King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:8 Mean?

Isaiah 44:8 in the King James Version says “Fear ye not, neither be afraid : have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Fear ye not, neither be afraid : have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. God; I: Heb. rock, etc

Isaiah 44:8 · KJV


Context

6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

7

And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

8

Fear ye not, neither be afraid : have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. God; I: Heb. rock, etc

9

They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. delectable: Heb. desirable

10

Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Israel not to fear or be afraid ('al-tirau' and 'al-tirhau'), then appeals to their own experience: 'have not I told thee from that time?' Israel themselves are God's witnesses ('edim'). The rhetorical question 'Is there a God beside me?' expects a resounding 'No!' The metaphor of God as 'rock' (tsur) emphasizes stability, protection, and unchanging faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's corporate memory of God's faithfulness through centuries of covenant relationship serves as testimony against false gods. Their existence as a people despite exile proves God's promises.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your personal history with God serve as witness to His faithfulness?
  2. In what ways is God your 'rock' providing stability in uncertain circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אַֽל1 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּפְחֲדוּ֙2 of 17

Fear

H6342

to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general

וְאַל3 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּרְה֔וּ4 of 17

ye not neither be afraid

H7297

to fear

הֲלֹ֥א5 of 17
H3808

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

מֵאָ֛ז6 of 17

thee from that time

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֥יךָ7 of 17

have not I told

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְהִגַּ֖דְתִּי8 of 17

and have declared

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

וְאַתֶּ֣ם9 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֵדָ֑י10 of 17

it ye are even my witnesses

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

הֲיֵ֤שׁ11 of 17

Is there

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

אֱל֙וֹהַּ֙12 of 17

a God

H433

a deity or the deity

מִבַּלְעָדַ֔י13 of 17

beside

H1107

except, without, besides

וְאֵ֥ין14 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

צ֖וּר15 of 17

me yea there is no God

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

בַּל16 of 17
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יָדָֽעְתִּי׃17 of 17

I know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o


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 44:8 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 44:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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