King James Version

What Does Isaiah 29:22 Mean?

Isaiah 29:22 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neit... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.

Isaiah 29:22 · KJV


Context

20

For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:

21

That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.

22

Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.

23

But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.

24

They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine. come: Heb. know understanding


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham (לָכֵן כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה אֶל־בֵּית יַעֲקֹב אֲשֶׁר פָּדָה אֶת־אַבְרָהָם, lakhen koh-amar YHWH el-beyt Ya'akov asher padah et-Avraham)—Yahweh identifies as the One who פָּדָה (padah, redeemed) אַבְרָהָם (Avraham). Concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale (יַעֲקֹב לֹא־עַתָּה יֵבוֹשׁ וְלֹא עַתָּה פָּנָיו יֶחֱוָרוּ, Ya'akov lo-atah yevosh velo atah fanav yechevaru)—no more בּוֹשׁ (bosh, shame) or חָוַר (chawar, growing pale/white with fear).

God recalls His foundational covenant act: redeeming Abraham from Ur, calling him from idolatry to faith. This same God who initiated covenant with Abraham will not allow Jacob's descendants to remain in shame. The name 'Jacob' itself (supplanter, heel-grabber) evokes the patriarch's transformation to 'Israel' (one who wrestles with God). God promises removal of shame—not deserved vindication, but grace-driven restoration. Romans 9:33 and 1 Peter 2:6 quote Isaiah to show that faith in Christ removes shame.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Abraham's redemption from Ur (Genesis 12:1-3, Joshua 24:2-3) established Israel's identity as a chosen, redeemed people. But by Isaiah's time, persistent sin had brought covenant shame—defeat, subjugation, and humiliation. Yet God promises eschatological restoration. The ultimate fulfillment: Gentile inclusion in Abraham's covenant family (Galatians 3:14, 29), the shameless confidence of justified sinners (Romans 5:5, 10:11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering God's past redemptive acts provide confidence for future deliverance?
  2. What shame do you carry that God promises to remove through covenant faithfulness?
  3. How does being 'in Christ' mean never being ultimately ashamed, regardless of circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 19
H3651

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

כֹּֽה2 of 19
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֤ר3 of 19

Therefore thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙4 of 19

the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל5 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֣ית6 of 19

concerning the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב7 of 19

Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

פָּדָ֖ה9 of 19

who redeemed

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

אֶת10 of 19
H853

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

אַבְרָהָ֑ם11 of 19

Abraham

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

לֹֽא12 of 19
H3808

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

עַתָּ֤ה13 of 19
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יֵבוֹשׁ֙14 of 19

shall not now be ashamed

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב15 of 19

Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְלֹ֥א16 of 19
H3808

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

עַתָּ֖ה17 of 19
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

פָּנָ֥יו18 of 19

neither shall his face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יֶחֱוָֽרוּ׃19 of 19

now wax pale

H2357

to blanch (as with shame)


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 29:22 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 29:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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