King James Version

What Does Isaiah 8:1 Mean?

Isaiah 8:1 in the King James Version says “Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz. ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz. Mahershalalhashbaz: Heb. In making speed to the spoil he hasteneth the prey, or, Make speed, etc”

Isaiah 8:1 · KJV

Context

1

Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz. Mahershalalhashbaz: Heb. In making speed to the spoil he hasteneth the prey, or, Make speed, etc

2

And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.

3

And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz. went: Heb. approached

Read Isaiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Isaiah to create a public legal document as a prophetic witness. The 'great roll' (large tablet or scroll) and 'man's pen' (ordinary writing) emphasize public accessibility—this prophecy would be clearly visible to all. The name 'Mahershalalhashbaz' means 'speed the spoil, hasten the prey,' prophesying Syria and Israel's imminent defeat by Assyria. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and His use of prophetic signs to authenticate His word. The public nature reflects the Reformed principle that God's word must be proclaimed openly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written around 735-732 BC during the Syro-Ephraimite crisis. Public records served as legal witnesses in ancient Near Eastern culture. The tablet would be displayed prominently, likely in the temple courts. This occurred when Syria and Israel allied against Judah, attempting to force Ahaz into their anti-Assyrian coalition. Within three years, as prophesied, both Damascus and Samaria fell to Tiglath-Pileser III (732 BC).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use tangible, public signs to strengthen faith and confirm His word?
  2. What is the importance of proclamation and public witness in spreading God's truth?
  3. How does God's control over historical events demonstrate His sovereignty and faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 15

“Moreover the LORD”

H3068

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

אֵלַ֔י3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קַח4 of 15

“unto me Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לְךָ֖5 of 15
H0
גִּלָּי֣וֹן6 of 15

“roll”

H1549

a tablet for writing (as bare); by analogy, a mirror (as a plate)

גָּד֑וֹל7 of 15

“thee a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּכְתֹ֤ב8 of 15

“and write”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עָלָיו֙9 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּחֶ֣רֶט10 of 15

“pen”

H2747

a chisel or graver; also a style for writing

אֱנ֔וֹשׁ11 of 15

“in it with a man's”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

לְמַהֵ֥ר12 of 15
H0
שָׁלָ֖ל13 of 15
H0
חָ֥שׁ14 of 15
H0
בַּֽז׃15 of 15

“concerning Mahershalalhashbaz”

H4122

maher-shalal-chash-baz; the name of the son of isaiah

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 8:1 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 8:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 30:8Habakkuk 2:2-3Isaiah 8:3Job 19:23-24Revelation 13:18Jeremiah 36:28

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