Isaiah 10:8
Isaiah 10:8 in Multiple Translations
“Are not all my commanders kings?” he says.
For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings?
For he saith, Are not my princes all of them kings?
For he says, Are not all my captains kings?
He says: “All my commanders are kings!
For he sayeth, Are not my princes altogether Kings?
For he saith, 'Are not my princes altogether kings?
For he says, “Aren’t all of my princes kings?
For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings?
For he shall say:
He says, ‘All of my army commanders will soon be kings of these nations that I conquer!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 10:8
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 10:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֖י
יֹאמַ֑ר
הֲ/לֹ֥א
שָׂרַ֛/י
יַחְדָּ֖ו
מְלָכִֽים
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יֹאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הֲ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
שָׂרַ֛/י
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp | Suff
יַחְדָּ֖ו
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
מְלָכִֽים
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 10:8
כִּ֖י
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.
יֹאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
הֲ/לֹ֥א
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.
שָׂרַ֛/י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp | Suff
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
יַחְדָּ֖ו
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
מְלָכִֽים
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — Isaiah 10:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 10:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 10:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 10:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 10:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 10:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 10:8
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 10:8
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 10:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 10:8
- Sermons on Isaiah 10:8
Context — Judgment on Assyria
6I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets.
7But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations.
8“Are not all my commanders kings?” he says.
9“Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus? 10As my hand seized the idolatrous kingdoms whose images surpassed those of Jerusalem and Samaria,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 18:24 | For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? |
| 2 | 2 Kings 19:10 | “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 26:7 | For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, with cavalry and a great company of troops. |
| 4 | Isaiah 36:8 | Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! |
| 5 | Daniel 2:37 | You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. |
Isaiah 10:8 Summary
Isaiah 10:8 shows us a powerful king who is very proud of his army and commanders, thinking they are as strong as kings. This verse teaches us about the dangers of being too proud and trusting in our own strength, rather than trusting in God (as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6). The king's boastful words are a reminder that true strength and power come from God, not from human abilities or achievements (Psalm 121:2). We can learn from this verse to stay humble and rely on God's power in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Isaiah 10:8 and who is speaking in this verse?
The context of Isaiah 10:8 is a prophecy about the Assyrian king, who is boasting about his military power and the conquests of his commanders, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-7, where God describes the Assyrian king as His instrument of judgment against a godless nation.
What does the phrase 'Are not all my commanders kings?' mean in Isaiah 10:8?
This phrase indicates the Assyrian king's pride and arrogance, as he believes his commanders are as powerful as kings, highlighting his trust in human strength rather than God, similar to the attitude condemned in Psalm 52:7.
How does Isaiah 10:8 relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on pride and humility?
Isaiah 10:8 illustrates the dangers of pride, as also warned against in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:6, where humility is encouraged as a virtue, and pride is seen as a precursor to a fall.
What is the spiritual significance of the Assyrian king's boast in Isaiah 10:8?
The Assyrian king's boast serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of human power and the dangers of trusting in oneself rather than God, as emphasized in Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Isaiah 31:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I am trusting in my own strength and power, rather than God's?
- How can I cultivate humility in my daily life, especially when I experience success or recognition?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Isaiah 10:8 to my relationships and interactions with others, avoiding pride and arrogance?
- What does this verse teach me about the character of God and His view of human pride and arrogance?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 10:8
For he saith, [are] not my princes altogether kings?] Meaning either the kings which he had conquered, which were become his princes and subjects; or rather, such were the greatness and glory of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 10:8
For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings? -Vauntings of the Assyrians. Illustrated by the self-laudatory inscriptions of Assyria deciphered by Hincks. Verse 8. (Are) not my princes altogether kings?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 10:8
Equal for power, and wealth, and glory to the kings of other nations, though my subjects and servants.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 10:8
Isaiah 10:8 For he saith, [Are] not my princes altogether kings?Ver. 8. For he saith.] Sennacherib saith. See Isaiah 36:9; Isaiah 36:15; Isaiah 36:18; Isaiah 36:20; Isaiah 37:10; Isaiah 37:13; Isaiah 37:24-25. A great part of this whole book of Isaiah concerneth Sennacherib. Are not my princes altogether kings?] Behold a right Pyrgopolynices, whenas he was set to work by God, exalting himself both against God and man. And saith not the Pope the same when he claims to be Dominus feudi? lord paramount in spirituals and temporals; and when, in creating his cardinals, he useth these words, Estote confratres nostri, et principes mundi, Be ye fellow brethren to us and princes of the world? The Assyrian styled himself king of kings, and accounted his commanders equals to Hezekiah. So Cardinal Bellarmine held himself King James’ s mate. Perhaps he had made some of his chief commanders kings. Our Henry VI crowned Henry Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, King of the Isle of Wight.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 10:8
(8) Are not my princes altogether kings?—So Tiglath-pileser names the twenty-three kings (Ahaz and Pekah among them) who came to do homage and pay tribute at Damascus (Records of the Past, v. 5-26).
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 10:8
8–11. The first speech of the Assyrian.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 10:8
For he saith - This verse, and the subsequent verses to Isaiah 10:11, contain the vaunting of the king of Assyria, and the descriptions of his own confidence of success. Are not my princes altogether kings?
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 10:8
8. For he saith — He fully exhibits what his spirit is — absolutely that of worldly ambition. My princes — Satraps, vicegerents, generals. Are they not equal to the greatest of kings elsewhere?
Sermons on Isaiah 10:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Daniel - the Lord in the Outworking of History by William Fitch | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Daniel and its themes of God's sovereignty and the victory of faith. The sermon begins by discussing how Daniel and his friends |
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The Rise and Fall of Babylon by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the early history of Babylon as mentioned in the Bible, tracing its origins from the time of Nimrod to its eventual rise as a center of religious signi |
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The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the prophetic visions given to Daniel, outlining the course of the Gentile period from the last captivity to the second coming of Christ. Daniel's d |