Isaiah 8:9
Isaiah 8:9 in Multiple Translations
Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered!
¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.
Make an uproar, O ye peoples, and be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and be broken in pieces.
Have knowledge, O peoples, and be in fear; give ear, all you far-off parts of the earth:
Pay attention, you nations, and be smashed! Listen, all you distant lands, get ready, but you will be smashed. Get ready, but you will be smashed.
Gather together on heapes, O ye people, and ye shalbe broken in pieces, and hearken all ye of farre countreys: gird your selues, and you shalbe broken in pieces: gird your selues, and you shalbe broken in pieces.
Be friends, O nations, and be broken, And give ear, all ye far off ones of earth, Gird yourselves, and be broken, Gird yourselves, and be broken.
Make an uproar, you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Listen, all you from far countries: dress for battle, and be shattered! Dress for battle, and be shattered!
Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.
Gather yourselves together, O ye people, and be overcome, and give ear, all ye lands afar off: strengthen yourselves, and be overcome, gird yourselves, and be overcome.
Listen, all you people in distant countries! You can prepare to attack Judah. You can prepare for battle, and shout your war-cries, but your armies will be crushed/shattered!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 8:9
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 8:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רֹ֤עוּ
עַמִּים֙
וָ/חֹ֔תּוּ
וְ/הַֽאֲזִ֔ינוּ
כֹּ֖ל
מֶרְחַקֵּי
אָ֑רֶץ
הִתְאַזְּר֣וּ
וָ/חֹ֔תּוּ
הִֽתְאַזְּר֖וּ
וָ/חֹֽתּוּ
רֹ֤עוּ
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
עַמִּים֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp
וָ/חֹ֔תּוּ
châthath
H2865
to to be dismayed
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וְ/הַֽאֲזִ֔ינוּ
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מֶרְחַקֵּי
merchâq
H4801
distance
N-mp
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
הִתְאַזְּר֣וּ
ʼâzar
H247
to gird
V-Hithpael-Impv-2mp
וָ/חֹ֔תּוּ
châthath
H2865
to to be dismayed
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
הִֽתְאַזְּר֖וּ
ʼâzar
H247
to gird
V-Hithpael-Impv-2mp
וָ/חֹֽתּוּ
châthath
H2865
to to be dismayed
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
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 8:9
רֹ֤עוּ
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
עַמִּים֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp
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.
וָ/חֹ֔תּוּ
châthath
H2865
"to to be dismayed"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
וְ/הַֽאֲזִ֔ינוּ
ʼâzan
H238
"to listen"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To listen or hear is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying obedience or paying attention to what is being said, as in 1 Kings 3:9.
Definition: 1) to hear, listen 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to hear, listen, give ear 1a2) to be obedient, harken 1a3) to hear or listen to prayers (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken). See H239 (אָזַן). See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 77:2; Psalms 5:2.
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מֶרְחַקֵּי
merchâq
H4801
"distance"
N-mp
Merchaq means a distant place or far country, often used to describe a location that is far away. It can also imply a sense of remoteness or separation. This word is used in the Bible to describe geographical distance.
Definition: distant place, distance, far country
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (a-, dwell in, very) far (country, off). See also H1023 (בֵּית הַמֶּרְחָק). See also: Psalms 138:6; Isaiah 33:17; Proverbs 25:25.
אָ֑רֶץ
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.
הִתְאַזְּר֣וּ
ʼâzar
H247
"to gird"
V-Hithpael-Impv-2mp
To gird means to wear a belt or surround something, like God surrounding his people with strength. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) gird, encompass, equip, clothe 1a) (Qal) to gird, gird on (metaphorical of strength) 1b) (Niphal) be girded 1c)(Piel) hold close, clasp 1d) (Hiphpael) gird oneself (for war)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bind (compass) about, gird (up, with). See also: 1 Samuel 2:4; Psalms 18:40; Psalms 18:33.
