Old Testament
Isaiah 34:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Thorns will overrun its palaces, and nettles and brambles will choke its fortresses. It will become a den for jackals and a haunt for ostriches.
Compare translations
And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls.
What Isaiah 34:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 34:13, the imagery of thorns, nettles, and brambles overtaking palaces and fortresses symbolizes destruction and desolation. This verse describes a once-mighty place that has fallen into ruin, now inhabited by wild animals like jackals and ostriches. The mention of these creatures suggests a complete abandonment, as they thrive in desolate areas. The transformation from a fortified city to a wild habitat illustrates the consequences of divine judgment against nations that oppose God. The vivid language serves to emphasize the severity of the situation, highlighting that what was once a place of power and security is now a wasteland, reflecting the futility of human strength without divine favor.
How to apply Isaiah 34:13 to your life
This verse reminds us of the consequences of turning away from God. Just as a once-thriving city can become desolate, our lives can fall into chaos without His guidance. We should seek to build our lives on faith and obedience to avoid spiritual ruin.
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.
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
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 PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 34:13
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 34:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 34:13 mean?
Isaiah 34:13 describes a scene of desolation where thorns and brambles overtake palaces and fortresses, symbolizing the destruction of a once-powerful place. This imagery highlights the consequences of divine judgment against nations that oppose God, illustrating how they can fall into ruin.
What is the significance of thorns and brambles in Isaiah 34:13?
In Isaiah 34:13, thorns and brambles represent chaos and abandonment, indicating that a once-thriving city has become desolate. This imagery emphasizes the severity of divine judgment and the futility of human strength without God's favor.
What creatures are mentioned in Isaiah 34:13 and what do they symbolize?
Isaiah 34:13 mentions jackals and ostriches, which symbolize abandonment and desolation. Their presence in a ruined city illustrates that the area is no longer inhabited by people but has become a wild habitat.
How does Isaiah 34:13 relate to the theme of divine judgment?
Isaiah 34:13 illustrates divine judgment by depicting a powerful city reduced to ruins, overtaken by nature. This transformation serves as a warning about the consequences of opposing God and the inevitable downfall that follows.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.