Isaiah 7:12
Isaiah 7:12 in Multiple Translations
But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.”
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt Jehovah.
But Ahaz said, I will not put the Lord to the test by making such a request.
“No, I'm not going to ask,” Ahaz replied. “I refuse to put the Lord to the test.”
But Ahaz sayd, I wil not aske, neither will I tempt the Lord.
And Ahaz saith, 'I do not ask nor try Jehovah.'
But Ahaz said, “I won’t ask. I won’t tempt the LORD.”
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.
And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord.
But when I told that to the king, he refused. He said, “No, I will not request Yahweh to do something to prove that he will help/protect us!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 7:12
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 7:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
אָחָ֑ז
לֹא
אֶשְׁאַ֥ל
וְ/לֹֽא
אֲנַסֶּ֖ה
אֶת
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָחָ֑ז
ʼÂchâz
H271
Ahaz
N-proper
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶשְׁאַ֥ל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֲנַסֶּ֖ה
nâçâh
H5254
to test
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 7:12
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אָחָ֑ז
ʼÂchâz
H271
"Ahaz"
N-proper
Ahaz was a king of Judah, son of Jotham and father of Hezekiah, as mentioned in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. His name means 'he has grasped', possibly indicating his efforts to hold onto power or his faith in God. Ahaz's reign was marked by significant events in Judah's history.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.8.35; son of: Micah (H4318H); brother of: Pithon (H6377), Melech (H4429) and Tarea (H8390); father of: Jehoaddah (H3085) § Ahaz = "he has grasped" 1) king of Judah, son Jotham, father of Hezekiah 2) a Benjamite, son of Micah, and great grandson of Jonathan
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Ahaz. See also: 2 Kings 15:38; 1 Chronicles 8:36; Isaiah 1:1.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֶשְׁאַ֥ל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֲנַסֶּ֖ה
nâçâh
H5254
"to test"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.
Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 7:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 7:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 7:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 7:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 7:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 7:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 7:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 7:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 7:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 7:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 7:12
Context — The Sign of Immanuel
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? 14Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 33:31 | So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 28:22 | In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD. |
| 3 | Malachi 3:15 | So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’” |
| 4 | 2 Kings 16:15 | Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, “Offer on the great altar the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering, and the king’s burnt offering and grain offering, as well as the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings of all the people of the land. Sprinkle on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I will use the bronze altar to seek guidance.” |
| 5 | Acts 5:9 | “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 10:9 | We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 6:16 | Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah. |
Isaiah 7:12 Summary
[This verse shows that Ahaz, the king of Judah, refused to ask God for a sign, even when the Lord invited him to do so. He said he did not want to test the Lord, which means he did not want to doubt God's power or question His ability to provide. This response can teach us to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when we do not fully understand what is happening, as seen in (Romans 11:33-36) and (Psalm 73:16-17). By trusting in God, we can avoid testing Him and instead, like Ahaz, choose to have faith in His power and goodness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ahaz refuse to ask for a sign from the Lord?
Ahaz refused to ask for a sign because he did not want to test the Lord's patience or doubt His power, as seen in his response in Isaiah 7:12, similar to the faith of the people in Psalm 78:7-8 who trusted in God's power without needing a sign
Is it wrong to ask God for a sign?
Asking God for a sign is not inherently wrong, as seen in Isaiah 7:11 where the Lord invites Ahaz to ask for a sign, but it can be if it stems from doubt or a lack of faith, as warned against in Matthew 12:39 and 1 Corinthians 1:22
What can we learn from Ahaz's response in this verse?
We can learn that true faith trusts in God's power and wisdom without needing constant confirmation or signs, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Hebrews 11:6, and that sometimes our refusal to ask for a sign can be a testament to our faith in God's sovereignty
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for the Lord's response in Isaiah 7:13-14, where He gives a sign anyway, emphasizing His grace and mercy, as seen in the promise of Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14, which points forward to the coming Messiah
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking a sign from God, and how can I trust in His sovereignty instead?
