“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
My Notes
What Does Isaiah 8:20 Mean?
Isaiah provides a test for evaluating prophetic claims: to the law and to the testimony. If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
The law and the testimony refer to the written revelation of God — the Torah and the prophetic witness. These are the standard against which all spiritual claims must be measured.
The test is simple: does the teaching align with Scripture? If it contradicts the law and testimony, the teacher has no light — no genuine spiritual illumination, regardless of how impressive or persuasive they appear.
"There is no light in them" is a permanent disqualification. Not insufficient light. No light. The absence is total. A teacher who contradicts Scripture is operating in complete darkness.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How do you practically 'test' teaching against Scripture?
- 2.What spiritual voices are you following that you have not evaluated against the law and testimony?
- 3.What does 'no light in them' mean for teachers who contradict Scripture but seem compelling?
- 4.How does this verse simplify discernment in a world of competing spiritual voices?
Devotional
To the law and to the testimony. That is the standard. Not feelings. Not impressions. Not the personality of the teacher. The law and the testimony — the written word of God.
If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. The test is simple and absolute. Does it match Scripture? If not, the teacher is in darkness — regardless of their confidence, their charisma, their following, or their miracles.
No light. Not dim light. Not partial light. No light. The absence is complete. A person who contradicts the word of God has nothing to offer you spiritually, no matter how impressive they seem.
This is the simplest and most powerful tool for discernment you have: check it against the word. The teacher who lines up with Scripture has light. The one who does not has none.
In a world of competing spiritual voices — podcasts, books, influencers, preachers — this verse cuts through the noise. You do not need more opinions. You need one standard. To the law and to the testimony. Everything else is measured against that.
Does what you are hearing match the word? If yes, follow the light. If no, walk away. There is no light there.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
To the law, and to the testimony,.... Kimchi takes this to be an oath, "by the law, and by the testimony", it is so and…
To the law ... - To the revelation which God has given. This is a solemn call of the prophet to try everything by the…
In these verses we have,
I. The unspeakable privilege which the people of God enjoy in having the oracles of God…
To the law and to the testimony See on Isa 8:8. Apparently an exclamation of the distracted people (see on next…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture