KJV ORIGINAL
Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
The grave below is stirred up to meet you when you arrive. It wakes up the dead for you—all the important leaders of the earth. It has made all the kings of the nations rise up from their thrones.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse describes how even the realm of the dead is dramatically stirred up when a mighty ruler falls and joins them there.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of a prophetic taunt song against the king of Babylon, likely referring to the fall of a powerful ruler who had oppressed God's people. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the underworld (Sheol) was viewed as a place where the spirits of the dead continued to exist, organized much like earthly society with kings and nobles.
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