Isaiah 55:8
New International Version
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

New Living Translation
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

English Standard Version
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

King James Bible
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

New King James Version
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

NASB 1995
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

NASB 1977
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” This is the LORD’s declaration.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” This is the LORD’s declaration.”

American Standard Version
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD says: "My thoughts and my ways are not like yours.

English Revised Version
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are not your ways," declares the LORD.

Good News Translation
"My thoughts," says the LORD, "are not like yours, and my ways are different from yours.

International Standard Version
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

NET Bible
"Indeed, my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds,

New Heart English Bible
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," says the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

World English Bible
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” says Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“For My thoughts [are] not your thoughts, "" Nor your ways My ways,” "" A declaration of YHWH,

Young's Literal Translation
For not My thoughts are your thoughts, Nor your ways My ways, -- an affirmation of Jehovah,

Smith's Literal Translation
For not my purposes your purposes and not your ways my ways, says Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways, says the Lord.

New American Bible
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways—oracle of the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For my thoughts are not like your thoughts, neither are my ways like your ways, says the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because my thoughts are not as your thoughts, and my ways are not as your ways, says LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For my counsels are not as your counsels, nor are my ways as your ways, saith the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Invitation to the Needy
7Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. 8“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.…

Cross References
Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

Job 11:7-9
Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? / They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? / Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

Psalm 92:5
How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts!

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.

1 Corinthians 2:9-11
Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” / But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Ecclesiastes 11:5
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,

Psalm 139:6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Job 37:5
God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend.

2 Peter 3:8-9
Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. / The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Psalm 40:5
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us—none can compare to You—if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count.

Matthew 11:25-26
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. / Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.

Job 26:14
Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?”


Treasury of Scripture

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, said the LORD.

2 Samuel 7:19
And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?

Psalm 25:10
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 40:5
Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

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Affirmation Declares Thoughts Ways
Isaiah 55
1. The prophet, with the promises of Christ, calls to faith
6. And to repentance
8. The happy success of those who believe














For My thoughts are not your thoughts
This phrase emphasizes the vast difference between God's divine wisdom and human understanding. In the biblical context, it serves as a reminder of God's omniscience and the limitations of human reasoning. The Hebrew word for "thoughts" here can also imply plans or intentions, suggesting that God's purposes transcend human comprehension. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises trust in the Lord rather than relying on one's own understanding. Theologically, this distinction underscores the need for faith and reliance on divine revelation rather than human logic alone.

neither are your ways My ways,
The term "ways" refers to the conduct or manner of life. This phrase highlights the moral and ethical gap between God's perfect holiness and human sinfulness. In the historical context of Isaiah, Israel often strayed from God's commandments, choosing their own paths. This divergence is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in passages like Psalm 25:4-5, where the psalmist seeks God's guidance. Theologically, it points to the necessity of aligning one's life with God's will, as revealed through scripture and the life of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate example of walking in God's ways.

declares the LORD.
This declaration is a divine affirmation, underscoring the authority and sovereignty of God. The use of "LORD" in all capitals signifies the translation of the Hebrew name Yahweh, the covenant name of God, which conveys His eternal and unchanging nature. This phrase assures the reader of the reliability and truth of God's words. In the broader biblical narrative, God's declarations are always fulfilled, as seen in prophecies throughout the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the life and work of Jesus Christ. This assurance invites believers to trust in God's promises and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of the Lord.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God used in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel during Isaiah's time, often the primary audience of his prophecies, which included calls to repentance and promises of future restoration.

4. Exile
The context of Isaiah's prophecies often includes the looming threat of exile due to the people's disobedience, highlighting the need for trust in God's higher plans.

5. Prophetic Vision
Isaiah's role as a prophet involved receiving and communicating God's messages, which often included visions of God's ultimate plans and purposes.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, reminding us of His ultimate authority and control over all things.

Trust in God's Plan
Even when circumstances are confusing or challenging, we are called to trust that God's plans are for our good and His glory.

Humility in Understanding
Recognizing the limits of our understanding should lead us to humility and reliance on God's wisdom rather than our own.

Prayer for Alignment
We should pray for our thoughts and ways to align more closely with God's, seeking His guidance and wisdom in our daily lives.

Hope in God's Promises
Despite our limited perspective, we can have hope in the promises of God, knowing that His ways are perfect and His plans are for our ultimate benefit.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 55:8?

2. How does Isaiah 55:8 challenge our understanding of God's thoughts versus ours?

3. What practical steps can we take to align our thoughts with God's?

4. How does Isaiah 55:8 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God?

5. In what ways can Isaiah 55:8 encourage humility in our daily decisions?

6. How can Isaiah 55:8 guide us in responding to life's uncertainties?

7. How does Isaiah 55:8 challenge human understanding of God's thoughts and ways?

8. Why does God emphasize the difference between His thoughts and ours in Isaiah 55:8?

9. How does Isaiah 55:8 influence our trust in God's plan?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 55?

11. In Isaiah 55:8–9, is the claim that God’s ways are higher than human ways simply a way to dismiss contradictions or lack of evidence?

