King James Version

What Does Isaiah 26:21 Mean?

Isaiah 26:21 in the King James Version says “For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. blood: Heb. bloods

Isaiah 26:21 · KJV


Context

19

Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

20

Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

21

For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. blood: Heb. bloods


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Divine Theophany for Judgment: The phrase "the LORD cometh out of his place" (Hebrew הִנֵּה יְהוָה יֹצֵא מִמְּקוֹמוֹ, hinneh Yahweh yotse mimqomo) depicts God leaving His heavenly dwelling to execute judgment on earth. Similar language appears in Micah 1:3, emphasizing the fearsome nature of divine intervention. Purpose of Coming: The infinitive לִפְקֹד (lifqod, "to punish") can mean "to visit" or "to attend to," here with negative connotation—divine visitation for judgment.

The phrase עֲוֺן יֹשֵׁב־הָאָרֶץ (avon yoshev-ha'arets, "iniquity of the inhabitants of the earth") indicates comprehensive judgment—not just Israel but all earth-dwellers. Earth's Witness: "The earth also shall disclose her blood" (Hebrew וְגִלְּתָה הָאָרֶץ אֶת־דָּמֶיהָ) personifies earth as revealing hidden murders, crimes covered but not forgotten. The verb גָּלָה (galah, "disclose/reveal") suggests uncovering what was concealed. Eschatological Vision: This prophecy points to final judgment when all hidden sin will be exposed and justice fully executed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah's Apocalypse (Chapters 24-27): This section, dated to the 8th century BC during Isaiah's ministry, contains prophecies of universal judgment and ultimate restoration. Unlike Isaiah's oracles against specific nations, these chapters envision worldwide judgment, suggesting an eschatological or end-times focus.

Ancient Near Eastern Context: In the ancient world, unpunished bloodshed was believed to pollute the land (Genesis 4:10, Numbers 35:33). The concept of earth "disclosing her blood" reflects the belief that innocent blood cried out for justice. Isaiah's prophecy assures that no injustice escapes God's notice, and all hidden crimes will ultimately be brought to light and judged.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the significance of God "coming out of his place" rather than judging from heaven?
  2. How does the earth "disclosing her blood" relate to biblical concepts of justice and the land being defiled by innocent bloodshed?
  3. What does this passage teach about God's knowledge of hidden sins and ultimate accountability?
  4. How should the certainty of coming judgment affect how believers live and pursue justice now?
  5. In what ways does this prophecy find fulfillment historically, and what aspects remain future/eschatological?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּֽי1 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִנֵּ֤ה2 of 19
H2009

lo!

יְהוָה֙3 of 19

For behold the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יֹצֵ֣א4 of 19

cometh out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִמְּקוֹמ֔וֹ5 of 19

of his place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

לִפְקֹ֛ד6 of 19

to punish

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עֲוֹ֥ן7 of 19

for their iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

יֹֽשֵׁב8 of 19

the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙9 of 19

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

עָלָ֑יו10 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְגִלְּתָ֤ה11 of 19

also shall disclose

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙12 of 19

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת13 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּמֶ֔יהָ14 of 19

her blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וְלֹֽא15 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְכַסֶּ֥ה16 of 19

and shall no more cover

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

ע֖וֹד17 of 19
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

עַל18 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הֲרוּגֶֽיהָ׃19 of 19

her slain

H2026

to smite with deadly intent


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 26:21 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 26:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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