King James Version

What Does Isaiah 27:8 Mean?

Isaiah 27:8 in the King James Version says “In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind. it ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind. it shooteth: or, thou sendest it forth he: or, when he removeth it with”

Isaiah 27:8 · KJV

Context

6

He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

7

Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him? as: Heb. according to the stroke of

8

In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind. it shooteth: or, thou sendest it forth he: or, when he removeth it with

9

By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up. images: or, sun images

10

Yet the defenced city shall be desolate, and the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind. This difficult verse describes God's measured, calibrated discipline. The phrase in measure (bese'se'ah, בְּסַאסְאָה, literally "by seah by seah," a unit of measurement) emphasizes proportionate, controlled judgment—not excessive or destroying. When it shooteth forth (beshalchah, בְּשַׁלְחָהּ) means "when you send her away," referring to exile as divorce imagery found in Hosea and Jeremiah.

Thou wilt debate with it (terivennah, תְּרִיבֶנָּה) means contend, strive, bring to court—suggesting God's judicial process even in discipline. He stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind (hagah berucho haqashah beyom qadim, הָגָה בְּרוּחוֹ הַקָּשָׁה בְּיוֹם קָדִים) uses meteorological imagery. The fierce east wind (qadim) from the desert was scorching and destructive (Exodus 10:13, Hosea 13:15), but God restrains (hagah, removed, stayed) its harshness. He doesn't unleash full fury but moderates judgment. Lamentations 3:22 captures this: "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed."

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Historical & Cultural Context

Exile to Babylon was devastating but limited—70 years (Jeremiah 25:11), not permanent. God measured even this severe judgment. Compare to Sodom and Gomorrah's total destruction or the Flood—Israel's discipline, though painful, was calibrated for restoration. For believers, 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises God won't allow temptation/testing beyond what we can bear—He measures His discipline to our capacity, always providing a way through.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God disciplines 'in measure' (calibrated, proportionate) bring comfort during difficult seasons?
  2. What does God's 'staying' of the rough east wind teach about His restraint of judgment?
  3. How have you experienced God's measured discipline rather than His full fury you deserved?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בְּסַאסְּאָ֖ה1 of 8

“In measure”

H5432

measurement, i.e., moderation

בְּשַׁלְחָ֣הּ2 of 8

“when it shooteth forth”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

תְּרִיבֶ֑נָּה3 of 8

“thou wilt debate”

H7378

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

הָגָ֛ה4 of 8

“with it he stayeth”

H1898

to remove

בְּרוּח֥וֹ5 of 8

“wind”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

הַקָּשָׁ֖ה6 of 8

“his rough”

H7186

severe (in various applications)

בְּי֥וֹם7 of 8

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

קָדִֽים׃8 of 8

“of the east wind”

H6921

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

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 27:8 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 27:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 4:11Ezekiel 19:12Jeremiah 10:24Hosea 4:1Hosea 13:15Jeremiah 30:11

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