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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/8-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/23_Isa_08_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 8:20 - Darkness and Light" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="To the law and to the testimony! 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If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, <i>it is</i> because <i>there is</i> no light in them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, <i>it is</i> because <i>there</i> <i>is</i> no light in them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />To the Law and to the testimony! If they do not speak in accordance with this word, it is because they have no dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />[Direct those people] to the law and to the testimony! If their teachings are not in accord with this word, it is because they have no dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Go to God’s instruction and testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />what it should do." None of those who talk like that will live to see the light of day! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They should go to the teachings and to the written instructions. If people don't speak these words, it is because it doesn't dawn on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You are to answer them, "Listen to what the LORD is teaching you! Don't listen to mediums--what they tell you cannot keep trouble away." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />for instruction and for testimony? Surely they are speaking like this because the truth hasn't dawned on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then you must recall the LORD's instructions and the prophetic testimony of what would happen. Certainly they say such things because their minds are spiritually darkened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Turn to the law and to the testimony. If they do not speak according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Turn to the law and to the covenant! If they don’t speak according to this word, surely there is no morning for them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />To the Law and to the testimony! If not, let them say after this manner, “That there is no dawn to it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To the law and to the testimony! If not, let them say after this manner, 'That there is no dawn to it.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony if they will not speak according to this word, because no morning is in them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />To the law rather, and to the testimony. And if they speak not according to this word, they shall not have the morning light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And this is, moreover, for the sake of the law and the testimony. But if they do not speak according to this Word, then he will not have the morning light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />for instruction and testimony?” Surely, those who speak like this are the ones for whom there is no dawn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />for teaching and for instruction?” surely, those who speak like this will have no dawn!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As for the law and the testimony, if they do not speak according to this word, it is because they do not receive a bribe for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />To the Written Law and to the Testimony, for they will not speak according to this Word, because there is no one to give a bribe for it<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />for instruction and for testimony?'--Surely they will speak according to this word, wherein there is no light.--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For he has given the law for a help, that they should not speak according to this word, concerning which there are no gifts to give for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/8-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=1806" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/8.htm">Darkness and Light</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19</span>When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: lə·ṯō·w·rāh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">To the law</a> <a href="/hebrew/8584.htm" title="8584: wə·liṯ·‘ū·ḏāh (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Testimony, attestation. From uwd; attestation, i.e. A precept, usage.">and to the testimony!</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: yō·mə·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">according to this</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: kad·dā·ḇār (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">word,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên- (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">they have no</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7837.htm" title="7837: šā·ḥar (N-ms) -- Dawn. From shachar; dawn.">light of dawn.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/13-1.htm">Deuteronomy 13:1-4</a></span><br />If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Acts 17:11</a></span><br />Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-18</a></span><br />Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-39.htm">John 5:39</a></span><br />You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a></span><br />Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">2 Peter 1:19-21</a></span><br />We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. / Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. / For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-8.htm">Galatians 1:8-9</a></span><br />But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! / As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-28.htm">Jeremiah 23:28-29</a></span><br />Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD. / “Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a></span><br />Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-23.htm">Proverbs 6:23</a></span><br />For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/22-18.htm">Revelation 22:18-19</a></span><br />I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. / And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a></span><br />but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.</p><p class="hdg">the law</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/8-16.htm">Isaiah 8:16</a></b></br> Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/10-26.htm">Luke 10:26</a></b></br> He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/16-29.htm">Luke 16:29-31</a></b></br> Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them… </p><p class="hdg">it is</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/30-8.htm">Isaiah 30:8-11</a></b></br> Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7,8</a></b></br> The law of the LORD <i>is</i> perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD <i>is</i> sure, making wise the simple… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-130.htm">Psalm 119:130</a></b></br> The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.</p><p class="hdg">light.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a></b></br> But the path of the just <i>is</i> as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/6-3.htm">Hosea 6:3</a></b></br> Then shall we know, <i>if</i> we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter <i>and</i> former rain unto the earth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/4-2.htm">Malachi 4:2</a></b></br> But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/songs/6-10.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-22.htm">Daybreak</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-9.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-16.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-16.htm">Law</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-17.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-11.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-9.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-16.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-16.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-13.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-22.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-2.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-10.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/hosea/10-15.htm">Daybreak</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-5.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-24.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm">Law</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-24.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-18.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-15.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-20.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-21.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-3.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-20.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-8.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/8-1.htm">In Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, he prophesies Syria and Israel shall be subdued by Assyria</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/8-5.htm">Judah likewise for their infidelity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/8-9.htm">God's judgments shall be irresistible</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/8-11.htm">Comfort shall be to those who fear God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm">Great afflictions to idolaters</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>To the law and to the testimony!