King James Version

What Does Isaiah 27:5 Mean?

Isaiah 27:5 in the King James Version says “Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.”

Isaiah 27:5 · KJV

StrengthPeace

Context

3

I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.

4

Fury is not in me: who would set the briers and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. go: or, march against

5

Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.

6

He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

7

Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him? as: Heb. according to the stroke of

Read Isaiah 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me. This verse offers stunning grace: enemies (the "briers and thorns" of v.4) can avoid destruction by taking hold of God's strength (ma'uzzi, מָעוּזִּי, literally "my stronghold" or "my fortress"). Instead of fighting God and being burned, they can flee TO Him for refuge. The phrase take hold (yachazek, יַחֲזֵק) means to seize, grasp firmly, cling to—depicting urgent, desperate faith.

The repetition make peace with me...make peace with me (ya'aseh shalom li...ve'ya'aseh shalom li, יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם לִי...וְיַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם לִי) emphasizes certainty—whoever takes hold of God's strength will definitely make peace. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) encompasses wholeness, reconciliation, covenant relationship, not merely cease-fire. This is gospel in the Old Testament: enemies of God can become friends by fleeing to God Himself as their refuge. Paul echoes this in Romans 5:1: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Christ is our ma'oz (stronghold) and our peace (Ephesians 2:14). We who were enemies are reconciled by grasping Christ by faith (Colossians 1:21-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah's original hearers would have seen this as invitation to Gentile nations to join covenant relationship with Israel's God rather than opposing Him. Historically, proselytes did exactly this—grasping Israel's God as their stronghold. The New Testament reveals fuller meaning: all humanity (Jew and Gentile) were enemies needing to make peace through Christ (Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The early church's mission was proclaiming this peace to all nations (Acts 10:36, Ephesians 2:17).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to 'take hold of God's strength' as your refuge from His wrath?
  2. How does this verse illustrate that the gospel is an invitation to peace, not just a threat of judgment?
  3. In what ways is Christ our 'stronghold' and our 'peace' with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
א֚וֹ1 of 9
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

יַחֲזֵ֣ק2 of 9

“Or let him take hold”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בְּמָעוּזִּ֔י3 of 9

“of my strength”

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

יַֽעֲשֶׂה4 of 9

“that he may make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שָׁל֖וֹם5 of 9

“peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

לִ֑י6 of 9
H0
שָׁל֖וֹם7 of 9

“peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

יַֽעֲשֶׂה8 of 9

“that he may make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִּֽי׃9 of 9
H0

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 27:5 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 27:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 25:4Job 22:21Ephesians 2:16-172 Corinthians 5:19-21Hosea 2:18-20Colossians 1:20-21

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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