New International VersionGo now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness.
New Living TranslationNow go and write down these words. Write them in a book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness
English Standard VersionAnd now, go, write it before them on a tablet and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come as a witness forever.
Berean Standard BibleGo now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the days to come, a witness forever and ever.
King James BibleNow 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:
New King James VersionNow go, write it before them on a tablet, And note it on a scroll, That it may be for time to come, Forever and ever:
New American Standard BibleNow go, write it on a tablet in their presence And inscribe it on a scroll, That it may serve in the time to come As a witness forever.
NASB 1995Now go, write it on a tablet before them And inscribe it on a scroll, That it may serve in the time to come As a witness forever.
NASB 1977Now go, write it on a tablet before them And inscribe it on a scroll, That it may serve in the time to come As a witness forever.
Legacy Standard BibleNow go, write it on a tablet before them And inscribe it on a scroll, That it may be in the time to come As a witness forever.
Amplified BibleNow, go, write it on a tablet before them And inscribe it on a scroll, So that it may serve in the time to come As a witness [against them] forevermore.
Christian Standard BibleGo now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the future, forever and ever.
Holman Christian Standard BibleGo now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the future, forever and ever.
American Standard VersionNow go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever.
Contemporary English VersionThe LORD told me to write down his message for his people, so that it would be there forever.
English Revised VersionNow go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationNow, write this on a tablet for them, and inscribe it in a book so that it will be there in the future as a permanent witness.
Good News TranslationGod told me to write down in a book what the people are like, so that there would be a permanent record of how evil they are.
International Standard Version"Go now, and write it down on a tablet in their presence, inscribing it in a book, so that for times to come it may be an everlasting witness.
NET BibleNow go, write it down on a tablet in their presence, inscribe it on a scroll, so that it might be preserved for a future time as an enduring witness.
New Heart English BibleNow go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever.
Webster's Bible TranslationNow 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: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleGo now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the days to come, a witness forever and ever.
World English BibleNow go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionNo, go in, write it on a tablet with them, "" And inscribe it on a scroll, "" And it is for a latter day, for a witness for all time,
Young's Literal Translation No, go in, write it on a tablet with them, And on a book engrave it, And it is for a latter day, for a witness unto the age,
Smith's Literal TranslationNow go, write it to them upon a tablet, and engrave it upon a book, and it shall be for the latter day, forever even forever. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow therefore go in and write for them upon box, and note it diligently in a book, and it shall be in the latter days for a testimony for ever.
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow, therefore, enter and write for them upon a tablet, and note it diligently in a book, and this shall be a testimony in the last days, and even unto eternity.
New American BibleNow come, write it on a tablet they can keep, inscribe it on a scroll; That in time to come it may be an eternal witness.
New Revised Standard VersionGo now, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, so that it may be for the time to come as a witness forever. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow come, write it on these tablets and on the book of their covenant, that it may be for the time to come, for a testimony for ever and ever;
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedTherefore come, write on these tablets and upon the book of their covenant, that it will be to the last day for a testimony, to the eternity of eternities OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now go, write it before them on a tablet, And inscribe it in a book, That it may be for the time to come For ever and ever.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationNow then sit down and write these words on a tablet, and in a book; for these things shall be for many long days, and even for ever.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Worthless Treaty with Egypt… 7Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still. 8Gonow,writeit ona tabletin their presenceand inscribeit ona scroll;it will befor the daysto come,a witnessforeverand ever.9These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction.…
Cross References Jeremiah 30:2“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.
Habakkuk 2:2Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it.
Deuteronomy 31:19Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them.
Exodus 17:14Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
Jeremiah 36:2“Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you during the reign of Josiah until today.
Revelation 1:19Therefore write down the things you have seen, the things that are, and the things that will happen after this.
2 Peter 1:12-15Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. / I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, / because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. ...
Psalm 102:18Let this be written for the generation to come, so that a people not yet created may praise the LORD.
Jeremiah 51:60Jeremiah had written on a single scroll about all the disaster that would come upon Babylon—all these words that had been written concerning Babylon.
Daniel 12:4But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.”
Revelation 10:4When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to put it in writing. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.”
2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
Romans 15:4For 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.