וָ/חֹ֔תּוּ
châthath
H2865
"to to be dismayed"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
הִֽתְאַזְּר֖וּ
ʼâzar
H247
"to gird"
V-Hithpael-Impv-2mp
To gird means to wear a belt or surround something, like God surrounding his people with strength. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) gird, encompass, equip, clothe 1a) (Qal) to gird, gird on (metaphorical of strength) 1b) (Niphal) be girded 1c)(Piel) hold close, clasp 1d) (Hiphpael) gird oneself (for war)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bind (compass) about, gird (up, with). See also: 1 Samuel 2:4; Psalms 18:40; Psalms 18:33.
וָ/חֹֽתּוּ
châthath
H2865
"to to be dismayed"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
Study Notes — Isaiah 8:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 8:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 8:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 8:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 8:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 8:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 8:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 8:9
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 8:9
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 8:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 8:9
- Sermons on Isaiah 8:9
Context — Assyrian Invasion Prophesied
7the Lord will surely bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates — the king of Assyria and all his pomp. It will overflow its channels and overrun its banks.
8It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel!
9Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered!
10Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ” 11For this is what the LORD has spoken to me with a strong hand, instructing me not to walk in the way of this people:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 14:5–6 | The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers. It struck the peoples in anger with unceasing blows; it subdued the nations in rage with relentless persecution. |
| 2 | Proverbs 11:21 | Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape. |
| 3 | Psalms 37:14–15 | The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 20:11 | And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’” |
| 5 | Isaiah 7:1–2 | Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. |
| 6 | Joel 3:9–14 | Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war; rouse the mighty men; let all the men of war advance and attack! Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong!’ Come quickly, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves. Bring down Your mighty ones, O LORD. Let the nations be roused and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the nations on every side. Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full; the wine vats overflow because their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the Day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. |
| 7 | Isaiah 17:12–13 | Alas, the tumult of many peoples; they rage like the roaring seas and clamoring nations; they rumble like the crashing of mighty waters. The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale. |
| 8 | Zechariah 14:1–3 | Behold, a day of the LORD is coming when your plunder will be divided in your presence. For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city. Then the LORD will go out to fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. |
| 9 | Isaiah 28:13 | Then the word of the LORD to them will become: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there,” so that they will go stumbling backward and will be injured, ensnared, and captured. |
| 10 | Isaiah 54:15 | If anyone attacks you, it is not from Me; whoever assails you will fall before you. |
Isaiah 8:9 Summary
[Isaiah 8:9 is a call to the nations to gather their strength, but it's also a warning that their efforts will be in vain because God is in control. This verse reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, God is with us and will protect us, as promised in Isaiah 8:10 and Matthew 28:20. We can trust in His presence and provision, rather than our own strength and plans, and find hope and reassurance in His love and care for us, as seen in Psalm 23:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'huddle together' in Isaiah 8:9?
The phrase 'huddle together' is a call to the nations to gather their strength and resources, but it will ultimately lead to their defeat, as seen in Isaiah 8:9, where it says 'Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered' (also see Isaiah 41:11-16 for a similar theme).
Why does God tell the distant lands to prepare for battle if they will be shattered?
God is emphasizing the futility of the nations' efforts to resist His plan, as stated in Isaiah 8:9-10, where it says 'prepare for battle, and be shattered' and 'Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted' (see also Proverbs 21:30 for a similar idea).
How does this verse relate to the promise of God's presence with His people?
This verse is followed by the promise in Isaiah 8:10, 'For God is with us', which emphasizes that despite the threats and attacks of the nations, God's presence and protection are with His people, as also seen in Isaiah 41:10 and Matthew 28:20.
What is the tone of this verse, is it one of fear or hope?
The tone of Isaiah 8:9 is one of warning and judgment to the nations, but for God's people, it is a tone of hope and reassurance, as they are reminded of God's presence and protection, as seen in Isaiah 8:10 and Psalm 23:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that I am 'huddling together' for strength and security, and how can I learn to trust in God's presence instead?
- How do I respond to threats and challenges in my life, and what can I learn from God's promise to be with His people in the midst of them?
