Isaiah 44:8

Authorized King James Version

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Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

Original Language Analysis

אַֽל H408
אַֽל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 1 of 17
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּפְחֲדוּ֙ Fear H6342
תִּפְחֲדוּ֙ Fear
Strong's: H6342
Word #: 2 of 17
to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general
וְאַל H408
וְאַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 3 of 17
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּרְה֔וּ ye not neither be afraid H7297
תִּרְה֔וּ ye not neither be afraid
Strong's: H7297
Word #: 4 of 17
to fear
הֲלֹ֥א H3808
הֲלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מֵאָ֛ז thee from that time H227
מֵאָ֛ז thee from that time
Strong's: H227
Word #: 6 of 17
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֥יךָ have not I told H8085
הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֥יךָ have not I told
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 7 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְהִגַּ֖דְתִּי and have declared H5046
וְהִגַּ֖דְתִּי and have declared
Strong's: H5046
Word #: 8 of 17
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
וְאַתֶּ֣ם H859
וְאַתֶּ֣ם
Strong's: H859
Word #: 9 of 17
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
עֵדָ֑י it ye are even my witnesses H5707
עֵדָ֑י it ye are even my witnesses
Strong's: H5707
Word #: 10 of 17
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
הֲיֵ֤שׁ Is there H3426
הֲיֵ֤שׁ Is there
Strong's: H3426
Word #: 11 of 17
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
אֱל֙וֹהַּ֙ a God H433
אֱל֙וֹהַּ֙ a God
Strong's: H433
Word #: 12 of 17
a deity or the deity
מִבַּלְעָדַ֔י beside H1107
מִבַּלְעָדַ֔י beside
Strong's: H1107
Word #: 13 of 17
except, without, besides
וְאֵ֥ין H369
וְאֵ֥ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 14 of 17
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
צ֖וּר me yea there is no God H6697
צ֖וּר me yea there is no God
Strong's: H6697
Word #: 15 of 17
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
בַּל H1077
בַּל
Strong's: H1077
Word #: 16 of 17
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
יָדָֽעְתִּי׃ I know H3045
יָדָֽעְתִּי׃ I know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 17 of 17
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis & Commentary

God commands Israel not to fear or be afraid ('al-tirau' and 'al-tirhau'), then appeals to their own experience: 'have not I told thee from that time?' Israel themselves are God's witnesses ('edim'). The rhetorical question 'Is there a God beside me?' expects a resounding 'No!' The metaphor of God as 'rock' (tsur) emphasizes stability, protection, and unchanging faithfulness.

Historical Context

Israel's corporate memory of God's faithfulness through centuries of covenant relationship serves as testimony against false gods. Their existence as a people despite exile proves God's promises.

Questions for Reflection

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