Isaiah 28 16

Isaiah 28:16 kjv

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 28:16 nkjv

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.

Isaiah 28:16 niv

So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.

Isaiah 28:16 esv

therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.'

Isaiah 28:16 nlt

Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says:
"Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem,
a firm and tested stone.
It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on.
Whoever believes need never be shaken.

Isaiah 28 verses

Isaiah 28 16 Meaning

This verse conveys God's sovereign declaration to establish a unique and utterly reliable foundation in Zion. Amidst human folly and false securities, the Lord God promises to lay a special stone – a tried and proven cornerstone, representing an unshakeable and highly valuable base. The core assurance is that anyone who places their trust, their faith, in this divinely appointed foundation will find absolute security and stability, escaping panic, haste, or shame in times of trouble.

Isaiah 28 16 Context

Isaiah 28 forms a stark contrast between the arrogant and self-reliant leaders of Judah (and initially Ephraim/Samaria) and God's sovereign plan. These leaders are described as drunken scoffing at divine counsel, trusting in their own "refuge of lies" and a "covenant with death" (Isa 28:15) – referring to their reliance on political alliances (likely with Egypt or Assyria) rather than Yahweh. They mocked God's word, finding His simple commands childish (Isa 28:9-10). In this chapter of judgment and impending invasion, God reveals His ultimate, steadfast purpose. Verse 16 stands as a divine promise amidst the prophetic pronouncements of desolation, directly opposing their false, crumbling foundations with His eternally secure one. It serves as an invitation to true trust for those who would listen.

Isaiah 28 16 Word analysis

• Therefore thus says the Lord God: A solemn, authoritative pronouncement (כֹּה אָמַר אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, Koh amar Adonai Yehovih), emphasizing that what follows is an irrefutable divine decree from the ultimate sovereign.

• Behold (הִנְנִי, hinni): An interjection drawing immediate, urgent attention to the highly significant and certain action God is about to perform. It signifies "pay close attention to this vital announcement."

• I am laying (יִסַּד, yassad - from root יסד): Literally, "I am founding" or "I am establishing." This is an active and deliberate action on God's part, highlighting divine initiation and commitment.

• in Zion: Refers to Mount Zion, the location of Jerusalem and the Temple. Spiritually, it symbolizes God's dwelling place, His chosen city, and the center from which His rule would extend. It signifies the place of divine encounter and salvation.

• a stone (אֶבֶן, even): A fundamental building block. In the context of the Ancient Near East, stones were essential for enduring structures, implying stability and permanence.

• a tested stone (אֶבֶן בֹּחַן, even bochan): A stone that has been tried, proven, and found reliable under scrutiny. It suggests enduring quality, one that withstands pressure and examination without failure.

• a precious cornerstone (פִּנַּת יְקָרָה, pinnot yeqarah):

  • Cornerstone (פִּנָּה, pinnot): The most vital stone in a foundation, positioned at a corner, upon which the two walls meet and align. It determines the direction and stability of the entire structure. It is the unifying, indispensable piece.
  • Precious (יְקָרָה, yeqarah): Indicating high value, honor, and costliness. This stone is not common or easily replaced; it is singularly unique and indispensable.

• a sure foundation (מוּסָד מוּסָד, musad musad):

  • Foundation (מוּסָד, musad): A base or ground upon which something stands firmly.
  • The repetition (musad musad) is a Hebrew idiomatic emphasis, signifying absolute firmness, unparalleled reliability, and an unshakeable, utterly dependable basis. It is a foundation on a foundation, utterly secure.

• whoever believes (הַמַּאֲמִין, hamma'amin - from root אמן aman): Signifies genuine faith, trust, and complete reliance. It's not mere intellectual assent but a profound dependence on the declared truth.

• will not perish hastily / will not be in haste / will not be ashamed (לֹא יָחִישׁ, lo' yahish):

  • The Hebrew verb חושׁ (ḥūsh) means "to hurry," "to make haste," "to flee in alarm," or by extension "to be confused" or "ashamed" (from being put to the test unexpectedly or disappointing expectations).
  • The meaning implies security and peace: those who trust will not need to flee in a panic (hastily), nor will they be disillusioned or shamed by their trust failing them. They will remain calm, collected, and vindicated, their hope steadfast.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "I am laying in Zion a stone...": This sequence directly contrasts the failed human efforts of Judah's leaders (their "refuge of lies") with God's perfect and intentional divine building project. The action is God's, not humanity's.
  • "...a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation": This threefold description builds in significance, each epithet amplifying the stability, value, and reliability of this singular Stone. It moves from a general "stone" to its specific, vital, and indestructible nature as the cornerstone and the entire secure foundation. This emphasis negates any possibility of it being faulty or failing.
  • "whoever believes will not perish hastily / will not be in haste": This establishes the critical condition for benefiting from this divine foundation: faith. The promised outcome of security (not needing to flee or be shamed) directly addresses the anxieties and eventual disappointment faced by those who rely on false securities. It promises rest and confidence in place of panic and regret.

Isaiah 28 16 Bonus section

This verse beautifully demonstrates a key prophetic pattern: an immediate, contextual promise for God's people (Judah) that concurrently functions as a typological pointer to the ultimate Messianic reality. What began as an assurance against national political and military miscalculations culminates in a universal spiritual truth about Christ as the foundation for eternal salvation. The imagery of the "stone" recurs throughout Scripture, often portraying God's steadfastness and, critically, fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, making this verse a critical bridge between Old and New Testament covenants and expectations. It is God's antidote to the false security and crumbling foundations of humanity's devising, asserting divine sovereignty and provision.

Isaiah 28 16 Commentary

Isaiah 28:16 is a pivot point in a chapter steeped in judgment, offering a glimmer of divine grace and a path to true security amidst human hubris and folly. It presents God's immutable plan for salvation, symbolically rooted in Zion. The "stone" is no ordinary construction material; its detailed descriptions — "tested," "precious," "cornerstone," "sure foundation" — underline its singular nature and supreme importance. This speaks to its proven reliability, immense value, its function as the principal stone for alignment, and its capacity to bear the entire weight of an edifice without faltering.

While initially directed to ancient Israel, providing an alternative to their self-made "covenant with death," Christian theology universally identifies this prophesied "stone" with Jesus Christ. He is the one proven reliable through His life, death, and resurrection; He is precious to God and His people; He is the cornerstone of the Church, uniting all believers and providing the structure; and He is the sole secure foundation upon which genuine faith and eternal hope can be built.

The promise that "whoever believes will not perish hastily" or "will not be in haste" or "will not be put to shame" speaks to the outcome of true faith. In a world full of crises and uncertainties (much like Judah's situation facing Assyria), trusting in human strategies leads to panic, disappointment, and ultimately, shame. But trust in this divine "stone" guarantees calm assurance, steadfast hope, and ultimate vindication, providing a secure refuge and removing the need for frantic flight or embarrassed regret. It signifies a profound spiritual peace and enduring safety.

Practical examples:

• When facing financial uncertainty, trusting in Christ as a sure foundation means not giving way to panic (haste) but finding peace in His provision.
• When global events create fear and anxiety, placing faith in this cornerstone provides a solid footing instead of yielding to alarm.
• In times of personal weakness or doubt, relying on Christ prevents spiritual disarray or despair.