King James Version

What Does Isaiah 58:8 Mean?

Isaiah 58:8 in the King James Version says “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness sha...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 58 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. be: Heb. gather thee up”

Isaiah 58:8 · KJV

Context

6

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? the heavy: Heb. the bundles of the yoke oppressed: Heb. broken

7

Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? cast: or, afflicted

8

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. be: Heb. gather thee up

9

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

10

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises abundant blessing for those who practice true religion: "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning." The Hebrew shachar (morning/dawn) suggests sudden, glorious illumination after darkness. This light likely represents God's favor, vindication, and spiritual enlightenment (Isaiah 60:1-3, Malachi 4:2). "And thine health shall spring forth speedily" uses arukhah (health/restoration), the same word for flesh growing over a wound—complete healing and restoration. "Thy righteousness shall go before thee" pictures righteousness as a herald preparing the way, demonstrating God's approval. Most glorious: "the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward." The Hebrew me'aseph (rereward/rear guard) refers to the protecting force behind an army or caravan. God Himself guards their backs, as He did in the exodus (Exodus 14:19). From a Reformed perspective, this doesn't promise prosperity gospel health-wealth rewards for good works, but the covenant blessings of God's presence, protection, and favor for those who live out genuine faith. The blessings are primarily spiritual—light, healing, righteousness, God's presence—though they include temporal provisions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These promises were fulfilled initially in the post-exilic restoration when those who practiced justice and mercy experienced God's blessing (Nehemiah 9:36-37, Zechariah 8:9-13). However, ultimate fulfillment comes in Christ and the new covenant. Believers experience the light of Christ (John 8:12), spiritual healing (1 Peter 2:24), imputed righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), and God's presence through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). The glory of God becomes both our protection and our inheritance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do justice and mercy position us to receive God's blessing?
  2. What does it mean for God's glory to be our 'rear guard' in daily life?
  3. How are these promises fulfilled in Christ and the new covenant?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אָ֣ז1 of 13
H227

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

יִבָּקַ֤ע2 of 13

“break forth”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

כַּשַּׁ֙חַר֙3 of 13

“as the morning”

H7837

dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)

אוֹרֶ֔ךָ4 of 13

“Then shall thy light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

וַאֲרֻכָתְךָ֖5 of 13

“and thine health”

H724

wholeness (literally or figuratively)

מְהֵרָ֣ה6 of 13

“speedily”

H4120

properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly

תִצְמָ֑ח7 of 13

“shall spring forth”

H6779

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

וְהָלַ֤ךְ8 of 13

“shall go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙9 of 13

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

צִדְקֶ֔ךָ10 of 13

“and thy righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

כְּב֥וֹד11 of 13

“thee the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

יַאַסְפֶֽךָ׃13 of 13

“shall be thy rereward”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

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 58:8 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 58:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 52:12Jeremiah 33:6Psalms 37:6Jeremiah 30:17Psalms 85:13Malachi 4:2

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