John 20:30-31Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. / But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
Luke 1:3-4Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, / so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Treasury of Scripture 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: write Isaiah 8:1 Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz. Deuteronomy 31:19,22 Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel… Job 19:23,24 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! … the time to come. Isaiah 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days,that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. Numbers 24:14 And now, behold, I go unto my people: cometherefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days. Deuteronomy 4:30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee,even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; Jump to Previous AgeBoardBookEngraveEverlastingForeverFutureInscribeLatterNoteRecordScrollServeTableTabletTimeWitnessWriteWritingJump to Next AgeBoardBookEngraveEverlastingForeverFutureInscribeLatterNoteRecordScrollServeTableTabletTimeWitnessWriteWritingIsaiah 30 1.The prophet threatens the people for their confidence in Egypt8.And contempt of God's word18.God's mercies toward his church27.God's wrath and the people's joy, in the destruction of AssyriaGo nowThis command from God to the prophet Isaiah emphasizes urgency and immediacy. The directive to "go" suggests that the message is of critical importance and must be delivered without delay. This reflects the prophetic role of Isaiah, who is often called to deliver God's messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. The urgency also underscores the seriousness of the people's rebellion and the need for them to hear God's warning. Write it on a tablet in their presence
Writing on a tablet signifies the permanence and public nature of the message. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, tablets were used for official records and important documents. By writing it "in their presence," it ensures that the message is witnessed and cannot be denied or ignored by the people. This act of recording serves as a legal and binding testimony against the people of Judah, highlighting their accountability before God. And inscribe it on a scroll
The use of a scroll indicates the message's importance and its intended preservation for future generations. Scrolls were the primary medium for recording texts in the ancient world, and inscribing the message on a scroll suggests that it is meant to be read and remembered. This dual recording on both a tablet and a scroll emphasizes the gravity and enduring nature of the prophecy. It will be for the days to come
This phrase points to the prophetic nature of the message, indicating that its relevance extends beyond the immediate context. It suggests that the consequences of the people's actions and God's response will unfold over time. This forward-looking aspect of prophecy is common in Isaiah, where immediate events often foreshadow future fulfillments, including messianic prophecies. A witness forever and ever
The message serves as an eternal testimony against the people, highlighting the unchanging nature of God's word. This concept of a lasting witness is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such asDeuteronomy 31:26, where the law is placed beside the Ark of the Covenant as a witness against Israel. The eternal aspect of the witness underscores the seriousness of the people's rebellion and the enduring truth of God's judgments. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and warnings, which find their culmination in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate revelation and fulfillment of God's word. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He served as a prophet during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was often warned by prophets like Isaiah to turn back to God and away from idolatry and alliances with foreign nations. 3. AssyriaA powerful empire during Isaiah's time, often a threat to Judah. The context of Isaiah 30 involves Judah's temptation to seek help from Egypt against Assyria, rather than relying on God. 4. EgyptA nation to which Judah was tempted to turn for military assistance, representing a reliance on human strength rather than divine support. 5. The ScrollRepresents the written record of God's message through Isaiah, intended to serve as a lasting testimony to the people's disobedience and God's faithfulness. Teaching Points The Importance of Written TestimonyGod's command to Isaiah to write His message underscores the importance of preserving His word for future generations. Written records serve as a lasting witness to God's truth and the people's response. Reliance on God vs. Human AlliancesJudah's temptation to rely on Egypt instead of God serves as a warning against placing our trust in human solutions rather than divine guidance. We are called to seek God's wisdom and strength in times of trouble. The Eternal Nature of God's WordThe phrase "a witness forever and ever" highlights the enduring nature of God's word. It remains relevant and authoritative across all generations, reminding us of His unchanging truth. Accountability and RemembranceThe written word serves as a tool for accountability, reminding us of God's expectations and our commitments. It also helps us remember His faithfulness and past deliverances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 30:8?
2.Why does God instruct Isaiah to record His words in Isaiah 30:8?
3.How can we ensure God's truth is remembered for future generations today?
4.What parallels exist between Isaiah 30:8 and Deuteronomy 31:19 regarding recording God's words?
5.How does Isaiah 30:8 emphasize the importance of God's enduring message?
6.In what ways can we apply Isaiah 30:8 to our daily spiritual practices?
7.Why did God instruct Isaiah to record the message permanently in Isaiah 30:8?
8.How does Isaiah 30:8 emphasize the importance of written prophecy?
9.What historical context surrounds the writing of Isaiah 30:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 30?
11.How is the reversal of the sun's shadow in Isaiah 38:8 scientifically plausible?
12.John 15:1-2: How can we verify, historically or otherwise, that Jesus's 'true vine' metaphor reflects anything beyond cultural symbolism and legend?
13.How does Jeremiah 30:11 align with Israel's ongoing foreign domination and exiles throughout history?
14.Is God flawless?What Does Isaiah 30:8 Mean Go now• God’s first word is a command of urgency. Like Noah (Genesis 6:22) and Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4), Isaiah is called to act immediately, not after debate or delay. • The setting is Judah’s rebellion against the Lord by seeking Egypt’s help (Isaiah 30:1-2). The Lord will not wait for their repentance to get His warning on record. • Immediate obedience is always the pattern for the servant of God (James 1:22;Luke 6:46-48). Delay is disobedience.
Write it on a tablet• A tablet was a public, durable surface—meant to be read openly, like the stone tablets of the Law (Exodus 24:12) or the large tablet inIsaiah 8:1. • The message is not private counsel; it is open proclamation, holding leaders and people publicly accountable (Deuteronomy 27:2-3). • Tangible writing affirms the Lord’s commitment to clarity and permanence: “Write down the vision… so that a herald may run with it” (Habakkuk 2:2).
In their presence• The writing occurs while the hearers watch, underscoring that they cannot plead ignorance later (Deuteronomy 31:11-13). • Public delivery guards against distortion; everyone knows exactly what God has said (Jeremiah 26:2). • The scene pictures a legal setting where witnesses hear the charge as it is recorded (1 Timothy 5:20).
And inscribe it on a scroll• Beyond the tablet’s public notice, a scroll preserves the prophecy for posterity, much as Jeremiah dictated the scroll burned by Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:2, 23). • Scrolls travel when tablets cannot. Future generations will unroll the very words Isaiah penned (Revelation 1:19). • The dual mediums—tablet and scroll—show God’s intent that no audience, present or future, miss His warning.
It will be for the days to come• The message has an immediate application, but its relevance extends far beyond Isaiah’s lifetime (Romans 15:4). • Judah’s tendency to trust human alliances rather than the Lord repeats through history; the written word addresses every recurrence (1 Corinthians 10:11). • Prophecy often carries layers: a near fulfillment (Assyria’s invasion) and a distant one (ultimate judgment and restoration).
A witness forever and ever• Scripture itself is the enduring testimony: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). • The written record functions in two ways: – As prosecution: testifying against rebels who reject God’s counsel (John 12:48). – As preservation: assuring the faithful that God’s warnings and promises stand firm (Psalm 119:89). • Because the Lord is eternal, His recorded word retains full authority for every generation (Isaiah 40:8).
summaryIsaiah 30:8 commands the prophet to record God’s rebuke of Judah both publicly and permanently. The tablet confronts the contemporary audience; the scroll secures the message for future readers. By ordering immediate action, God shows the urgency of obedience. By insisting on written form, He guarantees clarity, accountability, and enduring testimony. The verse teaches that God’s word is to be heard now, preserved always, and trusted forever. (8) Now go, write it before them in a table.--We have before seen this in one of Isaiah's methods for giving special emphasis to his teaching ( Isaiah 8:1). The word, we may believe, passed into the act in the presence of his astonished hearers. In some way or other he feels sure that what he is about to utter goes beyond the immediate occasion, and has a lesson for all time which the world would not willingly let die. Others, following the Vulg., take the verb as an imperative: " They are boasters; cease from them."( Superbia tantum est; quiesce.) Verses 8-17. - A RENEWAL OF THREATENING. The denunciation of the Egyptian alliance had been made viva voce, in the courts of the temple or in some other place of public resort. As he ended, Isaiah received a Divine intimation that the prophecy was to be put on record, doubly, upon a tablet and in a book. At the same time, the " rebelliousness" of the people was further pointed out, and fresh threats (vers. 13, 14, and 17) were uttered against them. Verse 8. - Write it before them in a tablet; i.e." write the prophecy before them" (equivalent to " to be set up before them") " on a tablet," in the briefest possible form (comp. Isaiah 8:1). And note it in a book; i.e. "and also make a full notation of it in a book," or parchment roll. The "tablet" was to be for the admonition of the living generation of men; the "book" was for future generations, to be a record of God's omniscience and faithfulness "forever and ever." That it may be for the time to come; rather, for an after-day - not for the immediate present only. For ever and ever. Modern critics observe that the phrase, la'ad ' ad ' olam, never occurs elsewhere, and suggest a change of the pointing, which would give the sense of "for a testimony forever." Whether we accept the change or not, the meaning undoubtedly is that consigning the prophecy to a "book" would make an appeal to it possible in perpetuum. The perpetuity of the written Word is assumed as certain.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Goבּ֣וֹא(bō·w)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gonow,עַתָּ֗ה(‘at·tāh)Adverb
Strong's 6258:At this timewriteכָתְבָ֥הּ(ḵā·ṯə·ḇāh)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3789:To grave, to writeit onעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsta tabletל֛וּחַ(lū·aḥ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3871:To glisten, a tablet, of stone, wood, metalin their presenceאִתָּ֖ם(’it·tām)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amongand inscribeחֻקָּ֑הּ(ḥuq·qāh)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2710:To hack, engrave, to enact, prescribeit onוְעַל־(wə·‘al-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsta scroll;סֵ֣פֶר(sê·p̄er)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5612:A missive, document, writing, bookit will beוּתְהִי֙(ū·ṯə·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, befor the daysלְי֣וֹם(lə·yō·wm)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayto come,אַחֲר֔וֹן(’a·ḥă·rō·wn)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 314:Hinder, late, last, westerna witnessלָעַ֖ד(lā·‘aḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5707:A witness, testimony, a recorder, princeforeverעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whileand ever.עוֹלָֽם׃(‘ō·w·lām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769:Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 30:8 Now go write it before them (Isa Isi Is) |
