Isaiah 35:8
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָה
H1961
וְהָיָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָׁ֞ם
H8033
דֶּ֛רֶךְ
The way
H1870
דֶּ֛רֶךְ
The way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 18
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
דֶּ֛רֶךְ
The way
H1870
דֶּ֛רֶךְ
The way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
5 of 18
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
of holiness
H6944
הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙
of holiness
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
6 of 18
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
יִקָּ֣רֵא
and it shall be called
H7121
יִקָּ֣רֵא
and it shall be called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
7 of 18
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַעַבְרֶ֥נּוּ
shall not pass over
H5674
יַעַבְרֶ֥נּוּ
shall not pass over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
10 of 18
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
וְהוּא
H1931
וְהוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
12 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
it but it shall be for those the wayfaring men
H1980
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
it but it shall be for those the wayfaring men
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
14 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
דֶּ֛רֶךְ
The way
H1870
דֶּ֛רֶךְ
The way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
15 of 18
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Isaiah 42:16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Revelation 21:27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:Isaiah 30:21And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.Jeremiah 31:21Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.Ezekiel 44:9Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel.Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.1 Thessalonians 4:7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Historical Context
Ancient highways connected major cities, enabling trade and travel. Isaiah envisions a sacred highway for pilgrims returning to Zion, fulfilled spiritually in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ as "the way" fulfill this prophecy of a highway of holiness?
- What does it mean that God's path is clear enough for simple believers to follow?
- How should the exclusivity of the way of holiness shape our understanding of salvation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The "highway" called "The way of holiness" represents God's sanctified path for His redeemed people. The exclusion of the unclean emphasizes purity and separation from sin. "The wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err" promises divine guidance so clear that even simple believers cannot miss it. This contrasts with the world's confusing paths. The highway anticipates John 14:6 where Jesus declares Himself "the way"—the exclusive path to the Father.