Bible Strands
Isaiah 35:8
And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet addresses Israel during a period of anticipated national restoration, describing the future transformation of the barren wilderness into a secure region.
The words — The Hebrew maslul (H4547) literally means a highway or prepared path, while derekh ha-qodesh translates to "the way of holiness," indicating a route formally designated for sacred use.
The thread — The concept of a divinely prepared path for the redeemed appears in Isaiah 42:16 where God guides the blind, and is referenced in John 14:6 and Matthew 7:13 regarding exclusive access to God.
Why it lands — The verse establishes a strict boundary between the ceremonially clean and the unclean or foolish, requiring readers to verify their own spiritual readiness before approaching the divine.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
Cross-references
- Matthew 7:13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
- Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.
- John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
- 1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance.
- Revelation 21:27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
- Hebrews 10:20 by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,
- 2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.
- 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
- Jeremiah 31:21 “Set up the road markers, put up the signposts. Keep the highway in mind, the road you have traveled. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to these cities of yours.
- Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.