Old Testament

Isaiah 29:14

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Because of this, watch — I am going to do something astonishing among these people, something truly marvelous and shocking. The wisdom of their wise will collapse, and the insight of their sharpest minds will disappear."

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

What Isaiah 29:14 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Isaiah 29:14, God declares that He will perform extraordinary acts among His people that will astonish them. This verse emphasizes that the wisdom and understanding of the most knowledgeable individuals will ultimately fail. The context suggests that the people have become complacent and overly confident in their own wisdom, leading to a disconnect from God's truth. God’s intervention will reveal the limitations of human understanding and the futility of relying solely on human intellect. This serves as a reminder that true wisdom comes from God, and His ways often defy human logic. The verse calls for humility and recognition of God’s sovereignty, as He can turn the tables on human expectations and reveal His power through unexpected means.

How to apply Isaiah 29:14 to your life

This verse encourages us to rely on God's wisdom rather than our own understanding. In our daily lives, we should seek divine guidance in decision-making and remain open to the unexpected ways God may work. Trusting in God's plan can lead to greater insight and clarity.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Daniel and his three friends eating vegetables and drinking water in a Babylonian hall, while other young men eat the king's food and drink wine and the steward looks on

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Daniel

A ruined stone tower with a doorway at Burj Beitin, lit by low evening sun under a cloudy sky.

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Bethel

Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Isaiah 29:14

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Isaiah 29:14

At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah

Author
Isaiah the prophet
Written
Around 700 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah and the surrounding nations

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Isaiah 29:14 mean?

Isaiah 29:14 means that God will perform extraordinary acts that will astonish His people, showing that human wisdom is limited and can fail. It highlights the importance of relying on God's understanding rather than our own.

What is the meaning of 'marvellous work' in Isaiah 29:14?

The phrase 'marvellous work' in Isaiah 29:14 refers to God's surprising and powerful actions that will demonstrate His sovereignty and challenge human wisdom. It signifies that God's ways can be beyond human comprehension.

How does Isaiah 29:14 relate to human wisdom?

Isaiah 29:14 illustrates that human wisdom can collapse and fail, especially when people become complacent and overconfident. It emphasizes the need for humility and reliance on God's wisdom.

What themes are present in Isaiah 29:14?

Key themes in Isaiah 29:14 include divine intervention, the limitations of human understanding, God's sovereignty, and the call for humility before God. It highlights how God's actions can defy human expectations.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.