Isaiah 7:11
Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁאָ֔לָה
Ask
H7592
שְׁאָ֔לָה
Ask
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
1 of 11
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
א֔וֹת
thee a sign
H226
א֔וֹת
thee a sign
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
3 of 11
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
מֵעִ֖ם
H5973
מֵעִ֖ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הַעְמֵ֣ק
it either in the depth
H6009
הַעְמֵ֣ק
it either in the depth
Strong's:
H6009
Word #:
7 of 11
to be (causatively, make) deep (literally or figuratively)
שְׁאָ֔לָה
Ask
H7592
שְׁאָ֔לָה
Ask
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
8 of 11
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
א֖וֹ
H176
א֖וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
9 of 11
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
Cross References
Isaiah 37:30And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.Isaiah 38:22Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?2 Kings 19:29And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof.Jeremiah 19:1Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;Jeremiah 19:10Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee,
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings commonly sought divine signs through divination. God offers Ahaz a legitimate sign from the true God, contrasting with pagan practices.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's unlimited offer reveal His eagerness to strengthen our faith?
- What 'signs' has God already provided that we fail to recognize or appreciate?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The breadth of sign options—'ask it either in the depth, or in the height above'—emphasizes unlimited divine power and generosity. God essentially offers a blank check: any sign from Sheol's depths to heaven's heights. This comprehensive offer demonstrates that no confirmation is too difficult for omnipotent God. The invitation shows divine eagerness to strengthen faith, anticipating Jesus' teaching about the Father's willingness to give good gifts (Matthew 7:11).