King James Version

What Does Isaiah 47:8 Mean?

Isaiah 47:8 in the King James Version says “Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, a... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:

Isaiah 47:8 · KJV


Context

6

I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

7

And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

8

Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:

9

But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

10

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. perverted: or, caused thee to turn away


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The self-deification 'I am, and none else beside me' parodies God's covenant name (Exodus 3:14) and claims absolute autonomy. The boasts 'I shall not sit as a widow' and 'I shall not know the loss of children' deny vulnerability and dependence, which are inevitable in a fallen world. This epitomizes unregenerate humanity's pretension to god-like self-sufficiency.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon's goddess Ishtar claimed to prevent widowhood and child-loss, and the city's massive defensive system seemed to guarantee security. The sudden overthrow by Cyrus demonstrated the futility of both religious and military self-confidence.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what subtle ways do you echo Babylon's 'I am' boast in areas of life where you feel self-sufficient?
  2. How does recognizing your inevitable 'widowhood' and 'loss' drive you to depend on God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְעַתָּ֞ה1 of 17
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

שִׁמְעִי2 of 17

Therefore hear

H8085

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

זֹ֤את3 of 17
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עֲדִינָה֙4 of 17

now this thou that art given to pleasures

H5719

voluptuous

אֵשֵׁב֙5 of 17

beside me I shall not sit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לָבֶ֔טַח6 of 17

carelessly

H983

properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely

הָאֹֽמְרָה֙7 of 17

that sayest

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בִּלְבָ֔בָהּ8 of 17

in thine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

אֲנִ֖י9 of 17
H589

i

וְאַפְסִ֣י10 of 17

I am and none else

H657

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

ע֑וֹד11 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לֹ֤א12 of 17
H3808

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

אֵשֵׁב֙13 of 17

beside me I shall not sit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אַלְמָנָ֔ה14 of 17

as a widow

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

וְלֹ֥א15 of 17
H3808

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

אֵדַ֖ע16 of 17

neither shall I know

H3045

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

שְׁכֽוֹל׃17 of 17

the loss of children

H7908

bereavement


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 47:8 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 47:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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