Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The highways are deserted, no travelers are on the roads. The treaty is broken, its witnesses are despised, no one is respected. New Living Translation Your roads are deserted; no one travels them anymore. The Assyrians have broken their peace treaty and care nothing for the promises they made before witnesses. They have no respect for anyone. English Standard Version The highways lie waste; the traveler ceases. Covenants are broken; cities are despised; there is no regard for man. Berean Standard Bible The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. The treaty has been broken, the witnesses are despised, and human life is disregarded. Berean Literal Bible For the highways are desolate, the road has ceased from those traveling. He has broken the covenant; he has despised the witnesses; he has not regarded man. King James Bible The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man. New King James Version The highways lie waste, The traveling man ceases. He has broken the covenant, He has despised the cities, He regards no man. New American Standard Bible The highways are desolate, the traveler has ceased, He has broken the covenant, he has despised the cities, He has no regard for mankind. NASB 1995 The highways are desolate, the traveler has ceased, He has broken the covenant, he has despised the cities, He has no regard for man. NASB 1977 The highways are desolate, the traveler has ceased, He has broken the covenant, he has despised the cities, He has no regard for man. Legacy Standard Bible The highways are desolate, the traveler has ceased; He has broken the covenant, he has rejected the cities; He has no regard for man. Amplified Bible The highways are deserted, the traveler has ceased [to appear]. The enemy has broken the covenant, he has rejected the cities, He has no regard for [any] man. Berean Annotated Bible The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. The treaty (covenant) has been broken, the witnesses [the cities] are despised, and human life is disregarded. Christian Standard Bible The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. An agreement has been broken, cities despised, and human life disregarded. Holman Christian Standard Bible The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. An agreement has been broken, cities despised, and human life disregarded. American Standard Version The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: the enemy hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth not man. Contemporary English Version No one travels anymore; every road is empty. Treaties are broken, and no respect is shown to any who keep promises. English Revised Version The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth not man. GOD'S WORD® Translation Highways are deserted. Travelers stop traveling. Agreements are broken. Witnesses are rejected. People are no longer respected. Good News Translation The highways are so dangerous that no one travels on them. Treaties are broken and agreements are violated. No one is respected any more. International Standard Version The highways are deserted; travelers have quit the road. The enemy has broken treaties; he despises their witnesses, and respects no one. NET Bible Highways are empty, there are no travelers. Treaties are broken, witnesses are despised, human life is treated with disrespect. New Heart English Bible The highways are desolate, the traveler ceases. He has broken the covenant, he has despised the witnesses; he has no regard for man. Webster's Bible Translation The highways lie waste, the way-faring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe highways are deserted; travel has ceased. The treaty has been broken, the witnesses are despised, and human life is disregarded. World English Bible The highways are desolate. The traveling man ceases. The covenant is broken. He has despised the cities. He doesn’t respect man. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHighways have been desolated, "" He who passes along the path has ceased, "" He has broken covenant, "" He has despised enemies, "" He has not esteemed a man. Berean Literal Bible For the highways are desolate, the road has ceased from those traveling. He has broken the covenant; he has despised the witnesses; he has not regarded man. Young's Literal Translation Desolated have been highways, Ceased hath he who passeth along the path, He hath broken covenant, He hath despised enemies, He hath not esteemed a man. Smith's Literal Translation The highways lay waste, the traveler passing by, ceased: he brake the covenant, he despised the cities, he reckoned them not men. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe ways are made desolate, no one passeth by the road, the covenant is made void, he hath rejected the cities, he hath not regarded the men. Catholic Public Domain Version The roads have become desolate. Travelers have ceased along the paths. The covenant has been nullified. He has tossed aside cities. He has disregarded men. New American Bible The highways are desolate, travelers have quit the paths, Covenants are broken, witnesses spurned; yet no one gives it a thought. New Revised Standard Version The highways are deserted, travelers have quit the road. The treaty is broken, its oaths are despised, its obligation is disregarded. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceases, and the covenant is broken; the cities are despised, and there is no regard for man. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated They hunted the streets and they destroyed passersby of the road, and he abolished the covenant and the cities are rejected, and they have not esteemed men OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The highways lie waste, The wayfaring man ceaseth; He hath broken the covenant, He hath despised the cities, He regardeth not man. Brenton Septuagint Translation For the ways of these shall be made desolate: the terror of the nations has been made to cease, and the covenant with these is taken away, and ye shall by no means deem them men. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The LORD is Exalted…7Behold, their valiant ones cry aloud in the streets; the envoys of peace weep bitterly. 8The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. The treaty has been broken, the witnesses are despised, and human life is disregarded. 9The land mourns and languishes; Lebanon is ashamed and decayed. Sharon is like a desert; Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves.… Cross References The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. Judges 5:6 In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted and the travelers took the byways. Lamentations 1:4 The roads to Zion mourn, because no one comes to her appointed feasts. All her gates are deserted; her priests groan, her maidens grieve, and she herself is bitter with anguish. Lamentations 4:18 They stalked our every step, so that we could not walk in our streets. Our end drew near, our time ran out, for our end had come! The treaty has been broken, Ezekiel 17:15-19 But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ / ‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke. / Pharaoh with his mighty army and vast horde will not help him in battle, when ramps are built and siege walls constructed to destroy many lives. … Jeremiah 34:18-20 And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces. / The officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the pieces of the calf, / I will deliver into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives. Their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth. Isaiah 24:5 The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant. the witnesses are despised, 2 Chronicles 36:16 But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. 2 Chronicles 24:19 Nevertheless, the LORD sent prophets to bring the people back to Him and to testify against them, but they would not listen. Jeremiah 7:25-26 From the day your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets again and again. / Yet they would not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers. and human life is disregarded. 2 Kings 21:16 Moreover, Manasseh shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end, in addition to the sin that he had caused Judah to commit, doing evil in the sight of the LORD. Proverbs 6:16-17 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, Ezekiel 7:23 Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence. Jeremiah 9:2 If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people. Hosea 4:1-2 Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! / Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another. Micah 7:2 The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net. Psalm 12:1 For the choirmaster. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Treasury of Scripture The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceases: he has broken the covenant, he has despised the cities, he regards no man. highways Isaiah 10:29-31 They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled… Judges 5:6 In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways. Lamentations 1:4 The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness. he hath broken 2 Kings 18:14-17 And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold… he hath despised Isaiah 10:9-11 Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus? … Isaiah 36:1 Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them. 2 Kings 18:13 Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them. he regardeth Isaiah 10:13,14 For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: … 1 Samuel 17:10,26 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together… 2 Kings 18:20,21 Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? … Jump to Previous Agreement Broken Ceased Ceases Ceaseth Cities Covenant Covenants Deserted Desolate Desolated Despised Enemies Enemy Esteemed Highways Journeying Lie Passeth Path Regard Regardeth Respected Roads Sport Towns Traveler Travelers Traveling Treaty Waste Wayfaring Way-Faring WitnessesJump to Next Agreement Broken Ceased Ceases Ceaseth Cities Covenant Covenants Deserted Desolate Desolated Despised Enemies Enemy Esteemed Highways Journeying Lie Passeth Path Regard Regardeth Respected Roads Sport Towns Traveler Travelers Traveling Treaty Waste Wayfaring Way-Faring WitnessesIsaiah 33 1. God's judgments against the enemies of the church13. The consternation of sinners, and privileges of the godly The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. This phrase reflects a time of desolation and disruption, likely due to an impending invasion or siege. In the ancient Near East, highways were vital for trade, communication, and military movement. The desolation of highways indicates a breakdown in societal order and economic activity. This imagery can be connected to the Assyrian threat during Isaiah's time, as Assyrian campaigns often led to such desolation. The cessation of travel also symbolizes isolation and fear, as people would avoid roads due to danger or military presence. This can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual desolation, where paths to God are neglected. The treaty has been broken, the witnesses are despised, and human life is disregarded. Persons / Places / Events 1. Highways and TravelersSymbolic of the normalcy and commerce that have ceased due to the chaos and judgment upon the land. 2. Treaty Represents agreements or covenants that have been violated, leading to distrust and societal breakdown. 3. Witnesses Those who were supposed to uphold the treaty, now despised, indicating a collapse of moral and social order. 4. Isaiah The prophet who delivers this message, warning of the consequences of turning away from God. 5. Judah The primary audience of Isaiah's prophecy, facing the threat of Assyrian invasion due to their unfaithfulness. Teaching Points The Consequences of Broken CovenantsWhen agreements and promises are not honored, it leads to societal chaos and distrust. As Christians, we are called to be people of integrity, keeping our word as a reflection of God's faithfulness. The Importance of Witnesses In biblical times, witnesses were crucial in upholding truth and justice. Today, we are called to be witnesses of Christ, living lives that testify to His truth and love. The Role of Prophets Isaiah's role as a prophet was to call people back to God. We, too, are called to speak truth in love, encouraging others to return to a faithful relationship with God. Trust in God Amidst Societal Breakdown Even when society seems to be falling apart, we can trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. The Call to Repentance Isaiah's message is a call to repentance. We must examine our own lives, repent of our sins, and seek to align ourselves with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 33:8?2. How does Isaiah 33:8 illustrate the consequences of breaking covenants with God? 3. What lessons can we learn about trust from Isaiah 33:8? 4. How does Isaiah 33:8 connect with other scriptures on faithfulness? 