King James Version

What Does Isaiah 42:13 Mean?

Isaiah 42:13 in the King James Version says “The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. prevail: or, behave himself mightily”

Isaiah 42:13 · King James Version

Context

11

Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

12

Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.

13

The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. prevail: or, behave himself mightily

14

I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once. devour: Heb. swallow, or, sup up

15

I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.

Read Isaiah 42 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
God goes forth as a warrior ('gibbor'—mighty man) and stirs up His zeal like a man of war. The Hebrew 'qin'ah' (zeal/jealousy) indicates passionate commitment to His purposes. His war cry ('tsa'aq') and roar ('tsavach') demonstrate terrifying power against enemies. God's patience has limits; judgment comes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This military imagery anticipates God's judgment on Babylon and all who oppose His purposes. The warrior God fights for His people, avenging their oppression and vindicating His name.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's warrior nature inform your understanding of His justice?
  2. What does God's zeal for His people teach about His commitment to your protection?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יְהוָה֙1 of 13

“The LORD”

H3068

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

כַּגִּבּ֣וֹר2 of 13

“as a mighty man”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

יֵצֵ֔א3 of 13

“shall go forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

כְּאִ֥ישׁ4 of 13

“like a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִלְחָמ֖וֹת5 of 13

“of war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

יָעִ֣יר6 of 13

“he shall stir up”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

קִנְאָ֑ה7 of 13

“jealousy”

H7068

jealousy or envy

יָרִ֙יעַ֙8 of 13

“he shall cry”

H7321

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

אַף9 of 13
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

יַצְרִ֔יחַ10 of 13

“yea roar”

H6873

to be clear (in tone, i.e., shrill), i.e., to whoop

עַל11 of 13
H5921

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

אֹיְבָ֖יו12 of 13

“against his enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

יִתְגַּבָּֽר׃13 of 13

“he shall prevail”

H1396

to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently

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 42:13 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 42:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 15:1-3Psalms 78:65Isaiah 59:16-19Amos 1:2Psalms 110:5-6Zephaniah 3:8

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 42 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 42 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes