King James Version

What Does Isaiah 40:9 Mean?

Isaiah 40:9 in the King James Version says “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 40:9 · KJV


Context

7

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Zion and Jerusalem, personified as messengers ('mevaser' - herald of good news), are called to proclaim God's coming with boldness ('lift up your voice with strength'). The message—'Behold your God!'—is the essence of the gospel: God Himself comes to save. This anticipates both the return from exile and Christ's advent.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The high mountain imagery recalls Moses receiving the Law on Sinai, now transformed into a place of proclamation rather than revelation. The herald announces not law but redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you boldly proclaim 'Behold your God' to those living in fear and darkness?
  2. What fears prevent you from lifting your voice in witness to God's salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
עַ֣ל1 of 20
H5921

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

הַר2 of 20

mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

גָּבֹ֤הַ3 of 20

into the high

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

עֲלִי4 of 20

get thee up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

לָךְ֙5 of 20
H0
מְבַשֶּׂ֖רֶת6 of 20

that bringest good tidings

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

צִיּ֔וֹן7 of 20

O Zion

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

הָרִ֙ימִי֙8 of 20

lift it up

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

בַכֹּ֙חַ֙9 of 20

with strength

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

קוֹלֵ֔ךְ10 of 20

thy voice

H6963

a voice or sound

מְבַשֶּׂ֖רֶת11 of 20

that bringest good tidings

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם12 of 20

O Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הָרִ֙ימִי֙13 of 20

lift it up

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

אַל14 of 20
H408

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

תִּירָ֔אִי15 of 20

be not afraid

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אִמְרִי֙16 of 20

say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְעָרֵ֣י17 of 20

unto the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֔ה18 of 20

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הִנֵּ֖ה19 of 20
H2009

lo!

אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃20 of 20

Behold your 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


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 40:9 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 40:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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