And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just a list of misfortunes; it describes a terrifying chain reaction. The accumulation of verbs like "stumble," "fall," "broken," "snared," and "taken" paints a vivid picture of total defeat, moving from a simple misstep to irreversible capture. It highlights how one foundational "stumbling stone" can lead to utter destruction if not handled with care.
And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah is delivering a message of impending judgment, warning the people of Judah that their alliances and trust in human strength will lead to their downfall. He's just described God as both a sanctuary for those who trust Him and a "stone of stumbling" and "rock of offense" for those who don't. This verse describes the inevitable consequence for those who reject God and stumble over the message He's sent.
Isaiah's message isn't just a prediction; it's a stark unveiling of consequences for those who reject God's path.
In Isaiah 8:15, the prophet uses powerful, accumulating imagery to describe the inevitable downfall of those who stumble over God's appointed Stone (which, as seen in context and later clarified in the New Testament, refers to Christ). The verse paints a picture of repeated and severe destruction:
This wasn't just about a physical invasion, though that was part of it. It was about a spiritual consequence: rejecting God's provision leads to being ensnared by ruin.
The very thing meant to secure some becomes the very thing that destroys others.
Isaiah 8:14-15 reveals a profound truth about God's interaction with humanity: His Word and His chosen means (ultimately Christ) are a 'stumbling stone' and 'rock of offense' to some, while being a 'sanctuary' to others.
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This duality highlights the critical importance of our response to God. His very nature and provision for salvation become the instrument of judgment for those who refuse Him.
This verse directly refers to the Messiah, Jesus, who would be a 'stone of stumbling' for many in Israel due to their unbelief, leading to their spiritual and physical downfall, echoing the historical pattern of judgment seen in earlier exiles.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
The kings of Syria (Rezin) and Israel (Pekah) attempt to force Judah into an alliance against Assyria, laying siege to Jerusalem and deposing King Ahaz.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Syria and Israel
Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria invades the region, conquering Damascus and carrying off Israelites into exile, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of 'Maher-shalal-hash-baz'.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) falls to the Assyrian Empire, and its people are exiled, a further fulfillment of prophecies concerning the impending judgment.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem, though the city is miraculously spared.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Jewish people, including members of the royal family and educated elite, to Babylon.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population, marking a devastating fulfillment of prophetic warnings.
c. 1st Century AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Rejection
Jesus, the Messiah, arrives and is presented as both a foundation stone and a stone of stumbling, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about the Messiah being a cause for falling for many in Israel.
This passage directly quotes or alludes to Isaiah's imagery of a stumbling stone and falling, highlighting how Jesus himself would become a cause of stumbling for many.
1 Peter 2:8Peter explicitly connects the imagery of a 'stone of stumbling and rock of offense' from Isaiah to Jesus, explaining that it's those who disobey the message who stumble.
Romans 9:32-33Paul references Isaiah's prophecy, explaining that Israel stumbled not because they sought righteousness through faith, but through works, showing the consequence of rejecting God's intended path.
Luke 2:34Simeon prophesies about Jesus being set for the 'falling and rising of many in Israel,' echoing Isaiah's theme of stumbling and its dual outcome.
Psalm 9:15This Psalm describes the wicked falling into the traps they've set for others, mirroring Isaiah's imagery of being snared and taken as a consequence of their actions.
pulpitIsaiah 8:15: "And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken."
Verse 15. - Many among them (so the Vulgate, Ewald, Delitzsch, and Knobel). But most others translate, "Many shall stumble thereon,"i.e. on the stone and the rock (Rosenmüller, Gesenius, Vance Smith, Kay, Cheyne). Fall, and be broken. The effect of stumbling against a stone (Matthew 21:44; Luke 20:18). Be snared, and be taken. The effect of being caught in a gin (Psalm 9:15, 16).
gillIsaiah 8:15: "And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken."
And many among them,.... Not all, though the greater part; for Christ was set for the falling and rising of many in Israel, Luke 2:34 , shall stumble, and fall, and be broken: stumble at Christ, the stumbling stone; fall by unbelief into other sins and punishment, and be broken in pieces by this stone, Matthew 21:44, and be snared, and be taken; and so die in their sins, and perish eternally.…
This verse isn't just a list of misfortunes; it describes a terrifying chain reaction. The accumulation of verbs like "stumble," "fall," "broken," "snared," and "taken" paints a vivid picture of total defeat, moving from a simple misstep to irreversible capture. It highlights how one foundational "stumbling stone" can lead to utter destruction if not handled with care.
The prophet Isaiah is delivering a message of impending judgment, warning the people of Judah that their alliances and trust in human strength will lead to their downfall. He's just described God as both a sanctuary for those who trust Him and a "stone of stumbling" and "rock of offense" for those who don't. This verse describes the inevitable consequence for those who reject God and stumble over the message He's sent.
The prophet Isaiah is delivering a message of impending judgment, warning the people of Judah that their alliances and trust in human strength will lead to their downfall. He's just described God as both a sanctuary for those who trust Him and a "stone of stumbling" and "rock of offense" for those who don't. This verse describes the inevitable consequence for those who reject God and stumble over the message He's sent.
"And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.”" — This verse isn't just a list of misfortunes; it describes a terrifying chain reaction. The accumulation of verbs like "stumble," "fall," "broken," "snared," and "taken" paints a vivid picture of tota…
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Last reviewed October 2026