King James Version

What Does Isaiah 8:3 Mean?

Isaiah 8:3 in the King James Version says “And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalha...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 8:3 · 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

4

For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria. the riches: or, he that is before the king of Assyria shall take away the riches, etc

5

The LORD spake also unto me again, saying,

Read Isaiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah's union with 'the prophetess' (likely his wife, possibly a prophet in her own right) produces a sign-child. The conception and birth follow natural processes, yet the child becomes a prophetic symbol. This illustrates how God uses ordinary life events for extraordinary purposes. The Reformed understanding of providence recognizes God's sovereign orchestration of natural events to accomplish His purposes. The child's very existence becomes a living prophecy, a walking reminder of God's promised judgment on Syria and Israel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The term 'prophetess' could indicate Isaiah's wife shared prophetic gifting or simply denoted her status as a prophet's wife. Prophetic sign-children appear elsewhere in Scripture (Hosea's children, Isaiah's other son Shear-jashub). The conception and nine-month pregnancy provided a time marker—before this child could speak 'father' or 'mother' (roughly age 2), Damascus and Samaria would fall. This proved accurate: Tiglath-Pileser III conquered Damascus in 732 BC.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use ordinary family life and relationships to accomplish His prophetic purposes?
  2. What does this teach about God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including conception and birth?
  3. How might our children and family relationships serve as witnesses to God's work in our generation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וָאֶקְרַב֙1 of 15

“And I went”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶל2 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנְּבִיאָ֔ה3 of 15

“unto the prophetess”

H5031

a prophetess or (generally) inspired woman; by implication, a poetess; by association a prophet's wife

וַתַּ֖הַר4 of 15

“and she conceived”

H2029

to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)

וַתֵּ֣לֶד5 of 15

“and bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בֵּ֑ן6 of 15

“a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר7 of 15

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙8 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֵלַ֔י9 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קְרָ֣א10 of 15

“to me Call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמ֔וֹ11 of 15

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

מַהֵ֥ר12 of 15
H0
שָׁלָ֖ל13 of 15
H0
חָ֥שׁ14 of 15
H0
בַּֽז׃15 of 15

“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 8:3 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 8:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 1:3-92 Kings 22:14Judges 4:4Isaiah 7:13-14

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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