And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that Isaiah's wife is called a "prophetess," not necessarily because she possessed prophetic gifts herself, but as a reflection of her husband's prophetic calling. This subtle detail emphasizes the significant prophetic role the entire household plays in God's message.
And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a message about a sign involving a child named Immanuel, Isaiah is instructed to have another son with his wife, referred to as a prophetess. This child is to be given a significant name that directly foretells the imminent plundering of Damascus and Samaria by the Assyrians.
Why would God instruct Isaiah to give his son such a long and specific name? It wasn't just a label; it was a message etched in flesh and blood.
The name "Maher-shalal-hash-baz" itself is a prophecy. Translated, it means 'Hurry, Spoil! The Enemy Comes Quickly!' This wasn't a secret code; it was a public declaration given to Isaiah by the Lord.
Isaiah's wife is called a 'prophetess.' What does that mean for her role, and what does it say about family life within prophetic ministry?
The Bible refers to Isaiah's wife as a 'prophetess.' This title sparks interesting discussion among commentators, but it highlights her significant role in this prophetic act.
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Understand the original words
nabi'ah · Hebrew Noun
One who speaks for God, serving as an intermediary to deliver divine messages to people. In the prophetic office, they often foretell future events or call the people to repentance based on the Law of God.
The naming of Maher-shalal-hash-baz, immediately following the Syro-Ephraimite War's immediate threat and prior to its full resolution by Assyria, serves as a stark, immediate warning of divine judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Damascus, contrasting with the more hopeful, long-term promise of Immanuel.
c. 740 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War Begins
The kings of Aram (Syria) and Israel (Northern Kingdom) form an alliance to attack Judah (Southern Kingdom) and force King Ahaz to join them against Assyria.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Pronounces Immanuel Prophecy
In response to the impending invasion, Isaiah is sent by God to King Ahaz with a sign: a virgin will bear a son named Immanuel ('God with us'), signifying God's protection despite immediate threats.
c. 738-732 BC
Assyrian King Tiglath-Pileser III Invades
The Assyrian Empire, under Tiglath-Pileser III, launches a major campaign into the region, conquering Damascus and deporting Israelites from the Northern Kingdom.
c. 732 BC— this verse
Prophet's Son Maher-shalal-hash-baz Born
Isaiah's wife, the prophetess, conceives and gives birth to a son. God instructs Isaiah to name him Maher-shalal-hash-baz, meaning 'Quick to the plunder, Haste to the spoil.'
c. 732 BC
Prophecy of Assyrian Spoils
The name Maher-shalal-hash-baz signifies the impending swift conquest of Damascus and Samaria by the Assyrian king, a direct consequence of Judah's rejection of God's guidance.
This passage introduces the Immanuel prophecy, which is closely linked to the birth of Maher-shalal-hash-baz, serving as a dual sign of God's judgment and deliverance.
Jeremiah 1:5This verse parallels Isaiah's calling as a prophet before his birth, highlighting that God sets apart individuals for His purposes even before they can fully understand or act.
Hosea 1:2-9The prophet Hosea also had his children's names and circumstances ordained by God to be symbolic signs, illustrating a similar pattern of using personal family events to convey divine messages of judgment and restoration.
Matthew 1:23This New Testament passage directly quotes Isaiah 7:14, linking the name Immanuel to Jesus Christ, which indirectly informs the prophetic significance of Isaiah's sons as signs pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
barnesIsaiah 8:3: "And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz."
Then said the Lord ... - The name thus given was to be emblematic of a particular event - that Assyria would soon take away the spoil of Damascus and Samaria. It is not remarkable that the name Immanuel should also be given to the same child, as signifying the presence and protection of God in defending the nation from the invaders; see the notes at Isaiah…
jfbIsaiah 8:3: "And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz."
- prophetess—perhaps the same as the "virgin" (Isa 7:14), in the interim married as Isaiah's second wife: this is in the primary and temporary sense. Immanuel is even in this sense distinct from Maher-shalal-hash-baz. Thus nineteen months at least intervene from the prophecy (Isa 7:14), nine before the birth of Immanuel, and ten from that time to the birt…
The verse highlights that Isaiah's wife is called a "prophetess," not necessarily because she possessed prophetic gifts herself, but as a reflection of her husband's prophetic calling. This subtle detail emphasizes the significant prophetic role the entire household plays in God's message.
Following a message about a sign involving a child named Immanuel, Isaiah is instructed to have another son with his wife, referred to as a prophetess. This child is to be given a significant name that directly foretells the imminent plundering of Damascus and Samaria by the Assyrians.
Following a message about a sign involving a child named Immanuel, Isaiah is instructed to have another son with his wife, referred to as a prophetess. This child is to be given a significant name that directly foretells the imminent plundering of Damascus and Samaria by the Assyrians.
"And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz;" — The verse highlights that Isaiah's wife is called a "prophetess," not necessarily because she possessed prophetic gifts herself, but as a reflection of her husband's prophetic calling. This subtle de…
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Last reviewed October 2026