Isaiah 8:22
Isaiah 8:22 in Multiple Translations
Then they will look to the earth and see only distress and darkness and the gloom of anguish. And they will be driven into utter darkness.
And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.
and they shall look unto the earth, and, behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and into thick darkness they shall be driven away.
And he will be looking down on the earth, and there will be trouble and dark clouds, black night where there is no seeing.
Then they will look towards the earth and see only misery and gloom and agonizing depression, and they will be thrown out into the darkness.
And when he shall looke to the earth, beholde trouble, and darkenes, vexation and anguish, and he is driuen to darkenes.
And unto the land it looketh attentively, And lo, adversity and darkness! — Dimness, distress, and thick darkness is driven away, But not the dimness for which she is in distress!
then look to the earth and see distress, darkness, and the gloom of anguish. They will be driven into thick darkness.
And they shall look to the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.
And they shall look to the earth, and behold trouble and darkness, weakness and distress, and a mist following them, and they cannot fly away from their distress.
They will look around the land and see only trouble/distress and darkness and things that cause them to despair. And then they will be thrown into the very black darkness of hell.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 8:22
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 8:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶל
אֶ֖רֶץ
יַבִּ֑יט
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
צָרָ֤ה
וַ/חֲשֵׁכָה֙
מְע֣וּף
צוּקָ֔ה
וַ/אֲפֵלָ֖ה
מְנֻדָּֽח
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
יַבִּ֑יט
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
צָרָ֤ה
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
N-fs
וַ/חֲשֵׁכָה֙
chăshêkâh
H2825
darkness
Conj | N-fs
מְע֣וּף
mâʻûwph
H4588
gloom
N-ms
צוּקָ֔ה
tsôwq
H6695
distress
N-fs
וַ/אֲפֵלָ֖ה
ʼăphêlâh
H653
darkness
Conj | N-fs
מְנֻדָּֽח
nâdach
H5080
to banish
V-Pual-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 8:22
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.
אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
יַבִּ֑יט
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
צָרָ֤ה
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
N-fs
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
וַ/חֲשֵׁכָה֙
chăshêkâh
H2825
"darkness"
Conj | N-fs
This word means darkness, and it can also mean a time of sadness or trouble. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the darkness that fell upon Egypt. The Psalmist also uses this word to describe a time of distress.
Definition: darkness Also means: chesh.khah (חֶשְׁכָה "dark" H2824)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: darkness. See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 139:12; Psalms 82:5.
מְע֣וּף
mâʻûwph
H4588
"gloom"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means darkness or gloom, describing a lack of light. It is used in the Bible to describe a somber or sad atmosphere. In the KJV, it is translated as dimness.
Definition: gloom
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: dimness. See also: Isaiah 8:22.
צוּקָ֔ה
tsôwq
H6695
"distress"
N-fs
A feeling of anguish or distress, like being in a tight spot, as expressed in Job 15:24.
Definition: 1) constraint, distress, strait 1a) distress, anguish (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: anguish, [idiom] troublous. See also: Proverbs 1:27; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 8:22.
וַ/אֲפֵלָ֖ה
ʼăphêlâh
H653
"darkness"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word describes a state of darkness or gloom, often used to describe a difficult or trying time. In the book of Isaiah, it is used to describe a time of sadness and despair.
Definition: 1) darkness, gloominess, calamity 2) wickedness (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: dark, darkness, gloominess, [idiom] thick. See also: Exodus 10:22; Isaiah 58:10; Proverbs 4:19.
מְנֻדָּֽח
nâdach
H5080
"to banish"
V-Pual-Inf-c
To banish or drive away, used in various contexts, such as expelling someone from a community, as seen in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to impel, thrust, drive away, banish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to impel 1a2) to thrust away, banish 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be impelled 1b2) to be thrust out, be banished 1b2a) banished, outcast (participle) 1b3) to be driven away 1b4) to be thrust away, thrust aside 1c) (Pual) to be thrust into 1c1) thrust (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to thrust, move, impel 1d2) to thrust out, banish 1d3) to thrust away, thrust aside 1e) (Hophal) to be chased, be hunted 1e1) chased, hunted (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: banish, bring, cast down (out), chase, compel, draw away, drive (away, out, quite), fetch a stroke, force, go away, outcast, thrust away (out), withdraw. See also: Deuteronomy 4:19; Isaiah 27:13; Psalms 5:11.
Study Notes — Isaiah 8:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 8:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 8:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 8:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 8:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 8:22
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 8:22
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 8:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 8:22
- Sermons on Isaiah 8:22
Context — Darkness and Light
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.
