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

ISAIAH 8:13KJV
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Isaiah 8:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 8:13 mean?

Isaiah 8:13 tells the people to set apart the LORD of hosts as holy, and to let Him be the one they deeply respect and fear above all else. The verse urges the audience to give God the highest place of honor and to recognize His power, rather than fearing other threats.

In this passage, Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah during a time of political fear and uncertainty, warning them not to be afraid of the same things that worry the surrounding nations. Instead, Isaiah directs them to focus their reverence and awe on the LORD (Yahweh), who commands the armies of heaven. The verse emphasizes that God alone deserves their ultimate respect and concern, not the dangers or conspiracies around them.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 8:13

  • "Sanctify" (קַדֵּשׁ, qadēsh): This word means to set apart as holy or to treat as sacred. Here, it calls the people to recognize God’s unique and exalted status, not treating Him as ordinary.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, highlighting His covenant relationship with Israel. The focus is on God Himself, not just a generic idea of divinity.
  • "Hosts" (צְבָאוֹת, tseva’ot): This term refers to armies or heavenly forces, underlining God’s supreme authority and power over all spiritual and earthly powers.
  • "Fear" (מוֹרָא, mora): This word carries the sense of deep respect, awe, or reverence, not just being scared. It points to a healthy recognition of God’s greatness.
  • "Dread" (עֲרִיץ, aritz): This word means a trembling or overwhelming fear, stressing the seriousness with which God should be regarded, above any human threat.

Why Isaiah 8:13 matters

  • Isaiah 8:13 clarifies that the people’s primary concern should not be political enemies or conspiracies, but honoring and respecting God above all.
  • The verse shifts the focus from earthly fears to a proper reverence for God’s power, which is a central theme in Isaiah’s message to Judah.
  • This verse helps explain the broader context of Isaiah 8, where trusting God is set against the temptation to rely on alliances or fear what others fear.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H4172 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 9:2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
  • Deuteronomy 26:8 And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:
  • Isaiah 8:12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

“dread” Hebrew H6206 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.
  • Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Isaiah 2:19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.