New International VersionWail, you gate! Howl, you city! Melt away, all you Philistines! A cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there is not a straggler in its ranks.
New Living TranslationWail at the gates! Weep in the cities! Melt with fear, you Philistines! A powerful army comes like smoke from the north. Each soldier rushes forward eager to fight.
English Standard VersionWail, O gate; cry out, O city; melt in fear, O Philistia, all of you! For smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks.
Berean Standard BibleWail, O gate! Cry out, O city! Melt away, all you Philistines! For a cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there are no stragglers in its ranks.
King James BibleHowl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.
New King James VersionWail, O gate! Cry, O city! All you of Philistia are dissolved; For smoke will come from the north, And no one will be alone in his appointed times.”
New American Standard Bible“Wail, you gate; cry, you city; Melt away, Philistia, all of you! For smoke comes from the north, And there is no straggler in his ranks.
NASB 1995“Wail, O gate; cry, O city; Melt away, O Philistia, all of you; For smoke comes from the north, And there is no straggler in his ranks.
NASB 1977“Wail, O gate; cry, O city; Melt away, O Philistia, all of you; For smoke comes from the north, And there is no straggler in his ranks.
Legacy Standard BibleWail, O gate; cry, O city; Melt away, O Philistia, all of you; For smoke comes from the north, And there is no straggler in his ranks.
Amplified Bible“Howl, O gate; cry, O city! Melt away, O Philistia, all of you; For smoke comes out of the north, And there is no straggler in his ranks and no one stands detached [in Hezekiah’s battalions].
Christian Standard BibleWail, you gates! Cry out, city! Tremble with fear, all Philistia! For a cloud of dust is coming from the north, and there is no one missing from the invader’s ranks.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWail, you gates! Cry out, city! Tremble with fear, all Philistia! For a cloud of dust is coming from the north, and there is no one missing from the invader’s ranks.
American Standard VersionHowl, O gate; cry, O city; thou art melted away, O Philistia, all of thee; for there cometh a smoke out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks.
Contemporary English VersionCry and weep in the gates of your towns, you Philistines! Smoke blows in from the north, and every soldier is ready.
English Revised VersionHowl, O gate; cry, O city; thou art melted away, O Philistia, all of thee; for there cometh a smoke out of the north, and none standeth aloof at his appointed times.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationCry loudly in the gate! Cry out in the city! Be frightened, all you Philistines! Smoke comes from the north, and there are no stragglers in its ranks.
Good News TranslationHowl and cry for help, all you Philistine cities! Be terrified, all of you! A cloud of dust is coming from the north--it is an army with no cowards in its ranks.
International Standard VersionWail, you gate! Cry out, you city! Melt away, all you Philistines! For smoke comes from the north, and there's no one to take measure in its festivals.
NET BibleWail, O city gate! Cry out, O city! Melt with fear, all you Philistines! For out of the north comes a cloud of smoke, and there are no stragglers in its ranks.
New Heart English BibleHowl, gate. Cry, city. You are melted away, Philistia, all of you; for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks.
Webster's Bible TranslationHowl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, all Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWail, O gate! Cry out, O city! Melt away, all you Philistines! For a cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there are no stragglers in its ranks.
World English BibleHowl, gate! Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you; for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHowl, O gate; cry, O city, "" You are melted, Philistia, all of you, "" For smoke has come from the north, "" And there is none alone in his set places.”
Young's Literal Translation Howl, O gate; cry, O city, Melted art thou, Philistia, all of thee, For from the north smoke hath come, And there is none alone in his set places.
Smith's Literal TranslationWail, thou gate; cry out, thou city; all thou Philistia, melting away, for from the north a smoke coming, and none being alone in his appointments. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHowl, O gate; cry, O city: all Philistia is thrown down: for a smoke shall come from the north, and there is none that shall escape his troop.
Catholic Public Domain VersionWail, O gate! Cry out, O city! All of Philistia has been prostrated. For a smoke will arrive from the north, and there is no one who will escape his army.
New American BibleHowl, O gate; cry out, O city! Philistia, all of you melts away! For there comes a smoke from the north, without a straggler in its ranks.
