Isaiah 48:8

KJV

Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time [that] thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, thou heardest {H8085} not; yea, thou knewest {H3045} not; yea, from that time that thine ear {H241} was not opened {H6605}: for I knew {H3045} that thou wouldest deal very {H898} treacherously {H898}, and wast called {H7121} a transgressor {H6586} from the womb {H990}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, you haven't heard, and you haven't known; these things have not reached your ears before. For I knew how treacherous you were - you were called a rebel from the womb.

Berean Standard Bible

You have never heard; you have never understood; for a long time your ears have not been open. For I knew how deceitful you are; you have been called a rebel from birth.

American Standard Version

Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from of old thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou didst deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 48:8 profoundly articulates God's comprehensive foreknowledge of Israel's deep-seated spiritual resistance and inherent inclination towards disloyalty and rebellion. Despite the Lord's continuous self-revelation and powerful redemptive acts, the nation consistently exhibited a profound spiritual deafness, failing to truly heed or comprehend God's ways. This verse underscores the divine omniscience that uniquely distinguishes the Lord from all false deities, revealing that Israel's persistent unfaithfulness was not unforeseen but was known to God from their very inception as a covenant people, thereby justifying His distinctive prophetic declarations and sovereign interventions to ensure the ultimate triumph of His divine purposes and glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 48 brings to a powerful close a significant literary unit within the book (chapters 40-48), often referred to as "Second Isaiah" or the "Book of Comfort." This section primarily focuses on the Lord's unparalleled sovereignty, His unique capacity to declare future events, and His unwavering promise of deliverance for Israel from their Babylonian captivity. Throughout these chapters, God repeatedly contrasts His omniscient power and steadfast faithfulness with the utter impotence and deceptive nature of idols. Chapter 48, in particular, serves as a sharp indictment of Israel's stubbornness, idolatry, and spiritual insensitivity, even as it simultaneously reaffirms God's unbreakable commitment to His covenant people. Verse 8, therefore, provides a crucial theological rationale for God's prophetic method: He reveals the future with precision precisely because He knows Israel's inherent tendency to disbelieve and stray, ensuring that when His prophecies inevitably come to pass, there can be no doubt that He alone is God, and not the false gods they are prone to worship (compare [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). This divine foreknowledge serves to eliminate any excuse for Israel's unfaithfulness and to magnify God's unique glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies contained within Isaiah 40-48 are primarily addressed to the Israelites enduring the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE. This period was characterized by profound national trauma and crisis, which led many Israelites to question God's power, faithfulness, and even His very existence. Consequently, some were tempted to turn to the deities of their Babylonian captors. The broader cultural landscape of the ancient Near East was saturated with polytheism, divination, and various forms of occult practices, where nations and individuals routinely consulted their gods for guidance, omens, and predictions of the future. In this deeply polytheistic environment, God's declaration in [Isaiah 48:8](/isaiah/48-8 "Isaiah 48:8 - Israel's Treachery Known from the Womb") stands in stark contrast: He knows Israel's character and future actions not through the unreliable methods of divination, but through His intrinsic, perfect omniscience. The reference to being "called a transgressor from the womb" speaks to a deep-seated national character that had manifested throughout Israel's history, from their rebellious wilderness wanderings to their current state of exile, reflecting a persistent pattern of covenant unfaithfulness despite God's repeated interventions, warnings, and demonstrations of His power (see [Deuteronomy 9:7](/deuteronomy/9-7 "Deuteronomy 9:7 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found in the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Divine Foreknowledge and Omniscience**, emphasizing that God's knowledge is not merely predictive but comprehensively extends to the deepest inclinations of human hearts and the entire course of history. This attribute is foundational to His claim as the one true God, setting Him apart from all created beings and false deities. Secondly, it highlights **Human Stubbornness and Spiritual Deafness**, portraying Israel's persistent and willful failure to respond obediently to God's word, despite undeniable evidence of His power, truth, and redemptive love. This spiritual insensitivity is depicted as a profound, deep-seated characteristic. Thirdly, the striking phrase "transgressor from the womb" points to the theme of **Inherent Sinfulness and Depravity**, suggesting that the propensity for rebellion against God's authority is not merely an acquired habit or occasional misstep, but is deeply ingrained, present from the very beginning of their national existence. This theme resonates powerfully with the biblical understanding of humanity's fallen nature, which necessitates divine grace and sovereign intervention for any hope of redemption and true faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heardest (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This word (H8085) signifies more than just the physical act of hearing; it implies hearing intelligently, often with the crucial implication of attentive listening, comprehension, and ultimately, obedience. When God states, "thou heardest not," it conveys a profound spiritual deafness—a deliberate unwillingness to truly listen, understand, and respond in faith to His commands, warnings, and revelations. It points to a willful rejection of divine truth, rather than a mere auditory deficiency.
