Isaiah 44:8 - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

Fear ye not, neither be afraid - (see the notes at Isaiah 41:10). The word rendered here ‘be afraid,’ occurs nowhere else in the Bible. There can be no doubt, however, in regard to its meaning. The Septuagint renders it, Μηδέ πλανᾶσθε Mēde planasthe - ‘Neither be deceived.’ All the other ancient versions express the sense to fear, to be afraid (Gesenius’ Lexicon on the word ירה yârahh).

Have not I told thee from that time - Have I not fully declared from the very commencement of your history as a people, in the main what shall occur?

Ye are even my witnesses - (See the notes at Isaiah 43:12).

Is there a God besides me? - This is a strong mode of affirming that there is no God besides Yahweh (see the note at Isaiah 44:6).

Yea, there is no God - Margin, ‘Rock’ (צור tsûr). The word rock is often applied to God (see the note at Isaiah 30:29; compare Deuteronomy 32:4, Deuteronomy 32:30-31; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 31:2-3; Psalms 42:9; et soepe al. The idea is taken from the fact that a lofty rock or fastness was inaccessible by an enemy, and that those who fled there were safe.

Isaiah 44:8

8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God;a I know not any.