- In what ways can I be a part of proclaiming God's warning and judgment to the nations, while also sharing His message of hope and salvation?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than my own strength and plans?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 8:9
Associate yourselves, O ye people,.... Both of Syria and Israel, whose two kings were confederate against Judah: and ye shall be broken in pieces; as the kingdom of Syria was by Tilgathpilneser
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 8:9
Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 8:9
O ye people; Syrians and Israelites. Immanuel’ s name inspireth the prophet with new courage, and makes him send a challenge to all God’ s enemies, and foretell their certain downfall. Ye of far countries; whosoever you be, whether far or near, who do or shall conspire against Immanuel’ s land. Gird yourselves with sword and belt; prepare yourselves for war. Ye shall be broken in pieces: this is repeated for the greater assurance of the thing, and the comfort of God’ s people, who are apt to despond upon such occasions.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 8:9
Isaiah 8:9 Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.Ver. 9. Associate yourselves, O ye people.] In confidence of her king Immanuel’ s succour (help) and support, the Church thus holily insulteth over her most active enemies, foretelling their utter subversion. "The virgin daughter of Zion" doth the like, as binding upon her invincible champion Immanuel, whose very name here putteth spirits into her, and maketh her take ‘ heart of grace,’ as they say. Basil biddeth the Christians in time of persecution boldly bespeak their adversaries in these words, though somewhat otherwise rendered by the Septuagint, by mistake of a letter. If again ye prevail, ye shall yet again be vanquished. And truly of the Church it may be foretold better than of Troy - “ Victa tamen vinces, eversaque Troia resurges: Obruet hostiles illa ruina domes. ” - Ovid, Fast. Gird yourselves and ye shall be broken in pieces.] "Ye shall," "ye shall," without fail, though ye little believe it. It shall be done (as is therefore here so often threatened), as sure as the coat is on your back, or the heart in your belly.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 8:9
(9) Associate yourselves, O ye people . . .—Better, O ye peoples. The words are not limited to the confederacy of Syria and Ephraim, but are, as it were, a challenge to all the peoples of the earth, far and near. No plan against the Divine kingdom, of which the earthly kingdom of the house of David was, for the time, the representative, shall prosper. The prophet falls back once more on the abiding promise of the name Immanuel (“with us is God”).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 8:9
Verse 9. Associate yourselves - "Know ye this"] God by his prophet plainly declares to the confederate adversaries of Judah, and bids them regard and attend to his declaration, that all their efforts shall be in vain. The present reading, rou, is subject to many difficulties; I follow that of the Septuagint, דעו deu, γνωτε Archbishop Secker approves this reading. דעו deu, know ye this, is parallel and synonymous to האזינו haazinu, give ear to it, in the next line. The Septuagint have likewise very well paraphrased the conclusion of this verse: "When ye have strengthened yourselves, ye shall be broken; and though ye again strengthen yourselves, again shall ye be broken;" taking חתו chottu as meaning the same with נשברו, ye shall be broken.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 8:9
9, 10. The challenge of faith to the combined nations of the world. Cf. Psalms 2:1-6.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 8:9
Associate yourselves - In the previous verses the prophet had seen the Assyrian coming up on the land like an overwhelming flood. He looked upon the danger, and his mind was turned to the pledge of safety which God had given.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 8:9
9, 10. In full prophetic knowledge of how the results will be, the prophet, with impetuous transition, defies the foreign partisans. Associate yourselves, etc. — Rather, (Hebrews,) Rage ye.
Sermons on Isaiah 8:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Beauty and Strength of Zion by John Owen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses five questions regarding the protection and preservation of the church. The preacher begins by giving an illustration of how massive and impe |
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Jude #3 - the Angels That Sinned by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a controversial passage in the Bible, specifically verse 6 of Jude. The speaker presents three views on the interpretation of this verse. The |
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Governed by the Word of God by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that if Christ is the supreme authority over His kingdom, then our lives must be governed by Him in every aspect. He explains that to be governed by Jesu |
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God Has Good Plans for You by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about God's intimate care and guidance in our lives, even when we are unaware of His presence. She emphasizes God's thoughts of peace and His plans fo |
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The Price You Pay by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the declaration in the Word of God that the wages of sin is death. However, he also highlights the interruption of hope and help that comes |
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This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding |
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A Startling Statement by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the consequences of sin, emphasizing that the wicked shall not go unpunished, as seen in various Bible passages. He highlights the certainty of reapin |