Isaiah 51:6
Isaiah 51:6 in Multiple Translations
Lift 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.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
Let your eyes be lifted up to the heavens, and turned to the earth which is under them: for the heavens will go in flight like smoke, and the earth will become old like a coat, and its people will come to destruction like insects: but my salvation will be for ever, and my righteousness will not come to an end.
Look up at the heavens, and look down at the earth beneath. The heavens will disappear like smoke, the earth will wear out like old clothes. The people living there will die like flies, but my salvation will last forever, and my way of goodness and right will never be destroyed.
Lift vp your eyes to the heauens, and looke vpon the earth beneath: for the heauens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall waxe olde like a garment, and they that dwell therein, shall perish in like maner: but my saluation shall be for euer, and my righteousnesse shall not bee abolished.
Lift ye up to the heavens your eyes, And look attentively unto the earth beneath, For the heavens as smoke have vanished, And the earth as a garment weareth out, And its inhabitants as gnats do die, And My salvation is to the age, And My righteousness is not broken.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish away like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a garment. Its inhabitants will die in the same way, but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will not be abolished.
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall become old like a garment, and its inhabitants shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
Lift up your eyes to heaven, and look down to the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish like smoke, and the earth shall be worn away like a garment, and the inhabitants thereof shall perish in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my justice shall not fail.
Look up at the sky, and look at the earth, and see what they are like now, because some day the sky will disappear like [SIM] smoke, and the earth will wear out like [SIM] old clothes wear out, and people on the earth will die like gnats/flies. But I will rescue/save you, and you will remain free forever, and I will rule you righteously/fairly forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 51:6
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 51:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׂאוּ֩
לַ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם
עֵֽינֵי/כֶ֜ם
וְֽ/הַבִּ֧יטוּ
אֶל
הָ/אָ֣רֶץ
מִ/תַּ֗חַת
כִּֽי
שָׁמַ֜יִם
כֶּ/עָשָׁ֤ן
נִמְלָ֨חוּ֙
וְ/הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
כַּ/בֶּ֣גֶד
תִּבְלֶ֔ה
וְ/יֹשְׁבֶ֖י/הָ
כְּמוֹ
כֵ֣ן
יְמוּת֑וּ/ן
וִ/ישֽׁוּעָתִ/י֙
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה
וְ/צִדְקָתִ֖/י
לֹ֥א
תֵחָֽת
שְׂאוּ֩
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לַ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Prep | N-mp
עֵֽינֵי/כֶ֜ם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
וְֽ/הַבִּ֧יטוּ
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
מִ/תַּ֗חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Prep
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁמַ֜יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
כֶּ/עָשָׁ֤ן
ʻâshân
H6227
smoke
Prep | N-ms
נִמְלָ֨חוּ֙
mâlach
H4414
to dissipate
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
וְ/הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
ʼerets
H776
land
Conj | Art | N-cs
כַּ/בֶּ֣גֶד
beged
H899
treachery
Prep | N-ms
תִּבְלֶ֔ה
bâlâh
H1086
to become old
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וְ/יֹשְׁבֶ֖י/הָ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
כְּמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep
כֵ֣ן
kên
H3654
gnat
Adv
יְמוּת֑וּ/ן
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
וִ/ישֽׁוּעָתִ/י֙
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
salvation
Conj | N-fs | Suff
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וְ/צִדְקָתִ֖/י
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Conj | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֵחָֽת
châthath
H2865
to to be dismayed
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 51:6
שְׂאוּ֩
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
לַ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
עֵֽינֵי/כֶ֜ם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְֽ/הַבִּ֧יטוּ
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
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.
הָ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִ/תַּ֗חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁמַ֜יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
כֶּ/עָשָׁ֤ן
ʻâshân
H6227
"smoke"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for smoke, whether literal or figurative, is used throughout the Bible. In Exodus, God appears to Moses in a cloud of smoke, while in other places it represents God's anger or judgment. Smoke can also symbolize prayer rising to God.
Definition: 1) smoke 1a) smoke 1b) in metaphor, simile 1c) smoke (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: smoke(-ing). See also: Genesis 15:17; Proverbs 10:26; Psalms 18:9.
נִמְלָ֨חוּ֙
mâlach
H4414
"to dissipate"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To salt something means to add flavor or preserve it. In the Bible, it can also mean to disappear like dust, as in Matthew 5:13. It's about adding value or losing it.
Definition: 1) to tear away, dissipate 1a) (Niphal) to be dispersed, be dissipated
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, salt, season, temper together, vanish away. See also: Exodus 30:35; Isaiah 51:6; Ezekiel 16:4.
וְ/הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Conj | Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כַּ/בֶּ֣גֶד
beged
H899
"treachery"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
תִּבְלֶ֔ה
bâlâh
H1086
"to become old"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To wear out or become old, like something that's been used up or decayed over time, as seen in the book of Isaiah. This concept is also related to consuming or spending something completely. It implies a sense of depletion or exhaustion.
Definition: 1) to wear out, become old 1a) (Qal) to wear out 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wear out 1b2) to wear out by use, use up completely 1b3) to enjoy, use to the full Aramaic equivalent: be.la (בְּלָא "to wear out" H1080)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: consume, enjoy long, become (make, wax) old, spend, waste. See also: Genesis 18:12; Job 21:13; Psalms 32:3.
וְ/יֹשְׁבֶ֖י/הָ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
כְּמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
כֵ֣ן
kên
H3654
"gnat"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a small flying insect, like a gnat or a mosquito. It appears in the Bible as a plague, like in the book of Exodus. It is often translated as 'lice' in English Bibles.
Definition: gnat, gnats, gnat-swarm
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: lice, [idiom] manner. See also: Exodus 8:12; Exodus 8:14; Psalms 105:31.
יְמוּת֑וּ/ן
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וִ/ישֽׁוּעָתִ/י֙
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
"salvation"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
Salvation means being saved or delivered from something, like trouble or danger, and can also mean victory or prosperity, as seen in the Bible's promises of God's deliverance.
Definition: 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) welfare, prosperity 1b) deliverance 1c) salvation (by God) 1d) victory
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare. See also: Genesis 49:18; Psalms 80:3; Psalms 3:3.
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
וְ/צִדְקָתִ֖/י
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֵחָֽת
châthath
H2865
"to to be dismayed"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
Study Notes — Isaiah 51:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 51:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 51:6
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:6
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:6
- Sermons on Isaiah 51:6
Context — Salvation for Zion
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. 8For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 24:35 | Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. |
| 2 | Psalms 102:25–26 | In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. |
| 3 | Isaiah 34:4 | All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree. |
| 4 | Hebrews 1:10–12 | And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed; but You remain the same, and Your years will never end.” |
| 5 | Revelation 6:12–14 | And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. |
| 6 | 2 Peter 3:10–12 | But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. |
| 7 | John 3:15–16 | that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. |
| 8 | Isaiah 51:8 | For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations.” |
| 9 | John 10:27–29 | My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. |
| 10 | Isaiah 13:13 | Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts on the day of His burning anger. |
Isaiah 51:6 Summary
[This verse reminds us that everything in this world is temporary and will eventually come to an end, but God's salvation and righteousness are eternal and will never fail. Just like a garment wears out over time, the earth and its people will pass away, but God's love and rescue will last forever, as promised in Isaiah 45:17. By trusting in God's eternal salvation, we can have hope and confidence, even in the face of uncertainty and change, and live with an eternal perspective, as encouraged in Colossians 3:2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the heavens will vanish like smoke and the earth will wear out like a garment?
This phrase is a metaphor to describe the temporary nature of creation, emphasizing that everything in this world is fleeting and will eventually come to an end, as also seen in Psalm 102:25-26 and Hebrews 1:10-12.
Why does God compare people to gnats in this verse?
The comparison of people to gnats highlights the fragility and impermanence of human life, which is also echoed in Isaiah 40:6-7, reminding us of our mortality and the importance of seeking eternal salvation.
What is the contrast between the transience of creation and God's salvation?
The verse contrasts the fleeting nature of the heavens and the earth with the eternal nature of God's salvation, emphasizing that while everything in this world will pass away, God's salvation and righteousness will last forever, as also promised in Isaiah 45:17 and Jeremiah 31:3.
How can we apply the message of this verse to our daily lives?
This verse encourages us to keep an eternal perspective, recognizing that our earthly lives are short and temporary, and to trust in God's eternal salvation and righteousness, as exhorted in Colossians 3:2 and 2 Corinthians 4:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I am tempted to trust in more than God's eternal salvation, and how can I shift my focus to what truly lasts?
- In what ways can I reflect the eternal nature of God's salvation in my daily interactions and decisions?
- How does the impermanence of creation impact my priorities and values, and what changes can I make to align with God's eternal purposes?
