Isaiah 46:8

KJV

Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring [it] again to mind, O ye transgressors.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142} this, and shew yourselves men {H377}: bring it again {H7725} to mind {H3820}, O ye transgressors {H6586}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember this, and stand firm. Keep it in mind, you rebels.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember this and be brave; take it to heart, you transgressors!

American Standard Version

Remember this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 46:8 serves as a profound divine appeal, urging the people of Judah—specifically those who have strayed into idolatry and spiritual rebellion—to engage in active remembrance of God's unique power and steadfast character. Amidst a powerful contrast between the impotence of man-made idols and the omnipotence of the true God who carries His people, this verse calls for spiritual discernment, a return to sound judgment, and a profound introspection that leads away from transgression and back to the living God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 46:8 is strategically placed within a larger prophetic declaration (Isaiah 46:1-13) that vividly contrasts the futility of Babylonian idolatry with the incomparable sovereignty of Yahweh. The preceding verses (Isaiah 46:1-7) depict the ignominious downfall of Babylonian gods like Bel and Nebo, who are burdensome loads for their worshippers, destined for captivity themselves. In stark contrast, God declares His eternal care for Israel, stating, "Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save" [Isaiah 46:4](/isaiah/46-4 "Isaiah 46:4 - God's Enduring Care"). This sets the stage for the direct, imperative call in verse 8, urging the people to recall these truths and act accordingly, thereby highlighting the profound difference between a God who carries His people and idols that must be carried.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-55, addresses the exilic or post-exilic community, offering comfort, challenge, and a vision of restoration. The historical backdrop is the impending or actual Babylonian captivity, a period when the Israelites were exposed to the dominant polytheistic culture of Mesopotamia, with its elaborate pantheon and idol worship. The Babylonians boasted of their gods' power, often attributing military victories to them. Judah's historical struggle with idolatry, despite repeated warnings, made them particularly susceptible to adopting foreign religious practices. This verse, therefore, functions as a powerful corrective, calling the people to remember their covenant God amidst the pervasive influence of a culture that worshipped inanimate objects, a theme powerfully echoed in [Psalm 115](/psalm/115 "Psalm 115 - The Futility of Idols").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Uniqueness and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that Yahweh alone is God, incomparable to any idol or human construct, a truth frequently declared throughout [Isaiah 40-48](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40-48 - God's Incomparable Power"). Secondly, it highlights **Human Forgetfulness and God's Call to Remembrance**. The command to "remember this" underscores humanity's propensity to forget God's past deeds and character, a recurrent motif in the Old Testament, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:12](/deuteronomy/6-12 "Deuteronomy 6:12 - Do Not Forget the Lord"). Thirdly, the phrase "shew yourselves men" speaks to **Spiritual Maturity and Discernment**, urging the people to abandon childish or foolish spiritual behavior and embrace sound judgment in their worship and allegiances. Finally, by addressing "O ye transgressors," the verse extends an **Invitation to Repentance and Return**, signaling God's enduring desire for His wayward people to turn back to Him, a compassionate plea found throughout prophetic literature, such as in [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Come, Let Us Reason Together").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention." It's not merely a passive recollection but an active, intentional recall of facts, events, and divine attributes. In this context, it implies a call to bring God's incomparable nature and deeds to the forefront of their minds, to acknowledge His unique identity as the only true God, and to act upon that remembrance. It suggests a deep cognitive and volitional engagement with truth.
* **shew yourselves men (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** Derived from the word for "man," this denominative verb means "to be a man, i.e., act in a manly way; show (one) self a man." In this context, it's an imperative to demonstrate spiritual fortitude, maturity, and sound reasoning. It's a call to move beyond childish or foolish spiritual behavior (like worshipping idols) and to act with discernment, courage, and wisdom, understanding the profound difference between the living God and lifeless objects. It implies a demand for rational and responsible spiritual conduct.
* **transgressors (Hebrew, _pâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel." It describes those who have rebelled against God's covenant, violated His laws, and strayed from His path. The direct address to "O ye transgressors" highlights God's awareness of their spiritual rebellion, yet simultaneously extends a direct, personal appeal for them to reconsider their actions and return to Him. It underscores the severity of their spiritual condition while opening the door for repentance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember this,"**: This opening imperative is a direct command from God, urging His people to actively recall the profound truths just declared in the preceding verses—namely, the stark contrast between the impotent idols of Babylon and the omnipotent, ever-present God of Israel who carries His people. It's a call to intellectual and spiritual engagement with divine reality.
* **"and shew yourselves men:"**: This powerful exhortation challenges the audience to act with spiritual maturity and sound judgment. It's a call to abandon the irrationality of idolatry and embrace a robust, discerning faith that recognizes the true source of power and salvation, demonstrating spiritual fortitude in their choices and allegiances.
* **"bring [it] again to mind,"**: This phrase reiterates and intensifies the initial command to remember. The repetition emphasizes the urgency and importance of deep, reflective consideration. It's not a superficial thought but a deliberate effort to recall and internalize the divine truths, allowing them to transform one's perspective and actions. The "it" refers to the contrast between God and idols, and God's faithfulness.
* **"O ye transgressors."**: This direct address identifies the audience as those who have rebelled against God's authority and strayed from His covenant. Despite their spiritual state, God extends a compassionate yet firm invitation for them to reconsider their ways. It highlights God's persistent pursuit of His people, even in their rebellion, offering a path to repentance and restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 46:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, seen in "Remember," "shew yourselves men," and "bring it again to mind," which emphasizes the directness and non-negotiable nature of God's command. This is coupled with **Direct Address** to "O ye transgressors," creating a highly personal and confrontational tone, yet one that also implies an invitation. The phrase "shew yourselves men" functions as a **Metaphor** for spiritual maturity, discernment, and rational behavior, contrasting with the childish folly of idolatry. This verse also implicitly uses **Contrast** by building upon the preceding verses that juxtapose the living God with lifeless idols, making the call to remember God's superiority all the more impactful. The **Repetition** of the idea of remembrance ("Remember this," "bring it again to mind") serves to underscore the critical importance of this mental and spiritual act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 46:8 is a powerful articulation of God's unwavering call for His people to remember His unique identity and incomparable power, particularly in the face of widespread idolatry. Theologically, it underscores that true worship is rooted in a correct understanding of who God is, and that forgetting Him inevitably leads to spiritual transgression and misplaced trust. It highlights God's character as both sovereign and merciful, confronting rebellion while simultaneously extending an invitation to return. The verse emphasizes the necessity of spiritual discernment and maturity for living a life aligned with divine truth, contrasting the active, life-giving nature of Yahweh with the inert, burdensome nature of false gods.

