Isaiah 7:11
Isaiah 7:11 in Multiple Translations
“Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.”
Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
Ask thee a sign of Jehovah thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
Make a request to the Lord your God for a sign, a sign in the deep places of the underworld, or in the high heavens.
“Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether as deep as where people are buried or as high as heaven.”
Aske a signe for thee of the Lord thy God: aske it, either in the depth beneath or in the height aboue.
'Ask for thee a sign from Jehovah thy God, Make deep the request, or make [it] high upwards.'
“Ask a sign of the LORD your God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.”
Ask thee a sign from the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the hight above.
Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height above.
He said to tell him, “Request me, Yahweh your God, to do something that will enable you to be sure that I will help/protect you. What you request can be from a place that is as high as the sky or as low as the place where the dead people are.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 7:11
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 7:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׁאַל
לְ/ךָ֣
א֔וֹת
מֵ/עִ֖ם
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
הַעְמֵ֣ק
שְׁאָ֔לָה
א֖וֹ
הַגְבֵּ֥הַּ
לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
שְׁאַל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֣
Prep | Suff
א֔וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
sign
N-cs
מֵ/עִ֖ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Prep
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
הַעְמֵ֣ק
ʻâmaq
H6009
be deep
V-Hiphil-Ptc
שְׁאָ֔לָה
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
V-Qal-Inf-a
א֖וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
הַגְבֵּ֥הַּ
gâbahh
H1361
to exult
V-Hiphil-Ptc
לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Adv | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 7:11
שְׁאַל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
לְ/ךָ֣
""
Prep | Suff
א֔וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
"sign"
N-cs
A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.
Definition: : miraculous 1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token. See also: Genesis 1:14; Joshua 2:12; Psalms 65:9.
מֵ/עִ֖ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יְהוָ֣ה
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.
אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
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.
הַעְמֵ֣ק
ʻâmaq
H6009
"be deep"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
Means to be or make something deep, like a profound idea or a deep hole, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of God's wisdom and the depths of the ocean.
Definition: 1) to be deep, be profound, make deep 1a) (Qal) to be deep 1b) (Hiphil) to make deep, make profound
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: (be, have, make, seek) deep(-ly), depth, be profound. See also: Psalms 92:6; Isaiah 31:6; Isaiah 7:11.
שְׁאָ֔לָה
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
V-Qal-Inf-a
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
א֖וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
הַגְבֵּ֥הַּ
gâbahh
H1361
"to exult"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
To exult means to feel proud or haughty, like being lofty or high, as described in Psalms where God's ways are lofty and good.
Definition: 1) to be high, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, lofty, tall 1a2) to be exalted 1a3) to be lofty 1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense) 1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense) 1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward. See also: 1 Samuel 10:23; Isaiah 7:11; Psalms 103:11.
לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
Study Notes — Isaiah 7:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 7:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 7:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 7:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 7:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 7:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 7:11
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 7:11
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 7:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 7:11
- Sermons on Isaiah 7:11
Context — The Sign of Immanuel
9The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’”
10Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying,
11“Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.”
12But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.” 13Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 37:30 | And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. |
| 2 | Isaiah 38:7–8 | This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: I will make the sun’s shadow that falls on the stairway of Ahaz go back ten steps.’” So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had descended. |
| 3 | Isaiah 38:22 | And Hezekiah had asked, “What will be the sign that I will go up to the house of the LORD?” |
| 4 | 2 Kings 19:29 | And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. |
| 5 | Judges 6:36–40 | Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said, then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me; let me speak one more time. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time let it be dry, and the ground covered with dew.” And that night God did so. Only the fleece was dry, and dew covered the ground. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 20:8–11 | Now Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?” And Isaiah had replied, “This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?” “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.” So Isaiah the prophet called out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow back the ten steps it had descended on the stairway of Ahaz. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 19:10 | Then you are to shatter the jar in the presence of the men who accompany you, |
| 8 | Matthew 12:38–40 | Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 19:1 | This is what the LORD says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests, |
| 10 | Jeremiah 51:63–64 | When you finish reading this scroll, tie a stone to it and cast it into the Euphrates. Then you are to say, ‘In the same way Babylon will sink and never rise again, because of the disaster I will bring upon her. And her people will grow weary.’” Here end the words of Jeremiah. |
Isaiah 7:11 Summary
In Isaiah 7:11, God invites Ahaz to ask for a sign, which means to ask for a miracle or a special message from God. This is like asking for a big hug from God, saying 'I am with you and I will take care of you.' It's like what we read in Psalm 46:10, 'Be still and know that I am God.' God wants us to trust Him and know that He is always with us, no matter what. We can ask God for guidance and help, just like Ahaz was invited to do, and trust that He will answer us in His perfect time, as promised in Jeremiah 29:12-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of asking for a sign from the LORD in Isaiah 7:11?
Asking for a sign from the LORD is a way of seeking confirmation or guidance from God, as seen in Isaiah 38:7-8 and 2 Kings 20:8-11, where signs were given to confirm God's promises and plans.
Why does God invite Ahaz to ask for a sign from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven?
God invites Ahaz to ask for a sign to demonstrate His power and authority over all creation, from the lowest depths to the highest heavens, as declared in Psalm 139:8 and Job 11:8.
Is asking for a sign from God always acceptable?
