King James Version

What Does Isaiah 8:20 Mean?

Isaiah 8:20 in the King James Version says “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. no: ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. no: Heb. no morning”

Isaiah 8:20 · KJV

Context

18

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

20

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. no: Heb. no morning

21

And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.

22

And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.

Read Isaiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to consult 'the law and the testimony' provides the proper alternative to occultism. 'Law' (Torah) and 'testimony' (prophetic witness) together constitute divine revelation—God's written word. The conditional 'if they speak not according to this word' establishes Scripture as the standard for testing all teaching. The verdict 'there is no light in them' pronounces darkness and deception on any teaching contradicting Scripture. This is the Reformed principle of sola Scriptura—Scripture alone is our supreme authority, the sole infallible rule of faith and practice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Isaiah's time, the law (Pentateuch) and testimony (prophetic writings) were the available Scriptures. These provided sufficient guidance without consulting spirits. The phrase 'to the law and to the testimony' became a rallying cry during the Reformation, as Reformers insisted Scripture alone—not tradition, councils, or papal decrees—was the final authority. This verse grounds the Protestant principle of biblical supremacy over all human wisdom and spiritual experiences.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we make Scripture our primary source of guidance rather than subjective experiences or feelings?
  2. What does it mean practically to test all teaching against 'the law and the testimony'?
  3. How does commitment to biblical authority protect us from deception and false teaching?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
לְתוֹרָ֖ה1 of 11

“To the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

וְלִתְעוּדָ֑ה2 of 11

“and to the testimony”

H8584

attestation, i.e., a precept, usage

אִם3 of 11
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֤א4 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֹֽאמְרוּ֙5 of 11

“if they speak”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כַּדָּבָ֣ר6 of 11

“not according to this word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֔ה7 of 11
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֵֽין9 of 11
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ל֖וֹ10 of 11
H0
שָֽׁחַר׃11 of 11

“it is because there is no light”

H7837

dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)

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 8:20 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 8:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 1:19Isaiah 30:8-112 Timothy 3:15-17John 5:39Acts 17:11Psalms 119:130

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