King James Version

What Does Isaiah 8:14 Mean?

Isaiah 8:14 in the King James Version says “And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, fo...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”

Isaiah 8:14 · King James Version

Context

12

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

13

Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

15

And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

16

Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.

Read Isaiah 8 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
This verse presents a stark paradox: God becomes both sanctuary and stumbling stone. For believers, He is a sanctuary (refuge, protection); for unbelievers, a stone of stumbling. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of particular redemption—God's saving purpose is particular, not universal. The 'gin and snare' imagery suggests judgment that traps the unwary. 'Both the houses of Israel' indicates comprehensive judgment affecting northern and southern kingdoms alike. The same gospel that saves some hardens others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fulfilled when both Israel and Judah stumbled over God's purposes. Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC; Judah faced similar judgment in 701 BC, and ultimately Babylonian exile in 586 BC. Both kingdoms rejected God's word through the prophets. Ultimately, this prophesies how both Jewish houses stumbled over Christ, the chief cornerstone (Romans 9:32-33; 1 Peter 2:8). Jerusalem's inhabitants represent the covenant community specifically.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can the same God who is our sanctuary become a stumbling stone to others?
  2. What does this paradox teach about the dual effect of the gospel—salvation to some, hardening to others?
  3. In what ways do people today stumble over Christ despite His offer of refuge?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהָיָ֖ה1 of 13
H1961

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

לְמִקְדָּ֑שׁ2 of 13

“And he shall be for a sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

וּלְאֶ֣בֶן3 of 13

“but for a stone”

H68

a stone

נֶ֠גֶף4 of 13

“of stumbling”

H5063

a trip (of the foot); figuratively, an infliction (of disease)

וּלְצ֨וּר5 of 13

“and for a rock”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

מִכְשׁ֜וֹל6 of 13

“of offence”

H4383

a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)

לִשְׁנֵ֨י7 of 13

“to both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בָתֵּ֤י8 of 13

“the houses”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙9 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְפַ֣ח10 of 13

“for a gin”

H6341

a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)

וּלְמוֹקֵ֔שׁ11 of 13

“and for a snare”

H4170

a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)

לְיוֹשֵׁ֖ב12 of 13

“to the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃13 of 13

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:8Romans 9:32-33Isaiah 28:16Luke 2:34Ezekiel 11:16Psalms 46:1-2

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Isaiah 8 →

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