Isaiah 8:14
And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֖ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְמִקְדָּ֑שׁ
And he shall be for a sanctuary
H4720
לְמִקְדָּ֑שׁ
And he shall be for a sanctuary
Strong's:
H4720
Word #:
2 of 13
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
נֶ֠גֶף
of stumbling
H5063
נֶ֠גֶף
of stumbling
Strong's:
H5063
Word #:
4 of 13
a trip (of the foot); figuratively, an infliction (of disease)
וּלְצ֨וּר
and for a rock
H6697
וּלְצ֨וּר
and for a rock
Strong's:
H6697
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
מִכְשׁ֜וֹל
of offence
H4383
מִכְשׁ֜וֹל
of offence
Strong's:
H4383
Word #:
6 of 13
a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
בָתֵּ֤י
the houses
H1004
בָתֵּ֤י
the houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וּלְמוֹקֵ֔שׁ
and for a snare
H4170
וּלְמוֹקֵ֔שׁ
and for a snare
Strong's:
H4170
Word #:
11 of 13
a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
Cross References
1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.Luke 2:34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;Ezekiel 11:16Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.Psalms 11:6Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.Psalms 69:22Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.Proverbs 18:10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.Matthew 13:57And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
Historical Context
Fulfilled when both Israel and Judah stumbled over God's purposes. Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC; Judah faced similar judgment in 701 BC, and ultimately Babylonian exile in 586 BC. Both kingdoms rejected God's word through the prophets. Ultimately, this prophesies how both Jewish houses stumbled over Christ, the chief cornerstone (Romans 9:32-33; 1 Peter 2:8). Jerusalem's inhabitants represent the covenant community specifically.
Questions for Reflection
- How can the same God who is our sanctuary become a stumbling stone to others?
- What does this paradox teach about the dual effect of the gospel—salvation to some, hardening to others?
- In what ways do people today stumble over Christ despite His offer of refuge?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse presents a stark paradox: God becomes both sanctuary and stumbling stone. For believers, He is a sanctuary (refuge, protection); for unbelievers, a stone of stumbling. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of particular redemption—God's saving purpose is particular, not universal. The 'gin and snare' imagery suggests judgment that traps the unwary. 'Both the houses of Israel' indicates comprehensive judgment affecting northern and southern kingdoms alike. The same gospel that saves some hardens others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).