Isaiah 47:8
Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֞ה
H6258
שִׁמְעִי
Therefore hear
H8085
שִׁמְעִי
Therefore hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֵשֵׁב֙
beside me I shall not sit
H3427
אֵשֵׁב֙
beside me I shall not sit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לָבֶ֔טַח
carelessly
H983
לָבֶ֔טַח
carelessly
Strong's:
H983
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely
וְאַפְסִ֣י
I am and none else
H657
וְאַפְסִ֣י
I am and none else
Strong's:
H657
Word #:
10 of 17
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
ע֑וֹד
H5750
ע֑וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֵשֵׁב֙
beside me I shall not sit
H3427
אֵשֵׁב֙
beside me I shall not sit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Zephaniah 2:15This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.Isaiah 32:9Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.Isaiah 47:10For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.Isaiah 45:6That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.Jeremiah 50:11Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls;
Historical Context
Babylon's goddess Ishtar claimed to prevent widowhood and child-loss, and the city's massive defensive system seemed to guarantee security. The sudden overthrow by Cyrus demonstrated the futility of both religious and military self-confidence.
Questions for Reflection
- In what subtle ways do you echo Babylon's 'I am' boast in areas of life where you feel self-sufficient?
- How does recognizing your inevitable 'widowhood' and 'loss' drive you to depend on God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The self-deification 'I am, and none else beside me' parodies God's covenant name (Exodus 3:14) and claims absolute autonomy. The boasts 'I shall not sit as a widow' and 'I shall not know the loss of children' deny vulnerability and dependence, which are inevitable in a fallen world. This epitomizes unregenerate humanity's pretension to god-like self-sufficiency.