Isaiah 28:11
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׂפָ֔ה
lips
H8193
שָׂפָ֔ה
lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
3 of 9
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
וּבְלָשׁ֖וֹן
tongue
H3956
וּבְלָשׁ֖וֹן
tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
4 of 9
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
יְדַבֵּ֖ר
will he speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֖ר
will he speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
6 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.Jeremiah 5:15Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.Deuteronomy 28:49The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;
Historical Context
When Assyria conquered Northern Israel (722 BC) and besieged Judah (701 BC), Hebrew-speakers heard Aramaic and Akkadian commands. Later, Babylonian soldiers spoke Chaldean to conquered Jews (586 BC). Daniel and friends had to learn Babylonian (Daniel 1:4). In exile, Jews heard foreign tongues daily—judgment for rejecting Hebrew prophets. At Pentecost, the reversal: tongues declared God's wonders (Acts 2:11), beginning gospel proclamation to all nations. What was curse becomes blessing through Christ, as all languages praise God (Revelation 7:9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does rejecting God's clear word in Scripture lead to spiritual confusion and inability to discern truth?
- What modern 'foreign tongues' (confusing philosophies, false teachings) might be God's judgment on those who reject biblical truth?
- How should Paul's use of this verse (1 Corinthians 14:21-22) shape our understanding of spiritual gifts as signs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. God responds to the mockers' baby-talk (v.10) with ironic judgment: you refuse My clear teaching? Fine—you'll hear stammering lips and another tongue (be-la'agei safah uv-lashon acheret, בְּלַעֲגֵי שָׂפָה וּבְלָשׁוֹן אַחֶרֶת, literally "with mocking lips and with another tongue"). This refers to foreign invaders (Assyrians/Babylonians) whose unintelligible language will be God's message of judgment. They rejected the clear Hebrew prophecies, so they'll hear incomprehensible foreign commands from conquerors.
Paul quotes this in 1 Corinthians 14:21-22 applying it to tongues as a sign to unbelievers—when Israel rejected clear prophecy, God spoke through foreign tongues (both Assyrian soldiers and NT spiritual gift). The principle: those who reject intelligible revelation receive unintelligible signs of judgment. Deuteronomy 28:49 warned of nations with strange languages as covenant curse. Jesus spoke of judgment coming through Roman armies (Luke 21:20-24). God's final word to the rebellious may be foreign oppressors rather than patient prophets.