Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

He will swallow up {H1104} death {H4194} in victory {H5331}; and the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} will wipe away {H4229} tears {H1832} from off all faces {H6440}; and the rebuke {H2781} of his people {H5971} shall he take away {H5493} from off all the earth {H776}: for the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} it.

He will swallow up death forever. Adonai ELOHIM will wipe away the tears from every face, and he will remove from all the earth the disgrace his people suffer. For ADONAI has spoken.

He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. For the LORD has spoken.

He hath swallowed up death for ever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of his people will he take away from off all the earth: for Jehovah hath spoken it.

Commentary on Isaiah 25:8 KJV

Isaiah 25:8 is a profound prophetic declaration, offering immense hope and foresight into God's ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and suffering. This verse is a cornerstone of eschatological promise within the Old Testament, pointing forward to a future where death itself is vanquished and all sorrow is eternally relieved.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Isaiah (chapters 24-27) often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse," which describes God's universal judgment and His glorious establishment of a new kingdom. Preceding verses in Isaiah 25 depict a grand feast prepared by the Lord on Mount Zion for all peoples, where the "covering cast over all people" and the "veil spread over all nations" (referring to spiritual blindness and mourning) are removed. Verse 8 naturally follows this vision of divine revelation and victory, detailing the glorious consequences for humanity and God's people.

Key Themes

  • Victory Over Death: The powerful imagery of "He will swallow up death in victory" speaks to a complete and irreversible defeat of mortality. This is not merely a cessation of dying, but an active consumption of death's power, signifying a permanent triumph. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the future resurrection of believers, as powerfully echoed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:54.
  • Comfort and Consolation: The promise, "the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces," paints a picture of perfect solace and the eradication of all human suffering. Every cause of grief, sorrow, and pain will be removed, leading to a state of eternal joy and peace in God's presence. This comforting vision is famously reiterated in the New Testament's description of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:4.
  • Restoration and Vindication of God's People: "and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth." This refers to the removal of shame, disgrace, and the societal or spiritual oppression that God's chosen people have endured throughout history. It signifies their ultimate vindication, honor, and freedom from all forms of reproach. This divine act of restoration highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, bringing His people into a state of everlasting glory and acceptance, much like the promise of future praise for God's people in Zephaniah 3:19.
  • Divine Assurance: The concluding phrase, "for the LORD hath spoken [it]," serves as an emphatic seal on the entire prophecy. It underscores the absolute certainty and irrevocability of God's word. What God declares, He will unquestionably bring to pass, reinforcing His omnipotence and faithfulness, as also affirmed in Isaiah 55:11, where God's word is guaranteed to accomplish its purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "swallow up" (בָּלַע, bala) suggests a complete absorption or destruction, indicating that death will be utterly annihilated, not just temporarily subdued. The phrase "in victory" (לָנֶצַח, lanetsach) literally means "forever" or "eternally," emphasizing the permanent nature of this triumph over death. This isn't a temporary reprieve but an everlasting conquest.

Practical Application

Isaiah 25:8 offers profound comfort and hope to believers today. In a world fraught with suffering, loss, and the inevitability of death, this verse provides a glimpse into God's ultimate plan for redemption and renewal. It assures us that our present tears and sorrows are temporary, and that a future awaits where death has no sting and grief is banished. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that the God who spoke this promise is faithful to bring it to pass through the finished work of Christ. This promise empowers believers to face life's challenges with hope, understanding that our ultimate destiny is one of eternal joy and freedom from all forms of suffering.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 21:4

    And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

  • Revelation 7:17

    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:54

    So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

  • Hosea 13:14

    I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:26

    The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.

  • Revelation 20:14

    And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

  • Isaiah 35:10

    And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
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