5. How can we apply the warnings in Isaiah 33:8 to modern life? 6. What actions can we take to uphold our commitments to God and others? 7. What historical events might Isaiah 33:8 be referencing? 8. How does Isaiah 33:8 reflect God's judgment on nations? 9. What is the significance of the broken covenant in Isaiah 33:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 33? 11. When is war or peace appropriate? 12. How does the account in Exodus 24 align or conflict with other passages describing God's nature and appearance? 13. Isaiah 8:1-2: How can we verify the existence of these specific witnesses (Uriah and Zechariah) historically or archaeologically? 14. What does 'Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts' mean? What Does Isaiah 33:8 Mean The highways are desertedIsaiah opens with a haunting image of empty roads. Where merchants once traded and pilgrims journeyed, silence reigns. • Judges 5:6 echoes the same picture: “In the days of Shamgar… the highways were deserted, travelers took byways.” • Lamentations 1:4 reports that Zion’s “roads are mourning because no one comes to her appointed feasts.” • The literal abandonment of common routes signals economic collapse, loss of fellowship, and the felt weight of divine judgment (see Leviticus 26:22). When sin prevails, the most ordinary routines—buying, selling, visiting—dry up, and the land itself seems to groan. Travel has ceased The prophet intensifies the scene: not only are roads empty, but movement itself stops. • 2 Chronicles 15:5 recalls a similar season: “In those times no one could travel safely, for great turmoil had fallen on all the inhabitants of the lands.” • Ezekiel 29:11 predicts Egypt’s desolation, “No foot of man or beast will pass through it, and it will remain uninhabited.” The end of travel means isolation. Families can’t reunite, commerce halts, worshipers can’t reach the temple. The nation experiences the tangible cost of forsaking God’s covenant. The treaty has been broken Israel had paid Assyria tribute (2 Kings 18:14–17), expecting peace, but Assyria betrayed the pact. • Psalm 55:20 laments, “My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.” • Isaiah 24:5 warns of a world that “has broken the everlasting covenant.” The broken treaty illustrates how human promises crumble when God’s moral order is ignored. Faithless agreements breed fear and instability, reminding us that only the Lord’s word stands unbroken. The witnesses are despised Those who speak truth in court or prophecy in the public square find themselves scorned. • 2 Chronicles 36:16 says the people “mocked God’s messengers, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets.” • John 3:19–20 shows the same heart: men love darkness and hate the light that exposes them. Despising witnesses erodes justice. Without credible testimony, wrong goes unchallenged, and society drifts farther from righteousness. Human life is disregarded The final phrase lays bare the darkest fruit of rebellion: life is cheapened. • Genesis 9:6 commands, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed,” affirming the sacred value of life. • Isaiah 59:7 indicts evildoers whose “feet run to evil… they shed innocent blood.” Paul cites this in Romans 3:15–16 to reveal universal sin. When reverence for God disappears, respect for His image-bearers disappears too, resulting in violence, oppression, and callousness. summary Isaiah 33:8 paints a layered portrait of national collapse: deserted highways, halted travel, broken treaties, scorned truth-tellers, and devalued life. Each line exposes a society that has turned from the Lord and now reaps the tangible consequences—fear, isolation, injustice, and bloodshed. Yet the very clarity of this judgment invites repentance and renewed trust in the God whose covenant never fails and whose highways will one day be filled with redeemed travelers streaming to Zion (Isaiah 35:8–10). (8) The highways lie waste . . .--Another feature in the picture of terror. No traveller dared to show himself in the main road. (Comp. Judges 5:6.)He hath broken.--Sennacherib is denounced as having broken the treaty of 2Kings 18:14. Hezekiah had complied with his conditions, and yet there was no suspension of hostilities. Verse 8. - The highways lie waste {croup. Judges 5:6). The meaning is that' they were unoccupied. Fear of the Assyrians restrained men from travelling. He hath broken the covenant. Sennacherib, when he accepted the sum of money sent him by Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:15; 'Eponym Canon,' p. 135), must have consented to leave him unmolested for the future. But in a very short time we find him, apparently without any reasonable pretext, sending a fresh expedition against Jerusalem, requiring it to be admitted within the walls, and even threatening the city with destruction (2 Kings 18:17-35; 2 Kings 19:10-13). Isaiah, therefore, taxes him with having broken his covenant. Despised cities. "Sennacherib," says Delitzsch, "continued to storm the fortified places of Judah, in violation of his agreement." Regardeth no man; i.e. "pays no attention to the protests that are made against his infraction of the treaty - does not care what is said or thought of him."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The highwaysמְסִלּ֔וֹת (mə·sil·lō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4546: A thoroughfare, a viaduct, a staircase are deserted; נָשַׁ֣מּוּ (nā·šam·mū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8074: To stun, devastate, stupefy travel עֹבֵ֣ר (‘ō·ḇêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on has ceased. שָׁבַ֖ת (šā·ḇaṯ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7673: To repose, desist from exertion The treaty בְּרִית֙ (bə·rîṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1285: A covenant has been broken, הֵפֵ֤ר (hê·p̄êr) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6565: To break up, to violate, frustrate the witnesses עָרִ֔ים (‘ā·rîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement are despised, מָאַ֣ס (mā·’as) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3988: To spurn, to disappear and human life לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no is disregarded. חָשַׁ֖ב (ḥā·šaḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2803: To think, account Links Isaiah 33:8 NIVIsaiah 33:8 NLT Isaiah 33:8 ESV Isaiah 33:8 NASB Isaiah 33:8 KJV Isaiah 33:8 BibleApps.com Isaiah 33:8 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 33:8 Chinese Bible Isaiah 33:8 French Bible Isaiah 33:8 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 33:8 The highways are desolate (Isa Isi Is) |
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