Isaiah 25:8

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 25:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He hath swallowed up death for ever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of his people will he take away from off all the earth: for Jehovah hath spoken it.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He hath swallowed up death for ever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of his people will he take away from off all the earth: for Jehovah hath spoken it.
Isaiah 25:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8He hath swallowed up death for ever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of his people will he take away from off all the earth: for Jehovah hath spoken it.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He will swallow up death in victory, &c.] Or, “for ever”f494. This is to be understood, not of a spiritual death, which is swallowed up in conversion, and of which those that are quickened shall never die more; nor of the conversion of the Jews, which will be as life from the dead; nor of the civil death of the witnesses, and of their rising, who afterwards will never die more, in that sense; but of a corporeal death: this Christ has swallowed up in victory, by dying on the cross, both with respect to himself, who will never die more, and with respect to his people, from whom he has abolished it as a penal evil; but it chiefly respects the resurrection state, or the personal coming of…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Quoted in Co1 15:54, in support of the resurrection. swallow up . . . in victory--completely and permanently "abolish" (Ti2 1:10; Rev 20:14; Rev 21:4; compare Gen 2:17; Gen 3:22). rebuke--(Compare Mar 8:38; Heb 11:26).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He will swallow up - This image is probably taken from a whirlpool or maelstrom in the ocean that absorbs all that comes near it. It is, therefore, equivalent to saying he will destroy or remove Isaiah 25:7. In this place it means that be will abolish death; that is, he will cause it to cease from its ravages and triumphs. This passage is quoted by Paul in his argument respecting the resurrection of the dead 1 Corinthians 15:54. He does not, however, quote directly from the Hebrew, or from the Septuagint, but gives the substance of the passage. His quoting it is sufficient proof that it refers to the resurrection, and float its primary design is to set forth the achievements of the gospel -…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He - Christ will by his death destroy the power of death, take away the sting of the first death, and prevent the second. In victory - Heb. unto victory; so as to overcome it perfectly; which complete victory Christ hath already purchased for, and will in due time actually confer upon his people. Rebuke - The reproach and contempt cast upon his faithful people by the ungodly world. Isaiah 25:9”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“25:8 He will swallow up death forever: Isaiah’s hope was God’s power over sin and sin’s devastating results. In the New Testament this promise is realized in Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:54). • The Lord’s presence will be a source of eternal comfort; he will wipe away all tears (see Rev 21:4).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“He: Hos 13:14; Co1 15:26, Co1 15:54; Ti2 1:10; Heb 2:14, Heb 2:15; Rev 20:14, Rev 21:4 God: Isa 35:10; Rev 7:17, Rev 21:4 rebuke: Isa 30:26, Isa 37:3, Isa 54:4, Isa 60:15, Isa 61:7, Isa 66:5; Psa 69:9, Psa 89:50, Psa 89:51; Mat 5:11, Mat 5:12; Pe1 4:14 off: Mal 3:17, Mal 3:18 Isaiah 25:9”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification