Isaiah 8:4
New International Version
For before the boy knows how to say ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”

New Living Translation
For before this child is old enough to say ‘Papa’ or ‘Mama,’ the king of Assyria will carry away both the abundance of Damascus and the riches of Samaria.”

English Standard Version
for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.”

Berean Standard Bible
For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”

King James Bible
For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.

New King James Version
for before the child shall have knowledge to cry ‘My father’ and ‘My mother,’ the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be taken away before the king of Assyria.”

New American Standard Bible
for before the boy knows how to cry out ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.”

NASB 1995
for before the boy knows how to cry out ‘My father ‘ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.”

NASB 1977
for before the boy knows how to cry out ‘My father’or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.”

Legacy Standard Bible
for before the boy knows how to cry out ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.”

Amplified Bible
for before the boy knows how to say, ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the riches of Damascus (Aram’s capital) and the spoil of Samaria (Israel’s capital) will be carried away by the king of Assyria.”

Christian Standard Bible
for before the boy knows how to call ‘Father,’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria will be carried off to the king of Assyria.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for before the boy knows how to call out father or mother, the wealth of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria will be carried off to the king of Assyria.”

American Standard Version
For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and, My mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be carried away before the king of Assyria.

Contemporary English Version
Because before he can say 'Mommy' or 'Daddy,' the king of Assyria will attack and take everything of value from Damascus and Samaria."

English Revised Version
For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and, My mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be carried away before the king of Assyria.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Before the boy knows how to say 'Daddy' or 'Mommy,' the wealth of Damascus and the loot from Samaria will be carried away to the king of Assyria."

Good News Translation
Before the boy is old enough to say 'Mamma' and 'Daddy,' all the wealth of Damascus and all the loot of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria."

International Standard Version
for before the young lad knows how to call out to his father or mother, the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria."

Majority Standard Bible
For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”

NET Bible
for before the child knows how to cry out, 'My father' or 'My mother,' the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria."

New Heart English Bible
For before the child knows how to say, 'My father,' and, 'My mother,' the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away by the king of Assyria."

Webster's Bible Translation
For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.

World English Bible
For before the child knows how to say, ‘My father’ and ‘My mother,’ the riches of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried away by the king of Assyria.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for before the youth knows to cry, My father, and, My mother, one takes away the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria, before the king of Asshur.”

Young's Literal Translation
for before the youth doth know to cry, My father, and My mother, one taketh away the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria, before the king of Asshur.'

Smith's Literal Translation
For before the boy shall know to call, My father and my mother, he shall lift up the strength of Damascus and the spoil of Shomeron before the king of Assur.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For before the child know to call his father and his mother, the strength of Damascus, and the spoils of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of the Assyrians.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For before the boy knows how to call to his father and his mother, the strength of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria will be taken away, in the sight of the king of the Assyrians.”

New American Bible
for before the child learns to say, “My father, my mother,” the wealth of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria shall be carried off by the king of Assyria.

New Revised Standard Version
for before the child knows how to call “My father” or “My mother,” the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away by the king of Assyria.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For before the child shall know how to cry, My father and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because before the boy will know to call father and mother, he shall carry the possessions of Darmsuq and the spoil of Samaria before the King of Assyria
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For before the child shall have knowledge to cry: My father, and: My mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be carried away before the king of Assyria.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For before the child shall know how to call his father or his mother, one shall take the power of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria before the king of the Assyrians.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Assyrian Invasion Prophesied
3And I had relations with the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. The LORD said to me, “Name him Maher-shalal-hash-baz. 4For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.” 5And the LORD spoke to me further:…

Cross References
2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria.

2 Kings 16:9
So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death.

2 Kings 17:3-6
Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute. / But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired to send envoys to King So of Egypt, and that he had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as in previous years. Therefore the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea and put him in prison. / Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. ...

2 Kings 18:9-12
In the fourth year of Hezekiah’s reign, which was the seventh year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria marched against Samaria and besieged it. / And at the end of three years, the Assyrians captured it. So Samaria was captured in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel. / The king of Assyria exiled the Israelites to Assyria and settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes. ...

2 Chronicles 28:19-21
For the LORD humbled Judah because Ahaz king of Israel had thrown off restraint in Judah and had been most unfaithful to the LORD. / Then Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came to Ahaz but afflicted him rather than strengthening him. / Although Ahaz had taken a portion from the house of the LORD, from the royal palace, and from the princes and had presented it to the king of Assyria, it did not help him.

Hosea 10:6
Yes, it will be carried to Assyria as tribute to the great king. Ephraim will be seized with shame; Israel will be ashamed of its wooden idols.

Hosea 11:5
Will they not return to the land of Egypt and be ruled by Assyria because they refused to repent?

Amos 1:3-5
This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. / So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. / I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD.

Amos 5:27
Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the LORD, whose name is the God of Hosts.

Micah 1:6
Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble in the open field, a planting area for a vineyard. I will pour her stones into the valley and expose her foundations.

Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).

Matthew 2:14-15
So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

Matthew 4:15-16
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— / the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”

Luke 2:34-35
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, / so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your soul as well.”

Luke 21:20-24
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. ...


Treasury of Scripture

For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.

before

Isaiah 7:15,16
Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good…

Deuteronomy 1:39
Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

Jonah 4:11
And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

the riches of Damascus, etc.

