Isaiah 8:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who do not turn upward in faith will find only despair and darkness in the world and their circumstances.
The Context of Isaiah 8:22
The chapter concludes by contrasting the fate of those who turn to God in desperation with those whose gaze and hope remain fixed on the earthly realm.
What Does Isaiah 8:22 Mean?
The verse divides: one group looks upward toward God (verse 21); another group 'looks unto the earth'—their eyes remain fixed on circumstances, politics, warfare, and material distress. What they see is 'trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish'—only problems, confusion, and suffering. The accumulation of words (trouble, darkness, dimness) creates an impression of overwhelming obscurity and gloom.
Those whose gaze remains earthward are 'driven to darkness'—they are propelled by events and desperation deeper into confusion and hopelessness. With no heavenly anchor, no trust in God, and no upward orientation, they sink further into despair. The contrast is final: those who look up to God find a way through; those who look only at earthly turmoil are swept into deepening darkness. The choice of where to look—upward or earthward—determines the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 8:22
What does Isaiah 8:22 mean?
Those who do not turn upward in faith will find only despair and darkness in the world and their circumstances.
What is the context of Isaiah 8:22?
The chapter concludes by contrasting the fate of those who turn to God in desperation with those whose gaze and hope remain fixed on the earthly realm.