Isaiah 51:5
Isaiah 51:5 in Multiple Translations
My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm.
My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
My righteousness is near, my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the peoples; the isles shall wait for me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
Suddenly will my righteousness come near, and my salvation will be shining out like the light; the sea-lands will be waiting for me, and they will put their hope in my strong arm.
My rule of right will arrive soon. My salvation is coming. My power will bring judgment to the nations. The distant lands are waiting for me and my power.
My righteousnes is neere: my saluation goeth foorth, and mine armes shall iudge the people: the yles shall waite for me, and shall trust vnto mine arme.
Near [is] My righteousness, Gone out hath My salvation and Mine arms, Peoples they judge, on Me isles do wait, Yea, on Mine arm they do wait with hope.
My righteousness is near. My salvation has gone out, and my arms will judge the peoples. The islands will wait for me, and they will trust my arm.
My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and my arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on my arm shall they trust.
My just one is near at hand, my saviour is gone forth, and my arms shall judge the people: the islands shall look for me, and shall patiently wait for my arm.
I will soon/quickly rescue you [DOU]; by my power [MTY] I will bring you back from being exiled in Babylonia [DOU]. The people who live on islands in the ocean will wait for me to help them, confidently expecting for me to use my power [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 51:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 51:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קָר֤וֹב
צִדְקִ/י֙
יָצָ֣א
יִשְׁעִ֔/י
וּ/זְרֹעַ֖/י
עַמִּ֣ים
יִשְׁפֹּ֑טוּ
אֵלַ/י֙
אִיִּ֣ים
יְקַוּ֔וּ
וְ/אֶל
זְרֹעִ֖/י
יְיַחֵלֽוּ/ן
קָר֤וֹב
qârôwb
H7138
near
Adj
צִדְקִ/י֙
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms | Suff
יָצָ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יִשְׁעִ֔/י
yeshaʻ
H3468
salvation
N-ms | Suff
וּ/זְרֹעַ֖/י
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
Conj | N-cp | Suff
עַמִּ֣ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp
יִשְׁפֹּ֑טוּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֵלַ/י֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אִיִּ֣ים
ʼîy
H339
coastland
N-mp
יְקַוּ֔וּ
qâvâh
H6960
to await
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
זְרֹעִ֖/י
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
N-cs | Suff
יְיַחֵלֽוּ/ן
yâchal
H3176
to wait
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 51:5
קָר֤וֹב
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
צִדְקִ/י֙
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms | Suff
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
יָצָ֣א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
יִשְׁעִ֔/י
yeshaʻ
H3468
"salvation"
N-ms | Suff
Refers to salvation or deliverance, like in Psalm 119:123 where the writer asks for salvation from God, and can also mean prosperity or victory.
Definition: 1) deliverance, salvation, rescue, safety, welfare 1a) safety, welfare, prosperity 1b) salvation 1c) victory
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: safety, salvation, saving. See also: 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalms 51:14; Psalms 12:6.
וּ/זְרֹעַ֖/י
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
עַמִּ֣ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
יִשְׁפֹּ֑טוּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אֵלַ/י֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אִיִּ֣ים
ʼîy
H339
"coastland"
N-mp
This word refers to a habitable spot, such as a coast, island, or dry land. It is used to describe desirable places in the Bible, like a country or region.
Definition: coast, island, shore, region
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: country, isle, island. See also: Genesis 10:5; Isaiah 51:5; Psalms 72:10.
יְקַוּ֔וּ
qâvâh
H6960
"to await"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to collect or gather things together, and can also mean to wait patiently for something. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe waiting on God.
Definition: 1) to wait, look for, hope, expect 1a) (Qal) waiting (participle) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait or look eagerly for 1b2) to lie in wait for 1b3) to wait for, linger for
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon). See also: Genesis 1:9; Isaiah 5:2; Psalms 25:3.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
זְרֹעִ֖/י
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
יְיַחֵלֽוּ/ן
yâchal
H3176
"to wait"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To wait or be patient is the meaning of this verb, used to describe hoping or trusting in something, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : wait[for_time] 1) to wait, hope, expect 1a) (Niphal) to wait 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, await, tarry 1b2) to wait for, hope for 1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait. See also: Genesis 8:12; Psalms 69:4; Psalms 31:25.
Study Notes — Isaiah 51:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 51:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 51:5
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:5
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:5
- Sermons on Isaiah 51:5
Context — Salvation for Zion
3For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song.
4Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for a law will go out from Me, and My justice will become a light to the nations; I will bring it about quickly.
5My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm.
6Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail. 7Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 10:17–18 | Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. But I ask, did they not hear? Indeed they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 46:13 | I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor. |
| 3 | Isaiah 42:4 | He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 60:9 | Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you. |
| 5 | Romans 10:6–10 | But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down) or, ‘Who will descend into the Abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 5:10 | For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. |
| 7 | Matthew 28:18 | Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. |
| 8 | Psalms 67:4 | Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 85:9 | Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land. |
| 10 | Luke 24:47 | and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. |
Isaiah 51:5 Summary
Isaiah 51:5 tells us that God's righteousness and salvation are on the way, and that He will bring justice to all nations. This means that God is actively working to make things right in the world, and that His power and strength will ultimately prevail, as seen in Psalm 46:10. Just like the islands in this verse, we can look to God and wait in hope for His deliverance, trusting that He will bring justice and righteousness to our lives and to the world, as promised in Revelation 21:4. This gives us confidence and peace, knowing that God is in control and that His plan is to bring salvation and justice to all people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's righteousness draws near?
