Isaiah 48:2
Isaiah 48:2 in Multiple Translations
who indeed call yourselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of Hosts is His name.
For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.
(for they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; Jehovah of hosts is his name):
For they say that they are of the holy town, and put their faith in the God of Israel: the Lord of armies is his name.
You say you're from the “Holy City,” and claim you're trusting in the God of Israel, whose name is the Lord Almighty.
For they are called of the holy citie, and staie themselues vpon the God of Israel, whose Name is the Lord of hostes.
For from the Holy City they have been called, And on the God of Israel been supported, Jehovah of Hosts [is] His name.
for they call themselves citizens of the holy city, and rely on the God of Israel; the LORD of Armies is his name.
For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.
For they are called of the holy city, and are established upon the God of Israel: the Lord of hosts is his name.
You say that you live in the holy city of Jerusalem, and you insincerely say that you are relying on me, the God to whom you people of Israel belong, the one who is the Commander of the armies of angels.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 48:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 48:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
מֵ/עִ֤יר
הַ/קֹּ֨דֶשׁ֙
נִקְרָ֔אוּ
וְ/עַל
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
נִסְמָ֑כוּ
יְהוָ֥ה
צְבָא֖וֹת
שְׁמֽ/וֹ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֵ/עִ֤יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
הַ/קֹּ֨דֶשׁ֙
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Art | N-ms
נִקְרָ֔אוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
נִסְמָ֑כוּ
çâmak
H5564
to support
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָא֖וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
שְׁמֽ/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 48:2
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מֵ/עִ֤יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/קֹּ֨דֶשׁ֙
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Art | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
נִקְרָ֔אוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
נִסְמָ֑כוּ
çâmak
H5564
"to support"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To support or lean on something, like a person or object, as seen in the Bible where God upholds his people. It means to hold something up or stand firm. This concept appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to lean, lay, rest, support, put, uphold, lean upon 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lean or lay upon, rest upon, lean against 1a2) to support, uphold, sustain 1b) (Niphal) to support or brace oneself 1c) (Piel) to sustain, refresh, revive
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain. See also: Genesis 27:37; Judges 16:29; Psalms 3:6.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָא֖וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
שְׁמֽ/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 48:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 48:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 48:2
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:2
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:2
- Sermons on Isaiah 48:2
Context — Israel’s Stubbornness
1“Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness—
2who indeed call yourselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of Hosts is His name.
3I foretold the former things long ago; they came out of My mouth and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. 4For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 3:11 | Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” |
| 2 | Romans 2:17 | Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; |
| 3 | Isaiah 52:1 | Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter you. |
| 4 | Isaiah 10:20 | On that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer depend on him who struck them, but they will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. |
| 5 | Matthew 27:53 | After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 21:2 | “Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.” |
| 7 | Matthew 4:5 | Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. |
| 8 | Psalms 48:1 | Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain. |
| 9 | Isaiah 51:13 | But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor? |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 4:3–5 | When the troops returned to the camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why has the LORD brought defeat on us before the Philistines today? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh, so that it may go with us to save us from the hand of our enemies.” So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. When the ark of the covenant of the LORD entered the camp, all the Israelites raised such a great shout that it shook the ground. |
Isaiah 48:2 Summary
This verse is talking about people who say they belong to God and are connected to His special city, Jerusalem. To truly lean on the God of Israel, we need to trust in His power and wisdom, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Jeremiah 29:11. We can do this by putting our faith into action and seeking to honor Him in all we do, as described in Colossians 3:17 and Matthew 22:37-40. By doing so, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing the LORD of Hosts is our God, as expressed in Isaiah 26:3-4 and Philippians 4:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to call oneself after the holy city?
To call oneself after the holy city means to identify with Jerusalem, the city God has chosen as His dwelling place, as seen in Isaiah 48:2, and to claim a spiritual heritage as the people of God, similar to what is described in Psalm 87:5-7 and Galatians 4:26.
How can we lean on the God of Israel?
Leaning on the God of Israel means trusting in His power, wisdom, and love, as expressed in Isaiah 48:2, and putting our faith into action, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 11:28-30.
What is the significance of the name 'LORD of Hosts'?
