Isaiah 44 8

Isaiah 44:8 kjv

Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

Isaiah 44:8 nkjv

Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.' "

Isaiah 44:8 niv

Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one."

Isaiah 44:8 esv

Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any."

Isaiah 44:8 nlt

Do not tremble; do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago?
You are my witnesses ? is there any other God?
No! There is no other Rock ? not one!"

Isaiah 44 verses

Isaiah 44 8 Meaning

This verse is a powerful declaration of God's unique ability and sovereignty. It asserts that no other deity can stand with or compare to Yahweh. He alone is the source of creation, existence, and power. The verse highlights His knowledge and foreknowledge of all things, past, present, and future, contrasting this with the impotent nature of idols.

Isaiah 44 8 Context

This verse appears in Isaiah chapter 44, which is set during a time when the people of Israel were experiencing or anticipating exile, particularly in Babylon. The chapter functions as a profound declaration of God's unique power and reliability, contrasting Him with the false gods and idols that were prevalent in Babylonian society. It serves to encourage and reassure God's people by emphasizing that their God is the one true God, capable of saving and delivering them. This context is crucial for understanding the verse's polemical nature and its message of hope.

Isaiah 44 8 Word Analysis

• "אִם־יֵשׁ" (im-yesh): This phrase means "Is there?" or "If there is?". It sets up a rhetorical question, directly challenging the existence or comparable power of any other deity.
• "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim): This is the Hebrew word for "God." It's a plural form, but when used with singular verbs and possessive pronouns, it refers to the one true God, Yahweh. Its plural form can indicate majesty and the fullness of God's divine attributes.
• "בִּלְעָדַי" (bil’aday): Meaning "besides me" or "apart from me." This emphasizes exclusivity, highlighting that no other divine entity exists in competition or comparison.
• "וַחֲסִידִי" (vachasidi): This Hebrew word has complex meanings. While transliterated here as "vachasidi," it's likely a transcription error or a misunderstanding of the text. The Masoretic text reads "וצּוּר" (vatzur). If we consider "וצּוּר" (vatzur), it means "and Rock." The "ו" (vav) is a conjunction meaning "and." "Tzur" is a common biblical metaphor for God, signifying strength, stability, refuge, and immovability. The earlier scholarly discussions of the passage lean towards the original reading of "Rock" rather than "Chasidei". The emphasis is on the steadfast nature of God, an unshakeable foundation.
• "אֱלֹהֵינוּ" (Eloheinu): This means "our God." The possessive pronoun "our" signifies a covenant relationship between God and His people, the Israelites. It emphasizes God's personal involvement with and care for them.
• "וְאִם־צוּר" (v’im-tzur): This phrase, again, translates to "Or is there any rock?" It continues the rhetorical questioning by invoking another powerful metaphor for God. The structure suggests a pairing of the "God" title with the "Rock" metaphor, underscoring two key attributes.

Isaiah 44 8 Bonus Section

The emphasis on God as a "rock" is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. This imagery serves to reassure God's people during times of upheaval and spiritual compromise, which were prevalent in ancient Israel, particularly during periods of exposure to Canaanite and Babylonian religious practices. The verse not only declares God's unique divinity but also highlights His nature as the ultimate and dependable refuge for those who belong to Him, calling them to remain faithful to their covenant. The chapter itself sets the stage for God's ability to "save" and "redeem" His people, further underscoring the practical implications of His unique power as demonstrated in the return from Babylonian exile.

Isaiah 44 8 Commentary

Isaiah 44:8 stands as a powerful statement of monotheism. It’s a direct challenge to any notion of polytheism. God, speaking through Isaiah, demands to know if there is any other being who possesses divine attributes like Him. The comparison to a "rock" is significant; a rock is a symbol of steadfastness, permanence, and an unyielding foundation. This contrasts sharply with the idols made by human hands, which are powerless and prone to decay or destruction. The verse calls on the listeners to acknowledge God's unparalleled sovereignty and reliability. It reminds believers that their trust is placed in a God who is eternally stable, a refuge in all circumstances, unlike the shifting allegiances and weak constructions of pagan deities.