Question 1

What does Isaiah 28:11 mean?

Accepted Answer

Isaiah 28:11 says that God will speak to the people of Israel through “stammering lips and another tongue,” meaning He will use foreign languages and unfamiliar speech to communicate with them. This is a warning that, because the people have not listened to God’s clear message, He will now speak to them through outsiders, likely as a sign of coming judgment. Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, who have ignored God’s prophets and warnings. The verse uses the image of strange and unclear speech to show that God’s message will come in a way the people do not want—through foreign invaders or conquerors. This is part of a larger passage where Isaiah criticizes the leaders for their pride and refusal to listen, warning them that their stubbornness will have serious consequences.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 28:11

Accepted Answer

“Stammering” (לָעֵג, la‘eg) describes speech that is mocking, unclear, or difficult to understand. This word highlights that the message will not be straightforward or comforting, but confusing and even humiliating. “Another” (אַחֵר, acher) means “different” or “foreign.” This emphasizes that the language spoken will not be their own, but that of outsiders. “Tongue” (לָשׁוֹן, lashon) refers to language or speech. Here, it underlines that the communication will come in a language unfamiliar to the people of Israel.

Question 3

Why Isaiah 28:11 matters

Accepted Answer

Isaiah 28:11 clarifies that God’s warnings will not always come in familiar or comfortable ways; sometimes, ignoring God leads to messages that are hard to understand or accept. The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the leaders’ refusal to listen will result in judgment through foreign nations, making God’s message even more distant and alarming. This verse helps explain why later prophets and writers refer to foreign speech as a sign of God’s judgment, giving context to how God uses even the language of outsiders to reach His people.

Isaiah 28:11 (KJV)