The name 'LORD of Hosts' emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation, as seen in Isaiah 48:2, and His role as the Commander of the heavenly armies, as described in Joshua 5:14-15 and Revelation 19:11-16.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us to examine our hearts and actions, ensuring that we are truly living according to God's will, as seen in Isaiah 48:1-2, and to trust in His power and wisdom, as expressed in Jeremiah 17:5-8 and Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to identify with the holy city, and how can I live out this identity in my daily life?
- In what ways can I lean on the God of Israel, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- How can I apply the concept of trusting in the LORD of Hosts to my current challenges and struggles?
- What are some ways I can ensure that my actions and words align with my claim to be a child of God, as seen in Isaiah 48:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:2
For they call themselves of the holy city,.... The city Jerusalem, so called because the temple, the place of divine worship, was in it, the residence of the Holy One of Israel: they valued
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:2
For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name. For they call themselves of the holy city.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:2
For; or, as others render it, and this particle frequently signifies, Though. And so this is added as a great aggravation of their want and neglect of truth and righteousness. They shall call themselves of the holy city: they glory in this, that they are citizens of Jerusalem, a city sanctified by God himself to be the only place of his true worship and gracious presence; which as it is a great privilege, so it laid a great obligation upon them to walk more holily than they did. Stay themselves; not by a true and well-grounded faith, but by a vain and presumptive confidence, flattering themselves, as that people commonly did, that they should enjoy peace and safety, notwithstanding all their wickedness, because they were the Lord’ s people, and had his temple and ordinances among them; which disposition the prophets frequently observe and sharply censure in them. The Lord of hosts is his name; or, whose name is the Lord of hosts.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:2
Isaiah 48:2 For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts [is] his name.Ver. 2. For they call themselves of the holy city.] Inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah; yea, they swore by their city and temple, as appeareth in the gospel, and cried out, ad ravim usque, "The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord," like as the Romists now do, The Church, the Church, glorying in the false and empty title of Roman Catholics. Sed grande est Christianum esse, non dici, saith Jerome; and it is a great vanity, saith the poet, “ Respicere ad fumos et nomina vana Catonum. ” And stay themselves.] As far as a few good words will go. See on Micah 3:11. The Lord of hosts is his name.] So said these hypocrites, bearing themselves bold upon so great a God, who had all creatures at his command.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 48:2
(2) They call themselves of the holy city . . .—The words of praise are spoken, as the preceding words show, with a touch of irony. Those who so boasted were not true citizens of Zion (Psalms 15:1; Matthew 3:9). They did not enter into all that was implied in their confession of Jehovah Sabaoth.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:2
2. of (or by) the holy city] The phrase is here applied to Jerusalem for the first time in the O.T. It occurs again in ch. Isaiah 52:1, elsewhere only in the books of Nehemiah and Daniel (comp. Matthew 4:5). 3–6 a inculcate the lesson of the “former things,” i.e. the events that have now taken place, especially the appearance of Cyrus. These were predicted in advance, that Israel might not be able to say they were done by the false gods (Isaiah 48:5).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:2
For they call themselves of the holy city - Of Jerusalem (see Isaiah 52:1; Nehemiah 11:1; Matthew 4:5; Matthew 27:53; Rev. 21:2-27).
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:2
1, 2. Hear ye this — Not something new, but already reiterated truths. House of Jacob — “Jacob” is the natural name of Isaac’s second son. Called… Israel — “Israel” is the spiritual name of the same person.
Sermons on Isaiah 48:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Prophecy of Micah by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fulfillment of predictions made by prophets regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. The speaker highlights that these predictions were lit |
|
Letter of Resignation From the Church of England by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot's letter of resignation from the Church of England in 1835 reveals his deep conviction and struggle with the corruption and worldly practices within the Church. He exp |
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The Proper Purpose of Duties by Thomas Shepard | Thomas Shepard emphasizes the importance of performing duties not for salvation but to draw closer to the Lord Jesus Christ, to deepen love, acquaintance, and union with Him. He wa |
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The Message of Micah by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan delivers a powerful sermon on 'The Message of Micah,' emphasizing the unmasking of false authority among civil, spiritual, and moral rulers who act for personal |
|
Epistle 58 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of focusing inwardly rather than being distracted by the world, warning against lightness and superficiality. He encourages believers to be ste |
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Romans - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Romans and the theme of the gospel of God. He emphasizes that the gospel is not about us, but about Jesus, who was born as a des |
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(Through the Bible) Romans 1-2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the background that Paul paints in chapters 1 and 2 of Romans, setting the stage for the glorious grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ. |