New Revised Standard VersionWail, O gate; cry, O city; melt in fear, O Philistia, all of you! For smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in its ranks. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHowl, O city; cry, O city; whole Philistia is in confusion; for there shall come from the north a smoke? and none shall be left in their feasts.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedHowl, Oh city! Cry, oh city! All Palestine is troubled because smoke came from the North and there is not a solitary son in its feasts! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Howl, O gate; cry, O city; Melt away, O Philistia, all of thee; For there cometh a smoke out of the north, And there is no straggler in his ranks.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationHowl, ye gates of cities; let the cities be troubled and cry, even all the Philistines: for smoke is coming from the north, and there is no possibility of living.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Philistia will be Destroyed… 30Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain. 31Wail,O gate!Cry out,O city!Melt away,allyou Philistines!Fora cloud of smokecomesfrom the north,and there are nostragglersin its ranks.32What answer will be given to the envoys of that nation? “The LORD has founded Zion, where His afflicted people will find refuge.”…
Cross References Jeremiah 47:1-7This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet about the Philistines before Pharaoh struck down Gaza. / This is what the LORD says: “See how the waters are rising from the north and becoming an overflowing torrent. They will overflow the land and its fullness, the cities and their inhabitants. The people will cry out, and all who dwell in the land will wail / at the sound of the galloping hooves of stallions, the rumbling of chariots, and the clatter of their wheels. The fathers will not turn back for their sons; their hands will hang limp. ...
Ezekiel 25:15-17This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance, taking vengeance with malice of soul to destroy Judah with ancient hostility, / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast. / I will execute great vengeance against them with furious reproof. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay My vengeance upon them.’”
Zephaniah 2:4-7For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon left in ruins. Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted. / Woe to the dwellers of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you, and no one will be left.” / So the seacoast will become a land of pastures, with wells for shepherds and folds for sheep. ...
Amos 1:6-8This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Gaza, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they exiled a whole population, delivering them up to Edom. / So I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza, to consume its citadels. / I will cut off the ruler of Ashdod and the one who wields the scepter in Ashkelon. I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines will perish,” says the Lord GOD.
Zechariah 9:5-7Ashkelon will see and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, as will Ekron, for her hope will wither. There will cease to be a king in Gaza, and Ashkelon will be uninhabited. / A mixed race will occupy Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. / I will remove the blood from their mouths and the abominations from between their teeth. Then they too will become a remnant for our God; they will become like a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.
Psalm 83:6-8the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, / of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. / Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah
Obadiah 1:10-14Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. / On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. / But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. ...
Joel 3:4-8Now what do you have against Me, O Tyre, Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you rendering against Me a recompense? If you retaliate against Me, I will swiftly and speedily return your recompense upon your heads. / For you took My silver and gold and carried off My finest treasures to your temples. / You sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks, to send them far from their homeland. ...
2 Chronicles 28:18The Philistines had also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah, capturing and occupying Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their villages.
Jeremiah 25:20all the mixed tribes; all the kings of Uz; all the kings of the Philistines: Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod;
Matthew 11:21-24“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. / And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. ...
Luke 10:13-15Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. / But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. / And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades!
Mark 3:7-8So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea, accompanied by a large crowd from Galilee, Judea, / Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing.
Acts 8:1-8And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. / God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. / But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. ...
Acts 12:20-23Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food. / On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. / And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” ...
Treasury of Scripture Howl, O gate; cry, O city; you, whole Palestina, are dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times. howl Isaiah 13:6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORDis at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Isaiah 16:7 Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surelythey are stricken. for Isaiah 20:1 In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it; Jeremiah 1:14 Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. Jeremiah 25:16-20 And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them… none shall be alone. Jump to Previous AloneApartAppointedCityCryDissolvedDoorFearGateGatheringsHowlKeepsLineMeltMeltedNorthPalestinaPhilistiaPhilistinesPlacesRanksSmokeSorrowSoundsTimesTroopsWailWholeJump to Next AloneApartAppointedCityCryDissolvedDoorFearGateGatheringsHowlKeepsLineMeltMeltedNorthPalestinaPhilistiaPhilistinesPlacesRanksSmokeSorrowSoundsTimesTroopsWailWholeIsaiah 14 1.God's merciful restoration of Israel3.Their triumphant exultation over Babel24.God's purpose against Assyria29.Philistia is threatenedWail, O gate!The "gate" often symbolizes the place of authority and decision-making in ancient cities. In biblical times, city gates were where leaders met, judgments were made, and business was conducted. The call to "wail" suggests impending doom and judgment, indicating that the leadership and decision-makers of the Philistines are powerless to stop what is coming. Cry out, O city!