While asking for a sign can be a legitimate way to seek guidance, it can also be a sign of unbelief or lack of faith, as seen in Matthew 12:38-40 and 1 Corinthians 1:22, where Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for seeking signs.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is always willing to guide and direct us, and we can seek His guidance through prayer and His Word, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:12-13 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and confirmation?
- How can I, like Ahaz, be tempted to rely on my own strength and wisdom instead of seeking God's sign and guidance?
- What are some signs or promises in Scripture that bring me comfort and encouragement in times of uncertainty?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when I don't see immediate answers or signs?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 7:11
Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God,.... For though Ahaz was a wicked man, yet the Lord was his God, as he was the God of the people of Israel in general, as a nation; and knowing his unbelief and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 7:11
Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 7:11
Ask thee a sign of the Lord; I perceive thou dost not believe God’ s word and message now delivered by me; yet God is so patient and merciful to thee, that he gives thee liberty to demand of him any signal or miraculous work, whereby thou mayst be assured of the truth and certainty of this promise. Thy God; both by right of dominion, and by virtue’ of his gracious covenant made with all Israel, of whom thou art a member and king; and by thy own profession, for he still worshipped God together with his idols; and by the continuance of his care and kindness to thee and to thy people, notwithstanding all your wickedness; whereof this promise and offer is a clear demonstration. Ask it either in the depth, or in the height above; demand some prodigy to be wrought, either in earth or in heaven, at thy pleasure.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 7:11
Isaiah 7:11 Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.Ver. 11. Ask the sign of the Lord.] Not of any other God, to whom thou art addicted. Thy God.] From whom thou hast deeply revolted; but of whom thou mightest upon thy return be graciously reaccepted. Ask it either in the depth.] This was a fair offer to so foul a sinner; but all would not do - no, though he should have had a sight of heaven or of hell for a sign; and yet Bellarmine thinketh that one glimpse of hell were enough to work upon the most hard hearted sinner in the world, and to make him yield to anything.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 7:11
Verse 11. In the depth - "Go deep to the grave"] So Aquila, Symmachus, Theodotion, and the Vulgate.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 7:11
11. Ask thee a sign] The “sign” (’τth, mσphηth, here the former), plays a very large part in O.T. religion and with considerable latitude of meaning. The most important cases are those in which a divine revelation is attested by some striking event within the range of immediate perception through the senses. Such a sign may be a supernatural occurrence conveying an irresistible persuasion of the divine agency (ch. Isaiah 38:7; Isaiah 38:22; Exodus 7:8 ff.; Judges 6:17; Judges 6:36 ff.; 1 Kings 13:1 ff.). But it may also be an ordinary event, which acquires significance through its having been foretold, or asked for (Genesis 24:14; 1 Samuel 10:2 ff; 1 Samuel 14:10; Luke 2:12). Thus of two predicted events the nearer may be made a “sign” of the more remote (1 Samuel 2:34; Jeremiah 44:29 f.). Or, in a still more general sense, the “sign” may be merely an incident of the fulfilled prediction, which carries the mind back to the time of the prophecy, when the sign was appointed (Exodus 3:12; Isaiah 37:30). That for which a sign is here offered to Ahaz is the certainty of divine help, or (what is the same thing) the truth that God speaks to him through the prophet. Although Isaiah was undoubtedly prepared to give a miraculous sign (see next clause) it is not to be at once assumed that the sign actually given (Isaiah 7:14 ff.) must be of the same order. ask it either in the depth … above] Lit.: going deep to Sheol or mounting high above (reading shμ’τlβh for shμ’βlβh).
It is thought by some that this translation could be obtained from the actual Hebrew vocalisation, but this is doubtful. It is at all events the one that would be most readily suggested by an unpointed text, and it is justified by the antithetic structure of the sentence. The whole realm of creation, from the heavens to the underworld, is as it were put at the disposal of Ahaz for the purpose of this sign. It has been said that Isaiah played a dangerous game in staking his reputation on so unbounded a choice. Undoubtedly he did, if he was not speaking under genuine divine inspiration.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 7:11
Ask thee - Ask for “thyself;” ask a sign that shall be convincing to “thyself,” since thou dost not fully credit the words of the prophet. It is evident that the words of the prophet had made no impression on the mind of Ahaz.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 7:11
11. Ask — The extraordinary option here offered to Ahaz indicates the nature of his scepticism. Any thing within the proper limits of a “sign” he may demand.
Sermons on Isaiah 7:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Potent Prayers by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the power of deep, persistent prayer, encouraging believers to trust God for more than they can imagine, to wait with faith and perseverance for His a |
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Knowing God's Will by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who became paralyzed and was abandoned by his wife. Despite his anger and despair, the man turned to God and prayed fo |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 7:14 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck emphasizes the destructive power of sin and its impact on relationships and society. He highlights the historical lesson that a nation must be spiritua |
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Gideon #2: The Preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the book of Judges in the Bible. The main theme is the preeminence of Christ and the invitation for believers to co |
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Against All Odds by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our weakness and dependence on God. The speaker highl |
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The Eternal Spirit Walking in the Spirit by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance from God. He encourages listeners to start by humbling themselves before God and asking Him what H |
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Revival - Part 7 by Doc Greenway | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the depth of Jesus' sacrifice, from his trials to his resurrection. T |