King James Version

What Does Isaiah 17:8 Mean?

Isaiah 17:8 in the King James Version says “And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, eith...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images. images: or, sun images”

Isaiah 17:8 · KJV

Context

6

Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.

7

At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.

8

And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images. images: or, sun images

9

In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation.

10

Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:

Read Isaiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.' True repentance involves rejecting idolatry—not merely adding Yahweh worship alongside idols, but exclusive devotion. The phrase 'work of his hands...his fingers have made' emphasizes idols' human origin—manufactured gods cannot save. 'Groves' (Asherim—wooden poles) and 'images' (incense altars or sun pillars) represent Canaanite fertility cult objects Israel syncretistically adopted. This verse describes authentic repentance: turning FROM idols TO the living God. Reformed theology emphasizes repentance involves both turning from sin and turning to God—negative and positive aspects.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological excavations throughout Israel reveal widespread syncretism in pre-exilic period—Yahweh worship mixed with Canaanite practices. Asherah poles appear even in Yahweh temples. High places combined legitimate and pagan worship. The reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah attempted to purge such syncretism, though with limited lasting success. The Babylonian exile finally broke Israel's idolatrous tendencies—post-exilic Judaism showed rigorous monotheism. The historical progression from syncretism to pure monotheism demonstrates this prophecy's fulfillment—judgment purged idolatry from God's people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does emphasis on idols being 'work of his hands' teach about manufactured religion's futility?
  2. How does authentic repentance involve both turning from sin and turning to God?
  3. What modern 'idols' (work of our hands) must believers reject for exclusive devotion to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְלֹ֣א1 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁעֶ֔ה2 of 13

“And he shall not look”

H8159

to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewil

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַֽמִּזְבְּח֖וֹת4 of 13

“to the altars”

H4196

an altar

מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה5 of 13

“the work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָדָ֑יו6 of 13

“of his hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַאֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשׂ֤וּ8 of 13

“have made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶצְבְּעֹתָיו֙9 of 13

“that which his fingers”

H676

something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

לֹ֣א10 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִרְאֶ֔ה11 of 13

“neither shall respect”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְהָאֲשֵׁרִ֖ים12 of 13

“either the groves”

H842

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

וְהָחַמָּנִֽים׃13 of 13

“or the images”

H2553

a sun-pillar

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 17:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 17:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 30:22Isaiah 27:9Micah 5:13-14Isaiah 2:8Isaiah 2:18-21Isaiah 44:19-20

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