This refers to God's perfect justice and holiness coming closer to being fulfilled, as seen in Isaiah 51:5, and is a promise that God will ultimately make all things right, as stated in Revelation 21:5.
How will God bring justice to the nations?
According to Isaiah 51:5, God's arms will bring justice to the nations, meaning that He will use His power and authority to establish righteousness and fairness, as also seen in Psalm 98:9, where it says God will judge the world with righteousness.
Why will the islands look for God and wait in hope for His arm?
The islands, representing distant and isolated places, will look for God because they will recognize their need for His salvation and justice, and will wait in hope for His deliverance, as expressed in Psalm 22:27-28, where all the ends of the earth will turn to Him.
What is the significance of God's arm in this verse?
God's arm is a symbol of His power and strength, as seen in Isaiah 51:5, and represents His ability to save and deliver His people, as also mentioned in Isaiah 53:1, where it talks about the arm of the Lord being revealed.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you that God's righteousness is drawing near, and how does that impact your daily life?
- How can you wait in hope for God's arm to bring justice to the nations, and what does that look like in your own community?
- In what ways do you see God's justice and righteousness being fulfilled in the world today, and how can you participate in that process?
- How does the promise of God's salvation and justice affect your perspective on the challenges and injustices you see in the world?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:5
My righteousness is near,.... These are either the words of God the Father, and to be understood not of his essential righteousness, nor of his vindictive justice; but of the righteousness of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:5
My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:5
My righteousness; my salvation, as it is expounded in the next clause, the redemption of all my people, both Jews and Gentiles, which is the effect of his righteousness; either his justice, or his faithfulness, or his mercy and goodness; for all these are called by the name of righteousness in Scripture, and all these contributed to the work of man’ s redemption. My salvation is gone forth; shall shortly go forth; my secret and eternal purpose of saving my people shall speedily be fulfilled. Mine arms shall judge the people; either, 1. Shall destroy those people who obstruct or oppose this work. Or rather, 2. Shall subdue the Gentiles to mine authority, and rule them by my word and Spirit; which agrees best with the following clause. The isles; the remote countries of the Gentiles, as 42:4, and elsewhere. Shall wait upon me; shall confidently expect and hope for this promised righteousness and salvation from me, and from me only, and not from idols, as they have done, nor by any other way.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:5
Isaiah 51:5 My righteousness [is] near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.Ver. 5. My righteousness,] i.e., My faithfulness, or my Son, that Sun of righteousness, is already on the way, and will be with you forthwith. And mine arm shall judge the people,] i.e., All that set themselves against the Lord and against his Christ, these shall feel his power to their perdition, even the force of both his arms. The isles shall wait upon me.] They shall stretch out their souls as a line (so the word importeth), and direct them toward Christ. And on mine arm shall they trust,] i.e., On my power, or on my gospel promises. Iam amodo iter ingressa est. - Hyper.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:5
(5) Mine arms shall judge the people.—Literally, the peoples, including Israel and the heathen. The work of judgment thus, as ever, comes first; after it the isles (i.e., far-off countries), as representing the heathen, shall be converted, and trust the very Arm that smote them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 51:5
Verse 5. My righteousness is near] The word צדק tsedek, righteousness, is used in such a great latitude of signification, for justice, truth, faithfulness, goodness, mercy, deliverance, salvation, c., that it is not easy sometimes to give the precise meaning of it without much circumlocution it means here the faithful completion of God's promises to deliver his people.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:5
5. My righteousness is near] See the last note and cf. ch. Isaiah 46:13. For people read peoples (as R.V.). the isles shall wait upon me] Cf. Isaiah 42:4. on mine arm] i.e. “on my strength,” my protection (Isaiah 33:2).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:5
My righteousness is near - The word ‘righteousness’ is used in a great variety of significations. Here it means, probably, the faithful completion of his promises to his people (Lowth).
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:5
4-6. Hearken unto me — Another change; or rather, another stage of growth as to the importance of this glorious message.
Sermons on Isaiah 51:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Devil, You Can't Walk on Me Anymore by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of God-loving people being oppressed and discouraged by the enemy. He emphasizes that God is looking at this situation with disbeli |
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Studies in Romans-03 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the penalty of death for breaking the law and how Christ died to pay that penalty. The gospel of salvation by faith upholds the law by insis |
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Brought Out of the Wilderness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is ready to deliver His people from their burdens and wilderness experiences, reminding them of His promises of righteousness, salvation, and co |
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O Blessed Hurricane! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of trusting in God during times of severe trials, where earthly support fails and believers are compelled to rely solely on divine providence |
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God's Dealing With Me - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following four directions in order to receive the life and health that come from God's word. The first direction is to att |
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Knowing Jesus by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the idea that many people have been "house trained" or "brainwashed" into thinking that once they make a decision to follow God and attend ch |
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(The Testimony of Jesus Is the Spirit of Prophecy) Ascending the Holy Hill by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching and the need for it to be restored to its exalted status in the church. He shares the story of a Swiss pastor nam |