King James Version

What Does Isaiah 51:8 Mean?

Isaiah 51:8 in the King James Version says “For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.”

Isaiah 51:8 · KJV

Salvation

Context

6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

7

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

8

For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

9

Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?

10

Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

Read Isaiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise 'the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool' depicts the temporary nature of human opposition - persecutors decay while God's people endure. The contrast 'my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation' assures that divine work transcends human lifespans. This encourages long-term faithfulness despite short-term persecution.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt, Assyria, Babylon - all great empires that oppressed Israel - fell to ruin while God's people survived. This pattern repeats throughout history: Roman Empire fell, but church endures. Persecutors are forgotten; martyrs are remembered.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inevitable decay of your opponents encourage patient endurance of present opposition?
  2. What does it mean that God's salvation continues 'from generation to generation' beyond your lifetime?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּ֤י1 of 13
H3588

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

כַבֶּ֙גֶד֙2 of 13

“like a garment”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

יֹאכְלֵ֣ם3 of 13

“shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

עָ֔שׁ4 of 13

“For the moth”

H6211

a moth

וְכַצֶּ֖מֶר5 of 13

“them like wool”

H6785

wool

יֹאכְלֵ֣ם6 of 13

“shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

סָ֑ס7 of 13

“and the worm”

H5580

a moth (from the agility of the fly)

וְצִדְקָתִי֙8 of 13

“but my righteousness”

H6666

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

לְעוֹלָ֣ם9 of 13

“shall be for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה10 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וִישׁוּעָתִ֖י11 of 13

“and my salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

דּוֹרִֽים׃12 of 13

“from generation”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

דּוֹרִֽים׃13 of 13

“from generation”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

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 51:8 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 51:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 51:6Isaiah 50:9Isaiah 66:24Hosea 5:12Luke 1:50Job 4:19

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 51 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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