Isaiah 8:19
Isaiah 8:19 in Multiple Translations
When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?
¶ And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits and unto the wizards, that chirp and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? on behalf of the living should they seek unto the dead?
And when they say to you, Make request for us to those who have control of spirits, and to those wise in secret arts, who make hollow bird-like sounds; is it not right for a people to make request to their gods, to make request for the living to the dead?
When someone suggests to you, “Go and ask mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter,” shouldn't people ask their God? Why should they ask the dead on behalf of the living?
And when they shall say vnto you, Enquire at them that haue a spirit of diuination, and at the soothsayers, which whisper and murmure, Should not a people enquire at their God? from the liuing to the dead?
And when they say unto you, 'Seek unto those having familiar spirits, And unto wizards, who chatter and mutter, Doth not a people seek unto its God? — For the living unto the dead!
When they tell you, “Consult with those who have familiar spirits and with the wizards, who chirp and who mutter,” shouldn’t a people consult with their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?
And when they shall say to you, Seek to them that have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek to their God? for the living to the dead?
And when they shall say to you: Seek of pythons, and of diviners, who mutter in their enchantments: should not the people seek of their God, for the living of the dead?
Some people may urge you(pl) to ◄consult/go and talk with► those who talk with the spirits of dead people or with those who say that they receive messages from those spirits. They whisper and mutter about what we should do in the future. But God is [RHQ] the one whom we should ask to guide us! It is ridiculous [RHQ] for people who are alive to request spirits of dead people to tell us what we should do!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 8:19
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 8:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִֽי
יֹאמְר֣וּ
אֲלֵי/כֶ֗ם
דִּרְשׁ֤וּ
אֶל
הָ/אֹבוֹת֙
וְ/אֶל
הַ/יִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים
הַֽ/מְצַפְצְפִ֖ים
וְ/הַ/מַּהְגִּ֑ים
הֲ/לוֹא
עַם֙
אֶל
אֱלֹהָ֣י/ו
יִדְרֹ֔שׁ
בְּעַ֥ד
הַ/חַיִּ֖ים
אֶל
הַ/מֵּתִֽים
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֲלֵי/כֶ֗ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
דִּרְשׁ֤וּ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/אֹבוֹת֙
ʼôwb
H178
medium
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הַ/יִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים
yiddᵉʻônîy
H3049
spiritist
Art | N-mp
הַֽ/מְצַפְצְפִ֖ים
tsâphaph
H6850
to whisper
Art | V-l
וְ/הַ/מַּהְגִּ֑ים
hâgâh
H1897
to mutter
Conj | Art | V-Hiphil
הֲ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
עַם֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֱלֹהָ֣י/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
יִדְרֹ֔שׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּעַ֥ד
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Prep
הַ/חַיִּ֖ים
chay
H2416
alive
Art | Adj
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֵּתִֽים
mûwth
H4191
to die
Art | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 8:19
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | 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.
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
אֲלֵי/כֶ֗ם
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.
דִּרְשׁ֤וּ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
הָ/אֹבוֹת֙
ʼôwb
H178
"medium"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a medium or a person who tries to contact the dead, often using a hollow object like a water skin to make it seem like a spirit is speaking. This practice is forbidden in the Bible.
Definition: 1) water skin bottle 2) necromancer 1b) necromancer, one who evokes the dead 1c) ghost, spirit of a dead one 1d) practice of necromancy 3) one that has a familiar spirit
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: bottle, familiar spirit. See also: Leviticus 19:31; 2 Kings 21:6; Isaiah 8:19.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
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.
הַ/יִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים
yiddᵉʻônîy
H3049
"spiritist"
Art | N-mp
A spiritist, or wizard, is someone who claims to have a familiar spirit, like a necromancer or soothsayer, as seen in the Bible. This term is used to describe people who practice occult arts.
Definition: 1) a knower, one who has a familiar spirit 1a) a familiar spirit, soothsayer, necromancer (meton)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: wizard. See also: Leviticus 19:31; 1 Samuel 28:9; Isaiah 8:19.
הַֽ/מְצַפְצְפִ֖ים
tsâphaph
H6850
"to whisper"
Art | V-l
To whisper or chirp, this word describes the soft sounds of birds or even ghosts. In the Bible, it is used to describe the gentle noises of nature and the supernatural.
Definition: 1) (Pilpel) to chirp, peep 1a) of birds 1b) of ghosts
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: chatter, peep, whisper. See also: Isaiah 8:19; Isaiah 29:4; Isaiah 10:14.
