Isaiah Chapter 14 · Verse 11
Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
Original Language Analysis
הוּרַ֥ד
is brought down
H3381
הוּרַ֥ד
is brought down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 10
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
שְׁא֛וֹל
to the grave
H7585
שְׁא֛וֹל
to the grave
Strong's:
H7585
Word #:
2 of 10
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
נְבָלֶ֑יךָ
of thy viols
H5035
נְבָלֶ֑יךָ
of thy viols
Strong's:
H5035
Word #:
5 of 10
a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)
תַּחְתֶּ֙יךָ֙
H8478
תַּחְתֶּ֙יךָ֙
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
6 of 10
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
רִמָּ֔ה
the worm
H7415
רִמָּ֔ה
the worm
Strong's:
H7415
Word #:
8 of 10
a maggot (as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern royal courts were marked by extravagant display—music, feasting, opulent dress, magnificent palaces. Babylon particularly was famous for wealth and splendor. Yet death reduces all to worms and decay—regardless of embalming practices (Egypt) or elaborate burial (royal tombs). Archaeology confirms this: excavated royal burials reveal remains that mocked earthly pretensions. The biblical emphasis on bodily decay (worms) underscores human mortality and the vanity of earthly glory. Only resurrection—not burial honor—conquers decay.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the certainty of physical decay shape our attitude toward earthly wealth, status, and pleasure?
- What is the only hope beyond the worms—and how does this make resurrection central to Christian faith?
Analysis & Commentary
'Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.' From earthly splendor—pomp (magnificence, pride), viols (music, celebration)—to grave's horror: worms above and below. This is not just death but degradation. 'Pomp' (ga'on—can mean pride, majesty, arrogance) descends to Sheol; music (literally 'sound/noise of your harps') is silenced. Instead, worms—Hebrew uses two different words: rimmah (maggot) underneath, tole'ah (worm) as covering. The body that wore royal robes now wears worms; the one surrounded by luxury is surrounded by decay. This is the end of all earthly glory apart from God.