King James Version

What Does Isaiah 35:8 Mean?

Isaiah 35:8 in the King James Version says “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. but: or, for he shall be with them”

Isaiah 35:8 · KJV

Context

6

Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

7

And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. grass: or, a court for reeds, etc

8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. but: or, for he shall be with them

9

No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

10

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Read Isaiah 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The "highway" called "The way of holiness" represents God's sanctified path for His redeemed people. The exclusion of the unclean emphasizes purity and separation from sin. "The wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err" promises divine guidance so clear that even simple believers cannot miss it. This contrasts with the world's confusing paths. The highway anticipates John 14:6 where Jesus declares Himself "the way"—the exclusive path to the Father.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient highways connected major cities, enabling trade and travel. Isaiah envisions a sacred highway for pilgrims returning to Zion, fulfilled spiritually in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ as "the way" fulfill this prophecy of a highway of holiness?
  2. What does it mean that God's path is clear enough for simple believers to follow?
  3. How should the exclusivity of the way of holiness shape our understanding of salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְהָיָה1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שָׁ֞ם2 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מַסְל֣וּל3 of 18

“And an highway”

H4547

a thoroughfare (as turnpiked)

דֶּ֛רֶךְ4 of 18

“The way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

דֶּ֛רֶךְ5 of 18

“The way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙6 of 18

“of holiness”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יִקָּ֣רֵא7 of 18

“and it shall be called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָ֔הּ8 of 18
H0
לֹֽא9 of 18
H3808

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

יַעַבְרֶ֥נּוּ10 of 18

“shall not pass over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

טָמֵ֖א11 of 18

“the unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

וְהוּא12 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לָ֑מוֹ13 of 18
H0
הֹלֵ֥ךְ14 of 18

“it but it shall be for those the wayfaring men”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דֶּ֛רֶךְ15 of 18

“The way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וֶאֱוִילִ֖ים16 of 18

“though fools”

H191

(figuratively) silly

לֹ֥א17 of 18
H3808

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

יִתְעֽוּ׃18 of 18

“shall not err”

H8582

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

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 35:8 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 35:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 7:13-14Isaiah 42:16John 14:6Revelation 21:271 Peter 1:14-15Hebrews 10:20-23

Places in This Verse

Way of HolinessRoad · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Isaiah 35 →

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