King James Version

What Does Isaiah 1:26 Mean?

Isaiah 1:26 in the King James Version says “And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.”

Isaiah 1:26 · KJV

Context

24

Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:

25

And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin: purely: Heb. according to pureness

26

And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

27

Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. her: or, they that return of her

28

And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed. destruction: Heb. breaking

Read Isaiah 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise to restore judges and counselors 'as at the first' looks back to the golden age of righteous leadership under figures like Moses, Joshua, and David, while ultimately pointing forward to Messiah's kingdom where perfect justice reigns (Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-5). The resulting title 'the city of righteousness, the faithful city' reverses verse 21's lament, demonstrating God's redemptive purpose. This eschatological restoration finds ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2), where God dwells with His purified people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's early period featured judges raised up by God (Judges 2:16) and David's righteous reign. Isaiah envisions a return to such godly leadership, fulfilled in Christ and His kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does longing for the 'city of righteousness' shape our political engagement and social ethics?
  2. In what ways does Christ's present reign inaugurate this promised restoration, even as we await its consummation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאָשִׁ֤יבָה1 of 13

“And I will restore”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

שֹׁפְטַ֙יִךְ֙2 of 13

“thy judges”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

כְּבָרִ֣אשֹׁנָ֔ה3 of 13

“as at the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וְיֹעֲצַ֖יִךְ4 of 13

“and thy counsellors”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

כְּבַתְּחִלָּ֑ה5 of 13

“as at the beginning”

H8462

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

אַחֲרֵי6 of 13

“afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֵ֗ן7 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יִקָּ֤רֵא8 of 13

“thou shalt be called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָךְ֙9 of 13
H0
עִ֣יר10 of 13

“The city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַצֶּ֔דֶק11 of 13

“of righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

קִרְיָ֖ה12 of 13

“city”

H7151

a city

נֶאֱמָנָֽה׃13 of 13

“the faithful”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 1:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 1:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 33:7Zechariah 8:3Isaiah 62:1-2Ezekiel 37:24-25Isaiah 33:5Isaiah 32:1-2

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Isaiah 1 →

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