King James Version

What Does Isaiah 35:4 Mean?

Isaiah 35:4 in the King James Version says “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. fearful: Heb. hasty”

Isaiah 35:4 · KJV

Fear & CourageSalvation

Context

2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

3

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

4

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. fearful: Heb. hasty

5

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

6

Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Read Isaiah 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The message "Be strong, fear not" directly addresses anxiety with the antidote—God's coming intervention. "Your God will come with vengeance" assures that justice will be done, encouraging perseverance under persecution. The "recompense of God" promises both punishment for enemies and reward for the faithful. This dual aspect of God's coming—judgment and salvation—runs throughout Scripture, culminating in Christ's second advent. The certainty ("He will come") provides firm foundation for hope.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God's people facing oppression needed assurance that their cries for justice were heard. The promise of divine intervention sustained faith during dark times.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God will judge evil help us endure injustice patiently?
  2. What does it mean to fear not in light of God's promised coming?
  3. How should the certainty of Christ's return affect our daily priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אִמְרוּ֙1 of 15

“Say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְנִמְהֲרֵי2 of 15

“to them that are of a fearful”

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

לֵ֔ב3 of 15

“heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

חִזְק֖וּ4 of 15

“Be strong”

H2388

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

אַל5 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָ֑אוּ6 of 15

“fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הִנֵּ֤ה7 of 15
H2009

lo!

אֱלֹהִ֔ים8 of 15

“even God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

נָקָ֣ם9 of 15

“with vengeance”

H5359

revenge

יָב֖וֹא10 of 15

“he will come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

גְּמ֣וּל11 of 15

“with a recompence”

H1576

treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital

אֱלֹהִ֔ים12 of 15

“even God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

ה֥וּא13 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יָב֖וֹא14 of 15

“he will come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְיֹשַׁעֲכֶֽם׃15 of 15

“and save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

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 35:4 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 35:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 5:7-9Isaiah 41:10-14Zephaniah 3:16-17Haggai 2:4Ephesians 6:10Isaiah 34:8

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