וְ/הַ/מַּהְגִּ֑ים
hâgâh
H1897
"to mutter"
Conj | Art | V-Hiphil
To mutter or ponder, as seen in Psalm 1:2 where it means to meditate on God's law, and also in Psalm 37:35 where it describes plotting evil.
Definition: 1) to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to roar, growl, groan 1a2) to utter, speak 1a3) to meditate, devise, muse, imagine 1b) (Poal) to utter 1c) (Hiphil) to mutter
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, [idiom] sore, speak, study, talk, utter. See also: Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
הֲ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | 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.
עַם֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
אֱלֹהָ֣י/ו
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.
יִדְרֹ֔שׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
בְּעַ֥ד
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Prep
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
הַ/חַיִּ֖ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
הַ/מֵּתִֽים
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Isaiah 8:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 8:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 8:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 8:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 8:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 8:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 8:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 8:19
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 8:19
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 8:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 8:19
- Sermons on Isaiah 8:19
Context — Darkness and Light
17I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him.
18Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me as signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD of Hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.
19When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?
20To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. 21They will roam the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged; and looking upward, they will curse their king and their God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 10:13 | So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, |
| 2 | Leviticus 20:6 | Whoever turns to mediums or spiritists to prostitute himself with them, I will also set My face against that person and cut him off from his people. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 33:6 | He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. |
| 4 | Psalms 106:28 | They yoked themselves to Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. |
| 5 | Leviticus 19:31 | You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. |
| 6 | Isaiah 19:3 | Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 18:11 | casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 28:8 | So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 29:4 | You will be brought low, you will speak from the ground, and out of the dust your words will be muffled. Your voice will be like a spirit from the ground; your speech will whisper out of the dust. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 10:10 | But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation. |
Isaiah 8:19 Summary
This verse reminds us that instead of seeking guidance from people who claim to talk to the dead, we should be seeking guidance from God. We should be looking to Him for answers and wisdom, rather than trying to get help from those who are not alive. This is because God is the one who is truly alive and all-knowing, as seen in Psalm 121:2 and Hebrews 4:12. By seeking God first, we can avoid being deceived and find true wisdom and guidance for our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to consult the spirits of the dead?
Consulting the spirits of the dead refers to seeking guidance or information from those who have passed away, often through mediums or spiritists, which is forbidden in Scripture, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 and Leviticus 19:31.
Why is it wrong to consult the dead on behalf of the living?
Consulting the dead is wrong because it goes against God's command to seek Him first, as stated in Isaiah 8:19, and it can lead to deception and idolatry, as warned in 1 Timothy 4:1 and 2 Corinthians 11:3-4.
What is the alternative to consulting the spirits of the dead?
Instead of consulting the spirits of the dead, we should consult God through prayer and His Word, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Jeremiah 29:12-13, and seek guidance from His Spirit, as seen in John 16:13.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by prioritizing our relationship with God, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all areas of life, and being cautious of any teachings or practices that contradict Scripture, as warned in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 and 1 John 4:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be unknowingly consulting the 'spirits of the dead' in my own life, and how can I turn to God instead?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's guidance and wisdom, especially in uncertain or difficult times?
- What are some practical ways I can prioritize seeking God's face and consulting His Word in my daily life?
- How can I discern between true and false spiritual guidance, and what role does the Bible play in this discernment?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say unto you,.... These are the words of Christ continued, as making his appearance in Israel; and are an address to his people among them, even to his children, disciples, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 8:19
When they, the Israelites, to whom I and my children are signs and wonders, who are fallen from God, and his true religion and worship, into superstition and idolatry, and will endeavour to seduce you into the same impiety, shall say unto you, my children, whom the prophet here arms against the common temptation. Seek unto them for advice and help, and seek no more to the prophets, who have hitherto deluded you with vain words. This was the counsel of the ungodly and unbelieving Jews. Wizards; of whom see 20:27 . That peep, and that mutter; that speak with a puling and low voice, as these two words signify; which they affected to do, speaking rather inwardly in their bellies, than outwardly and audibly with their mouths and voice, as the title of ventriloqui, commonly given to them, signifies. Should not a people seek unto their God? this answer the prophet puts into their mouths, to the foregoing counsel. Doth not every nation, in cases of difficulty or distress, seek to their own gods for relief? Much more should we do so, that have the only true God for our God. For the living to the dead; shall they seek (which words are easily understood out of the foregoing clause) for the living, &c? That living men should inquire of the living God is proper and reasonable; but it is highly absurd for them to forsake him, and to seek to dead idols, either to the images, or to the spirits of dead men, which are supposed to dwell and speak in them.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 8:19
