Isaiah 34:14
The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.
Original Language Analysis
וּפָגְשׁ֤וּ
shall also meet
H6298
וּפָגְשׁ֤וּ
shall also meet
Strong's:
H6298
Word #:
1 of 15
to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur
צִיִּים֙
The wild beasts of the desert
H6728
צִיִּים֙
The wild beasts of the desert
Strong's:
H6728
Word #:
2 of 15
a desert-dweller, i.e., nomad or wild beast
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אִיִּ֔ים
with the wild beasts of the island
H338
אִיִּ֔ים
with the wild beasts of the island
Strong's:
H338
Word #:
4 of 15
a howler (used only in the plural), i.e., any solitary wild creature
וְשָׂעִ֖יר
and the satyr
H8163
וְשָׂעִ֖יר
and the satyr
Strong's:
H8163
Word #:
5 of 15
shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִקְרָ֑א
shall cry
H7121
יִקְרָ֑א
shall cry
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
8 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אַךְ
H389
שָׁם֙
H8033
הִרְגִּ֣יעָה
also shall rest
H7280
הִרְגִּ֣יעָה
also shall rest
Strong's:
H7280
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, to toss violently and suddenly (the sea with waves, the skin with boils); figuratively (in a favorable manner) to settle, i.e., quiet; speci
Historical Context
Ancient peoples associated ruins with demonic activity. Jesus referenced demons seeking rest in waterless places (Matthew 12:43), connecting to this imagery.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual desolation follow when God's presence departs?
- What does this teach about the reality of spiritual warfare?
- How should we understand places and nations given over to spiritual darkness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The "wild beasts" and "satyr" (Hebrew "sa'ir", possibly demons or wild goats) meeting suggests demonic activity in desolate places. The "screech owl" (Hebrew "lilit", possibly Lilith, a night demon in ancient Near Eastern mythology) finding rest indicates spiritual darkness filling the void left by God's judgment. While not affirming pagan mythology, Isaiah uses culturally understood imagery to communicate complete spiritual desolation. The Reformed view sees this as describing both literal desolation and spiritual darkness.