Isaiah 8:8

KJV

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall pass {H2498} through Judah {H3063}; he shall overflow {H7857} and go over {H5674}, he shall reach {H5060} even to the neck {H6677}; and the stretching out {H4298} of his wings {H3671} shall fill {H4393} the breadth {H7341} of thy land {H776}, O Immanuel {H6005}{H410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It will sweep through Y'hudah, flooding everything and passing on. It will reach even up to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the whole expanse of the land." God is with us! [Hebrew: 'immanu El]

Berean Standard Bible

It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel!

American Standard Version

and it shall sweep onward into Judah; it shall overflow and pass through; it shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of its wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:8 vividly portrays the overwhelming invasion of Judah by the Assyrian Empire, likening it to a devastating flood that sweeps across the land, threatening to engulf everything. This prophetic imagery underscores the severity of God's judgment upon His people for their unfaithfulness and reliance on foreign powers rather than on Him. Yet, amidst this dire warning of near-total destruction, the verse concludes with the profound and paradoxical declaration, "O Immanuel," serving as a beacon of enduring hope and a reminder of God's unwavering presence and covenant faithfulness, even in the midst of severe tribulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 8:8 is situated within a critical section of Isaiah's prophecy (chapters 7-12) dealing with the Syro-Ephraimite War and its aftermath. Following the sign of Immanuel given to King Ahaz in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel"), chapter 8 continues to unfold the consequences of Ahaz's refusal to trust the Lord. Isaiah's symbolic actions—writing "Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz" (Hasten Booty, Swift Prey) on a large tablet ([Isaiah 8:1](/isaiah/8-1 "Isaiah 8:1 - The Sign of Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz")) and naming his son similarly ([Isaiah 8:3](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3 - Isaiah's Son as a Sign"))—serve as a living prophecy of the swift Assyrian conquest of both Syria and Israel. Verse 8 specifically extends this judgment to Judah, depicting the Assyrian army as an unstoppable river, a direct consequence of Judah's rejection of "the gently flowing waters of Shiloah" (God's quiet provision and presence) in [Isaiah 8:6](/isaiah/8-6 "Isaiah 8:6 - Rejection of God's Gentle Waters"). The verse thus acts as the climax of the immediate prophetic warning concerning the Assyrian threat.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 734-732 BC), a period of intense political instability in the Ancient Near East. The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria), under Pekah and Rezin respectively, formed an alliance against the rising power of Assyria and attempted to coerce King Ahaz of Judah into joining their coalition. When Ahaz refused, they attacked Judah, intending to replace him with a puppet king ([Isaiah 7:1-6](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1-6 - The Syro-Ephraimite War Begins")). Instead of trusting in the Lord's protection as urged by Isaiah, Ahaz appealed to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for help ([2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz Appeals to Assyria")). This act of faithlessness invited Assyrian intervention, not only against Israel and Aram but eventually against Judah itself, transforming a potential ally into an instrument of divine judgment. The imagery of an overflowing river was a common ancient Near Eastern metaphor for invading armies, particularly fitting for the powerful Assyrian war machine that swept through lands like a devastating flood.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in Isaiah. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that God uses foreign nations, even powerful empires like Assyria, as instruments of His righteous wrath against His disobedient people ([Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod")). Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Control**, even over the instruments of judgment; the flood reaches "to the neck" but no further, implying a divinely appointed limit to the devastation ([Isaiah 10:24-27](/isaiah/10-24 "Isaiah 10:24-27 - God's Limit on Assyria")). This subtly introduces the theme of the **Remnant**, suggesting that a portion of Judah will be preserved despite the overwhelming judgment. Finally, and most profoundly, the concluding phrase "O Immanuel" introduces the theme of **God's Enduring Presence and Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite the impending catastrophe, God remains "with us," a promise of ultimate hope and restoration that transcends the immediate judgment, pointing to a future fulfillment of His redemptive plan for His people and land, as seen throughout the book of [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pass (Hebrew, _châlaph'_):** This primitive root signifies rapid movement, to "slide by," "hasten away," or "pass on." In the context of an overflowing flood, it conveys the unstoppable, swift, and pervasive nature of the Assyrian advance. It implies an overwhelming force that will not be hindered but will sweep through the land with destructive speed.
* **neck (Hebrew, _tsavvâʼr'_):** This word refers to the back of the neck, often associated with carrying burdens or being subjugated. In the imagery of a flood, reaching "to the neck" implies a near-total submersion, a state of extreme peril where only the head remains above water. It signifies a profound level of distress and subjugation, a near-death experience for the land and its inhabitants, yet crucially, not complete annihilation.
* **Immanuel (Hebrew, _ʻImmânûwʼêl'_):** Derived from "with us" (`ʻim`) and "God" (`ʼêl`), this name literally means "God with us." Its inclusion at the end of a prophecy of judgment is profoundly significant. It is not merely an address but a theological declaration, asserting God's active, covenantal presence and ultimate sovereignty over His people and land, even when they face overwhelming destruction. It transforms a warning of judgment into a statement of divine promise and hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over":** This clause introduces the subject of the prophecy—the Assyrian king, referred to as "he"—and immediately establishes the imagery of an overwhelming, unstoppable force. The verbs "pass through," "overflow," and "go over" depict a rapid, unhindered, and pervasive invasion, like a river bursting its banks and inundating the surrounding territory. This signifies the complete penetration of Judah's defenses and the widespread nature of the impending devastation.
* **"he shall reach [even] to the neck":** This phrase intensifies the flood imagery, indicating the extreme depth and severity of the invasion. Reaching "to the neck" implies that the land and its people will be almost completely submerged in the waters of judgment, on the brink of drowning. It conveys a state of near-total defeat and subjugation, where the nation is barely able to keep its head above the deluge, signifying profound distress and loss of autonomy.
* **"and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.":** This final clause shifts the metaphor from a flood to a bird of prey, specifically an eagle or vulture, whose outstretched wings cover the entire land. This imagery emphasizes the vast reach and comprehensive nature of the Assyrian occupation, leaving no part of Judah untouched. The concluding address, "O Immanuel," is a sudden and striking theological declaration. It transforms the dire prophecy into a paradoxical statement of hope, affirming that even in this moment of overwhelming judgment, the land remains "thy land, O Immanuel"—God's land, where His presence and covenant promise endure.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 8:8 is rich in **Imagery**, primarily employing an extended **Metaphor** of a devastating flood. The Assyrian army is likened to an overflowing river that "shall overflow and go over" and "reach even to the neck," vividly portraying the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the invasion. This flood imagery is then complemented by a second powerful metaphor: "the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land," which evokes the image of a massive bird of prey, like an eagle or vulture, whose vast wingspan casts a shadow over and dominates the entire territory. This **Juxtaposition** of flood and winged predator effectively communicates the dual aspects of the Assyrian threat: its overwhelming force and its pervasive reach. The verse also employs a profound **Paradox** in its conclusion: the land, facing such dire judgment, is still addressed as "thy land, O Immanuel." This unexpected declaration of God's presence amidst destruction creates a powerful **Irony** and serves as a profound theological statement, transforming a prophecy of doom into a promise of enduring divine faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:8 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering covenant faithfulness, even when His people face the consequences of their disobedience. The Assyrian invasion, while a human act of aggression, is depicted as an instrument of divine judgment, demonstrating that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and holds His people accountable. Yet, the crucial limitation—the flood reaching only "to the neck"—signifies God's mercy and His promise to preserve a remnant, ensuring that His ultimate redemptive purposes for Judah and the world will not be thwarted. The culminating address, "O Immanuel," elevates the prophecy from a mere historical prediction to a profound theological declaration, asserting that God's presence is not contingent upon human righteousness but is an enduring reality rooted in His covenant love. This divine presence provides the ultimate hope that transcends immediate suffering and points to a future where God's "with us" reality is fully realized.

* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel")
* [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Will Return")
* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 8:8 offers a profound spiritual lesson for believers facing overwhelming challenges. Just as Judah faced a "flood" that threatened to engulf them, we too encounter trials, crises, or periods of intense pressure that can feel like they are "reaching to the neck," pushing us to the brink of despair. This verse reminds us that even in such moments, God's sovereignty is absolute; He sets the boundaries for our trials, ensuring they do not utterly consume us. The "neck" signifies a point of extreme peril, but also a point of preservation—we may be deeply afflicted, but not destroyed. More importantly, the name "Immanuel" serves as an anchor for our souls, affirming that God is not distant or indifferent to our suffering. He is "with us," actively present in our struggles, providing strength, comfort, and hope. This encourages us to look beyond the immediate circumstances, trusting in His faithful presence and His ultimate plan, even when the "waters" are high.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "floods" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing that feel like they are "reaching to the neck"?**
* **How does the promise of "Immanuel—God with us" change your perspective on these challenges?**
* **In what ways can you actively acknowledge and rely on God's presence in your daily struggles?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary meaning of the "flood" imagery in Isaiah 8:8?**

Answer: The "flood" imagery in [Isaiah 8:8](/isaiah/8-8 "Isaiah 8:8 - The Assyrian Flood and Immanuel") primarily represents the overwhelming and unstoppable invasion of Judah by the Assyrian army. It conveys the idea of a devastating, pervasive force that will sweep through the land, submerging it in destruction and subjugation. This metaphor emphasizes the vastness of the Assyrian military might and the severe judgment that would befall Judah due to its unfaithfulness and reliance on foreign powers rather than on God.

**What is the significance of the flood reaching "to the neck" but no further?**

Answer: The phrase "he shall reach even to the neck" is highly significant because it implies a divinely imposed limit on the destruction. While the flood signifies immense suffering and near-total subjugation, reaching "to the neck" means that complete annihilation is averted. It suggests that Judah will be brought to the brink of destruction, but not entirely consumed. This limitation subtly points to God's mercy and His promise to preserve a remnant, a recurring theme in Isaiah, indicating that His ultimate covenant purposes for His people will endure despite the judgment ([Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Will Return")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 8:8, with its paradoxical declaration "O Immanuel," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context refers to God's presence with Judah amidst Assyrian judgment, the name "Immanuel" ("God with us") becomes the very identity of the Messiah in the New Testament. Matthew's Gospel explicitly connects the virgin birth of Jesus to Isaiah's prophecy, stating, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus, Immanuel")). Jesus is not merely a sign of God's presence, but God Himself dwelling among humanity, experiencing our trials, and ultimately overcoming the "flood" of sin and death. The "stretching out of his wings" that fills the land, initially a symbol of Assyrian oppression, is ultimately transformed in Christ into the expansive, life-giving presence of God's kingdom, which knows no bounds ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Fullness and Reconciliation")). Through Christ, God is truly "with us" in a way that transcends temporary national preservation, offering eternal salvation and the promise of His abiding presence through the Holy Spirit until the very end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). Thus, the hope glimmering in Isaiah 8:8 reaches its full, glorious dawn in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the true Immanuel.

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

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.

Isaiah 30:28

And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and [there shall be] a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing [them] to err.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Isaiah 28:14

¶ Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which [is] in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 28:22

Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

Isaiah 10:28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:

Isaiah 10:32

As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand [against] the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.