The city represents the entire population of the Philistine territory. The command to "cry out" emphasizes the severity of the threat they face. Historically, the Philistines were long-time adversaries of Israel, and their cities were often centers of idolatry and opposition to God's people. This cry is one of desperation, acknowledging the inevitable destruction. Melt away, all you Philistines!
"Melt away" conveys a sense of complete dissolution and fear. The Philistines, known for their military prowess and conflicts with Israel, are depicted as unable to withstand the coming judgment. This phrase underscores the totality of their defeat and the futility of resistance against God's ordained plan. For a cloud of smoke comes from the north,
The "cloud of smoke" is a metaphor for an approaching army, often used in prophetic literature to signify destruction and divine judgment. The north is significant as it was the direction from which many invaders, including the Assyrians and Babylonians, historically came to attack Israel and its neighbors. This imagery would evoke fear and anticipation of an unstoppable force. and there are no stragglers in its ranks.
This phrase highlights the discipline and strength of the invading force. Unlike a disorganized or weak army, this one is unified and relentless, suggesting divine empowerment and purpose. The absence of "stragglers" indicates that the judgment is thorough and complete, leaving no room for escape or mercy. This reflects the certainty and finality of God's judgment against the Philistines. Persons / Places / Events 1. PhilistiaA region and people located on the southwestern coast of Canaan, known for their frequent conflicts with Israel. The Philistines were often adversaries of the Israelites throughout the Old Testament. 2. GateSymbolic of the place of authority and decision-making in ancient cities. The gate was where leaders met, and judgments were made. 3. CityRepresents the collective inhabitants and the societal structure of Philistia. The call for the city to cry out indicates impending disaster. 4. Smoke from the NorthSymbolizes an approaching threat or invasion. In the context of Isaiah, this often refers to the Assyrian or Babylonian empires, which were known for their military conquests. 5. No Straggler in His RanksIndicates a disciplined and organized military force, suggesting the inevitability and thoroughness of the coming judgment. Teaching Points The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's pronouncements through His prophets are sure and will come to pass. The imagery of smoke and disciplined ranks underscores the inevitability of His plans. The Role of Fear in RepentanceThe call for Philistia to "melt in fear" serves as a reminder that fear of the Lord can lead to repentance. It is a call to recognize God's power and turn from wickedness. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe prophecy against Philistia demonstrates God's control over all nations. No power is beyond His reach, and He uses nations to accomplish His purposes. The Importance of Spiritual ReadinessJust as Philistia was unprepared for the coming judgment, believers are reminded to be spiritually vigilant and ready for the Lord's return. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 14:31?
2.How does Isaiah 14:31 encourage us to trust in God's ultimate victory?
3.What does "smoke from the north" symbolize in Isaiah 14:31?
4.How can Isaiah 14:31 inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith?
5.Connect Isaiah 14:31 with other scriptures about God's protection over His people.
6.How should Isaiah 14:31 influence our response to current global threats?
7.What historical context surrounds Isaiah 14:31 and its message to the Philistines?
8.How does Isaiah 14:31 reflect God's sovereignty over nations?
9.What is the significance of the "smoke from the north" in Isaiah 14:31?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 14?
11.Why is God depicted as a physical, fearsome presence in Exodus 19, but more abstractly and intimately in other biblical passages?
12.What is the purpose of the Walk to Emmaus?
13.How can the sun and moon being darkened (Joel 2:10, 31) be reconciled with known scientific observations?
14.Does Isaiah 14:13-14's description of ascending to heaven reflect a literal cosmic event, and if not, why does the text use such lofty imagery?What Does Isaiah 14:31 Mean Wail, O gate!• “Wail” signals urgent grief—God orders Philistia’s very defenses to lament because they are powerless before His judgment (cp.Jeremiah 14:2). • The gate—the place of rulership (Ruth 4:1)—is addressed first, showing that neither leaders nor fortifications can shield them when the LORD moves (Psalm 127:1).
