Isaiah 8:16 kjv
Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
Isaiah 8:16 nkjv
Bind up the testimony, Seal the law among my disciples.
Isaiah 8:16 niv
Bind up this testimony of warning and seal up God's instruction among my disciples.
Isaiah 8:16 esv
Bind up the testimony; seal the teaching among my disciples.
Isaiah 8:16 nlt
Preserve the teaching of God;
entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
Isaiah 8 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 8:19 | “Should people not inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” | ISAIAH 8:19 (Divine guidance vs. seeking false mediums) |
| Deut 18:21-22 | "You may say to yourselves, 'How can we know when a prophecy is from the LORD?' When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the event doesn't happen or come true, the LORD did not speak that prophecy." | DEUTERONOMY 18:21-22 (Authenticity of prophecy) |
| Ps 119:105 | “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” | PSALM 119:105 (Bible as guidance) |
| John 10:27 | “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” | JOHN 10:27 (Disciples following Jesus) |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” | 1 CORINTHIANS 14:33 (God's orderliness) |
| 1 Thess 5:21 | “Test everything; hold on to what is good.” | 1 THESSALONIANS 5:21 (Discernment) |
| Heb 1:1-2 | “In the past God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” | HEBREWS 1:1-2 (Jesus as ultimate revelation) |
| Jeremiah 6:16 | "This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths and where the good way may be, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" | JEREMIAH 6:16 (Seeking good ways) |
| Acts 17:11 | “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if the teachings were true.” | ACTS 17:11 (Examining teachings with Scriptures) |
| Isaiah 29:14 | "Therefore I will again deal marvelously with these people, by a marvelous work and a wonder, and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden." | ISAIAH 29:14 (God's humbling of worldly wisdom) |
| Proverbs 3:5-6 | "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." | PROVERBS 3:5-6 (Trust in God's guidance) |
| Psalm 1:1-3 | “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.” | PSALM 1:1-3 (Delight in God's law) |
| Matthew 7:24-25 | “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise builder who built his house on the rock.” | MATTHEW 7:24-25 (Acting on Jesus' words) |
| 1 Kings 22:5-8 | The false prophets promised victory, while Micaiah the prophet warned of defeat. | 1 KINGS 22:5-8 (Contrast of true vs. false prophets) |
| Isaiah 9:6 | "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." | ISAIAH 9:6 (Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor) |
| John 14:26 | “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” | JOHN 14:26 (Holy Spirit as teacher) |
| 1 John 4:1 | “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” | 1 JOHN 4:1 (Testing spirits) |
| Jeremiah 10:23 | "I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." | JEREMIAH 10:23 (God's sovereignty over direction) |
| Galatians 5:18 | "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." | GALATIANS 5:18 (Guidance by the Spirit) |
| 1 Samuel 15:22 | "But Samuel said, 'Does the LORD take delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" | 1 SAMUEL 15:22 (Obedience over ritual) |
Isaiah 8 verses
Isaiah 8 16 Meaning
This verse signifies a call to adhere to the teachings of the Lord, distinguishing between divine guidance and the misleading pronouncements of false prophets or human wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of learning from God's law and seeking His instruction during times of spiritual confusion or oppression.
Isaiah 8 16 Context
In Isaiah chapter 8, the prophet is commanded by God to make a public declaration. The political situation was dire, with the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria allied against Judah. Assyria was also a looming threat. Amidst this turmoil, some in Judah were looking for alliances with foreign powers or seeking guidance from mediums and diviners, rather than trusting in the Lord. Isaiah, through his own children's names (Shear-jashub and Maher-shalal-hash-baz) and this specific command, pronounces judgment on those who disregard God's counsel. Verse 16 specifically addresses the remnant within Judah who are to rely solely on the Law of the LORD, the prophetic word, as their guide amidst the confusion and the impending consequences for the unfaithful.
Isaiah 8 16 Word Analysis
- “bind up” (Hebrew: tsror) - To wrap, bind, or tie up. In this context, it signifies to seal or lay up, preserving something precious and important. It implies an intentional act of safekeeping and future revelation.
- “the testimony” (Hebrew: ha'eduth) - This refers to the divine instruction, the covenant stipulations, the laws and commandments given by God. It is that which bears witness to God's character and will. It is intrinsically linked to the Torah and prophetic pronouncements.
- “seal among” (Hebrew: choatham bethoch) - To impress a seal upon something, marking it as belonging to God or as something sacred. This action emphasizes the exclusivity and divine ownership of the Law. It's a divine authentication.
- “my disciples” (Hebrew: limuday hu) - Literally, "my taught ones." This refers to those who are followers and students of God's instruction, who have been instructed in the divine will. It implies a loyal adherence to God's teaching.
- “my servants” (Hebrew: avaday) - Those who are in a relationship of servitude and loyalty to God. They willingly submit to His authority and carry out His commands. This emphasizes a disposition of obedient service.
- “waiting” (Hebrew: qovah) - To look for, hope, expect, wait patiently. It suggests an active, hopeful anticipation for God's deliverance and His future actions. It is not passive resignation but hopeful expectation.
- “House of Jacob” (Hebrew: beith Ya'akov) - Refers to the entire people of Israel, encompassing both the northern and southern kingdoms. It evokes the patriarchal lineage and God's covenantal promises to Jacob.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "bind up the testimony, seal among my disciples": This powerful phrase depicts the faithful disciples as custodians of God's revealed truth. It's not merely about possessing knowledge but about cherishing, protecting, and keeping it safe, preserving it for future generations and for God's appointed time. It contrasts sharply with those seeking other forms of guidance.
- "waiting for the House of Jacob": The disciples' waiting is specifically oriented towards God's continued dealings with His covenant people, the House of Jacob. This signifies their trust in God’s long-term plan for Israel, despite present difficulties. It's a hope rooted in divine promises to the nation.
Isaiah 8 16 Bonus Section
The imagery of "binding up" and "sealing" also finds resonance in the New Testament's emphasis on cherishing and living by the teachings of Jesus. Just as Isaiah’s disciples were to guard the Law, Jesus' followers are called to heed His words, which the Holy Spirit illuminates and brings to remembrance (John 14:26). The faithfulness of Isaiah's disciples serves as a precursor to the unwavering faith of the early Church, who held fast to the Gospel despite persecution. The act of sealing the testimony also points forward to the sealed books in Revelation, which are eventually opened by Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, revealing God's ultimate plan of salvation. The "House of Jacob" here, as often in Isaiah, is a prophetic foreshadowing of God's redeemed people, encompassing both believing Jews and Gentiles in the New Covenant through Christ.
Isaiah 8 16 Commentary
Isaiah's command to "bind up the testimony" and "seal it among his disciples" is a directive for those who remain faithful to God's word amidst widespread spiritual apostasy. In a time when people were turning to forbidden spiritual practices (like consulting mediums, as Isaiah 8:19 warns), the true followers were to diligently preserve and live by God's revealed law and prophetic pronouncements. This act of preservation signifies commitment, stewardship, and obedience. It highlights the contrast between worldly wisdom, which leads to ruin, and divine wisdom, which offers salvation. The disciples were to "wait" with steadfast hope for God's intervention and fulfillment of His promises, trusting in His sovereign plan for Israel, represented by the "House of Jacob." This verse calls believers today to treasure God's Word, to discern truth from error, and to patiently await God’s coming kingdom.