The figure of the veil used in the last verse is now clarified. The prophet is referring to death. New Revised Standard Version makes the first clause of verse 8 the last line of verse 7. New Jerusalem Bible also links verses 7 and 8a by making them one sentence.

He will swallow up death for ever: It is likely that this way of speaking has roots in the Canaanite story of Mot (Death). But the idea of “swallowing” death may be a strange expression in many languages. If at all possible, this verb should be rendered in the same way as the initial verb in verse 7 (see the comments there). The verb “destroy” is commonly used in English translations. Death could be interpreted as a reference to the common fate of all people (see 1 Cor 15.26, 54). All versions consulted translate it that way. But the word death here is accompanied by the definite article in Hebrew, so it is literally “the death.” Perhaps it points toward some specific kind of death or a death representing all that is chaotic and disorderly. The promise here is that this will end for ever. The Hebrew word rendered for ever does not have the technical sense of “without end” or “eternally.” It may be translated “permanently.”

And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces: Yahweh will bring an end to the weeping of those mourning the dead. For the Lord GOD, see 3.15.

And the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth: Reproach is parallel to death. The Hebrew word for reproach is associated with shame and disgrace. Here it could refer to the shame of captivity and exile, or be a general reference to the suffering of Yahweh’s people. The LORD will remove the shame they felt as they confronted all the earth, that is, all other nations. For this whole clause Revised English Bible translates “and throughout the world remove the indignities from his people.”

For the LORD has spoken: This clause assures Judah that Yahweh has made these promises, so they can depend on them (see the comments at 1.2). It closes the first unit of this section. The Hebrew word rendered for may be translated “Indeed” since it is an emphatic marker here.

Translation examples for this verse are:

• Yahweh the Master will destroy death for ever,
and will dry everyone’s tears.
He will remove the shame his people feel throughout the world.
This is what Yahweh has promised.

• My Lord Yahweh will destroy death once and for all,
and wipe dry the tears on everyone’s face.
The shame of his people before all the earth he will take away.
Indeed, this is what Yahweh says.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .