Isaiah 48:8
Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.
Original Language Analysis
גַּ֣ם
H1571
גַּ֣ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֗עְתָּ
Yea thou heardest
H8085
שָׁמַ֗עְתָּ
Yea thou heardest
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 19
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
גַּ֚ם
H1571
גַּ֚ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙
for I knew
H3045
יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙
for I knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
6 of 19
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
גַּ֕ם
H1571
גַּ֕ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
מֵאָ֖ז
H227
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
פִתְּחָ֣ה
was not opened
H6605
פִתְּחָ֣ה
was not opened
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
10 of 19
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
אָזְנֶ֑ךָ
not yea from that time that thine ear
H241
אָזְנֶ֑ךָ
not yea from that time that thine ear
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
11 of 19
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙
for I knew
H3045
יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙
for I knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
13 of 19
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
תִּבְגּ֔וֹד
that thou wouldest deal very
H898
תִּבְגּ֔וֹד
that thou wouldest deal very
Strong's:
H898
Word #:
15 of 19
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
וּפֹשֵׁ֥עַ
a transgressor
H6586
וּפֹשֵׁ֥עַ
a transgressor
Strong's:
H6586
Word #:
16 of 19
to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel
מִבֶּ֖טֶן
from the womb
H990
מִבֶּ֖טֶן
from the womb
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
17 of 19
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
Cross References
Psalms 58:3The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.Jeremiah 6:10To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.Malachi 2:11Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.Hosea 5:7They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.
Historical Context
This explains Israel's persistent rebellion despite covenant privileges - it wasn't merely bad examples but inborn corruption. Paul systematically develops this doctrine in Romans 5:12-19, tracing sin to Adam.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding your identity as 'transgressor from the womb' humble your self-righteousness?
- What implications does original sin have for how you raise children and understand human nature?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The accusation 'thou wast called a transgressor from the womb' asserts original sin - sinfulness from conception, not merely bad choices later. This foundational doctrine (Psalm 51:5) explains why human effort cannot save and why new birth is necessary. The name 'transgressor from the womb' demolishes all merit theology and establishes the necessity of sovereign grace.