</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of adhering to the divine revelation given through the Law (Torah) and the testimony of the prophets. In the context of Isaiah, the "law" refers to the Mosaic Law, which was central to Jewish life and worship. The "testimony" likely refers to the prophetic messages that God delivered through His prophets. This call to the law and testimony underscores the authority of Scripture as the ultimate standard for truth and guidance. It reflects the Jewish understanding of the Torah as the foundation of their covenant relationship with God. This phrase also anticipates the New Testament emphasis on the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Jesus Christ (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>).<p><b>If they do not speak according to this word,</b><br>This part of the verse warns against false teachings and prophecies that do not align with God's revealed word. In Isaiah's time, there were many false prophets and diviners who led people astray with messages that contradicted God's commands. The phrase serves as a litmus test for discerning truth from error. It highlights the necessity of measuring all teachings against the established word of God. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to test the spirits and hold fast to what is good (1 <a href="/john/4.htm">John 4:1</a>, <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a>).<p><b>they have no light of dawn.</b><br>The imagery of "light" and "dawn" symbolizes understanding, truth, and divine revelation. Those who reject or distort God's word are described as being in darkness, lacking the illumination that comes from God's truth. In biblical symbolism, light often represents God's presence and guidance (<a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>, <a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4-5</a>). The absence of light signifies spiritual blindness and separation from God. This phrase foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the "light of the world" (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>), who brings true understanding and salvation to those who follow Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel during the time of Isaiah. The people of Judah were often warned by Isaiah to return to God and adhere to His commandments.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law_and_the_testimony.htm">The Law and the Testimony</a></b><br>Refers to the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) and the prophetic testimony. These were the foundational texts for the Israelites, providing guidance and revelation from God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_prophets.htm">False Prophets</a></b><br>During Isaiah's time, there were many who claimed to speak for God but led the people astray. Isaiah's message in this verse is a call to discernment against such false teachings.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_light_of_dawn.htm">The Light of Dawn</a></b><br>Symbolizes understanding, truth, and divine revelation. Those who do not adhere to God's word are described as lacking this light.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/adherence_to_scripture.htm">Adherence to Scripture</a></b><br>The Bible is the ultimate authority for faith and practice. Believers are called to measure all teachings against the Word of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_against_false_teachings.htm">Discernment Against False Teachings</a></b><br>In a world filled with conflicting messages, Christians must be vigilant and discerning, ensuring that teachings align with biblical truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_daily_life.htm">The Role of Scripture in Daily Life</a></b><br>Regular engagement with the Bible is essential for spiritual growth and understanding. It provides guidance and clarity in a dark world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_light.htm">The Importance of Light</a></b><br>Spiritual enlightenment comes from God's Word. Without it, one remains in darkness, lacking true understanding and direction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>Engaging with a community of believers helps in maintaining accountability to the teachings of Scripture and encourages mutual growth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_latter-day_saints_believe.htm">What are the beliefs of Latter-day Saints?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god's_nature_different_in_testaments.htm">Is God's nature different between the Testaments?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_spiritual_discernment.htm">What is spiritual discernment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_montanism.htm">What is Montanism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">To the law and to the testimony</span>.--The words are only remotely and by analogy an exhortation to the study of Scripture in general, or even to that of the Law of Moses in particular. "The law and the testimony" are obviously here, as in <a href="/isaiah/8-16.htm" title="Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.">Isaiah 8:16</a>, the "word of Jehovah," spoken to the prophet himself, the revelation which had come to him with such an intensity of power.<p><span class= "bld">If they speak not according to this word . . .</span>--The personal pronoun refers to the people of <a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm" title="And when they shall say to you, Seek to them that have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek to their God? for the living to the dead?">Isaiah 8:19</a> who were hunting after soothsayers. The second clause should be rendered, <span class= "ital">for them there is no light of morning. </span>The light here is that of hope rather than of knowledge. No morning dawn should shine on those who haunted the caves and darkened rooms of the diviners, the <span class= "ital">seances </span>of the spiritualists of Jerusalem. The verse admits, however, of a different construction. As the Hebrew idiom, "If they shall <span class= "bld">. . .</span>" stands, as in <a href="/psalms/95-11.htm" title="To whom I swore in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.">Psalm 95:11</a>; <a href="/hebrews/4-3.htm" title="For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.">Hebrews 4:3</a>; <a href="/hebrews/4-5.htm" title="And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.">Hebrews 4:5</a>, for the strongest form of negative prediction, so "if they shall not <span class= "bld">. . .</span>" may stand here for the strongest form of positive. So taken the verse would read, <span class= "ital">Surely they will speak according to this word. </span>(<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>will have recourse to the true Revelation) <span class= "ital">when there is no morning-dawn for them, </span>when they look above and around, and see nothing but darkness. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">To the Law and to the testimony</span>. A sort of watchword or battle-cry, to be used by the faithful when God's enemies assailed them. Compare Gideon's cry (<a href="/judges/7-18.htm">Judges 7:18</a>), "For the Lord and for Gideon." <span class="cmt_word">If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them</span>; rather, <span class="accented">Surely they will speak according to this word</span>, <span class="accented">when there is no dawn for them</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> when they are plunged in darkness (ver. 22) and distress, and see no prospect of better days, surely they - the people generally - will rally to this cry, and repeat it, "For the <span class="accented">Law</span> and for the testimony." They will not always trust in necromancy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/8-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">To the law</span><br /><span class="heb">לְתוֹרָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ṯō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and to the testimony!</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלִתְעוּדָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·liṯ·‘ū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8584.htm">Strong's 8584: </a> </span><span class="str2">Attestation, a precept, usage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speak</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹֽאמְרוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">according to this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">word,</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּדָּבָ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(kad·dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they have no</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵֽין־</span> <span class="translit">(’ên-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">light of dawn.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָֽׁחַר׃</span> <span class="translit">(šā·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7837.htm">Strong's 7837: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dawn</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/8-20.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 8:20 Turn to the law and to (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 8:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 8:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/8-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 8:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 8:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>