12. Throughout Isaiah 55, does the assurance of divine deliverance conflict with historical events, including Israel’s repeated conquests and exiles, calling into question the text’s reliability?

13. How are God's thoughts higher than human thoughts?

14. If God is beyond human comprehension, how can Christians claim to understand His nature?
What Does Isaiah 55:8 Mean
For

Isaiah 55:8 opens with a simple connecting word that reaches back to verses 6–7: “Seek the LORD while He may be found… Let the wicked man forsake his own way.”

• The “for” explains why repentance is necessary—because God’s perspective on sin, mercy, and salvation is utterly different from ours (compare Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).

• It signals that what follows is God’s rationale: our thoughts and ways cannot measure up, so we must abandon them and embrace His.


My thoughts

God speaks first of His thoughts, revealing that every plan, decree, and intention originates in His flawless wisdom.

Psalm 92:5 celebrates, “How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts!”, underscoring their depth.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that His thoughts are “plans for welfare and not for calamity.”

1 Corinthians 2:11 notes that only the Spirit of God fully knows these divine thoughts, emphasizing their infinite scope.

In practical terms, His thoughts hold:

– Perfect knowledge of the past, present, and future.

– Pure motives unmixed with self‐interest.

– A redemptive aim that reaches beyond what we can imagine.


Are not your thoughts

Here God contrasts our inner world with His.

Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,” displaying how human reasoning can be fatally flawed.

Romans 12:2 urges believers to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind,” proving our thoughts need radical overhaul.

Key takeaways:

– Human perception is limited; divine perception is limitless.

– What we call wisdom may oppose God’s true wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25).

– Therefore, Scripture—not personal opinion—must set our mental compass.


Neither are your ways

Thoughts produce ways; actions flow from assumptions. God now addresses behavior.

Isaiah 53:6 confesses, “We all like sheep have gone astray; each one has turned to his own way.”

Ecclesiastes 7:20 observes, “Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.”

This highlights:

– Our habitual self‐reliance and deviation from righteousness.

– The futility of moral reform that leaves God out.

– The need for a complete change of course, not minor adjustment.


My ways

God’s ways are the outward expression of His holy character.

Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect… just and upright is He”.

Psalm 145:17 adds, “The LORD is righteous in all His ways.”

• When Jesus said, “I am the way” (John 14:6), He embodied this divine path.

Features of God’s ways:

– Always righteous, never compromised.

– Consistently purposeful, directing history toward redemption.

– Ultimately revealed and fulfilled in Christ, who lived and secured the perfect way for us.


Declares the LORD

The verse closes by stamping divine authority on the statement.

Isaiah 40:8 upholds, “The word of our God stands forever.”

• Jesus echoed this permanence: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

Because the Lord Himself speaks, we receive this contrast as absolute truth, not suggestion. The call is to submit, trust, and let His Word reshape both mind and conduct.


summary

Isaiah 55:8 answers why sinners must return to God: His thoughts and ways tower above ours in holiness, wisdom, and purpose. Our limited, self‐centered perspectives cannot chart a course to life; only God’s flawless plans and righteous paths can. Therefore, we abandon our mental frameworks and behavioral patterns, embracing His revealed will through Scripture and the person of Christ.

(8) My thoughts are not your thoughts . . .--The assertion refers to both the promise and the warning. Men think that the gifts of God can be purchased with money (Acts 8:20). They think that the market in which they are sold is always open, and that they can have them when and how they please (Matthew 25:9-13).

Verses 8-13. - A FRESH ASSURANCE or DELIVERANCE FROM BABYLON. Man can scarcely conceive of the deliverance which God designs; but God's thoughts are not as man's (vers. 8, 9). God's word, once pronounced, is potent to effect its purpose (vers. 10, 11). Deliverance from Babylon, having been promised, will take place, and will be accompanied by all manner of spiritual blessings (vers. 12, 13). Verses 8, 9. - My thoughts are not your thoughts. Though man is made in God's image (Genesis 1:27), yet the nature of God in every way infinitely transcends that of man. Both the thoughts and the acts of God surpass man's understanding. Men find it hard to pardon those who have offended them; God can pardon, and "pardon abundantly." Men cannot conceive of coming changes, when they pass certain limits. God knows assuredly what changes are approaching, since they are his doing.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

My thoughts
מַחְשְׁבוֹתַי֙ (maḥ·šə·ḇō·w·ṯay)
Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4284: A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan

are not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

your thoughts,
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹתֵיכֶ֔ם (maḥ·šə·ḇō·w·ṯê·ḵem)
Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 4284: A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan

neither are
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

your ways
דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם (ḏar·ḵê·ḵem)
Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

My ways,”
דְּרָכָ֑י (də·rā·ḵāy)
Noun - common plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

declares
נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 55:7
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