- How can I balance the desire for guidance with the need to trust in God's power and wisdom, as seen in this verse and in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- In what ways can I, like Ahaz, be tempted to test the Lord or doubt His power, and how can I overcome these doubts?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of faith and trust in God, and how can I apply this to my own walk with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 7:12
But Ahaz said, I will not ask,.... That is, a sign or miracle to be wrought; being unwilling to take the advice to be still and quiet, and make no preparation for war, or seek out for help from the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 7:12
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord - hypocritical pretext of keeping the law (Deuteronomy 6:16).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 7:12
I will not ask: this refusal proceeded not from the strength of his faith, but from his contempt of God, and total distrust and disregard of his word, and inward resolution to take another course; as is manifest both from the following words, and from the history of Ahaz, 2 Chronicles 18. Neither will I tempt the Lord; either, 1. By asking a sign, as if he questioned the truth of his word: so this was deep hypocrisy. Or, 2. By neglecting any means necessary for my preservation, which were indeed a tempting of God. And therefore I shall not sit still and rely upon God till I be destroyed, which will be the effect of thy counsel; but I shall do as becometh a wise king, seek for succour from potent allies, such as the Assyrian is. So this is flat rebellion against God.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 7:12
Isaiah 7:12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.Ver. 12. I will not ask.] All, lewd lowly! "I will not ask"; what a base answer was this of a bedlam Belialist! what a wretched entertainment of such an over bounding mercy! He doth upon the matter say, I will ask no asks; I will try no signs, I know a trick worth two off that; God shall for me keep his signs to himself; I crave no such courtesy at his hands; I can otherwise help myself, viz., by sending to the Assyrian. If the Lord could and would have helped, how happeth it that so lately no less than a hundred and twenty thousand of my subjects were cut off in one day by this Remaliah’ s son, as you contemptuously call him? Neither will I tempt the Lord.] Or, Neither will I make trial of the Lord, as in the former note. Ambrose was mistaken who thought that Ahaz refused to ask or try the Lord, out of modesty and humility; rather it was out of pervicacy, or, at best, hypocrisy. Hic descendamus in nostras conscientias, saith good Oecolampadius. Here let us each descend and dive into his own conscience, to see whether we also have not matched Ahaz in his madness, or at least wise coasted too near upon his unkind usage of the Lord, by rejecting his sweet offers of grace and motions of mercy, by slighting his holy sacraments, those signs and seals of the righteousness that is by faith. Adsit fides, et aberit periculum.
Let faith be near then danger is absent.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 7:12
(12) I will not ask . . .—The king speaks as in the very accents of faith. He will not put Jehovah to any such test. Not, perhaps, without a sneer, he quotes almost the very formula of the Law: “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (Exodus 17:2; Deuteronomy 6:16). Was the prophet going to forget his own teaching, and become a tempter to that sin? That which lay beneath this show of humble trust was simply self-will and utter unfaith. He had already made up his mind to the Assyrian alliance, against which he knew Isaiah was certain to protest. The fact that the words that follow are spoken to the whole house of David, may, perhaps, imply that the older members of the royal family were encouraging the king in his Assyrian projects, and had, perhaps, suggested his hypocritical answer.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 7:12
12. The answer of Ahaz reveals his utter incapacity for the faith which Isaiah demanded. He evidently believes that the sign will happen if he asks it, yet he cannot trust the spiritual fact which lies behind it. He is afraid of being committed to a policy in which he has no confidence, and therefore, under a pretence of reverence, he declines the ordeal. He will not put Jehovah to the proof. To “put Jehovah to the proof” is a mark of unbelief (Exodus 17:7; Deuteronomy 6:16), but to refuse a proof which Jehovah Himself offers is an insult to the divine majesty which exhausts the patience of the Almighty.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 7:12
I will not ask - In this case Ahaz assumed the appearance of piety, or respect for the command of God. In Deuteronomy 6:16, it is written, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God;’ and Ahaz perhaps had this command in his eye.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 7:12
12. Neither will I tempt the Lord — Jehovah. A master-stroke of dissimulation. Ahaz makes skilful use of his Hebrew education by quoting a text in Deuteronomy 6:16.
Sermons on Isaiah 7:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Great Apostasy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike trust and confidence in God. He criticizes the modern methods and techniques used in churches and |
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Doing Something About It by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of being in church and attending Bible conferences. He acknowledges the importance of fun, humor, and relaxation, but warns a |
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Repentance Is Our Only Hope (Compilation) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how people often listen to the word of God but fail to put it into practice. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and warns against the |
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Arrependimento by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the powerful impact of the Word of God, highlighting how it can either break or harden individuals. It addresses the tendency of some churches to avoid proph |
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Repentance Is Only Hope (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just hearing the word of God, but actually putting it into practice. He criticizes those who come to church and listen |
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Hearers Not Doers by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not only hearing the Word of God but also actively doing what it says. It warns against the deception of merely agreeing with God's command |
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Christian Love by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful illustrations about the transformative power of love. The first story is about a pastor in Chile who, after struggling with a stagna |