King James Version

What Does Isaiah 7:11 Mean?

Isaiah 7:11 in the King James Version says “Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. ask it: or, make thy petition d... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. ask it: or, make thy petition deep

Isaiah 7:11 · KJV


Context

9

And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established. If: or, Do ye not believe? it is because ye are not stable

10

Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Moreover: Heb. And the LORD added to speak

11

Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. ask it: or, make thy petition deep

12

But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.

13

And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The breadth of sign options—'ask it either in the depth, or in the height above'—emphasizes unlimited divine power and generosity. God essentially offers a blank check: any sign from Sheol's depths to heaven's heights. This comprehensive offer demonstrates that no confirmation is too difficult for omnipotent God. The invitation shows divine eagerness to strengthen faith, anticipating Jesus' teaching about the Father's willingness to give good gifts (Matthew 7:11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly sought divine signs through divination. God offers Ahaz a legitimate sign from the true God, contrasting with pagan practices.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's unlimited offer reveal His eagerness to strengthen our faith?
  2. What 'signs' has God already provided that we fail to recognize or appreciate?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
שְׁאָ֔לָה1 of 11

Ask

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לְךָ֣2 of 11
H0
א֔וֹת3 of 11

thee a sign

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

מֵעִ֖ם4 of 11
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהוָ֣ה5 of 11

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ6 of 11

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הַעְמֵ֣ק7 of 11

it either in the depth

H6009

to be (causatively, make) deep (literally or figuratively)

שְׁאָ֔לָה8 of 11

Ask

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

א֖וֹ9 of 11
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

הַגְבֵּ֥הַּ10 of 11

or in the height

H1361

to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty

לְמָֽעְלָה׃11 of 11

above

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, 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 7:11 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 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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