* **knewest (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This term (H3045) is exceptionally rich in meaning, encompassing not only intellectual apprehension but also experiential knowledge, intimate acquaintance, and discerning recognition. When God declares, "thou knewest not," it suggests Israel's failure to truly acknowledge Him, to enter into an intimate, covenantal relationship with Him, or to recognize His unique power, identity, and redemptive purposes despite His continuous self-revelation. It implies a lack of discerning wisdom and a profound failure to internalize the truth of who God is and what He requires.
* **transgressor (Hebrew, _pâshaʻ'_):** This word (H6586) is a strong, definitive term for rebellion, meaning "to break away from just authority," to trespass, or to apostatize. It denotes a deliberate, defiant act of revolt against a rightful sovereign or established covenant. To be "called a transgressor from the womb" means that this rebellious nature was not an accidental or acquired trait, but a fundamental, defining characteristic of Israel's identity from its earliest stages, signifying a deep-seated, congenital propensity to defy God's authority and break His covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not;":** This emphatic opening clause powerfully underscores Israel's profound spiritual insensitivity and willful ignorance. The repetition of "yea" (Hebrew: `gam`), translated as "indeed" or "surely," intensifies the accusation, highlighting a deliberate and persistent failure to truly listen to God's voice and to genuinely know Him in an intimate, obedient way, despite His continuous revelation of Himself through both word and deed. It speaks to a willful spiritual dullness and an active resistance to divine truth.
* **"yea, from that time [that] thine ear was not opened:":** This phrase further elaborates on the spiritual deafness, indicating that this condition was not a recent development but existed "from that time," implying a long-standing, ingrained characteristic that marked their national history. The "ear not opened" (H6605, _pâthach_, meaning "to open wide" or "to unstop") serves as a powerful metaphor for a closed heart and mind, unwilling to receive divine instruction, correction, or the life-giving truth of God's word. It signifies spiritual impermeability, a stubborn refusal to be receptive to God's truth.
* **"for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously,":** Here, God provides the divine rationale for His specific mode of revelation—namely, declaring future events beforehand. His foreknowledge is absolute and certain; He knew with unwavering certainty that Israel would act with extreme unfaithfulness and deceit. The Hebrew phrase for "deal very treacherously" (בָּגוֹד תִּבְגּוֹד, _bagod tivgod_) employs an infinitive absolute, a grammatical construction that intensifies the verb "to deal treacherously" (H898, _bâgad_, meaning "to act covertly, deceitfully, or unfaithfully"). This emphasizes the certainty and profound severity of their betrayal, indicating not merely occasional missteps but a profound, ingrained inclination toward disloyalty and covenant breaking.
* **"and wast called a transgressor from the womb.":** This final, powerful clause summarizes Israel's inherent sinful nature and rebellious identity. To be "called a transgressor" (H7121, _qârâʼ_, meaning "to be named," "proclaimed," or "identified as") indicates that this rebellious identity (H6586, _pâshaʻ_, meaning "to break away from authority" or "to revolt") was a fundamental, defining characteristic from their very inception as a nation (H990, _beṭen_, "womb" referring to origin, earliest existence, or national birth). It suggests a deep-seated, congenital inclination towards rebellion against God's authority, woven into the very fabric of their national being.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 48:8 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message with striking force and clarity. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the emphatic "Yea" (Hebrew: `gam`) used three times at the beginning of the verse ("Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time..."). This repetition serves to underscore and intensify the accusation of Israel's spiritual dullness, obstinacy, and persistent unresponsiveness, leaving no doubt about the severity and long-standing nature of their condition. Another significant device is the use of an **Infinitive Absolute** in the phrase "deal very treacherously" (בָּגוֹד תִּבְגּוֹד, _bagod tivgod_). This grammatical construction intensifies the verb, emphasizing the certainty, profound nature, and habitual character of Israel's unfaithfulness, implying not just occasional treachery but a deep-seated, pervasive tendency. Furthermore, the phrase "thine ear was not opened" is a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual insensitivity, unwillingness to receive divine truth, and a deliberate closing off of the heart and mind to God's instruction and correction. Finally, "wast called a transgressor from the womb" can be understood as a form of **Hyperbole** or a strong **Metaphor** for an inherent, deep-seated inclination towards sin and rebellion from the very beginning of their national identity, rather than a literal statement about individual birth. This vividly communicates the pervasive and foundational nature of their unfaithfulness, highlighting a congenital spiritual defect.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 48:8 is a profound theological statement that illuminates both the nature of God and the nature of humanity. It unequivocally asserts God's absolute sovereignty and perfect omniscience, demonstrating that His divine plans are never thwarted by human rebellion because He foresees every aspect of it. This foreknowledge is not a passive observation but an active component of His redemptive strategy, enabling Him to declare future events with certainty and ensuring that His glory is undeniably revealed. The verse also starkly portrays humanity's inherent depravity, not as an acquired habit but as a foundational condition—a deep-seated inclination towards spiritual deafness and treachery from the very "womb" of existence. This inherent sinfulness underscores the absolute necessity of divine grace and sovereign intervention, as humanity, left to its own devices, is fundamentally incapable of truly hearing or knowing God in an obedient, transformative way. It sets the stage for God's redemptive acts, which are not based on Israel's merit or faithfulness, but solely on His covenant faithfulness and sovereign purpose to reveal His glory and accomplish His will.

* [Psalm 51:5](/psalms/51-5 "Psalm 51:5 - Conceived in Sin")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")
* [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - No One Is Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 48:8 serves as a humbling and penetrating mirror for all humanity, not just for ancient Israel. It powerfully reminds us that our natural inclination, apart from the transformative power of divine grace, is towards spiritual deafness, a failure to truly "know" God in an intimate and obedient way, and a propensity to deal treacherously with His commands and His trust. This verse calls us to profound humility, prompting us to acknowledge our own inherent capacity for rebellion and to recognize that any spiritual understanding, receptivity, or obedience we possess is a direct gift of God's sovereign grace, rather than a product of our natural abilities or inherent goodness. It compels us to actively cultivate a posture of spiritual receptivity, to diligently "open our ears" to the living Word of God and the subtle promptings of His Holy Spirit, and to constantly guard against the subtle and overt forms of treachery and unfaithfulness that can reside in our hearts. God's foreknowledge of our failings should not lead to a fatalistic resignation, but rather to a deeper, more urgent reliance on His transformative power and an earnest, Spirit-empowered pursuit of genuine faithfulness, knowing that He is working His perfect purposes even through our imperfections and struggles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I, like ancient Israel, exhibit spiritual deafness or a failure to truly "know" God in an intimate, obedient, and transformative way?**
* **How does the concept of humanity being "called a transgressor from the womb" challenge or deepen my understanding of human nature, the pervasive nature of sin, and my profound need for God's redeeming grace?**
* **What practical, tangible steps can I commit to taking this week to cultivate a more "opened ear" to God's voice, to be more receptive to His truth, and to actively resist the temptation to deal treacherously with His commands or His covenant relationship with me?**

### FAQ
**Does "called a transgressor from the womb" imply original sin for all individuals?**

Answer: While the phrase "called a transgressor from the womb" (H990, _beṭen_) in [Isaiah 48:8](/isaiah/48-8 "Isaiah 48:8 - Israel's Treachery Known from the Womb") primarily refers to Israel's national character and their consistent, deep-seated pattern of rebellion from their earliest history as a covenant people, it resonates profoundly with the broader biblical concept of inherent human sinfulness. It suggests that the propensity for rebellion against God's authority is not merely an acquired habit or learned behavior, but is deeply ingrained in human nature from its very beginning. This aligns strongly with theological doctrines of original sin, which posit that all humanity inherits a sinful nature from Adam, leading to a natural inclination towards sin and spiritual death from birth (compare [Psalm 51:5](/psalms/51-5 "Psalm 51:5 - Conceived in Sin") and [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man")). Therefore, while the immediate context is national, the theological implication extends powerfully to the universal human condition, highlighting a pervasive, congenital spiritual brokenness.

**How does God's foreknowledge of Israel's treachery reconcile with their moral accountability?**

Answer: God's foreknowledge, as presented in [Isaiah 48:8](/isaiah/48-8 "Isaiah 48:8 - Israel's Treachery Known from the Womb"), does not negate human accountability; rather, it profoundly highlights God's absolute omniscience and His sovereign control over history. He knows with perfect certainty what choices His people will make, including their rebellious ones, but this divine knowledge does not compel or force them to sin. Israel's choices were still genuinely their own, and they were held fully responsible for them under the terms of the covenant. God's foreknowledge here serves to underscore His unique deity—He declares the end from the beginning precisely because He knows Israel's inherent nature and future actions, ensuring that when His prophecies inevitably come to pass, His glory is undeniable, and all human excuses are removed (see [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). His perfect knowledge allows Him to orchestrate all events, even human sin and rebellion, to ultimately fulfill His righteous and redemptive purposes, bringing about His glory despite, and even through, human unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 48:8, with its stark and sobering portrayal of Israel's spiritual deafness and inherent treachery, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Where old covenant Israel consistently failed to hear, obey, and remain faithful, Jesus perfectly embodied absolute and unwavering obedience to the Father, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He is the true and faithful Israel, the obedient Son who perfectly fulfills God's will in every respect, even to the point of sacrificial death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). The "transgressor from the womb"—a description of humanity's inherent sinfulness—finds complete redemption and transformation in the One who was "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")), yet graciously "became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, the spiritual deafness and closed ears described in [Isaiah 48:8](/isaiah/48-8 "Isaiah 48:8 - Israel's Treachery Known from the Womb") are miraculously overcome in the new covenant established by Christ's blood. He is the divine Physician who opens blind eyes and deaf ears, not merely physically, but profoundly and spiritually ([Mark 7:37](/mark/7-37 "Mark 7:37 - He Makes the Deaf Hear and the Mute Speak")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are granted new hearts and new ears, enabling them to truly hear God's voice, to know Him intimately, and to walk in the newness of life and obedience ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, what was a persistent and insurmountable problem for old covenant Israel finds its transformative, redemptive, and enduring solution in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, who enables His people to walk in Spirit-empowered faithfulness and truly know their God.

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

Psalms 58:3

The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

Matthew 13:13

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Matthew 13:15

For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Hosea 5:7

They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.

Jeremiah 6:10

To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

John 12:39

Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

John 12:40

He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.