity of earthly power and glory?
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Analysis & Commentary
'All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?' The dead kings' greeting is taunting question: 'You too? Weak like us? Become like us?' This is stunning reversal. The living king dominated nations, seemed invincible, claimed unique power. Dead, he's like everyone else—weak, powerless, equal to those he once ruled. All earthly distinctions—power, wealth, achievement—vanish in death. The question drips with irony: they who were conquered by him now mock his conquest by death. The great equalizer has arrived; the mighty is brought low; the unique proves common.