22Then they will look to the earth and see only distress and darkness and the gloom of anguish. And they will be driven into utter darkness.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 5:30 | In that day they will roar over it, like the roaring of the sea. If one looks over the land, he will see darkness and distress; even the light will be obscured by clouds. |
| 2 | Matthew 22:13 | Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ |
| 3 | Jeremiah 13:16 | Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness. |
| 4 | Matthew 8:12 | But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” |
| 5 | Zephaniah 1:14–15 | The great Day of the LORD is near— near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, |
| 6 | Jeremiah 30:6–7 | Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale? How awful that day will be! None will be like it! It is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved out of it. |
| 7 | Jude 1:13 | They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. |
| 8 | Proverbs 14:32 | The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. |
| 9 | Job 18:18 | He is driven from light into darkness and is chased from the inhabited world. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 15:5–6 | In those days there was no safety for travelers, because the residents of the lands had many conflicts. Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God afflicted them with all kinds of adversity. |
Isaiah 8:22 Summary
[This verse, Isaiah 8:22, talks about a very sad and difficult time when people will only see bad things happening around them and will feel very lost and scared. It's like being in a place with no light at all, which is what happens when we don't follow God's word, as warned in Isaiah 8:20. When we reject God's guidance, we can end up in a state of complete darkness, similar to what is described in Matthew 25:30. To avoid this, we should seek God's will and follow His word, as instructed in Second Timothy 3:16-17, so we can have light and hope in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be driven into utter darkness?
This phrase suggests a complete lack of spiritual or emotional guidance, much like what is described in Isaiah 5:20, where darkness is contrasted with light. It is a state of being without hope or direction, similar to what is warned against in Matthew 25:30.
Is the distress and darkness mentioned in this verse a physical or spiritual condition?
The context suggests that it is both, as the people are looking to the earth, implying a physical aspect, but also experiencing the gloom of anguish, which has a spiritual dimension, as seen in Psalm 107:10-14 where people are in distress due to their rebellion against God.
How does this verse relate to the idea of rejecting God's word?
This verse follows the warning in Isaiah 8:20 that if people do not speak according to God's word, they have no light of dawn. Thus, the distress and darkness are a consequence of rejecting God's guidance, as also seen in Proverbs 29:18 where a lack of vision leads to chaos.
Can this verse be applied to our lives today?
Yes, this verse serves as a warning to anyone who rejects God's word and His guidance. Just as the Israelites were warned, we too can fall into spiritual darkness if we do not seek and follow God's will, as emphasized in Second Timothy 3:16-17 where scripture is given for our instruction.
Reflection Questions
- What are the consequences in my life when I do not seek God's guidance as described in Isaiah 8:20?
- How can I ensure that I am not driven into utter darkness, and instead, walk in the light of God's word?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson from this verse to my daily life, especially in times of distress or uncertainty?
- What does it mean for me to look to the earth for solutions instead of looking to God, and how can I shift my focus?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 8:22
And they shall look unto the earth,.... As persons in distress, upwards and downwards, backwards and forwards, on the right hand and on the left, particularly into the land of Judea; a land that used
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 8:22
And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 8:22
They shall look unto the earth; finding no help from heaven, they turn their eyes downward, looking hither and thither for comfort. Trouble and darkness. &c.; many words expressing the same thing are put together, to signify the variety, and extremity, and continuance of their miseries.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 8:22
Isaiah 8:22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and [they shall be] driven to darkness.Ver. 22. Trouble and darkness, &c.] A huge heap of words all to one sense; to set forth their deepest distress without all hope of help.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 8:22
22. The last words of the previous verse should be taken along with this one: and he shall look upward and shall look to the earth: and behold, &c. Whether he look to heaven or earth, no ray of hope shall appear (cf. ch. Isaiah 5:30). trouble and darkness …] Render with R.V. distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. The word here translated “gloom” is slightly different in form from that in Isaiah 9:1, and does not occur again. and they shall … darkness] Probably: and he shall be chased into thick darkness. A somewhat similar phrase in Jeremiah 23:12. Others render: “and darkness shall be driven (upon him)”; others: “but (the) darkness shall be dispelled.”
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 8:22
And they shall look unto the earth - They would look upward and find no relief, and then in despair cast their eyes to the earth to obtain help there. Yet equally in vain.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 8:22
22. Then from looking upward they look to earth again; to enchantments and sorcery they look, only to feel woes more bitter, and to see forever no dawn, NO dawn. Trouble… darkness… dimness… anguish — Accumulated images.
Sermons on Isaiah 8:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Vocation of the Church by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the church's vocation as a prophetic instrument representing God's mind and purpose, highlighting the need for believers to see the fullness of God's re |
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From Famine to Feasting by Bob Phillips | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment and preparation for the coming judgment. He references Isaiah 33:17, which speaks of seeing the king in his be |
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Ger-05 Israel's Predicament by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the issue of God's glory and his governance over creation. He shares a personal experience of visiting a plant where F-16 fighter bombers ar |
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The Horizon of Christ - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the greatness of Jesus Christ and the purpose of God's plan for humanity. The goal is for believers to have a fresh understanding of Christ's |
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A Farewell Sermon by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards delivers a farewell sermon at the First Church in Northampton, MA, emphasizing the accountability of ministers and their congregations before Christ's tribunal on |
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On the Priesthood - Part 7 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom delivers a sermon emphasizing the weight of responsibility and accountability that comes with being entrusted with the care of souls. He warns about the severe pena |
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Homily 9 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of walking worthily of the calling we have received in Christ, emphasizing the virtues of lowliness, meekness, long-suffering, and for |