King James Version

What Does Isaiah 8:15 Mean?

Isaiah 8:15 in the King James Version says “And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 8:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

Read Isaiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prophecy of widespread stumbling, breaking, snaring, and capture emphasizes the comprehensive nature of judgment. 'Many' suggests not all but a significant portion—the majority who reject God's word. The progression intensifies: stumble (initial error), fall (complete failure), broken (shattered beyond self-repair), snared and taken (captured in judgment). This illustrates the downward spiral of rejecting God's word—initial missteps lead to complete ruin. Yet 'many' not 'all' hints at a preserved remnant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historically fulfilled in successive judgments: Assyrian conquest of northern Israel (722 BC), near-destruction of Judah (701 BC), Babylonian exile (586 BC). The 'many' who stumbled included most of Israel's population. Jesus applied this stone imagery to Himself (Matthew 21:42-44), predicting many would stumble over Him. The Jewish rejection of Jesus in the first century represented the ultimate fulfillment—many stumbled, were broken, and taken in AD 70's destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the progressive stages of spiritual decline when we reject God's word?
  2. How does this verse warn against the false security of being part of God's covenant community without true faith?
  3. In what ways do people stumble over Christ and the gospel in our generation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְכָ֥שְׁלוּ1 of 7

“among them shall stumble”

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

בָ֖ם2 of 7
H0
רַבִּ֑ים3 of 7

“And many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְנָפְל֣וּ4 of 7

“and fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וְנִשְׁבָּ֔רוּ5 of 7

“and be broken”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וְנוֹקְשׁ֖וּ6 of 7

“and be snared”

H3369

to ensnare (literally or figuratively)

וְנִלְכָּֽדוּ׃7 of 7

“and be taken”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

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 8:15 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 8:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 21:44Isaiah 28:13Luke 20:17-18Isaiah 59:10Matthew 11:6Matthew 15:14

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