Devine Scripture

Isaiah 55:8

What does Isaiah 55:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 55:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 55:8 means

God declares a fundamental truth about His nature: His thoughts and ways are profoundly different and superior to human thoughts and ways. This statement serves to explain *why* God is able to offer such abundant pardon and why His wisdom for life is unparalleled. It challenges human limited perspectives, preparing the hearer to accept God's gracious and comprehensive forgiveness, which often goes against human inclinations for strict justice or retribution.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, or your ways my ways, says the Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For not My thoughts <FI>are<Fi> your thoughts, Nor your ways My ways, --an affirmation of Jehovah,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah.

Context

This verse provides the theological foundation for God's abundant pardon mentioned in verse 7. It explains *why* God can forgive so completely, setting His perspective apart from human limitations. This distinction between divine and human ways is further expanded in the next verse, deepening the understanding of God's transcendent nature.

v.7let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

v.8This passage

v.9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 40:5

    Many, O Jehovah my God, are the wonderful works which thou hast done, And thy thoughts which are to us-ward: They cannot be set in order unto thee; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.

  • Isaiah 53:6

    All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

  • Proverbs 21:8

    The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right.

  • Proverbs 25:3

    As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

  • Hosea 14:9

    Who is wise, that he may understand these things? prudent, that he may know them? for the ways of Jehovah are right, and the just shall walk in them; but transgressors shall fall therein.

  • Psalms 92:5

    How great are thy works, O Jehovah! Thy thoughts are very deep.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Isaiah 55

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Isaiah 55.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Isaiah 55:8.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary