Isaiah 8:13

KJV

Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and [let] him [be] your fear, and [let] him [be] your dread.

KJV (with Strong's)

Sanctify {H6942} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} himself; and let him be your fear {H4172}, and let him be your dread {H6206}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but ADONAI-Tzva'ot - consecrate him! Let him be the object of your fear and awe!

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.

American Standard Version

Jehovah of hosts, him shall ye sanctify; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:13 delivers a profound divine imperative, shifting the focus of ultimate reverence and fear from earthly threats to the Almighty God. In a period of national apprehension, when Judah faced a formidable alliance of hostile nations, this verse calls for an exclusive and absolute trust in the Lord of hosts, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty and holiness as the sole object worthy of awe and dread, thereby displacing all lesser anxieties and human fears.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 8:13 stands as a pivotal command within a larger prophetic declaration concerning Judah's response to the Syro-Ephraimite War. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Isaiah 8:12](/isaiah/8-12 "Isaiah 8:12 - Do Not Fear Their Fear"), the Lord explicitly instructs Isaiah not to fear "what this people fears" nor to be "in dread of what they dread." This sets the stage for verse 13, which provides the divine alternative and antidote to human fear: the sanctification and reverential fear of Yahweh alone. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Isaiah 8:14-15](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14-15 - God as a Stumbling Stone")) further elaborate on the consequences of rejecting this divine command, portraying God as both a sanctuary for those who fear Him and a stumbling block for those who do not. The broader context of [Isaiah 7-12](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7-12 - The Book of Immanuel") emphasizes God's sovereign control over international politics and His ultimate faithfulness, even amidst human unbelief.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is situated during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah (c. 735-715 BC), a time of immense geopolitical instability. The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria (Aram) had formed a coalition to attack Judah, aiming to depose Ahaz and install a puppet king. Faced with this existential threat, King Ahaz, despite Isaiah's prophetic counsel to trust in God, chose to seek an alliance with the formidable Assyrian Empire. This decision reflected a widespread cultural tendency to rely on human power and political maneuvering rather than divine providence. The people's "fear" was a tangible dread of military defeat, invasion, and national annihilation. Isaiah's message directly confronted this fear, challenging the prevailing cultural norms that prioritized human alliances and military strength over faith in the covenant-keeping God of Israel. The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) would have resonated powerfully in this military context, asserting God's ultimate command over all armies, both earthly and heavenly.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Isaiah 8](/isaiah/8 "Isaiah 8 - Prophecies of Invasion and Trust") and indeed much of Isaiah's early prophecies is the call to **trust in God alone** amidst national crisis, contrasting sharply with **human reliance and fear**. This verse encapsulates the essence of the "fear of the Lord," presenting it not as a cowering terror but as a profound, reverential awe and submission that displaces all other fears. It underscores God's **absolute sovereignty and holiness**, emphasizing that He is distinct and supreme above all earthly powers and idols. The command to "sanctify" God highlights the theme of **divine uniqueness and majesty**, demanding that He be set apart in the hearts and minds of His people. Furthermore, the passage subtly introduces the theme of **divine judgment and salvation**, implying that those who truly fear the Lord will find refuge, while those who do not will face His terrifying judgment, as seen in [Isaiah 8:14-15](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14-15 - God as a Stumbling Stone").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** (H6942) This primitive root means "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally); appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly." In this context, "sanctify the LORD" is a command to set Him apart as holy, unique, and supreme in one's heart and life. It implies recognizing His absolute distinction, majesty, and moral purity, treating Him with the reverence His divine nature demands, and dedicating oneself wholly to Him. It's an internal posture of awe and devotion that acknowledges His unparalleled authority.

* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred covenant name of God, derived from the verb "to be," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." It emphasizes God's unchanging, self-sufficient, and ever-present nature. When combined with "of hosts" (H6635, _tsâbâʼ_), which refers to "a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, hardship, worship," the title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) powerfully asserts God's supreme command over all heavenly and earthly armies, powers, and cosmic forces. In a time of military threat, this title reassures believers of His ultimate sovereignty and omnipotence over all perceived dangers.

* **fear (Hebrew, _môwrâʼ'_):** (H4172) This noun, derived from the verb _yare_ (to fear), denotes "fear; by implication, a fearful thing or deed; dread, (that ought to be) fear(-ed), terribleness, terror." In biblical theology, the "fear of the Lord" is not a cowering terror of a tyrant, but a profound, reverential awe, respect, and humble submission to God's immense power, holiness, and just authority. It is a recognition of His majesty that inspires obedience and trust, leading to wisdom and life. This reverential fear displaces all other fears because it acknowledges God as the ultimate reality and the one who holds all power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself;":** This is a direct imperative, a command to actively set apart Yahweh Sabaoth as holy. It means to acknowledge, honor, and treat God as supremely sacred, distinct, and exalted above all else. This involves an internal disposition of worship and an external demonstration of obedience and devotion, recognizing His absolute authority and unique glory. The addition of "himself" emphasizes the exclusivity and totality of this command—God alone is to be sanctified.

* **"and let him be your fear, ":** This clause builds upon the first, defining the nature of the sanctification. It means that the reverential awe and profound respect due to God should be the primary and ultimate "fear" in one's life. This is the positive, life-giving fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, leading to obedience and trust rather than paralysis. It implies that God's power and holiness should inspire such a deep sense of reverence that all other fears become secondary or dissipate entirely.

* **"and let him be your dread.":** This intensifies the previous clause, using a word (Hebrew: _ʻârats_, H6206) that can imply a more intense apprehension or terror. It suggests that if there is any being whose power and judgment should inspire ultimate apprehension or alarm, it is God alone. This is not a call to live in constant terror, but a recognition that God's omnipotence and righteous judgment are so formidable that, when truly understood, they leave no room for dreading human enemies, political threats, or any other worldly danger. His majesty is so overwhelming that it reorders all other fears.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 8:13 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**, as the verse presents a direct command ("Sanctify... let him be... let him be..."), underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of God's instruction. There is also a strong element of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "let him be your fear" and "let him be your dread" convey similar but intensifying concepts. While "fear" (môwrâʼ) often denotes reverential awe, "dread" (ʻârats) can carry a stronger connotation of terror or apprehension, creating a nuanced emphasis on the comprehensive nature of God's majesty. The use of the divine title **"LORD of hosts"** (Yahweh Sabaoth) functions as a powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the title itself stands for God's supreme military and cosmic authority, particularly relevant in a context of war and national threat. The entire verse functions as a **Contrast** to the preceding verse, offering a divine alternative to the "fear of this people," thereby highlighting the theological choice between trusting in human power or divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:13 is a foundational statement about the proper posture of humanity before God, emphasizing His singular holiness and supreme authority. It posits that true security and wisdom are found not in human alliances or military strength, but in a reverential awe of the Lord of hosts, who controls all things. This "fear of the Lord" is not a cowering terror, but a profound respect and humble submission that acknowledges God's absolute power and moral perfection, leading to obedience and trust. When God is truly sanctified and feared in this manner, all other anxieties and worldly fears are diminished, as the ultimate object of apprehension is rightfully placed upon the One who is sovereign over all. This verse sets the stage for understanding God as both a sanctuary and a stumbling stone, depending on humanity's response to His call for exclusive devotion.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Psalm 118:6](/psalms/118-6 "Psalm 118:6 - The Lord is With Me; I Will Not Be Afraid")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly assailed by anxieties—economic instability, social unrest, political polarization, health crises, and personal struggles—Isaiah 8:13 offers an enduring and radical counter-narrative. We are perpetually tempted to fixate on and be consumed by the "fears of this people"—the worries and dreads that dominate the headlines and our daily conversations. This verse calls us to a profound reorientation: to sanctify the LORD of hosts, to set Him apart as uniquely holy and supreme in our hearts and minds. This means consciously choosing to elevate His majesty, power, and sovereignty above every perceived threat. When God truly becomes the ultimate object of our reverence and awe, the grip of other fears loosens. Our trust shifts from unreliable human systems or our own limited strength to the infinite power of the One who commands all armies and governs all creation. This spiritual discipline fosters a life of confident obedience, knowing that the One we fear (in reverence) is also the One who protects and provides. It is a call to live unburdened by worldly anxieties, anchored in the unwavering truth of God's sovereign presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary "fears" that currently dominate my thoughts or influence my decisions?**
* **In what practical ways can I "sanctify the LORD of hosts" in my daily life, setting Him apart as supreme?**
* **How does cultivating a reverential "fear of the Lord" help to diminish my anxieties about worldly circumstances?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be re-aligned so that God, and not human opinion or earthly threats, is the ultimate object of my dread and reverence?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "sanctify the LORD of hosts"?**
Answer: To "sanctify the LORD of hosts" means to set Him apart as holy, unique, and supreme in every aspect of your life. It involves recognizing His divine majesty, absolute authority, and moral perfection, treating Him with the reverence and honor He deserves. It's an internal posture of worship and devotion that acknowledges His distinctness from anything created, and an external commitment to live in a way that reflects His holiness. This command implies giving God His rightful, preeminent place in your heart, thoughts, and actions, rather than allowing worldly concerns or fears to usurp His position.

**Is "fear" in this verse about being terrified of God?**
Answer: While the word "dread" (Hebrew: _ʻârats_) can imply terror, the primary "fear" (Hebrew: _môwrâʼ_) in this context, when applied to God, is not a cowering terror of a harsh tyrant. Instead, it refers to a profound, reverential awe, deep respect, and humble submission to God's immense power, holiness, and righteous authority. It is the kind of fear that leads to wisdom, obedience, and trust, as described in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). This reverential fear displaces all other fears because it acknowledges God as the ultimate reality and the one who holds all power, making all other threats seem insignificant in comparison to His sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 8:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the sanctified Lord of hosts and is the one in whom all true fear and dread should find their proper object. The command to "sanctify the LORD of hosts himself" is realized in the person of Christ, through whom God's holiness is fully revealed and made accessible to humanity. Jesus, as "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), is the very presence of Yahweh Sabaoth among His people. The reverential fear and dread commanded in this verse are perfectly directed towards Christ, who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the one before whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). By placing our faith and trust in Him, we are freed from the fear of man and worldly anxieties, for He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). Thus, in Christ, the call to fear God alone becomes a call to trust and worship the Lamb who was slain, whose perfect love casts out all fear that torments ([1 John 4:18](/1_john/4-18 "1 John 4:18 - Perfect Love Casts Out Fear")).

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

Luke 12:5

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Psalms 76:7

¶ Thou, [even] thou, [art] to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

Malachi 2:5

My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him [for] the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.