King James Version

What Does Isaiah 48:1 Mean?

Isaiah 48:1 in the King James Version says “Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, w... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.

Isaiah 48:1 · KJV


Context

1

Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.

2

For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.

3

I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The address to those who 'swear by the name of the LORD' yet 'not in truth, nor in righteousness' exposes false profession - external religious form without internal reality. The phrase 'called by the name of Israel' but failing to live accordingly anticipates Jesus' warning about those who say 'Lord, Lord' without doing His will (Matthew 7:21). True covenant membership requires heart transformation, not mere ethnic or religious pedigree.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This addresses post-exilic Jews who maintained religious ritual while lacking genuine faithfulness. The prophets consistently confronted Israel's disconnect between professed identity and actual behavior, preparing for Jesus' conflicts with Pharisees.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might you 'swear by the LORD's name' in public while lacking private reality?
  2. How can you ensure your religious identity reflects genuine heart transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
שִׁמְעוּ1 of 20

Hear

H8085

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

זֹ֣את2 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

בֵּֽית3 of 20

ye this O house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יַעֲקֹ֗ב4 of 20

of Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

הַנִּקְרָאִים֙5 of 20

which are called

H7121

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

בְּשֵׁ֣ם6 of 20

by the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙7 of 20

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּמִמֵּ֥י8 of 20

out of the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

יְהוּדָ֖ה9 of 20

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

יָצָ֑אוּ10 of 20

and are come forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַֽנִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים׀11 of 20

which swear

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

בְּשֵׁ֣ם12 of 20

by the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֗ה13 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּבֵאלֹהֵ֤י14 of 20

of the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙15 of 20

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יַזְכִּ֔ירוּ16 of 20

and make mention

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

לֹ֥א17 of 20
H3808

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

בֶאֱמֶ֖ת18 of 20

but not in truth

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

וְלֹ֥א19 of 20
H3808

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

בִצְדָקָֽה׃20 of 20

nor in righteousness

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)


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 48:1 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 48:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study