King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:19 Mean?

Isaiah 5:19 in the King James Version says “That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel dra...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!”

Isaiah 5:19 · KJV

Context

17

Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.

18

Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:

19

That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!

20

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! call: Heb. say concerning evil, It is good, etc

21

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! in their own sight: Heb. before their face

Read Isaiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The mockers' challenge—'Let him make speed, and hasten his work...let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh'—expresses arrogant unbelief, daring God to judge. This cynical demand for immediate divine action demonstrates hardened hearts that mistake patience for impotence. Peter later identifies this same scoffing: 'Where is the promise of his coming?' (2 Peter 3:3-4). God's patience in delaying judgment, meant to prompt repentance, instead emboldens the rebellious.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Decades between Isaiah's warnings and Babylonian conquest allowed scoffers to mock prophetic threats. Yet delay didn't indicate divine indifference but longsuffering (2 Peter 3:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's patience in delaying promised judgment sometimes embolden rather than soften hearts?
  2. What modern scoffing at divine promises do we encounter or participate in?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הָאֹמְרִ֗ים1 of 12

“That say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְמַהֵ֧ר׀2 of 12

“Let him make speed”

H4116

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

יָחִ֛ישָׁה3 of 12

“and hasten”

H2363

to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment

מַעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ4 of 12

“his work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

לְמַ֣עַן5 of 12
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

נִרְאֶ֑ה6 of 12

“that we may see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְתִקְרַ֣ב7 of 12

“draw nigh”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

וְתָב֗וֹאָה8 of 12

“and come”

H935

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

עֲצַ֛ת9 of 12

“it and let the counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

קְד֥וֹשׁ10 of 12

“of the Holy One”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל11 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְנֵדָֽעָה׃12 of 12

“that we may know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 5:19 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 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 12:22Jeremiah 17:15Jeremiah 5:12-13Amos 5:18-19Isaiah 66:5Jeremiah 23:36

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