Isaiah 8:19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?Ver. 19. And when they shall say unto you.] The prophet’ s wholesome advice to his disciples. God had hid his face and withdrawn his favour from this people; therefore they would help themselves as they could, by doing as Saul did when forsaken of God, by running to witches and wizards, resolving with her in the poet - “ Flectere si nequo superos, Acheronta movebo. ” That peep and that mutter.] Utter their predictions in broken and low language, grunting or grumbling them out in dark and doubtful expressions, as distrusting their own art. Should not a people seek unto their God?] See Jeremiah 2:11 Micah 4:5. Our God is a rewarder of all that diligently seek him, or that "seek him out" - viz., when he hath withdrawn himself and hid his face. For the living to the dead,] q.d., Is that handsome? is it agreeable to right reason? O stultam commutationem! vocat nos Deus vivus, et nos recurrimus ad mortuos. Oecolamp.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 8:19
(19) And when they shall say unto you . . .—This then was the temptation to which the disciples of Isaiah were exposed, and to which they were all but yielding. Why should not they do as others did, and consult the soothsayers, who were in such great demand (Isaiah 2:6), as to the anxious secrets of the coming years. The words point to some of the many forms of such soothsaying (Deuteronomy 18:10). The “familiar spirit” (the English term being a happy paraphrase rather than a translation), is closely connected, as in the case of the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:1-20), with the idea of necromancy, i.e., with the claim to have a demon or spirit of divination (Acts 16:16), on the part of the wizards (comp. Hom. Il. xxiii. 10; Virg. Ӕ ?n., vi. 492) that “peep” (old English for “pipe,” “chirp,” “whisper”) “and mutter.” This peculiar intonation, thrilling each nerve with a sense of expectant awe, seems to have been characteristic of the soothsayers of Isaiah’s time (Isaiah 29:4). Should not a people seek unto their God? . . .—That, the prophet says, is the only true pathway to such knowledge as is good for man. The latter part of the question is abruptly elliptical: Are men to seek on behalf of the living to the dead? What ground, he seems to ask, have we for thinking that the spirits of the dead can be recalled to earth, or, if that were possible, that they know more than the living do? May it not even be that they know less?
The prophet views the state of the departed as Hezekiah views it (Isaiah 38:18), as one, not of annihilation, but of dormant or weakened powers.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 8:19
Verse 19. Should not a people seek - "Should they seek"] After ידרש yidrosh, the Septuagint, repeating the word, read הידרש hayidrosh: ΟυκεθνοςπροςΘεοναυτουεκζητησουσι;τιεκζητησουσιπεριτωνζωντωντουςνεκρους; Should not a nation seek unto its God? Why should you seek unto the dead concerning the living? and this repetition of the verb seems necessary to the sense; and, as Procopius on the place observes, it strongly expresses the prophet's indignation at their folly.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 8:19
19, 20. Religion and superstition contrasted.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say - When the people, instead of putting confidence in God, shall propose to apply to necromancers. In the time of Ahaz the people were, as they were often, much inclined to idolatry; 2 Kings 16:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 8:19
19. Distrusting Jehovah, and afraid of Assyria, some of the people were resorting to sorcerers for counsel. The blended folly and impiety of this our prophet now exposes.
Sermons on Isaiah 8:19
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(Isaiah) How to Prepare for God’s Judgment by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on the word of God and seeking guidance from it. He encourages the audience to trust in God and look to Him for he |
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Alternative Medicine—the Biblical Perspective (Part 1) by Mose Stoltzfus | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prevalent superstitious beliefs and practices among people, such as relying on omens and lucky charms. He emphasizes that throughout hist |
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The Ancient Prophets by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle reflects on his lifelong engagement with the Bible, emphasizing its timeless relevance and the profound lessons drawn from the lives of ancient prophets. He sh |
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Spirits That Peep and Mutter by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes the dangers of seeking guidance from familiar spirits and wizards, urging believers to turn to God instead. He warns that those who promote doctrines contrary |
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So Saul Died for His Trespass. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the tragic end of Saul, emphasizing his threefold trespass against God: failing to obey God's command regarding Amalek, seeking counsel from a medium, and ne |
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A Short Examination of Some of the Scripture-Proofs, Alledged by the Divines at Westminster by Robert Barclay | Robert Barclay addresses the assertions made by others regarding God's will being wholly committed to writing and the ceasing of former ways of revelation. He refutes these claims |
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Our Daily Homily - 1 Chronicles by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, emphasizing the significance of each name as a testament to God's love and purpose for humanity. He warns that while our liv |