Isaiah 34:11
But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.
Isaiah 34:11 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to comes from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. In this passage, the prophet Isaiah is describing a desolate and uninhabited land, brought about by the judgment of God. The mention of specific animals such as the cormorant, bittern, owl, and raven symbolizes the abandoned and forsaken state of the land, as these birds are often associated with desolation and wilderness in biblical imagery. The line of confusion and stones of emptiness suggest a state of disorder and barrenness, where chaos and void reign. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and his ways, leading to a place where only emptiness and confusion reside. It reminds us of the importance of following God's commandments to avoid such desolation.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of the verse discusses the concept of desolation and abandonment. In this verse, different species of birds, such as the cormorant, bittern, owl, and raven, are mentioned as inhabiting a place characterized by confusion and emptiness. The line of confusion and stones of emptiness symbolize the desolation of the land, indicating that it has been abandoned and left uninhabited. This imagery may be used metaphorically to depict the consequences of straying from God's will and falling into sin. The presence of these birds, typically associated with darkness and gloom, further emphasizes the bleak and desolate nature of the place. The verse serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and the desolation that can result from spiritual disobedience. Word studies on terms like "confusion" and "emptiness" can provide further insights into the deeper meaning of the passage and its significance within the larger biblical context.
Isaiah 34:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
But the pelican and the porcupine shall possess it; and the owl and the raven shall dwell therein: and he will stretch over it the line of confusion, and the plummet of emptiness.
World English Bible
But the pelican and the porcupine will possess it. The owl and the raven will dwell in it. He will stretch the line of confusion over it, and the plumb line of emptiness.
Douay-Rheims
The bittern and ericius shall possess it: and the ibis and the raven shall dwell in it: and a line shall be stretched out upon it, to bring it to nothing, and a plummet, unto desolation.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But the pelicane and the hedgehog shall possesse it, and the great owle, and the rauen shall dwel in it, and he shall stretch out vpon it the line of vanitie, and the stones of emptinesse.