- What does it mean for me to 'lift up my eyes to the heavens' and consider the bigger picture of God's plan, and how can I cultivate this practice in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:6
Lift up your eyes to the heavens,.... And observe their beauty and order, the constant and regular motion of the heavenly bodies, the firmness and solidity of them: and look upon the earth beneath;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:6
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:6
The heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; the heavens and earth shall pass away, either, 1. Simply, and by a substantial corruption or annihilation, which is yet to be understood comparatively or conditionally, that these should sooner vanish into nothing than God’ s promised salvation should not be accomplished; as when it is said, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away, . It is thus expounded, It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than (for) one tittle of the law to fail. Or, 2. In regard of their present state, and properties, and use, as smoke is here said to vanish, although the substance of it be not destroyed. They that dwell therein shall die in like manner; as they shall be dissolved, as we read, , and death is nothing else but a dissolution.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:6
Isaiah 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.Ver. 6. Lift up your eyes to the heavens.] Man hath a muscle more than ordinary to draw up his eyes heavenward. And look upon the earth beneath.] How fast and firm it standeth. Yet the whole engine shall be changed. Shall die in like manner.] Or, Like a louse, as some render it. But my salvation shall be for ever.] The gospel, together with the spiritual benefits thereby, shall outlast heaven and earth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:6
(6) Shall die in like manner—i.e., shall vanish into nothingness. Many commentators, however, render, shall die like gnats; shall live their little day and pass away; thus supplying a third similitude, in addition to the “smoke” and the “garment.” We are reminded once again of Psa 102:26; and we may add, Matthew 24:35; 2 Peter 3:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 51:6
Verse 6. My salvation shall be for ever] Aben Ezra says, From this verse divines have learnt the immortality of the soul. Men shall perish as the earth does, because they are formed from it; but they who are filled with the salvation of God shall remain for ever. See Kimchi.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:6
6. From the thought of the universality of religion the prophet rises to that of its eternity, which is here expressed by a contrast of surprising boldness between the “things which are seen” and the “things which are not seen.” The whole visible creation, the heavens above and the earth beneath, are transitory, but Jehovah’s salvation endures for ever. the heavens shall vanish away (or “be dissolved”) like smoke] To feel the force of the metaphor we must bear in mind the ancient conception of the “firmament” as a solid vault overarching the earth. The word for “vanish away” is connected with noun rendered “rotten rags” in Jeremiah 38:11 f. wax old like a garment] see on ch. Isaiah 50:9, from which the expression is taken. Cf. also Psalms 102:26. shall die in like manner] Rather, as R.V. marg., shall die like gnats. The word kçn does not occur elsewhere in this sense, unless Numbers 13:33 be an instance, which is doubtful. It might be a collective noun corresponding to the fem. kinnâh (noun of unity = a single gnat), found in Talmudic Hebrew. Several commentators, however, think it necessary to read kinnîm (also a collective), a word used in Exodus 8:16-18 of the “lice” of Egypt. The Ancient Versions and the Jewish interpreters explain as E.V., taking kçn to be the common particle “so.” salvation and righteousness are practically synonymous, as often. see Appendix, Note II.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:6
Lift up your eyes to the heavens - The design of directing their attention to the heavens and the earth is, probably, to impress them more deeply with a conviction of the certainty of his salvation
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:6
4-6. Hearken unto me — Another change; or rather, another stage of growth as to the importance of this glorious message.
Sermons on Isaiah 51:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ger-16 Israel's Calvary Road by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a demonstration and proclamation of God's word. They believe that their ability to speak coherently and logically is |
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How to Forgive by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the pastor encourages the audience to find joy and strength in the knowledge that Jesus will come again and make everything new. He emphasizes that despite the diff |
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A Warning to American Christianity by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher passionately emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's word. He condemns liberal theologians who shy away from preaching about hell and |
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The Man God Tore Apart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the troubled state of the world and predicts that it will become even more troubled in the next 10 years. He emphasizes that there are three ty |
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From Simon to Peter #24 - the Holy Spirit and Peter's Speech by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the supernatural event of Pentecost and its significance. He emphasizes how Simon, also known as Peter, successfully explained the meaning of |
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The Superlative Excellence of the Holy Spirit by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the anticipation and hope that Christians have for the return of Jesus Christ. The congregation is encouraged to eagerly await His appearanc |
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Few Find the Way to Life by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of striving and putting total attention into following the words of Jesus. He criticizes the current state of preaching, stat |