Isaiah 8 12

Isaiah 8:12 kjv

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

Isaiah 8:12 nkjv

"Do not say, 'A conspiracy,' Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

Isaiah 8:12 niv

"Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.

Isaiah 8:12 esv

"Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread.

Isaiah 8:12 nlt

"Don't call everything a conspiracy, like they do,
and don't live in dread of what frightens them.

Isaiah 8 verses

Isaiah 8 12 Meaning

Do not fear what this people fears, nor be afraid.

Isaiah 8 12 Context

This verse appears in Isaiah chapter 8, where the prophet is giving a stark warning to the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Damascus, who are conspiring against Judah. King Ahaz of Judah is being encouraged by the prophet to trust in the Lord, rather than form alliances with Assyria. The fear of this invading force and the political machinations of the surrounding nations are the present terrors that the people are experiencing. Isaiah is instructed to speak "with a strong hand," meaning with authority and urgency, to emphasize the seriousness of God's message. This specific verse, "Do not fear what this people fears, nor be afraid," is a direct command from God to Isaiah and, by extension, to the faithful in Judah, to resist the widespread panic and reliance on human alliances that characterized the general populace. The overarching theme is trusting God's sovereign plan and power, even in the face of seemingly overwhelming earthly threats.

Isaiah 8 12 Word Analysis

• Do not fear (Hebrew: אַל־תִּירָ֥א - al-tira)
  • al (אַל) is a particle of prohibition, conveying a strong negative command, akin to "let there be no..." or "you shall not...". It implies a cessation of an action or a state.
  • tira (תִּירָא) is the second person masculine singular imperfect of the verb yarē' (יָרֵא), meaning "to fear," "to be afraid," "to revere." Here, it indicates a present prohibition – a command to cease fearing now. The emphasis is on the inward emotional response and its outward expression. It denotes not just terror but also respect or awe when used in reference to God (see yareh below). In this context, it directly opposes the societal panic and intimidation.
• what (Hebrew: אֵ֣ת - et)
  • et (אֵת) is a definite direct object marker. In this context, it functions to specifically mark "that which this people fears." It signifies "that which" or "the thing that." It focuses the prohibition onto the specific object of the people's fear.
• this (Hebrew: הַזֶּ֗ה - hazzeh)
  • hazzeh (הַזֶּ֗ה) is a masculine singular demonstrative pronoun, meaning "this." It points to something present and immediate, referring to the collective people who are currently instilling fear or whose fear is being felt. This is a common usage in Isaiah to identify and demarcate those who are opposed to God's will or are misled.
• people (Hebrew: הָעָ֣ם - ha'am)
  • ha'am (הָעָ֣ם) is composed of the definite article ha (הָ) meaning "the," and 'am ('ָ֣ם), meaning "people," "nation," "folk," or "common people." It refers to the general populace, often in contrast to a leadership or a specific group of believers. In Isaiah, ha'am frequently signifies those who are spiritually blind or unresponsive to God's word. The definite article implies "this specific people" currently surrounding or influencing the prophet.
• fears (Hebrew: יָג֥וּרוּ - yaguru)
  • yaguru (יָג֥וּרוּ) is the third person masculine plural imperfect of the verb gur (גּוּר), which can mean "to fear," "to be afraid," "to tremble," or "to sojourn/dwell temporarily." In this context, it aligns with the first usage of "fear," signifying dread, terror, or alarm felt by this group of people. It denotes their state of being afraid, a fear they are collectively experiencing and likely manifesting outwardly through their actions or words. It’s the object of the fear that should not be mirrored.
• nor (Hebrew: וְ - wə)
  • wə (וְ) is a conjunction that typically means "and." However, when following a negative command like al-tira (do not fear), it can function as "nor" or "and let there not be." It adds a second, parallel prohibition, reinforcing the first command.
• be afraid (Hebrew: תֵּחַ֥ת - tetahat)
  • tetahat (תֵּחַ֥ת) is the second person masculine singular imperfect of the verb chet (חַת), meaning "to be terrified," "to be afraid," "to be dismayed," or "to tremble." This is a stronger term for fear than yarē' (fear). It implies a visceral, overwhelming dread. The command is to not adopt this profound level of terror. This reiterates and strengthens the initial command against fearing. It stresses a deep, paralyzing fear.

The Hebrew phrase uses two distinct verbs for "fear" (yare' and chat), amplifying the imperative to not succumb to the widespread panic or dread generated by the geopolitical threats.

Isaiah 8 12 Bonus Section

This verse echoes a foundational principle throughout Scripture: the opposition between fear of man and trust in God. The command is not to be emotionally unresponsive but to redirect the object of one's fear. Worldly fear arises from a misapprehension of power, attributing it to mortal entities rather than the Almighty. The prophet’s task, therefore, involves discerning the true source of authority and protection. The fear of "this people" implies a shared, potentially contagious panic born from humanistic assessments of strength and weakness. By instructing Isaiah not to fear, God is calling him to a different perspective—one rooted in faith and an understanding of divine sovereignty, preparing him for a ministry that will often go against the prevailing sentiments of the nation.

Isaiah 8 12 Commentary

The prophet Isaiah is given a direct command by the Lord not to be influenced by the fear that pervades the surrounding nations and even his own people's general population. These nations are likely plotting against Judah, creating an atmosphere of terror. Instead of adopting their panic and looking to human solutions or fearful alliances, Isaiah and the faithful remnant are to fix their gaze and trust on the Lord of Hosts. The fear that is to be eschewed is a debilitating, man-centered terror. The fear that should be embraced, as further explained in verse 13, is a holy reverence for God. This command is crucial because fear often leads to poor decision-making and a departure from God's will. Trust in God’s power and promises is the antidote to this worldly fear.