Cry out, O city!• The whole population is summoned to cry, not merely the officials. All social layers will feel the blow (Isaiah 15:2–3). • Public lament fulfills God’s warning that sin eventually brings national anguish (Amos 1:6–8 speaks similarly of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Ekron).
Melt away, all you Philistines!• “Melt away” paints hearts dissolving in terror, as at Jericho (Joshua 2:11). God’s word pierces collective courage. • The command names them directly—Philistines—so there is no mistaking who faces divine retribution (Zephaniah 2:5).
For a cloud of smoke comes from the north• Ancient armies kicked up dust or smoke as they advanced; here it forewarns of Assyria’s devastating approach (2 Kings 18:13). • “From the north” is prophetic shorthand for invading empires (Jeremiah 1:14). God controls geopolitical tides to accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 10:5–6).
And there are no stragglers in its ranks• The force is disciplined and unstoppable—no one lags behind, so no gap exists for escape (Joel 2:7–11). • This underscores the certainty and completeness of judgment; when God’s appointed instrument arrives, nothing hinders it (Isaiah 5:26–29).
summaryIsaiah 14:31 pictures imminent, inescapable judgment on Philistia. Their proud defenses and populace must wail because God is sending a well-ordered northern army (historically Assyria) to fulfill His righteous purposes. The verse warns that no earthly safeguard stands when the LORD decrees discipline, calling every reader to trust Him rather than human strength. (31) Howl, O gate . . .--The "gate," as elsewhere, is the symbol of the city's strength. The "city "stands probably for Ashdod, as the most conspicuous of the Philistine cities. From the north.--Here of the Assyrian invaders, as inJeremiah 1:14;Jeremiah 10:22;Jeremiah 46:20 of the Chaldean. The "smoke" may be either that of the cities which the Assyrians burnt, or, more probably, the torch-signals, or beacons, which they used in their night marches or encampments (Jeremiah 6:1;Jeremiah 1:2). (See Note onIsaiah 4:5.) . . . Verse 31. - Howl, O gate; cry, O city. Each city of Philistia is hidden to howl and lament. All will suffer; not one will be spared. Art dissolved; literally, art melted; i.e. "faintest through fear" (comp. Joshua 2:9; Jeremiah 49:23). There shall come from the north a smoke. The "smoke" is the Assyrian host, which ravages the country as it advances, burning towns, and villages, and peasants' cots, and watchmen's towers. It enters the country "from the north," as a matter of course, where it adjoins upon Judaea. The coast route, which led through the Plain of Sharon, was that commonly followed by Egyptian armies. None shall be alone in his appointed times; rather, there shall be no straggler at the rendezvous.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Wail,הֵילִ֤ילִֽי(hê·lî·lî)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 3213:To howl, make a howlingO gate!שַׁ֙עַר֙(ša·‘ar)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8179:An opening, door, gateCry out,זַֽעֲקִי־(za·‘ă·qî-)Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 2199:To shriek, to announce, convene publiclyO city!עִ֔יר(‘îr)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892:ExcitementMelt away,נָמ֖וֹג(nā·mō·wḡ)Verb - Nifal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 4127:To meltallכֻּלֵּ֑ךְ(kul·lêḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyyou Philistines!פְּלֶ֣שֶׁת(pə·le·šeṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6429:Philistia -- a territory on the southern Mediterranean coast of IsraelForכִּ֤י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctiona cloud of smokeעָשָׁ֣ן(‘ā·šān)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6227:Smokecomesבָּ֔א(bā)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gofrom the north,מִצָּפוֹן֙(miṣ·ṣā·p̄ō·wn)Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6828:Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarterand there are noוְאֵ֥ין(wə·’ên)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particlestragglersבּוֹדֵ֖ד(bō·w·ḏêḏ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 909:To be separate, isolatedin its ranks.בְּמוֹעָדָֽיו׃(bə·mō·w·‘ā·ḏāw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4151:An assembly , a troop
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 14:31 Howl gate! (Isa Isi Is) |
