King James Version

What Does Isaiah 51:1 Mean?

Isaiah 51:1 in the King James Version says “Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.

Isaiah 51:1 · KJV


Context

1

Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.

2

Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

3

For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to 'look unto the rock whence ye are hewn' calls believers to remember their spiritual origin - Abraham and Sarah's barrenness transformed by God's promise. The quarry metaphor emphasizes that our existence derives entirely from God's sovereign work, not human merit or effort. This grounds identity in divine grace and demolishes all boasting except in God's transforming power (1 Corinthians 1:29-31).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Exiles descended from Abraham (one man) miraculously blessed into multitudes. Remembering this origin encouraged faith that God could again multiply the small returning remnant. The same God who made Abraham's barrenness fruitful could restore desolate Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does reflecting on your spiritual 'quarry' - what you were before Christ - humble your pride?
  2. What 'barrenness' has God transformed in your life through His sovereign power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
שִׁמְע֥וּ1 of 14

Hearken

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵלַ֛י2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רֹ֥דְפֵי3 of 14

to me ye that follow after

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

צֶ֖דֶק4 of 14

righteousness

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

מְבַקְשֵׁ֣י5 of 14

ye that seek

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 14

the LORD

H3068

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

הַבִּ֙יטוּ֙7 of 14

look

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

אֶל8 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צ֣וּר9 of 14

unto the rock

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

חֻצַּבְתֶּ֔ם10 of 14

whence ye are hewn

H2672

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

וְאֶל11 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַקֶּ֥בֶת12 of 14

and to the hole

H4718

properly, a perforator, (intransitively) a perforation, i.e., a quarry

בּ֖וֹר13 of 14

of the pit

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

נֻקַּרְתֶּֽם׃14 of 14

whence ye are digged

H5365

to bore (penetrate, quarry)


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 51:1 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 51:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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