King James Version

What Does Isaiah 28:8 Mean?

Isaiah 28:8 in the King James Version says “For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.”

Isaiah 28:8 · KJV

Context

6

And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

7

But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.

8

For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.

9

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. doctrine: Heb. the hearing?

10

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: must be: or, hath been

Read Isaiah 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean. This verse provides graphic illustration of verse 7's drunkenness. All tables (kol-shulchanot, כָּל־שֻׁלְחָנֹת) likely refers to banquet tables where priests and leaders feast, but the imagery extends to all spheres of society. Full of vomit and filthiness (male'u qi tsoa'ah, מָלְאוּ קִא צֹאָה, filled with vomit and excrement) depicts revolting defilement—the natural consequence of excessive drinking. The Hebrew qi (קִיא, vomit) and tsoa'ah (צֹאָה, excrement/filthiness) combine bodily wastes in maximum disgust.

So that there is no place clean (beli maqom, בְּלִי מָקוֹם, without a place) means total contamination—nowhere undefiled. This isn't merely describing literal drunken banquets but symbolizes complete moral corruption. Places meant for sacred meals (priestly portions, covenant feasts) are defiled by self-indulgence. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns against joining drunkards and gluttons. Philippians 3:19 describes enemies of the cross whose "god is their belly." What should be holy communion becomes profane indulgence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Priestly portions from sacrifices were to be eaten in holy contexts (Leviticus 6:16, 26). Covenant meals before the LORD symbolized fellowship (Exodus 24:11). Corrupting these into drunken feasts profaned God's holiness. Eli's sons abused priestly privileges (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Jesus cleansed the temple when worship became merchandise (Matthew 21:12-13). The Corinthian church abused the Lord's Supper by getting drunk (1 Corinthians 11:20-22), prompting Paul's rebuke. Sacred spaces and practices must be guarded from profanation through self-indulgence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern believers risk profaning sacred things (worship, communion, fellowship) through self-indulgence or treating them casually?
  2. What does this verse teach about the consequences of spiritual leaders prioritizing feasting/pleasure over holiness?
  3. In what areas of life might there be 'no place clean'—where sin has contaminated what should be set apart for God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּ֚י1 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָּל2 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שֻׁלְחָנ֔וֹת3 of 8

“For all tables”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

מָלְא֖וּ4 of 8

“are full”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

קִ֣יא5 of 8

“of vomit”

H6892

vomit

צֹאָ֑ה6 of 8

“and filthiness”

H6675

excrement; generally, dirt; figuratively, pollution

בְּלִ֖י7 of 8
H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

מָקֽוֹם׃8 of 8

“so that there is no place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

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 28:8 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 28:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 48:26Proverbs 26:11Habakkuk 2:15-16

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