Isaiah 8:12

“Do not say, ‘Conspiracy,’ every time these people say the word. ¹  Don’t be afraid of what scares them; don’t be terrified.

"Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.

"You are not to say, ‘ It is a conspiracy!’ In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, And you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it.

Do not be afraid that some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you.

"Don't be like this people, always afraid somebody is plotting against them. Don't fear what they fear. Don't take on their worries.

Do not say, It is holy, about everything of which this people says, It is holy; and do not be in fear of what they go in fear of.

Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what it fears, or be in dread.

"Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

“Do not say, ‘Conspiracy,’ every time these people say the word. ¹  Don’t be afraid of what scares them; don’t be terrified.

¹ tn Heb “Do not say, ‘Conspiracy,’ with respect to all which these people say, ‘Conspiracy.’” The verb translated “do not say” is second masculine plural, indicating that this exhortation is directed to Isaiah and other followers of the Lord (see v. 16).

sn The background of this command is uncertain. Perhaps the “conspiracy” in view is the alliance between Israel and Syria. Some of the people may even have thought that individuals in Judah were plotting with Israel and Syria to overthrow the king.