King James Version

What Does Isaiah 40:10 Mean?

Isaiah 40:10 in the King James Version says “Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. with strong: or, against the strong his work: or, recompence for his work

Isaiah 40:10 · KJV


Context

8

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

9

O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! O Zion: or, O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion O Jerusalem: or, O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem

10

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. with strong: or, against the strong his work: or, recompence for his work

11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. that: or, that give suck

12

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? a measure: Heb. a tierce


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents the paradox of God's coming: He comes with strong authority ('his arm shall rule') yet with tender care (verse 11). The Hebrew 'chazaq' (strong) emphasizes His invincible power to accomplish redemption. His reward and work accompany Him—He brings both justice and blessing, having earned the right through His mighty acts.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophetically describes both Cyrus's decree (God's arm moving him to free Israel) and ultimately Christ's first coming in humility and second coming in power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's combination of strength and tenderness inform your understanding of His character?
  2. In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's strong arm to rule and bring change?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הִנֵּ֨ה1 of 13
H2009

lo!

אֲדֹנָ֤י2 of 13

Behold the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִה֙3 of 13

GOD

H3069

god

בְּחָזָ֣ק4 of 13

with strong

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

יָב֔וֹא5 of 13

will come

H935

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

וּזְרֹע֖וֹ6 of 13

hand and his arm

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

מֹ֣שְׁלָה7 of 13

shall rule

H4910

to rule

ל֑וֹ8 of 13
H0
הִנֵּ֤ה9 of 13
H2009

lo!

שְׂכָרוֹ֙10 of 13

for him behold his reward

H7939

payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit

אִתּ֔וֹ11 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וּפְעֻלָּת֖וֹ12 of 13

is with him and his work

H6468

(abstractly) work

לְפָנָֽיו׃13 of 13

before

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


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 40:10 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 40:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study