Definition: And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty dramatic one, and it speaks about a powerful and transformative event. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse is saying that God is going to intervene in the history of Judah (a specific group of people in Israel) in a really significant way. Let's unpack each part: “Isaiah 8:8” : This is the name of the passage. It’s from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). “And he shall pass through Judah” : This means God is going to move through or over the land of Judah – that's a region in Israel, historically known as the kingdom of Israel. Think of it like a giant foot moving across the land. “He shall overflow and go over” : This is a huge statement. It means God’s presence will be so strong that it will dramatically change things. It’s not just a gentle influence; it’s a massive, overwhelming force. “He shall reach [even] to the neck” : The "neck" refers to a point of vulnerability or weakness – perhaps a place where they were struggling with their own laws or traditions. It means God will dramatically impact that area, causing significant upheaval and change. “And the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land” : This is the most striking part. "Wings" are a metaphor for God's power and presence. When he “stretches out his wings,” it means he will expand his influence so far that everything across the entire land – every corner, every valley – will be affected. “O Immanuel” : This is a title of reverence. "Immanuel" (pronounced "ee-mah-nee-yum") means “God with us.” It's a Hebrew name meaning "God is with us." Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse paints a picture of a time of great conflict and potential disaster for Judah. God intends to directly confront their weaknesses, challenge their traditions, and ultimately, bring about a dramatic shift in their history. It’s a message of judgment and hope – because even though there will be hardship, God's presence is so powerful that it will reshape the entire land. Context & Interpretation: This verse appears in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Isaiah. It’s often interpreted as a prophecy about the rise of Cyrus the Great (a Persian king) and his empire, which would eventually challenge the authority of Judah and lead to its downfall. It's a warning and a call to faithfulness. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how it’s been interpreted throughout history? Explore why this passage is significant in the Bible?