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Isaiah 8:11

Isaiah 8:11 in Multiple Translations

For this is what the LORD has spoken to me with a strong hand, instructing me not to walk in the way of this people:

¶ For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,

For Jehovah spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying,

For the Lord, controlling me with a strong hand, gave me orders not to go in the way of this people, saying,

For this is what the Lord told me, holding me with a strong hand, instructing me not to follow the way of this people. He said,

For the Lord spake thus to me in taking of mine hand, and taught me, that I should not walke in the way of this people, saying,

For thus hath Jehovah spoken unto me with strength of hand, and instructeth me against walking in the way of this people, saying,

For the LORD spoke this to me with a strong hand, and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying,

For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,

For thus saith the Lord to me: As he hath taught me, with a strong arm, that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:

Yahweh strongly warned me [MTY] not to act like the other people in Judah did. He said to me,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 8:11

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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 8:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּי֩ כֹ֨ה אָמַ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה אֵלַ֖/י כְּ/חֶזְקַ֣ת הַ/יָּ֑ד וְ/יִסְּרֵ֕/נִי מִ/לֶּ֛כֶת בְּ/דֶ֥רֶךְ הָֽ/עָם הַ/זֶּ֖ה לֵ/אמֹֽר
כִּי֩ kîy H3588 for Conj
כֹ֨ה kôh H3541 thus Adv
אָמַ֧ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֵלַ֖/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
כְּ/חֶזְקַ֣ת chezqâh H2393 strength Prep | N-fs
הַ/יָּ֑ד yâd H3027 hand Art | N-cs
וְ/יִסְּרֵ֕/נִי yâçar H3256 to discipline Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
מִ/לֶּ֛כֶת yâlak H3212 to walk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּ/דֶ֥רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs
הָֽ/עָם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
לֵ/אמֹֽר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 8:11

כִּי֩ 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.
כֹ֨ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֧ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-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.
יְהוָ֛ה 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.
אֵלַ֖/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כְּ/חֶזְקַ֣ת chezqâh H2393 "strength" Prep | N-fs
This word is about prevailing power, like in 2 Samuel 22:33 where God gives strength to his people. It's used to describe someone who is strong and courageous.
Definition: strength, strong, being strong, force
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: strength(-en self), (was) strong. See also: 2 Chronicles 12:1; Isaiah 8:11; Daniel 11:2.
הַ/יָּ֑ד yâd H3027 "hand" Art | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/יִסְּרֵ֕/נִי yâçar H3256 "to discipline" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
מִ/לֶּ֛כֶת yâlak H3212 "to walk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בְּ/דֶ֥רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הָֽ/עָם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
לֵ/אמֹֽר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.

Study Notes — Isaiah 8:11

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 3:14 So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me.
2 Proverbs 1:15 my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path.
3 Jeremiah 15:19 Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you return, I will restore you; you will stand in My presence. And if you speak words that are noble instead of worthless, you will be My spokesman. It is they who must turn to you, but you must not turn to them.
4 Acts 4:20 For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
5 Jeremiah 20:9 If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
6 Jeremiah 20:7 You have deceived me, O LORD, and I was deceived. You have overcome me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me.
7 Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.
8 Ezekiel 2:6–8 But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I give you.”

Isaiah 8:11 Summary

This verse is saying that God spoke to the prophet Isaiah in a powerful way, telling him not to follow the bad ways of the people around him. This means that we too should try to live differently from the world, and instead follow God's ways, as taught in the Bible (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 6:17). We should listen to God's voice and guidance, and trust Him to lead us, rather than following our own fears and anxieties (Proverbs 3:5-6). By doing so, we can live a life that is pleasing to God and brings Him glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the LORD to speak to someone with a strong hand?

This phrase suggests a powerful and authoritative communication from God, as seen in Isaiah 8:11, where the prophet is instructed not to follow the ways of the people, similar to how God guided His people in Exodus 13:9 and Deuteronomy 6:8.

Why is the prophet instructed not to walk in the way of the people?

The prophet is being told to separate himself from the sinful ways of the people, and instead follow God's ways, as taught in Leviticus 18:3-4 and Deuteronomy 12:30-31, to avoid being influenced by their idolatry and unbelief.

How does this verse relate to the concept of holiness?

This verse implies that God's people are called to be holy, set apart from the world, as seen in Leviticus 20:26 and 1 Peter 1:15-16, and to follow God's instructions, rather than the ways of the world, in order to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

What is the significance of the prophet being instructed by God?

The fact that the prophet is being instructed directly by God emphasizes the importance of obeying God's voice and following His guidance, as seen in Isaiah 30:21 and John 10:27, rather than following the ways of the world or the opinions of others.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be following the ways of the world, rather than God's ways, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?
  2. How can I discern God's voice and guidance in my life, and what are some ways in which I can be more sensitive to His leading?
  3. What are some areas in which I need to trust God more, and let go of my own fears and anxieties, as instructed in Isaiah 8:12-13?
  4. How can I apply the principle of separation from the world, as seen in this verse, to my own life and relationships, in order to live a more holy and obedient life?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 8:11

For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand,.... In the strength of prophecy, as the Targum explains it; and so all the Jews' interpreters understand it of prophecy, as in Ezekiel 1:3: or, "the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 8:11

For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand - or else, when He grasped me with His hand (Horsley).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 8:11

With a strong hand; with a vehement and more than ordinary inspiration, strongly imprinting it in my mind. Of this people; of the generality of the people of Judah; whose eminent danger and calamity he foretells, , but withal gives them full assurance that God would deliver them out of it, ,10; which he doth to aggravate the present sin of Ahaz and his people, in forsaking God, and seeking to the king of Assyria for help, as they did, .

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 8:11

Isaiah 8:11 For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,Ver. 11. For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand.] That is, with his Spirit accompanying his word, and setting it home to my heart, that so I might speak from the heart to the heart. Some render it, taking me by the hand, fidelis paedagogi instar, like a loving and faithful schoolmaster, and thereby pulling me back that I should not walk in the common road. That I should not walk in the way of this people.] Not howl with those wolves, not tune my fiddle to the bass of the times, not follow a multitude to do evil, but rather to keep a constant countermotion to the many, and rather to go right alone than not at all. Cassianus gives very good counsel, Vive ut pauci, ut cum paucis inveniri merearis in regno Dei, Live thou as but few else do, that with those few thou mayest be found in God’ s kingdom. Now, none can do thus but only they to whom the Lord both speaketh, and layeth hold also upon their hand that they be not "led away with the error of the wicked." Sicut apprehensione manus. In Epist.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 8:11

(11) For the Lord spake thus to me.—We enter on a new section, separated, probably, by a short interval of time, but dealing with the same subject. In the “strong hand” we have an anthropomorphic phrase, implying a specially high degree of the intensity of inspiration (1 Kings 18:46; 2 Kings 3:15; Ezekiel 1:3; Ezekiel 3:14; Ezekiel 3:22; Ezekiel 8:1; Ezekiel 37:1). Something had occurred which brought the prophet into a state like that of St. Paul in Acts 17:16; Acts 18:5. Indignation and zeal were roused to their highest point, and were able to resist all human pressure from without. The result was a lesson which was to be specially impressed on the disciples who gathered round the prophet.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 8:11

Verse 11. With a strong hand - "As taking me by the hand"] Eleven MSS., (two ancient,) of Kennicott's, thirty-four of De Rossi's, and seven editions, read כחזקת kechezkath; and so Symmachus, the Syriac, and Vulgate. Or rather with a strong hand, that is, with a strong and powerful influence of the prophetic Spirit.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 8:11

11–15. Isaiah was able to stand alone against the nation during this crisis, because he knew that his thoughts were controlled by a Power not his own.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 8:11

For the Lord spake thus - Spake that which immediately follows in the next verse. Warned him not to Unite in the alliance with foreign kingdoms which the nation was about forming.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 8:11

11. The Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand — With strength of hand, that is, with mighty inspiring power.

Sermons on Isaiah 8:11

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Six Verses That Describe Our Vision by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving everything to God. He encourages the audience to present their bodies, eyes, and hands to God, and to surrender thei
Chuck Smith Fearing God and Heeding His Word by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith warns about the enticing and pleasant nature of sin, but emphasizes that it ultimately leads to barrenness, captivity, misery, despair, and darkn
Bob Hoekstra Isaiah Encouraging All to Wait on the Lord by Bob Hoekstra Bob Hoekstra preaches on Isaiah's encouragement to wait on the Lord, emphasizing that God's power is available for those who admit their weakness. Isaiah's heart for God's grace is
Richard E. Bieber Full-Fledged Sons by Richard E. Bieber Richard E. Bieber emphasizes the importance of growing into full-fledged sons and daughters of God, highlighting that Jesus did not begin His ministry until He reached full manhood
James Bourne Letter 76 by James Bourne James Bourne, in a letter to M. G. in London, 1835, emphasizes the importance of true repentance and surrender to God, warning against delusion and false piety. He urges M. G. to b
Keith Daniel Submission and Piety at Home by Keith Daniel In this video, the speaker reflects on an eight-week preaching tour they recently completed, covering 17 different states. They express their gratitude for the opportunity to preac
Art Katz Ger-07 Ezekiel 37 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for believers to have a deeper understanding of the mystery of Israel and the Church. He emphasizes that many Christians have not yet

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