Isaiah 32:8

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 32:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But the noble deviseth noble things; and in noble things shall he continue.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But the noble deviseth noble things; and in noble things shall he continue.
Isaiah 32:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 32

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8But the noble deviseth noble things; and in noble things shall he continue.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But the liberal man deviseth liberal things, &c.] The man of a princely spirit consults and contrives, and delivers out things worthy of a prince and governor in the church of God; he that is one of a free spirit, that is made free by the Spirit of God, and is led into the doctrines of free grace, will study to deliver out the same to others, and, as he has freely received, he will freely give, and without any sinister, selfish, and mercenary ends and views: and by liberal things shall he stand; or, “be established”f640; both by the doctrines of free grace he dispenses to others, to be established by and with which is a good thing; and by the free communications of the gifts and grace of the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“liberal--rather, "noble-minded." stand--shall be approved under the government of the righteous King.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But the liberal - This seems also to have the force of a proverbial expression. The word ‘liberal’ means generous, noble, large-hearted, benevolent; a man of large views and of public spirit; a man above covetousness, avarice, and self-seeking; a man who is willing to devote himself to the welfare of his country, and to the interests of his fellow-men. It is implied here that such persons would be selected to administer the affairs of the government I under the wise and virtuous prince of whom the prophet speaks. Deviseth liberal things - He purposes those things which will tend to promote the public welfare, and not those merely which will conduce to his private ends and gratification. And…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the liberal: Sa2 9:1-13; Job 31:16-21; Psa 112:9; Pro 11:24; Luk 6:33-35; Act 9:39; Act 11:29, Act 11:30; Co2 8:2, Co2 9:6-11 stand: or, be established Isaiah 32:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification