King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:8 Mean?

Isaiah 5:8 in the King James Version says “Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone i... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! they: Heb. ye

Isaiah 5:8 · KJV


Context

6

And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

7

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry. his: Heb. plant of his pleasures oppression: Heb. a scab

8

Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! they: Heb. ye

9

In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant. In: or, This is in mine ears, saith the LORD, etc Of a: Heb. If not, etc

10

Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The first of six woes targets greedy land acquisition—adding 'house to house' and 'field to field' until no space remains. This violates Jubilee principles preserving family inheritance (Leviticus 25). The Hebrew 'lebad' (alone) emphasizes isolation through wealth concentration. Their goal to be 'placed alone in the midst of the earth' reveals prideful self-sufficiency and contempt for community.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Israel's theocracy, land was divine allotment, not commodity. Wealthy landowners consolidating property displaced families and concentrated power, directly violating Torah economic justice principles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does greed manifest in your life through accumulation beyond need?
  2. What does biblical economic justice look like in contemporary society?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
ה֗וֹי1 of 14

Woe

H1945

oh!

מַגִּיעֵ֥י2 of 14

unto them that join

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בְּבַ֔יִת3 of 14

house

H1004

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

בְּבַ֔יִת4 of 14

house

H1004

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

בְשָׂדֶ֖ה5 of 14

field

H7704

a field (as flat)

בְשָׂדֶ֖ה6 of 14

field

H7704

a field (as flat)

יַקְרִ֑יבוּ7 of 14

that lay

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

עַ֚ד8 of 14
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֶ֣פֶס9 of 14

till there be no

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

מָק֔וֹם10 of 14

place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

וְהֽוּשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם11 of 14

that they may be placed

H3427

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

לְבַדְּכֶ֖ם12 of 14
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

בְּקֶ֥רֶב13 of 14

alone in the midst

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃14 of 14

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 5:8 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 5:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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