King James Version

What Does Isaiah 50:8 Mean?

Isaiah 50:8 in the King James Version says “He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary ? let him come nea... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary ? let him come near to me. mine: Heb. the master of my cause?

Isaiah 50:8 · KJV


Context

6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

7

For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

8

He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary ? let him come near to me. mine: Heb. the master of my cause?

9

Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.

10

Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The rhetorical question 'Who will contend with me?' challenges any to accuse the Servant whom God justifies. The legal imagery ('let us stand together...mine adversary') depicts a courtroom where God as judge acquits. Paul directly quotes this in Romans 8:33-34, establishing that Christ's justified status extends to believers - if God justifies, no accusation stands.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Servant faced false accusations (Matthew 26:59-60), but God's vindication through resurrection overruled all charges. This courtroom victory guarantees believers' legal standing - Satan's accusations are null when God declares 'not guilty' (Zechariah 3:1-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. When Satan accuses you, how does God's justification in Christ answer every charge?
  2. What does it mean that no one can bring effective accusation against those God has justified?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
קָרוֹב֙1 of 12

He is near

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

מַצְדִּיקִ֔י2 of 12

that justifieth

H6663

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

מִֽי3 of 12
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יָרִ֥יב4 of 12

me who will contend

H7378

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

אִתִּ֖י5 of 12
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

נַ֣עַמְדָה6 of 12

with me let us stand

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

יָּ֑חַד7 of 12

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

מִֽי8 of 12
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

בַ֥עַל9 of 12

who is mine adversary

H1167

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

מִשְׁפָּטִ֖י10 of 12
H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

יִגַּ֥שׁ11 of 12

let him come near

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֵלָֽי׃12 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to


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 50:8 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 50:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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