* [Deuteronomy 4:39](/deuteronomy/4-39 "Deuteronomy 4:39 - Acknowledge God's Sovereignty"): "Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else."
* [Psalm 103:2](/psalm/103:2 "Psalm 103:2 - Remember All His Benefits"): "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:"
* [1 Corinthians 14:20](/1_corinthians/14-20 "1 Corinthians 14:20 - Be Mature in Understanding"): "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a contemporary world, Isaiah 46:8 remains profoundly relevant, challenging us to identify and dismantle the "idols" that compete for our allegiance and distract us from the one true God. These modern idols may not be carved images but rather pursuits like wealth, status, power, self-reliance, comfort, or even our own opinions and ideologies, which we often trust more than divine truth. This verse calls us to an active and intentional remembrance of God's character—His faithfulness, sovereignty, love, and justice—especially when faced with societal pressures or personal temptations. It urges us to cultivate spiritual maturity, exercising discernment to distinguish between fleeting worldly promises and the eternal, sustaining power of God. For those who acknowledge their own "transgressions"—areas where they have strayed from God's path—it is a tender yet firm invitation to repent, to bring God's truth back to the forefront of their minds, and to return to Him, the only one who can truly carry and save.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" (tangible or intangible) in my life or culture compete for the ultimate devotion that belongs to God alone?**
* **How can I more intentionally "remember this" and "bring it again to mind" in my daily life, especially when facing challenges or temptations?**
* **In what ways does God call me to "shew myself a man" (or a mature believer) in my faith, moving beyond childish or undiscerning spiritual habits?**

### FAQ

**What does "shew yourselves men" mean for believers today, beyond a gender-specific interpretation?**

Answer: The phrase "shew yourselves men" (Hebrew: *ʼîysh*) is a call to spiritual maturity, discernment, and fortitude, not merely a gender-specific command. In ancient contexts, "manly" behavior often connoted strength, courage, sound judgment, and responsibility. For believers today, it means acting with spiritual maturity, understanding the profound truths of God's Word, and making wise, discerning choices that align with His will. It's a call to abandon spiritual childishness or foolishness (like trusting in false gods or worldly systems) and to stand firm in faith, demonstrating conviction, integrity, and a robust understanding of God's unique sovereignty, as [1 Corinthians 16:13](/1_corinthians/16-13 "1 Corinthians 16:13 - Stand Firm in the Faith") similarly exhorts believers to "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."

**Why does God address His people as "transgressors" if He is calling them to remember and return?**

Answer: God addresses His people as "transgressors" (Hebrew: *pâshaʻ*) not to condemn them irrevocably, but to accurately name their spiritual condition and to underscore the necessity of their turning back to Him. A "transgressor" is one who has rebelled or broken away from just authority, in this case, God's covenant and commands. By acknowledging their transgression, God highlights the gravity of their spiritual state (their idolatry and unfaithfulness) while simultaneously extending a compassionate invitation to repentance. It's a divine call to self-awareness that precedes genuine turning, similar to the direct confrontation and subsequent invitation found in [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Come, Let Us Reason Together"), "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." It demonstrates God's desire for restoration, even for those who have strayed far.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 46:8, with its call to remember God's uniqueness and to turn from transgression with spiritual maturity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of the God whom Israel was called to remember, the very "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"). In Christ, God's incomparable power and steadfast love are fully revealed, making Him the ultimate object of our remembrance and trust. The call to "shew yourselves men" finds its truest expression in following Christ, who perfectly demonstrated spiritual maturity, discernment, and unwavering faithfulness to God's will, even unto death on the cross [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience"). Furthermore, the address to "ye transgressors" points directly to Christ's redemptive work. He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who turn from their transgressions and place their faith in Him. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ brings us back to God, fulfilling the very purpose of God's call to remembrance and repentance, transforming us from rebels into adopted children who are carried by Him through every season of life, just as God promised to carry Israel [Isaiah 46:4](/isaiah/46-4 "Isaiah 46:4 - God's Enduring Care"). In Him, we remember God not merely as a distant sovereign, but as a loving Father who has drawn near and made a way for us to return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Haggai 1:5

Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

Isaiah 44:18

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand.

Isaiah 44:21

¶ Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou [art] my servant: I have formed thee; thou [art] my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.

Isaiah 47:7

¶ And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: [so] that thou didst not lay these [things] to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

Haggai 1:7

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

Psalms 115:8

They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

Ezekiel 18:28

Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.