King James Version

What Does Isaiah 48:8 Mean?

Isaiah 48:8 in the King James Version says “Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou w... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

Isaiah 48:8 · KJV


Context

6

Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

7

They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.

8

Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

9

For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.

10

Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. with: or, for silver


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The accusation 'thou wast called a transgressor from the womb' asserts original sin - sinfulness from conception, not merely bad choices later. This foundational doctrine (Psalm 51:5) explains why human effort cannot save and why new birth is necessary. The name 'transgressor from the womb' demolishes all merit theology and establishes the necessity of sovereign grace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This explains Israel's persistent rebellion despite covenant privileges - it wasn't merely bad examples but inborn corruption. Paul systematically develops this doctrine in Romans 5:12-19, tracing sin to Adam.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your identity as 'transgressor from the womb' humble your self-righteousness?
  2. What implications does original sin have for how you raise children and understand human nature?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
גַּ֣ם1 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לֹֽא2 of 19
H3808

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

שָׁמַ֗עְתָּ3 of 19

Yea thou heardest

H8085

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

גַּ֚ם4 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לֹ֣א5 of 19
H3808

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

יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙6 of 19

for I knew

H3045

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

גַּ֕ם7 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מֵאָ֖ז8 of 19
H227

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

לֹא9 of 19
H3808

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

פִתְּחָ֣ה10 of 19

was not opened

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

אָזְנֶ֑ךָ11 of 19

not yea from that time that thine ear

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

כִּ֤י12 of 19
H3588

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

יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙13 of 19

for I knew

H3045

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

בָּג֣וֹד14 of 19
H901

treacherous

תִּבְגּ֔וֹד15 of 19

that thou wouldest deal very

H898

to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

וּפֹשֵׁ֥עַ16 of 19

a transgressor

H6586

to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

מִבֶּ֖טֶן17 of 19

from the womb

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

קֹ֥רָא18 of 19

and wast called

H7121

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

לָֽךְ׃19 of 19
H0

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 48:8 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 48:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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