Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Original Language Analysis
לְתוֹרָ֖ה
To the law
H8451
לְתוֹרָ֖ה
To the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
1 of 11
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
וְלִתְעוּדָ֑ה
and to the testimony
H8584
וְלִתְעוּדָ֑ה
and to the testimony
Strong's:
H8584
Word #:
2 of 11
attestation, i.e., a precept, usage
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
3 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כַּדָּבָ֣ר
not according to this word
H1697
כַּדָּבָ֣ר
not according to this word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
Cross References
2 Peter 1:19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:Romans 1:22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,John 5:39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.Isaiah 8:16Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.Acts 17:11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.Psalms 119:130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.Jeremiah 8:9The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.Micah 3:6Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.
Historical Context
In Isaiah's time, the law (Pentateuch) and testimony (prophetic writings) were the available Scriptures. These provided sufficient guidance without consulting spirits. The phrase 'to the law and to the testimony' became a rallying cry during the Reformation, as Reformers insisted Scripture alone—not tradition, councils, or papal decrees—was the final authority. This verse grounds the Protestant principle of biblical supremacy over all human wisdom and spiritual experiences.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we make Scripture our primary source of guidance rather than subjective experiences or feelings?
- What does it mean practically to test all teaching against 'the law and the testimony'?
- How does commitment to biblical authority protect us from deception and false teaching?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The command to consult 'the law and the testimony' provides the proper alternative to occultism. 'Law' (Torah) and 'testimony' (prophetic witness) together constitute divine revelation—God's written word. The conditional 'if they speak not according to this word' establishes Scripture as the standard for testing all teaching. The verdict 'there is no light in them' pronounces darkness and deception on any teaching contradicting Scripture. This is the Reformed principle of sola Scriptura—Scripture alone is our supreme authority, the sole infallible rule of faith and practice.