Isaiah 47:8

KJV

Therefore hear now this, [thou that art] given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me; I shall not sit [as] a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore hear {H8085} now this, thou that art given to pleasures {H5719}, that dwellest {H3427} carelessly {H983}, that sayest {H559} in thine heart {H3824}, I am, and none else {H657} beside me; I shall not sit {H3427} as a widow {H490}, neither shall I know {H3045} the loss of children {H7908}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Now hear this, you lover of luxuries, lolling at ease and saying to yourself, 'I am important, and no one else! I will never be a widow or know the loss of children.'

Berean Standard Bible

So now hear this, O lover of luxury who sits securely, who says to herself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or know the loss of children.’

American Standard Version

Now therefore hear this, thou that art given to pleasures, that sittest securely, that sayest in thy heart, I am, and there is none else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:8 delivers a scathing prophetic indictment against Babylon, personified as a self-indulgent and arrogantly secure queen. This verse vividly captures Babylon's profound hubris, as it boasts of its unparalleled supremacy and invulnerability to future loss, declaring itself eternally secure and without rival. It sets the stage for a dramatic and divinely ordained reversal of fortune, highlighting God's impending judgment against a nation that has blasphemously elevated itself to a divine status and cruelly oppressed His chosen people, thereby revealing the inherent fragility of worldly power built upon pride and false security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 47 functions as a powerful, self-contained prophetic oracle within the larger framework of Isaiah 40-55, a section often referred to as "Second Isaiah." This broader collection focuses on themes of God's comfort for Israel, His absolute sovereignty over history, and the promised deliverance from Babylonian exile. Specifically, [Isaiah 47](/isaiah/47 "Isaiah 47 - Prophecy Against Babylon") directly targets Babylon, the dominant global power of the era, immediately following chapters that emphatically underscore Yahweh's unique deity and His unparalleled power to redeem His people (e.g., [Isaiah 43](/isaiah/43 "Isaiah 43 - God's Deliverance of Israel") and [Isaiah 44](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - The Lord as Creator and Redeemer")). The oracle dramatically contrasts Babylon's perceived invincibility with its destined humiliation, vividly depicting its abrupt fall from a position of opulent power to one of servitude and shame. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 47:1-7](/isaiah/47-1-7 "Isaiah 47:1-7 - Babylon's Humiliation Foretold")) describe Babylon's precipitous descent from a royal throne to the menial task of grinding flour, powerfully symbolizing its utter degradation and the abrupt end of its luxurious lifestyle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy's utterance, Babylon reigned as the undisputed superpower of the ancient Near East, having decisively conquered Judah and forcibly exiled its population. The city itself was legendary, renowned for its immense wealth, awe-inspiring architectural marvels—such as the fabled Hanging Gardens—and a pervasive culture deeply entrenched in idolatry and unparalleled opulence. Its inhabitants, particularly the ruling elite, lived in a state of profound perceived impregnability, fortified by colossal walls and a formidable military apparatus. Culturally, the expressions "sitting as a widow" or "knowing the loss of children" would have instantly conjured deeply visceral images of national devastation, widespread depopulation, and the complete collapse of societal structures, representing the ultimate and most dreaded calamity for any ancient society. This prophecy, remarkably delivered centuries before Babylon's actual fall to Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, powerfully underscores God's omniscient foreknowledge and His active, sovereign role in orchestrating the affairs of all nations.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 47:8 serves as a pivotal verse, encapsulating several critical theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah. Foremost among these is **Arrogance and Self-Deification**, as Babylon's audacious declaration, "I am, and none else beside me," constitutes a direct and blatant blasphemy against God's own exclusive claims of deity (e.g., [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God's Sole Deity") and [Isaiah 46:9](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9 - Remember the Former Things")). This pervasive hubris is consistently portrayed throughout scripture as the direct precursor to inevitable divine judgment. Another prominent theme is **False Security and Carelessness**, where Babylon's excessive indulgence ("given to pleasures") and profound overconfidence ("dwellest carelessly") lead to a dangerous, self-delusional belief in its immunity from suffering and accountability. This powerfully highlights the inherent danger of placing trust in ephemeral earthly power and accumulated wealth rather than in the immutable, sovereign God. Finally, the verse powerfully introduces the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that despite Babylon's formidable perceived strength, God's unalterable decree ensures its inevitable downfall, serving as a stark and timeless reminder that all earthly powers are ultimately subject to the ultimate authority and justice of Yahweh, who alone raises up and casts down nations according to His perfect will ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pleasures (Hebrew, _ʻâdîyn'_):** From H5719, this term precisely means "voluptuous" or "given to pleasures." It vividly portrays Babylon's decadent and luxurious lifestyle, characterized by an unrestrained pursuit of indulgence and sensuality. This word suggests a society so deeply immersed in comfort and self-gratification that it has become spiritually soft, morally corrupt, and utterly oblivious to the profound implications of impending divine judgment.
* **Dwellest (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, meaning "to sit down," "to dwell," or "to remain." In this specific context, when combined with "carelessly," it signifies a settled, deeply complacent, and presumptuous mode of existence. Babylon feels so utterly secure and permanent in its position that it believes it will "remain" undisturbed, highlighting a dangerous overconfidence that tragically ignores the transient and ephemeral nature of all human kingdoms and earthly power structures.
* **Sayest (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, this primitive root means "to say" and is used with great latitude. Here, it refers to Babylon's internal declaration, "in thine heart." This is not merely a spoken word but a deeply held conviction, an internal boast that reveals the profound depth of its spiritual rebellion and self-deification. It signifies a settled belief system, not just a casual utterance.
