What does Isaiah 28:9 mean?
"¶ Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts." - Isaiah 28:9

Isaiah 28:9 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts." This verse is part of a larger passage in which the prophet Isaiah is warning the people of Judah of the consequences of their disobedience and sin. The passage as a whole serves as a call to repentance, and this specific verse addresses the need for a receptive heart and mind to receive wisdom and understanding from God.
The context of Isaiah 28:9 is important in understanding its meaning. In the preceding verses, Isaiah is addressing the people of Judah, whom he criticizes for their pride, arrogance, and lack of spiritual discernment. They have taken refuge in their own wisdom and self-reliance, rather than seeking guidance and understanding from God. Isaiah uses the metaphor of being weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts to illustrate the need for maturity and readiness in receiving spiritual knowledge and understanding. In other words, just as a baby must be weaned from its mother's milk in order to grow and develop, so too must the people of Judah wean themselves from their own self-centeredness in order to receive wisdom and understanding from God.
The theme of spiritual maturity and receptivity is central to this verse. The image of being weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts conveys the idea of moving from a state of immaturity and dependency to one of maturity and independence. In the spiritual sense, this signifies the need for the people of Judah to mature in their faith and be open to receiving the instruction and guidance that God offers. It emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, and a willingness to submit to God's wisdom and understanding.
The verse also addresses the nature of divine instruction and understanding. It suggests that these are not easily attained, but require a deliberate and intentional effort to detach from one's own wisdom and preconceived notions. It implies that true understanding comes from a humble and open heart that is willing to be taught by God. It is a reminder that spiritual knowledge is not something to be taken for granted or assumed, but rather something that must be pursued and sought after with diligence and sincerity.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and meaningful. The metaphor of being weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts speaks to the process of growth and maturity in the spiritual life. It underscores the idea that spiritual understanding requires a deliberate effort to detach from the comforts of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. The image of being drawn from the breasts also conveys the sense of being nurtured and sustained by God, who provides the nourishment and wisdom needed for spiritual growth.
In conclusion, Isaiah 28:9 is a profound and thought-provoking verse that emphasizes the importance of humility, receptivity, and spiritual maturity in seeking wisdom and understanding from God. It serves as a reminder that true knowledge comes from a humble and teachable heart, and that spiritual understanding requires a deliberate effort to detach from the limitations of human wisdom. It challenges us to be open and receptive to the guidance and instruction that God offers, and to seek after spiritual understanding with sincerity and diligence.
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Isaiah 28:9 Artwork
Isaiah 28:9 - "¶ Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts."
Isaiah 28:9-10 - "Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little."
"¶ Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts." - Isaiah 28:9
"Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little." - Isaiah 28:9-10
Isaiah 28:12
Isaiah 28:12
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Isaiah 14:28 - "In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden."
Isaiah 28:11 - "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people."
Isaiah 28:3 - "The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet:"
Isaiah 28:8 - "For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean."
Luke 9:28-45
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Isaiah 28:23 - "¶ Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech."
Isaiah 28:6 - "And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate."
Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 9:6
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Isaiah 50:7–9
Isaiah 11:1-9