Isaiah 7:15
Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
Original Language Analysis
לְדַעְתּ֛וֹ
that he may know
H3045
לְדַעְתּ֛וֹ
that he may know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Isaiah 7:22And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk that they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land.Amos 5:15Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
Historical Context
Within three years of Isaiah's prophecy, Damascus fell (732 BC) and Northern Kingdom faced Assyrian assault, vindicating the timeline and removing Ahaz's immediate threat.
Questions for Reflection
- How do immediate historical fulfillments of prophecy strengthen faith in ultimate messianic fulfillment?
- What does the progression from infant to moral discernment teach about Christ's genuine humanity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The child Immanuel eating 'butter and honey' when knowing to 'refuse the evil, and choose the good' describes the timeline until Syria and Israel's threat ends. Butter and honey may indicate either plenty after crisis (land flowing with milk and honey) or scarcity requiring simple diet. The age of moral discernment (knowing good from evil) suggests approximately 2-3 years, providing timeline for prophecy's fulfillment. This detail grounds messianic prophecy in immediate historical circumstance.