* **Else (Hebrew, _ʼepheç'_):** From H657, meaning "cessation," "an end," or "no further." When Babylon declares "none else beside me," this word powerfully emphasizes the absolute and exclusive nature of its self-proclaimed supremacy. It is a bold, audacious claim to be the ultimate, without peer or rival, directly mimicking and challenging the unique, singular declarations of Yahweh concerning His own exclusive existence and unparalleled power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore hear now this,"**: This opening phrase functions as a solemn, authoritative, and urgent summons. The "Therefore" establishes a direct causal link, indicating that the pronouncement of judgment that follows is a direct and inevitable consequence of Babylon's established character and previous actions, particularly its pride and oppression. It signals the commencement of a formal, divine indictment and a certain, unalterable pronouncement of doom.
* **"[thou that art] given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly,"**: This clause immediately identifies the specific recipient of the impending judgment: Babylon, characterized by its lavish indulgence and a profound, dangerous sense of false security. "Given to pleasures" speaks volumes about a lifestyle defined by excessive luxury and sensuality, while "dwellest carelessly" implies a heedless, overconfident, and utterly unconcerned existence, rooted in a delusional belief in its own impregnability that tragically blinds it to both reality and divine accountability.
* **"that sayest in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me;"**: This is the very core of Babylon's blasphemous arrogance and self-deification. The declaration "I am" chillingly echoes God's own sacred divine self-revelation (e.g., "I AM WHO I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name, I AM")). By audaciously adding "and none else beside me," Babylon asserts its absolute, unrivaled supremacy, claiming a unique and exclusive status that belongs solely to the one true God. This internal boast, spoken "in thine heart," reveals the profound depth of its spiritual rebellion and its audacious attempt to usurp divine prerogative.
* **"I shall not sit [as] a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:"**: This concluding clause expresses Babylon's unwavering conviction of its eternal stability and its perceived immunity from any form of calamity. To "sit as a widow" symbolizes the devastating loss of a husband (often representing a ruling power or protective deity) and utter desolation, while "the loss of children" signifies national depopulation, the destruction of its future generations, and the complete collapse of its societal fabric. Babylon believes itself entirely exempt from the common human experiences of grief, loss, and vulnerability, a testament to its profound and ultimately fatal delusion.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:8 masterfully employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending judgment with striking force. **Personification** is central, as the city of Babylon is vividly addressed and portrayed as a haughty, luxurious queen or woman. This allows the prophet to powerfully depict its character, its internal thoughts, and its eventual humiliation in deeply human and relatable terms. **Hyperbole** is strikingly evident in Babylon's boast, "I am, and none else beside me," which is an exaggerated and grandiose claim to absolute uniqueness and unparalleled power, directly mirroring and challenging God's own attributes. This over-the-top self-exaltation dramatically underscores the profound depth of its pride. There is also profound **Irony** at play: Babylon, which believes itself eternally secure and utterly immune to loss, is precisely the entity that will experience the desolation of widowhood and the profound bereavement of children. The very calamities it claims it will "not know" are precisely what God will bring upon it. Finally, the phrases "sit as a widow" and "know the loss of children" function as powerful **Metaphors** for national devastation, widespread depopulation, and the complete collapse of a once-mighty empire, evoking vivid images of profound sorrow, ruin, and utter desolation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:8 stands as a profound theological statement concerning the inherent tension between divine sovereignty and human pride. Babylon's audacious claim, "I am, and none else beside me," is not merely an expression of arrogance but a direct and blasphemous usurpation of God's unique identity and absolute authority. This act of self-deification is a recurring and critical theme throughout scripture, illustrating that any entity, whether a powerful nation or an individual, that elevates itself to the position of God inevitably invites swift and certain divine judgment. The verse powerfully underscores the fleeting and ultimately fragile nature of worldly power and security when contrasted with the eternal, unchanging, and omnipotent power of Yahweh. It teaches a timeless truth: true and lasting security is found not in material wealth, formidable military might, or self-proclaimed invincibility, but in humble reliance on the one true God, who alone is sovereign over all history and nations, and who ultimately determines their rise and fall.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Daniel 4:30-31](/daniel/4-30-31 "Daniel 4:30-31 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:8 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror, reflecting the perilous dangers of unchecked pride and misplaced security, not only for ancient Babylon but for every individual and every nation across history. In a contemporary world that frequently measures success by accumulated wealth, perceived power, and self-sufficiency, this verse issues a radical call to profound humility. Are we, like Babylon, subtly or overtly "given to pleasures" and dwelling "carelessly," trusting primarily in our own resources, our achievements, or even our comfortable routines, rather than in the living, sovereign God? Do we, perhaps unconsciously, declare in our hearts, "I am, and none else beside me," believing ourselves indispensable, self-sufficient, or immune to life's inevitable challenges, losses, and the ultimate reality of our own mortality? This powerful passage serves as a stark reminder that all earthly securities are inherently fragile and ultimately temporary. True, lasting peace, genuine stability, and authentic purpose are found only when we humbly acknowledge God's supreme authority, submit ourselves before Him in reverence, and place our unwavering trust not in fleeting worldly comforts but in His unfailing love, His immutable character, and His sovereign, perfect plan. It profoundly encourages us to cultivate a spirit of deep dependence, recognizing that our lives, our possessions, and our entire future are securely held in His gracious, omnipotent hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "dwelling carelessly," relying on my own strength, intellect, or resources rather than God's unfailing provision and guidance?**
* **How might the subtle, insidious temptation to say "I am, and none else beside me" manifest itself in my thoughts, attitudes, or daily actions today?**
* **What false securities or idols do I tend to cling to most tightly, and what practical steps can I take to intentionally shift my trust more completely to God alone?**
* **How does the certainty of God's righteous judgment against prideful nations like Babylon shape my perspective on current world events and the ultimate, inevitable triumph of God's eternal kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thou" in Isaiah 47:8?**

Answer: In Isaiah 47:8, "thou" refers directly to Babylon, which was the dominant world power during the time of Isaiah's prophetic ministry. The prophet masterfully personifies the entire nation and its magnificent capital city as a luxurious, self-assured, and haughty queen or woman. This vivid personification serves to highlight Babylon's decadent lifestyle, its deeply ingrained belief in its own invincibility, and its arrogant self-exaltation. This direct prophetic address dramatically sets the stage for God's powerful and certain pronouncement of judgment against it.

**What is the significance of Babylon's boast "I am, and none else beside me"?**

Answer: This statement is profoundly significant because it directly mimics and blasphemously challenges God's own unique declarations of His singular identity and exclusive deity (e.g., [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God's Sole Deity") and [Isaiah 46:9](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9 - Remember the Former Things")). By audaciously claiming "I am, and none else beside me," Babylon asserts absolute supremacy, unparalleled uniqueness, and complete self-sufficiency, effectively placing itself in the very position of God. This profound hubris is the ultimate act of rebellion against the one true, sovereign God and is consistently presented throughout scripture as a direct precursor to inevitable divine judgment, as powerfully seen in the downfalls of other proud rulers like Pharaoh ([Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Exodus 5:2 - Pharaoh's Defiance")) and Nebuchadnezzar ([Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Pride")).

**What does it mean to "sit as a widow" or "know the loss of children" in this context?**

Answer: These phrases are exceptionally powerful and evocative metaphors for national devastation and complete societal collapse. To "sit as a widow" signifies the devastating loss of a protective power or a ruling authority, leading to utter desolation, vulnerability, and a profound sense of abandonment. For a nation, it implies the complete destruction of its leadership and the abrupt end of its independent existence. To "know the loss of children" refers to the tragic depopulation of the land, the widespread death of its youth, and the obliteration of its future generations. Together, these vivid images convey the most profound and dreaded calamities that could possibly befall an ancient society, representing utter ruin, inconsolable sorrow, and the complete obliteration of a once-mighty and seemingly invincible empire.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 47:8, with its vivid portrayal of Babylon's arrogant self-exaltation and subsequent, inevitable judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound theological resonance in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Babylon's audacious boast, "I am, and none else beside me," is a blasphemous imitation of the divine "I AM" statements that rightfully belong only to God. Jesus, however, truly is the divine "I AM" ([John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Divine Claim")), the unique Son of God, who alone possesses ultimate authority, and indeed, no one else is beside Him in His divine nature, His perfect humanity, and His unparalleled redemptive work ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Is Before All Things")). The false security and fleeting pleasures of Babylon, which ultimately led to its catastrophic downfall, stand in stark contrast to the eternal security and true, abiding joy found exclusively in Christ, who offers a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). The divine judgment pronounced against Babylon powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ over all worldly systems of pride, oppression, and self-worship, culminating in the complete overthrow of "Babylon the Great" in the prophetic book of Revelation, a symbolic representation of all that opposes God's righteous reign and persecutes His people ([Revelation 18:2-8](/revelation/18-2-8 "Revelation 18:2-8 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus has definitively conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness, ensuring that those who humbly trust in Him will never "sit as a widow" or "know the loss of children" in a spiritual sense, for they are eternally secure in Him, adopted into His everlasting family, and heirs of His indestructible kingdom ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Eternal Security in Christ"); [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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

Zephaniah 2:15

This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

Isaiah 32:9

¶ Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.

Jeremiah 50:11

Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls;

Isaiah 47:10

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me.

Isaiah 45:6

That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that [there is] none beside me. I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else.

Revelation 18:3

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Revelation 18:8

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.