Isaiah 51:8
Isaiah 51:8 in Multiple Translations
For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations.”
For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool; but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation unto all generations.
For like a coat they will be food for the insect, the worm will make a meal of them like wool: but my righteousness will be for ever, and my salvation to all generations.
Moths will eat them up like clothing; bugs will chew through them like wool. But my goodness will last forever, my salvation will endure for all generations.
For the mothe shall eate them vp like a garment, and the worme shall eate them like wool: but my righteousnesse shalbe for euer, and my saluation from generation to generation.
For as a garment eat them doth a moth, And as wool eat them doth a worm, And My righteousness is to the age, And My salvation to all generations.
For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.”
For the moth shall eat them like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
For the worm shall eat them up as a garment: and the moth shall consume them as wool: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my justice from generation to generation,
because some day they will be destroyed like [MET] clothing that is eaten by ◄larvae of moths/cockroaches►, like wool garments that have been eaten by worms. I will save you people, and you will be saved forever.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 51:8
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 51:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
כַ/בֶּ֨גֶד֙
יֹאכְלֵ֣/ם
עָ֔שׁ
וְ/כַ/צֶּ֖מֶר
יֹאכְלֵ֣/ם
סָ֑ס
וְ/צִדְקָתִ/י֙
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה
וִ/ישׁוּעָתִ֖/י
לְ/ד֥וֹר
דּוֹרִֽים
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כַ/בֶּ֨גֶד֙
beged
H899
treachery
Prep | N-ms
יֹאכְלֵ֣/ם
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
עָ֔שׁ
ʻâsh
H6211
moth
N-ms
וְ/כַ/צֶּ֖מֶר
tsemer
H6785
wool
Conj | Prep | N-ms
יֹאכְלֵ֣/ם
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
סָ֑ס
çâç
H5580
moth
N-ms
וְ/צִדְקָתִ/י֙
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Conj | N-fs | Suff
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וִ/ישׁוּעָתִ֖/י
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
salvation
Conj | N-fs | Suff
לְ/ד֥וֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
Prep | N-ms
דּוֹרִֽים
dôwr
H1755
generation
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 51:8
כִּ֤י
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.
כַ/בֶּ֨גֶד֙
beged
H899
"treachery"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
יֹאכְלֵ֣/ם
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
עָ֔שׁ
ʻâsh
H6211
"moth"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to a moth or grass, symbolizing something that is fragile or easily destroyed. It is first used in Job 4:19 to describe the fragility of human life. The word is also related to vegetation and herbage.
Definition: moth
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: moth. See also H5906 (עַיִשׁ). See also: Job 4:19; Daniel 4:12; Psalms 39:12.
וְ/כַ/צֶּ֖מֶר
tsemer
H6785
"wool"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to wool, like the kind used to make warm clothing, and is also used to describe something white or woolly.
Definition: 1) wool 1a) wool 1b) whiteness (metaph.) 1c) wool (in garments) Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (עֲמַר "wool" H6015)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: wool(-len). See also: Leviticus 13:47; Proverbs 31:13; Psalms 147:16.
יֹאכְלֵ֣/ם
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
סָ֑ס
çâç
H5580
"moth"
N-ms
This word means a moth, known for its agility. It is used in the Bible to describe the insect that eats away at clothing. The moth is a small but damaging creature.
Definition: moth
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: moth. See also: Isaiah 51:8.
וְ/צִדְקָתִ/י֙
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
וִ/ישׁוּעָתִ֖/י
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
"salvation"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
Salvation means being saved or delivered from something, like trouble or danger, and can also mean victory or prosperity, as seen in the Bible's promises of God's deliverance.
Definition: 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) welfare, prosperity 1b) deliverance 1c) salvation (by God) 1d) victory
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare. See also: Genesis 49:18; Psalms 80:3; Psalms 3:3.
לְ/ד֥וֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
דּוֹרִֽים
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
N-mp
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 51:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 51:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:8
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:8
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:8
- Sermons on Isaiah 51:8
Context — Salvation for Zion
6Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail.
7Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.
8For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations.”
9Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? 10Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 51:6 | Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail. |
| 2 | Isaiah 50:9 | Surely the Lord GOD helps Me. Who is there to condemn Me? See, they will all wear out like a garment; the moths will devour them. |
| 3 | Hosea 5:12 | So I am like a moth to Ephraim, and like decay to the house of Judah. |
| 4 | Isaiah 66:24 | “As they go forth, they will see the corpses of the men who have rebelled against Me; for their worm will never die, their fire will never be quenched, and they will be a horror to all mankind.” |
| 5 | Job 4:19 | how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth! |
| 6 | Luke 1:50 | His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. |
| 7 | Isaiah 46:13 | I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor. |
| 8 | Job 13:28 | So man wastes away like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment. |
| 9 | Isaiah 45:17 | But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will not be put to shame or humiliated, to ages everlasting. |
Isaiah 51:8 Summary
[Isaiah 51:8 reminds us that the things of this world are temporary and will be destroyed, but God's righteousness and salvation will last forever. This means that we can trust in Him and not fear what others think of us, because His love and redemption are eternal, as seen in Romans 8:31-39. We can have confidence in God's power and promises, and share this truth with others, so that they can experience His love and salvation. By trusting in God's eternal nature, we can find strength and comfort in the midst of a temporary and often scary world.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the moth and worm devouring like a garment and wool mean in Isaiah 51:8?
This phrase is a metaphor for how sin and wickedness will be consumed and destroyed, much like moths and worms destroy fabric, as seen in Matthew 6:19-20, where treasures on earth are consumed by moths and rust.
How can we be sure that God's righteousness will last forever?
We can trust in God's eternal nature and promises, as stated in Psalm 119:89, which says that God's word is settled in heaven, and in Isaiah 40:8, which declares that the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God will stand forever.
What does it mean that God's salvation will be through all generations?
This means that God's plan of salvation is not limited to a specific time or people, but is available to all who put their faith in Him, throughout all generations, as seen in Acts 2:39, which says that the promise of salvation is for all whom the Lord our God will call.
How can we apply the truth of Isaiah 51:8 to our everyday lives?
We can apply this truth by trusting in God's eternal righteousness and salvation, and not fearing the scorn of men or the passing nature of worldly things, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 4:18, which says that we should fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that are being 'eaten away' by sin or worldly desires, and how can I trust in God's eternal righteousness to overcome them?
- How can I share the truth of God's salvation with others, so that they can experience His eternal love and redemption?
- What are some ways that I can 'put on strength' and trust in God's power, as encouraged in Isaiah 51:9, and how can I apply this to my daily life?
- How can I balance my desire for earthly comfort and security with the knowledge that these things are temporary, and that God's salvation is eternal?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:8
For the moth shall eat them up like a garment,.... Either these reproaches, or the persons that reproach; as a garment is eaten by the moth, secretly, slowly, surely, and at last completely, so that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:8
For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:8
The moth shall eat them up; your reproachers shall be easily destroyed, and so God will revenge your cause upon them, and deliver you from their reproaches. Like wool; like a woollen garment, which is sooner corrupted by moths or such creatures than linen.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:8
Isaiah 51:8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.Ver. 8. For the moth shall eat them up.] They shall be crushed before the moth, that is, easily be destroyed, and their own consciences shall grub upon them too throughout all eternity. But my righteousness shall be for ever.] Bear therefore bravely all contumelies and contempts of men.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:8
(8) The moth . . . the worm.—The two words in Hebrew have the force of an emphatic assonance—ash and sâsh.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:8
8. For the moth &c.] See again ch. Isaiah 50:9; another indication that the Servant is the type of the true Israel, and hence an example to individual Israelites. The word rendered “worm” (ṣ ?âṣ ?, cf. the Greek óÞò) means strictly “moth.” Although common in Semitic, it is found only here in Hebr.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:8
For the moth - (see Isaiah 50:9). The idea is, that they shall be consumed as the moth eats up a garment; or rather, that the moth itself shall consume them as it does a garment: that is, that they
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:8
7, 8. Hearken unto me — Another occasion for a call to God’s people to “hearken” — that of need of fearlessness against reproach and persecutors. These, too, are temporary. Revilings — Remember Sennacherib.
Sermons on Isaiah 51:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ger-16 Israel's Calvary Road by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a demonstration and proclamation of God's word. They believe that their ability to speak coherently and logically is |
|
The Power of One Man's Intercession by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of one person to make a difference in God's circumstances. He reflects on the difficulty of getting people to change and acknowledg |
|
Call Not Thou Common by A.B. Simpson | Greek Word Studies, in a sermon about the destructive nature of moths as illustrated in the Bible, emphasizes how moth larvae feed on and destroy fabric, particularly wool, symboli |
|
A Wounded Spirit and Destroyed Life's by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing the destructive impact of neglect, negativity, and lack of compassion within families, highlighting the need for repentance, for |
|
Old Time Religion by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of society and the abundance of leisure time that people have. He emphasizes the importance of knowing certain truths rather than |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 63-66 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of worshiping the beast and receiving his mark. He emphasizes that those who engage in such worship will face the wrath of God, b |
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The Centrality of the Lamb - Part 2 by J. Sidlow Baxter | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sinful nature of humanity and the need for a savior. He notes that there is a growing interest in the Bibl |