King James Version

What Does Isaiah 7:8 Mean?

Isaiah 7:8 in the King James Version says “For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people. that: Heb. from a people”

Isaiah 7:8 · KJV

Context

6

Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal: vex: or, waken

7

Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.

8

For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people. that: Heb. from a people

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

Read Isaiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prophecy that 'the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin' establishes geopolitical hierarchy while implicitly denying Syria's ultimate authority over Judah. The follow-up '(and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people)' predicts Northern Kingdom's destruction—fulfilled when Assyria conquered Samaria (722 BC) and later deportations completed depopulation. This demonstrates divine sovereignty over nations and vindicates prophetic warnings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sixty-five years from Isaiah's prophecy (c. 735 BC) brings us to c. 670 BC, when Assyrian deportations under Esarhaddon completed Northern Kingdom's dissolution as distinct people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's specific historical prophecies build faith in His comprehensive sovereignty?
  2. What does the destruction of covenant-breaking Ephraim warn about persisting in rebellion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּ֣י1 of 14
H3588

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

וְרֹ֥אשׁ2 of 14

“For the head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֲרָם֙3 of 14

“of Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

דַּמֶּ֖שֶׂק4 of 14

“is Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וְרֹ֥אשׁ5 of 14

“For the head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

דַּמֶּ֖שֶׂק6 of 14

“is Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

רְצִ֑ין7 of 14

“is Rezin”

H7526

retsin, the name of a syrian and of an israelite

וּבְע֗וֹד8 of 14
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

שִׁשִּׁ֤ים9 of 14

“and within threescore”

H8346

sixty

וְחָמֵשׁ֙10 of 14

“and five”

H2568

five

שָׁנָ֔ה11 of 14

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

יֵחַ֥ת12 of 14
H2844

concretely, crushed; also afraid; abstractly, terror

אֶפְרַ֖יִם13 of 14

“shall Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מֵעָֽם׃14 of 14

“that it be not a people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 7:8 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 7:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 17:1-3Genesis 14:15Hosea 1:6-10Ezra 4:22 Samuel 8:62 Kings 17:5-23

Places in This Verse

DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
Syria 1Region · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E89 verses across 10 books
View all places in Isaiah 7 →

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