Isaiah 8:21

KJV

And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall pass {H5674} through it, hardly bestead {H7185} and hungry {H7457}: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry {H7456}, they shall fret {H7107} themselves, and curse {H7043} their king {H4428} and their God {H430}, and look {H6437} upward {H4605}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Distressed and hungry they will pass through the land; and because of their hunger they will grow angry and curse by their king and by their God. But whether they look up [to God]

Berean Standard Bible

They will roam the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged; and looking upward, they will curse their king and their God.

American Standard Version

And they shall pass through it, sore distressed and hungry; and it shall come to pass that, when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse by their king and by their God, and turn their faces upward:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:21 vividly portrays the dire consequences of Judah's spiritual rebellion and distrust in God, depicting a people plunged into extreme physical and spiritual destitution. As they wander through their land, afflicted by severe hunger and distress, their desperation culminates in a profound act of blasphemy: cursing both their earthly king and their God. This verse serves as a stark warning of the inevitable suffering and spiritual darkness that result from rejecting divine counsel and seeking security in human or idolatrous alternatives, highlighting a complete breakdown of societal order and faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 8:21 is situated within a critical prophetic section (chapters 7-12) where Isaiah addresses King Ahaz and the people of Judah concerning the Syro-Ephraimitic war. Chapters 7 and 8 specifically detail Isaiah's warnings against forming an alliance with Assyria instead of trusting in the Lord's protection. The preceding verses in chapter 8 describe the rapid advance of the Assyrian army, symbolized by "Maher-shalal-hash-baz" ([Isaiah 8:1-4](/isaiah/8-1 "Isaiah 8:1-4 - Prophecy of Maher-shalal-hash-baz")). The prophet further warns against seeking guidance from mediums and necromancers rather than from God's law and testimony ([Isaiah 8:19-20](/isaiah/8-19 "Isaiah 8:19-20 - Seek the Law and Testimony")). Verse 21, therefore, depicts the immediate, devastating outcome of this spiritual and political apostasy, setting the stage for the deep darkness described in [Isaiah 8:22](/isaiah/8-22 "Isaiah 8:22 - Darkness and Distress") before the glorious promise of light in [Isaiah 9:1-7](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9 - The Coming Messiah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the late 8th century BCE, a period of immense geopolitical instability. The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria) formed an alliance against Judah, attempting to force King Ahaz into their anti-Assyrian coalition. Ahaz, in fear, chose to appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for help, a decision that Isaiah vehemently opposed as a lack of faith in Yahweh. This act of seeking a foreign power's aid over divine protection was a profound theological and political transgression. Culturally, the people of Judah were exposed to various pagan practices, including consulting the dead, which Isaiah condemns. The famine and distress described in this verse reflect the typical consequences of warfare and siege in the ancient Near East, where agricultural disruption and blockades led to widespread suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences of Disobedience**. The suffering depicted is a direct result of Judah's refusal to trust God and their turning to idolatry and foreign alliances. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Wisdom and Reliance on False Gods**. Their "king" and "God" (likely referring to false deities or even Yahweh, whom they blaspheme in their distress) are powerless to save them, leading to utter despair. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Spiritual Blindness and Darkness**. The people's inability to discern God's will and their turning away from His light leads them into a state of profound spiritual and physical gloom, foreshadowing the "gloom" mentioned in [Isaiah 8:22](/isaiah/8-22 "Isaiah 8:22 - Darkness and Distress"). Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Hope Through Despair**, as this intense darkness serves as a necessary prelude to the glorious light of the Messiah's coming, a promise powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 9:2](/isaiah/9-2 "Isaiah 9:2 - The Great Light").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hungry (Hebrew, _râʻêb'_):** This word (H7457/H7456) signifies a state of intense hunger or famine. It is derived from a primitive root meaning "to hunger" and can also mean "famish." In this context, it describes not merely a lack of food but a profound, gnawing physical distress that drives the people to desperation, symbolizing the spiritual emptiness that accompanies their rebellion against God.
* **curse (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** The word (H7043) means "to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)." In this context, it carries the strong connotation of treating with contempt, reviling, or bringing into disrepute. The act of cursing their king and God is a severe act of defiance, reflecting deep-seated bitterness, despair, and a complete breakdown of respect for both human and divine authority.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun (H430) is commonly used to refer to the supreme God, Yahweh, but can also denote gods in the ordinary sense, magistrates, or even be used as a superlative. Here, the people's act of cursing "their God" signifies a profound apostasy and blasphemy against the very source of their potential help and salvation, whether they are cursing Yahweh or the false gods they may have turned to in their distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry:"** This clause describes the initial state of the people. "Pass through it" refers to their movement within the land, now under siege or devastated by invasion. "Hardly bestead" (from H7185, _qâshâh_) means to be in a very difficult, grievous, or severely distressed situation, facing extreme pressure. Coupled with "hungry," it paints a picture of intense physical suffering, destitution, and a desperate search for sustenance in a land laid waste by judgment.
* **"and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves,"** This section details the internal reaction to their suffering. The repetition of "hungry" emphasizes the persistent and overwhelming nature of their need. To "fret themselves" (from H7107, _qâtsaph_) implies a furious internal agitation, a bursting out in rage or wrath. This is not a humble turning to God, but an angry, bitter reaction to their circumstances, indicative of a hardened heart.
* **"and curse their king and their God,"** This is the climax of their rebellion. In their desperation and rage, they turn against both earthly and divine authority. Cursing their "king" (H4428, _melek_) signifies a rejection of human leadership and the established order. Cursing "their God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) is the ultimate act of blasphemy, a direct defiance against the one who could provide salvation, revealing the depth of their spiritual decay and misdirected blame.
* **"and look upward."** This final phrase is laden with tragic irony. While "look upward" (H6437, _pânâh_, and H4605, _maʻal_) might typically suggest looking to heaven for help or divine intervention, in this context, immediately following the act of cursing, it implies a defiant, hopeless gaze. It could be a look of despair, a futile search for a non-existent deliverer, or even a defiant gesture against the heavens they have just blasphemed, rather than a repentant plea.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 8:21 is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a people consumed by **Hunger** and **Distress**. The phrase "hardly bestead and hungry" evokes a visceral sense of suffering and desperation. The act of "fretting themselves" suggests internal turmoil and rage, while "curse their king and their God" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme nature of their rebellion and blasphemy. The final phrase, "and look upward," functions as a powerful **Irony**. While looking upward is typically a gesture of hope or prayer, in this context, immediately after cursing, it underscores the futility and despair of their situation, implying a defiant or hopeless gaze rather than a plea for mercy. The entire verse serves as a stark **Foreshadowing** of the profound spiritual darkness and judgment that will engulf Judah, setting a somber tone that contrasts sharply with the glorious promise of light and hope that follows in the subsequent chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:21 serves as a profound theological statement on the consequences of spiritual apostasy and misdirected blame. It illustrates how a rejection of divine wisdom and reliance on human or idolatrous solutions inevitably leads to profound suffering, both physical and spiritual. The people's act of cursing their king and God reveals a hardened heart, where instead of turning in repentance to the true source of help, they lash out in anger and despair. This passage underscores the principle that true sustenance and security come only from God, and turning away from Him results in a desolate existence, marked by spiritual hunger and rebellion. It highlights the danger of blaming God for self-inflicted suffering and the destructive nature of unrepentant hearts.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience") - This extensive passage details the curses that will befall Israel if they disobey God's commands, including famine, distress, and oppression by enemies, directly paralleling the suffering described in Isaiah 8:21.
* [Lamentations 2:19](/lamentations/2-19 "Lamentations 2:19 - Cry Out to the Lord") - Describes the extreme hunger and distress during the siege of Jerusalem, where children and infants faint in the streets, reflecting the dire conditions depicted in Isaiah.
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - Lack of Knowledge Destroys") - States, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," illustrating how spiritual ignorance and rejection of God's truth lead to ruin, a theme underlying the people's desperate actions in Isaiah 8:21.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 8:21 offers a sobering mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine our responses to hardship and distress. When faced with life's profound hungers—whether for security, meaning, or physical provision—do we, like ancient Judah, succumb to despair and lash out, blaming God or those in authority? Or do we turn in humble dependence to the One who promises to satisfy our deepest needs? This verse reminds us that true spiritual and physical nourishment comes from trusting God's word and seeking His counsel, not from worldly alliances or self-destructive anger. It calls us to cultivate a heart of faith and repentance, even in the midst of suffering, recognizing that our ultimate hope lies not in our own efforts or external circumstances, but in the steadfast love and provision of our Creator. The despair depicted here should prompt us to cling more tightly to the promises of God, knowing that He is the only true source of light in our darkest valleys.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "hardly bestead and hungry," and how do you typically respond to such distress?**
* **When facing difficult circumstances, are you prone to "fret yourself" and blame others, including God, rather than seeking His wisdom and comfort?**
* **How does this verse challenge your understanding of trust and dependence on God, especially when His ways seem unclear or difficult?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust, even when circumstances tempt you to despair and complain?**

### FAQ
**What does "hardly bestead" mean in this verse?**

Answer: "Hardly bestead" is an archaic English expression meaning to be in a very difficult, distressed, or desperate situation. The Hebrew word (H7185, _qâshâh_) implies being tough, severe, or grievous. In Isaiah 8:21, it vividly portrays the people of Judah as being in extreme hardship, facing severe pressure, and utterly destitute, likely due to famine and the ravages of war. This state of intense suffering drives their desperate and rebellious actions.

**Why do the people curse their "king and their God"?**

Answer: The act of cursing their king and their God signifies the complete breakdown of their societal and spiritual order. In their extreme hunger and distress, they lash out in anger and despair. Cursing their king (H4428, _melek_) reflects a rejection of human authority and leadership, blaming them for their plight. Cursing "their God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) is the ultimate act of blasphemy, demonstrating their profound spiritual decay and misdirected rage. Instead of turning to God in repentance for their disobedience, which led to these consequences, they blame Him, revealing a hardened heart and a complete loss of faith. This act highlights their spiritual blindness, as they turn against the very source of their potential salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 8:21 paints a bleak picture of humanity's natural state apart from God: a people "hardly bestead and hungry," consumed by despair, and ultimately cursing their king and their God. This profound spiritual and physical desolation finds its ultimate answer and reversal in Jesus Christ. He is the true and eternal King, not one to be cursed but to be worshipped, the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is God incarnate, the very "God" whom humanity in its rebellion has cursed, yet He came not to condemn but to save ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save")). Jesus identifies Himself as the "Bread of Life," the one who satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger that physical food cannot ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")). Those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst. The "darkness" and despair of Isaiah 8:21 are dramatically dispelled by the "great light" that dawns in [Isaiah 9:2](/isaiah/9-2 "Isaiah 9:2 - The Light in Darkness"), a prophecy directly fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus ([Matthew 4:16](/matthew/4-16 "Matthew 4:16 - The Light Has Dawned")). Instead of looking "upward" in futile defiance, believers are now called to look to Christ, who was lifted up on the cross, so that "whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" ([John 3:14-15](/john/3-14 "John 3:14-15 - The Son of Man Lifted Up")). He transforms the curse into blessing, the hunger into satisfaction, and the despair into everlasting hope.

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

Proverbs 19:3

¶ The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

Isaiah 9:20

And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:

2 Kings 25:3

And on the ninth [day] of the [fourth] month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.

Job 2:5

But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

Lamentations 4:4

The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, [and] no man breaketh [it] unto them.

Lamentations 4:5

They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

Jeremiah 14:18

If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.