Isaiah 28:8
For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שֻׁלְחָנ֔וֹת
For all tables
H7979
שֻׁלְחָנ֔וֹת
For all tables
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
3 of 8
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
מָלְא֖וּ
are full
H4390
מָלְא֖וּ
are full
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
4 of 8
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
צֹאָ֑ה
and filthiness
H6675
צֹאָ֑ה
and filthiness
Strong's:
H6675
Word #:
6 of 8
excrement; generally, dirt; figuratively, pollution
Historical Context
Priestly portions from sacrifices were to be eaten in holy contexts (Leviticus 6:16, 26). Covenant meals before the LORD symbolized fellowship (Exodus 24:11). Corrupting these into drunken feasts profaned God's holiness. Eli's sons abused priestly privileges (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Jesus cleansed the temple when worship became merchandise (Matthew 21:12-13). The Corinthian church abused the Lord's Supper by getting drunk (1 Corinthians 11:20-22), prompting Paul's rebuke. Sacred spaces and practices must be guarded from profanation through self-indulgence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern believers risk profaning sacred things (worship, communion, fellowship) through self-indulgence or treating them casually?
- What does this verse teach about the consequences of spiritual leaders prioritizing feasting/pleasure over holiness?
- In what areas of life might there be 'no place clean'—where sin has contaminated what should be set apart for God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean. This verse provides graphic illustration of verse 7's drunkenness. All tables (kol-shulchanot, כָּל־שֻׁלְחָנֹת) likely refers to banquet tables where priests and leaders feast, but the imagery extends to all spheres of society. Full of vomit and filthiness (male'u qi tsoa'ah, מָלְאוּ קִא צֹאָה, filled with vomit and excrement) depicts revolting defilement—the natural consequence of excessive drinking. The Hebrew qi (קִיא, vomit) and tsoa'ah (צֹאָה, excrement/filthiness) combine bodily wastes in maximum disgust.
So that there is no place clean (beli maqom, בְּלִי מָקוֹם, without a place) means total contamination—nowhere undefiled. This isn't merely describing literal drunken banquets but symbolizes complete moral corruption. Places meant for sacred meals (priestly portions, covenant feasts) are defiled by self-indulgence. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns against joining drunkards and gluttons. Philippians 3:19 describes enemies of the cross whose "god is their belly." What should be holy communion becomes profane indulgence.