Isaiah 9:8
What does Isaiah 9:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 9:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 9:8 means
This verse marks an abrupt shift in the chapter's focus from the glorious messianic prophecy to a stern message of judgment for the northern kingdom of Israel, referred to here as "Jacob" and "Israel." The Lord's "word" is not one of comfort but of warning and condemnation, sent directly to them. This word is not merely spoken but has "lighted upon" them, indicating that it has taken effect and its implications are already manifest or soon to be. It introduces a section of divine indictment against their rebellion and pride.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord has sent a word to Jacob, and it has come on Israel;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A word hath the Lord sent into Jacob, And it hath fallen in Israel.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The Lord sent a word unto Jacob, and it lighteth upon Israel.
Context
This verse dramatically shifts the chapter's focus from the messianic promise to a message of judgment for the northern kingdom of Israel. It serves as a stark contrast to the preceding verses, moving from hope to condemnation. This context is vital because it explains that despite the ultimate promise of the Messiah, immediate judgment awaited an unrepentant people, highlighting God's justice even as His redemptive plan unfolds.
v.7Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.
v.8This passage
v.9And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in pride and in stoutness of heart,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 7:7
thus saith the Lord Jehovah, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.
- Isaiah 8:4
For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and, My mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be carried away before the king of Assyria.
- Zechariah 5:1
Then again I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, a flying roll.
- Zechariah 1:6
But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? and they turned and said, Like as Jehovah of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
- Micah 1:1
The word of Jehovah that came to Micah the Morashtite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.
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