King James Version

What Does Isaiah 51:12 Mean?

Isaiah 51:12 in the King James Version says “I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the so...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;”

Isaiah 51:12 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

10

Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

11

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

12

I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

13

And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor? were: or, made himself ready

14

The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

Read Isaiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass? God's self-identification employs the emphatic doubled pronoun anochi anochi (I, even I) - asserting His unique role as comforter. The Hebrew nacham (comfort) appears throughout Isaiah 40-55, marking this section's theme. God Himself provides comfort; no substitute suffices.

The rhetorical question "who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid" challenges the incongruity of fearing mortals while knowing the eternal God. The parallel descriptions "man that shall die" (adam yamut) and "son of man which shall be made as grass" (ben-adam ke-chatsir yinaten) emphasize human frailty and transience. Grass withers quickly (40:6-8); humans share this mortality. Fearing the fleeting while neglecting the eternal reveals theological confusion.

From a Reformed perspective, this verse addresses the fear of man versus fear of God. Human threats appear immediate and tangible; God's presence seems distant. Yet logic demands we fear the eternal Judge who controls ultimate outcomes, not temporary oppressors who cannot touch the soul (Matthew 10:28). Trusting God's comfort displaces fear of human adversaries. This truth liberates believers from intimidation by hostile powers - tyrants fade like grass while God's promises endure forever.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This oracle addressed exiles terrorized by Babylonian power. The empire's military might, brutal suppressions, and apparent permanence bred fear among captive communities. Yet Isaiah reminds them that Babylon, however formidable, consists of mortals who will die. Within decades of this prophecy, Babylonian kings fell in succession, and Persia absorbed the empire. The grass metaphor proved literal - Nebuchadnezzar's dynasty ended swiftly (Daniel 4:30-33). God's comfort proved more substantial than Babylon's threats.

Reflection Questions

  1. What mortal threats or human adversaries currently intimidate you, causing you to forget that they 'shall die' and 'be made as grass'?
  2. How does meditating on God's self-identification 'I, even I, am he that comforteth you' redirect fear from humans to confidence in divine presence?
  3. In what practical ways can you cultivate fear of God that displaces fear of man in daily decisions and relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אָנֹכִ֧י1 of 13
H595

i

אָנֹכִ֛י2 of 13
H595

i

ה֖וּא3 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מְנַחֶמְכֶ֑ם4 of 13

“I even I am he that comforteth”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

מִֽי5 of 13
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

אַ֤תְּ6 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וַתִּֽירְאִי֙7 of 13

“you who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵאֱנ֣וֹשׁ8 of 13

“of a man”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

יָמ֔וּת9 of 13

“that shall die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וּמִבֶּן10 of 13

“and of the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֖ם11 of 13

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

חָצִ֥יר12 of 13

“as grass”

H2682

grass; also a leek (collectively)

יִנָּתֵֽן׃13 of 13

“which shall be made”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

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 51:12 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 51:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:61 Peter 1:24Isaiah 2:22John 14:26-27John 14:182 Corinthians 1:3-5

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 51 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 51 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes