Isaiah 8:3

KJV

And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I went {H7126} unto the prophetess {H5031}; and she conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} a son {H1121}. Then said {H559} the LORD {H3068} to me, Call {H7121} his name {H8034} Mahershalalhashbaz {H4122}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I had sexual relations with my wife; she became pregnant and gave birth to a son; and ADONAI said to me, "Name him Maher Shalal Hash Baz;

Berean Standard Bible

And I had relations with the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. The LORD said to me, “Name him Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

American Standard Version

And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said Jehovah unto me, Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:3 records a pivotal moment in the prophet Isaiah's ministry, where, by divine command, he engages in a profoundly symbolic act: conceiving a child with the "prophetess," traditionally understood as his wife, and naming him Mahershalalhashbaz. This divinely appointed name, meaning "Speed the Spoil, Hasten the Booty," serves as a living, audible prophecy, signaling the swift and certain judgment that God would bring upon Judah's enemies, Aram and Israel, through the impending Assyrian invasion, thereby underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to His prophetic word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 8:3 is intricately woven into the fabric of Isaiah's prophetic ministry during the Syro-Ephraimite War. Immediately preceding this, in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Sign of Immanuel"), King Ahaz of Judah, facing an alliance between Aram and Israel, stubbornly refused God's offer of a sign, demonstrating a profound lack of faith. God, however, declared He would still give a sign through the birth of [Immanuel](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel"). Chapter [8](/isaiah/8 "Isaiah 8 - Prophecies of Assyrian Invasion") continues this theme of divine signs, with God instructing Isaiah to write "Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz" on a large tablet and have two reliable witnesses attest to it ([Isaiah 8:1-2](/isaiah/8-1 "Isaiah 8:1-2 - The Tablet and Witnesses")). The birth and naming of this son in [Isaiah 8:3](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3 - The Birth of Mahershalalhashbaz") is a further, even more personal and undeniable, manifestation of the same prophecy, serving as a living embodiment of the written sign. The subsequent verse, [Isaiah 8:4](/isaiah/8-4 "Isaiah 8:4 - Fulfillment of the Prophecy"), explicitly states the timeframe for the prophecy's fulfillment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for [Isaiah 8:3](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3 - The Birth of Mahershalalhashbaz") is the volatile period of the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 735-734 BC), where the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria) formed an alliance against Judah, aiming to depose King Ahaz and install a puppet king. Judah, a vassal state to Assyria, found itself caught between regional powers. Culturally, the naming of children in ancient Israel often carried profound significance, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or, as in this case, prophetic messages. Prophets, and occasionally prophetesses, served as God's direct spokespersons, often performing symbolic acts (like Hosea's marriage in [Hosea 1](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - Hosea's Symbolic Marriage")) to underscore their divine messages. Isaiah's marriage to a "prophetess" (likely his wife, given her participation in this prophetic act) and the naming of their son were public, undeniable declarations of God's imminent judgment on Judah's enemies and, by extension, a warning to Judah itself about the consequences of faithlessness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is not merely a local deity but the sovereign Lord of history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations ([Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod")). The birth of Mahershalalhashbaz also highlights the theme of **Prophetic Signs and Symbols**, where God uses tangible, often personal, acts to confirm and communicate His word, much like the sign of [Immanuel](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel") or the symbolic actions of other prophets such as [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Siege"). Furthermore, the name itself embodies the theme of **Imminent Judgment and Deliverance**. While it signals swift judgment upon Aram and Israel, it also implicitly warns Judah that their reliance on foreign alliances rather than God would ultimately lead to their own desolation by the very power they sought to appease ([Isaiah 7:17-20](/isaiah/7-17 "Isaiah 7:17-20 - The Razor of Assyria")). This underscores the overarching theme of **Faith vs. Fear**, urging Judah to trust God's promises rather than succumbing to political anxieties.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophetess (Hebrew, _nᵉbîyʼâh'_):** This term (H5031) is the feminine form of "prophet" (נָבִיא, _nābîʼ_). It denotes a woman who receives and communicates divine messages, or by association, a prophet's wife who participates in his prophetic ministry. In this context, it most likely refers to Isaiah's wife, who, by conceiving and bearing this symbolically named child, becomes an integral part of God's prophetic sign to Judah.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred personal name of God (H3068), often transliterated as Yahweh. Derived from the verb "to be," it signifies "the self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that the command to name the child is not Isaiah's own initiative but a direct, authoritative instruction from the covenant-keeping God of Israel, underscoring the divine origin and certainty of the prophecy.
* **Mahershalalhashbaz (Hebrew, _Mahêr Shâlâl Châsh Baz'_):** This unique, compound name (H4122) is itself a prophetic sentence. It combines four Hebrew words: _maher_ (hasten), _shalal_ (spoil/plunder), _chash_ (hurry/rush), and _baz_ (booty/prey). The full meaning is "Hasting (is he to the) booty, swift (to the) prey," or more concisely, "Speed the Spoil, Hasten the Booty." This name encapsulates the core message of the verse: the rapid and inevitable plundering of Judah's enemies by the Assyrian army.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I went unto the prophetess":** This phrase describes Isaiah's direct obedience to a divine directive, though not explicitly stated in this verse, it is implied by the context of God's ongoing communication with him. The "prophetess" is widely understood to be Isaiah's wife, who, by participating in this act of conception, becomes a co-participant in the prophetic sign.
* **"and she conceived, and bare a son":** This natural, yet divinely orchestrated, event highlights the tangible reality of the prophetic sign. The birth of a child is a common, relatable human experience, which God uses here to ground a profound spiritual truth in everyday life, making the prophecy undeniable and visible to the community.
* **"Then said the LORD to me":** This clause re-emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the subsequent instruction. It is Yahweh, the sovereign God, who is speaking directly to His prophet, ensuring that the message conveyed through the child's name carries ultimate weight and certainty.
* **"Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz":** This is the climactic command, revealing the core of the prophetic sign. The name itself is not merely an identifier but a condensed, living prophecy. It serves as a constant, audible reminder of the swift and certain judgment God would bring upon Aram and Israel, whose wealth would soon be carried away as spoil and booty by the Assyrian forces (as elaborated in [Isaiah 8:4](/isaiah/8-4 "Isaiah 8:4 - Fulfillment of the Prophecy")).

#### Literary Devices
[Isaiah 8:3](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3 - The Birth of Mahershalalhashbaz") is rich with **Symbolism** and functions as a powerful **Prophetic Act**. The birth and naming of Isaiah's son are not merely biographical details but serve as a living, tangible sign from God. The child himself becomes a symbol, his very existence and name embodying the divine message. The name **Mahershalalhashbaz** is a prime example of **Paronomasia** or wordplay, as its Hebrew components form a complete prophetic sentence, making the name itself the message. This direct linguistic connection reinforces the immediacy and certainty of the prophecy. Furthermore, the entire event serves as **Foreshadowing**, not only of the impending judgment on Aram and Israel but also subtly hinting at the broader principle of God's use of seemingly ordinary human events to enact His extraordinary purposes in history, a pattern that culminates in the ultimate divine sign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:3 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over nations and His meticulous orchestration of events to fulfill His prophetic word. The naming of Mahershalalhashbaz underscores that God's judgment is both certain and swift, a divine response to human rebellion and faithlessness, yet always within the framework of His ultimate redemptive plan. This symbolic act also highlights God's pedagogical method, using tangible signs and personal experiences to communicate spiritual truths, making His messages undeniable and deeply impactful. It serves as a stark reminder that true security lies not in political alliances or human strength, but in trusting the Lord's promises and heeding His warnings.

* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel")
* [Hosea 1:4](/hosea/1-4 "Hosea 1:4 - Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, Lo-Ammi")
* [Ezekiel 4:1-3](/ezekiel/4-1 "Ezekiel 4:1-3 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Siege")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Isaiah 8:3 calls believers today to a deeper reflection on God's active presence and sovereign control in our lives and in the world. Just as God used a personal, family event in Isaiah's life to convey a powerful prophetic message, so too can seemingly ordinary circumstances in our own lives be imbued with divine purpose and meaning. This passage challenges us to cultivate a posture of faith, trusting in God's ultimate plan even when faced with overwhelming societal or personal anxieties, rather than seeking security in fleeting human strategies or alliances. It encourages us to be attentive to the "signs" God may be giving us, whether through His Word, providence, or the counsel of wise believers, and to respond with obedience, knowing that His warnings are for our protection and His promises are for our good. Ultimately, this verse reminds us that God's word is living and active, always accomplishing His purposes, and invites us to align our lives with His unfolding will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God using "living signs" (like the birth of Mahershalalhashbaz) challenge or deepen your understanding of how God communicates today?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human strategies or alliances rather than trusting in God's sovereign control, especially when facing "threats" or uncertainties?**
* **What "names" or labels do you carry, either personally or societally, that might serve as a reminder of God's truth or a call to deeper faith?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "prophetess" mentioned in Isaiah 8:3?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly name her, the "prophetess" (Hebrew: _nᵉbîyʼâh_) is almost universally understood by biblical scholars to be Isaiah's wife. This interpretation is supported by the fact that she bears Isaiah's son, and her participation in this act makes the prophetic sign deeply personal and publicly visible. Her designation as "prophetess" may indicate that she herself possessed prophetic gifts, or it could simply mean she was the wife of a prophet, whose role inherently involved participating in his prophetic ministry, much like the prophetess Huldah in [2 Kings 22:14](/2_kings/22-14 "2 Kings 22:14 - Huldah the Prophetess"). In either case, her involvement underscores the divine origin and significance of the event.

**What is the significance of the name Mahershalalhashbaz?**

Answer: The name Mahershalalhashbaz (Hebrew: _Mahêr Shâlâl Châsh Baz_) is not merely a name but a prophetic sentence. It directly translates to "Speed the Spoil, Hasten the Booty" or "Hurry to the plunder! Rush to the spoil!" As explained in [Isaiah 8:4](/isaiah/8-4 "Isaiah 8:4 - Fulfillment of the Prophecy"), this name served as a living prophecy, signifying that before the child would be old enough to speak, the wealth and plunder of Damascus (Aram) and Samaria (Israel) would be carried away by the king of Assyria. It was a constant, audible reminder of God's swift and certain judgment upon Judah's enemies, and implicitly, a warning to Judah about the consequences of their own unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Isaiah 8:3](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3 - The Birth of Mahershalalhashbaz") directly concerns the immediate historical context of Judah and its enemies, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The concept of a child born as a divine sign, first seen in Mahershalalhashbaz and more prominently in [Immanuel](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel"), ultimately points to Christ. Jesus is the ultimate "sign" given by God to humanity, the very embodiment of God's presence with us ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). Just as Mahershalalhashbaz's name foretold swift judgment and plunder for God's enemies, Jesus, though bringing salvation, also represents the ultimate and decisive victory over the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil. His coming brought about the "plundering" of Satan's dominion ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Furthermore, the prophetic word embedded in a human life foreshadows Christ as the living Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Thus, Isaiah's son, a historical sign of impending judgment, ultimately prefigures the one who accomplishes ultimate judgment and definitive salvation, establishing His eternal kingdom.

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

Hosea 1:3

So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.

Hosea 1:9

Then said [God], Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your [God].

2 Kings 22:14

So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

Isaiah 7:13

And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; [Is it] a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Judges 4:4

¶ And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.