Isaiah 8:3
And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz.
Original Language Analysis
וָאֶקְרַב֙
And I went
H7126
וָאֶקְרַב֙
And I went
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 15
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
הַנְּבִיאָ֔ה
unto the prophetess
H5031
הַנְּבִיאָ֔ה
unto the prophetess
Strong's:
H5031
Word #:
3 of 15
a prophetess or (generally) inspired woman; by implication, a poetess; by association a prophet's wife
וַתַּ֖הַר
and she conceived
H2029
וַתַּ֖הַר
and she conceived
Strong's:
H2029
Word #:
4 of 15
to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
and bare
H3205
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
and bare
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
5 of 15
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
בֵּ֑ן
a son
H1121
בֵּ֑ן
a son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
קְרָ֣א
to me Call
H7121
קְרָ֣א
to me Call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
10 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
The term 'prophetess' could indicate Isaiah's wife shared prophetic gifting or simply denoted her status as a prophet's wife. Prophetic sign-children appear elsewhere in Scripture (Hosea's children, Isaiah's other son Shear-jashub). The conception and nine-month pregnancy provided a time marker—before this child could speak 'father' or 'mother' (roughly age 2), Damascus and Samaria would fall. This proved accurate: Tiglath-Pileser III conquered Damascus in 732 BC.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use ordinary family life and relationships to accomplish His prophetic purposes?
- What does this teach about God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including conception and birth?
- How might our children and family relationships serve as witnesses to God's work in our generation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah's union with 'the prophetess' (likely his wife, possibly a prophet in her own right) produces a sign-child. The conception and birth follow natural processes, yet the child becomes a prophetic symbol. This illustrates how God uses ordinary life events for extraordinary purposes. The Reformed understanding of providence recognizes God's sovereign orchestration of natural events to accomplish His purposes. The child's very existence becomes a living prophecy, a walking reminder of God's promised judgment on Syria and Israel.