Isaiah 10:6-14
I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets…

Isaiah 17:3
The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

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Isaiah 8
1. In Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, he prophesies Syria and Israel shall be subdued by Assyria
5. Judah likewise for their infidelity
9. God's judgments shall be irresistible
11. Comfort shall be to those who fear God
19. Great afflictions to idolaters














For before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of the prophecy. The Hebrew word for "before" (בְּטֶרֶם, "beterem") indicates a short time frame, suggesting that the events will occur soon. The mention of a boy not yet knowing how to call his parents highlights innocence and the early stage of life, symbolizing that the prophecy will be fulfilled swiftly, even before a child reaches a basic developmental milestone. This serves as a reminder of God's precise timing and foreknowledge, underscoring His sovereignty over historical events.

the wealth of Damascus
Damascus, the capital of Aram (modern-day Syria), was a significant city known for its wealth and influence. The Hebrew word for "wealth" (חֵיל, "cheil") can also mean "strength" or "resources," indicating not just material wealth but also the city's power and influence. Historically, Damascus was a formidable city-state, often in conflict with Israel. The prophecy foretells its downfall, demonstrating that no earthly power can withstand God's judgment. This serves as a warning against placing trust in material wealth or political alliances instead of in God.

and the plunder of Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The term "plunder" (שָׁלָל, "shalal") refers to the spoils of war, indicating that Samaria's riches and resources would be taken by force. This prophecy highlights the consequences of Israel's disobedience and idolatry, as they had turned away from God. The mention of Samaria alongside Damascus suggests that both nations, despite their enmity, would share a common fate due to their rebellion against God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.

will be carried off by the king of Assyria
The "king of Assyria" refers to the Assyrian Empire, a dominant power in the ancient Near East known for its military might and expansionist policies. The Hebrew verb for "carried off" (יִשָּׂא, "yissa") implies a forceful removal, indicating the complete subjugation and exile of these nations. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III conquered Damascus and later, under Shalmaneser V and Sargon II, Samaria fell. This demonstrates God's control over the rise and fall of empires, affirming His ultimate authority over human history. It serves as a call to trust in God's plans, even amidst geopolitical turmoil, and to recognize His hand in the unfolding of world events.

(4) For before the child shall have knowledge to cry . . .--Here then was another sign like that of Isaiah 7:14-16. The two witnesses of Isaiah 8:2 were probably summoned to the circumcision and naming of the child, and the mysterious name at which all Jerusalem had gazed with wonder was given to the new-born infant. The prediction is even more definite than before. Before the first cries of childhood (Heb. Abi, Ami) should be uttered, i.e., within a year of its birth, the spoils of the two capitals of the kings of the confederate armies should be carried to the king of Assyria. The conclusion of the period thus defined would coincide more or less closely with the longer period assigned at an earlier date (Isaiah 7:16). Historically the trans-Jordanic region and Damascus fell before Tiglath-pilneser; Samaria, besieged by Salmaneser, before his successor Sargon (2Kings 15:29; 2Kings 16:9; 2Kings 17:6). . . . Verse 4. - My father... my mother. "Abi," "Immi," would have been among the first utterances of childhood - simple sounds, combinations of primary vowels with labials, corresponding in easiness of utterance to "Pappy," "Mammy," rather than to the expressions of the text. A child commonly utters such sounds when it is about a year old. The riches of Damascus. The position of Damascus lay in the direct path of the main trade that was carried on between the West and East, which was conducted by the merchants of Tyro chiefly, and passed from the Syrian coast by way of Damascus and Tadmor to Nineveh and Babylon. This commerce greatly enriched the cities lying upon its route. "Damascus," says Ezekiel, addressing Tyre, "was thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool" (Ezekiel 27:18). The "palaces of Benhadad" seem to have been noted for their magnificence (Jeremiah 49:27; Amos 1:4). The spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the King of Assyria. Scripture does not record the fulfillment of this prophecy, which makes the same Assyrian king carry off the spoil of Samaria and the spoil of Damascus, fixing also the time of the carrying off as within a few years of the time when the prophecy was given. But the inscriptions of Tiglath-Pileser himself supply the deficiency. They state that this monarch "sent the population, the goods of the people of Beth-Omri, and their furniture to the land of Assyria;" after which he "appointed Husih (Hoshea) to the dominion ever them," and fixed their annual tribute at two talents of gold and a thousand talents of silver (see 'Records of the Past,' vol. 5. p. 52).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֗י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

before
בְּטֶ֙רֶם֙ (bə·ṭe·rem)
Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 2962: Non-occurrence, not yet, before

the boy
הַנַּ֔עַר (han·na·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

knows
יֵדַ֣ע (yê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

how to cry
קְרֹ֖א (qə·rō)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

‘Father’
אָבִ֣י (’ā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1: Father

or ‘Mother,’
וְאִמִּ֑י (wə·’im·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )

the wealth
חֵ֣יל (ḥêl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

of Damascus
דַּמֶּ֗שֶׂק (dam·me·śeq)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1834: Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria)

and the plunder
שְׁלַ֣ל (šə·lal)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7998: A prey, spoil, plunder, booty

of Samaria
שֹׁמְר֔וֹן (šō·mə·rō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8111: Samaria -- capital of northern kingdom of Israel

will be carried off
יִשָּׂ֣א ׀ (yiś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

to
לִפְנֵ֖י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the king
מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Assyria.”
אַשּֽׁוּר׃ (’aš·šūr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 804: Ashshur


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 8:4 For before the child knows how (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 8:3
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