Bible Strands
Isaiah 8:14
And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet Isaiah addresses Judah and Jerusalem amid political fear and spiritual compromise. He declares that the LORD of Hosts, whom the people must revere, will assume a dual role based on their response to His message.
The words — The Hebrew נֶגֶף (Ne.gef) means a fatal strike or plague, and מִכְשׁוֹל (mikh.Shol) literally denotes a stumbling block. These terms show how divine presence becomes an instrument of judgment for those who reject it.
The thread — The sanctuary-and-stone motif appears in Isaiah 28:16 as a tested cornerstone laid in Zion. It is later cited in 1 Peter 2:8 and Romans 9:32, where interpreters note the stone causes stumbling specifically because people disobey the word.
Why it lands — The text presents God as either a refuge or a trap depending on the reader's posture. It demands a direct response to divine authority rather than a neutral or hostile stance.
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 he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 2:8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.
- Romans 9:32 Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,
- Isaiah 28:16 So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.
- Luke 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
- Ezekiel 11:16 Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries to which they have gone.’
- Psalms 46:1 For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
- Psalms 11:6 On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion.
- Psalms 69:22 May their table become a snare; may it be a retribution and a trap.
- Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
- Isaiah 24:17 Terror and pit and snare await you, O dweller of the earth.