King James Version

What Does Isaiah 8:4 Mean?

Isaiah 8:4 in the King James Version says “For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Sama...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 8:4 · KJV

Context

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,

6

Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son;

Read Isaiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prophecy's time marker is precise: before the child reaches early speech (12-24 months), Assyria would plunder Damascus and Samaria. This specificity demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over historical events and timelines. The 'riches of Damascus and spoil of Samaria' represents total defeat—religious, economic, and political subjugation. Assyria served as God's instrument of judgment against nations threatening His people. This illustrates the Reformed doctrine that God governs all nations and uses even pagan empires to accomplish His purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy was fulfilled with remarkable precision. In 732 BC, Tiglath-Pileser III conquered Damascus, killing King Rezin and deporting the population (2 Kings 16:9). He also captured much of northern Israel. In 722 BC, Shalmaneser V and Sargon II completed Samaria's destruction. The 'king of Assyria' was initially Tiglath-Pileser III, later succeeded by these rulers. Assyrian annals record the immense plunder taken from these conquests, confirming Isaiah's prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the precise fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen your confidence in God's control of history?
  2. What does God's use of Assyria teach about His sovereignty over pagan nations and their rulers?
  3. How can we trust God's timing in our own lives, knowing He controls all historical events?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֗י1 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְּטֶ֙רֶם֙2 of 17
H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

יֵדַ֣ע3 of 17

“shall have knowledge”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

הַנַּ֔עַר4 of 17

“For before the child”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

קְרֹ֖א5 of 17

“to cry”

H7121

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

אָבִ֣י6 of 17

“My father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאִמִּ֑י7 of 17

“and my mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

יִשָּׂ֣א׀8 of 17

“shall be taken away”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת9 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֵ֣יל10 of 17

“the riches”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

דַּמֶּ֗שֶׂק11 of 17

“of Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וְאֵת֙12 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁלַ֣ל13 of 17

“and the spoil”

H7998

booty

שֹׁמְר֔וֹן14 of 17

“of Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

לִפְנֵ֖י15 of 17

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֶ֥לֶךְ16 of 17

“the king”

H4428

a king

אַשּֽׁוּר׃17 of 17

“of Assyria”

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

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 8:4 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 8:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 9:112 Kings 17:5-6Jonah 4:112 Kings 17:3Deuteronomy 1:39Isaiah 10:6-14

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in Isaiah 8 →

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