King James Version

What Does Isaiah 51:16 Mean?

Isaiah 51:16 in the King James Version says “And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.

Isaiah 51:16 · KJV


Context

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.

15

But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.

16

And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.

17

Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.

18

There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people. This verse reveals the Servant's prophetic office—God places His words in the Servant's mouth, creating a perfect prophetic mouthpiece. The phrase "I have put my words in thy mouth" appears in Moses' call (Deuteronomy 18:18) and Jeremiah's commission (Jeremiah 1:9), establishing continuity in prophetic succession culminating in the ultimate Prophet, Christ.

"Covered thee in the shadow of mine hand" depicts divine protection during the Servant's mission. The shadow metaphor appears in Psalm 91:1 indicating security, and in Isaiah 49:2 where God makes the Servant "a polished shaft" hidden in His quiver. This protection enables cosmic renewal: "plant the heavens, lay the foundations of the earth"—language echoing original creation (Genesis 1), now applied to new creation through the Servant's work.

From a Reformed perspective, this prophecy points to Christ who perfectly speaks God's words (John 3:34, 8:28) and through whom new creation comes (2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 21:5). The purpose clause—"say unto Zion, Thou art my people"—establishes covenant relationship as the goal of new creation. Christ's redemptive work restores the covenant declaration: "I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10). The new heavens and earth provide eternal dwelling for God's redeemed people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The language of planting heavens and laying earth's foundations alludes to Genesis 1 creation account. Jewish theology understood that God's word has creative power (Psalm 33:6, 9—"he spake, and it was done"). The Servant's words, being God's words, participate in this creative power, bringing new creation into being.

The declaration "Thou art my people" recalls Exodus 6:7, Leviticus 26:12—the covenant formula establishing Israel's relationship with Yahweh. The exile threatened to annul this covenant (Hosea 1:9—"not my people"), but Isaiah promises restoration and expansion. The New Testament applies this to the church, including Gentiles: "which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God" (1 Peter 2:10). The new creation inaugurated by Christ's resurrection awaits consummation at His return (Revelation 21-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ as God's perfect Word challenge your trust in Scripture's authority?
  2. In what ways have you experienced God's protective 'shadow' during your mission?
  3. How does the promise of new creation affect your engagement with present environmental or social issues?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וָאָשִׂ֤ם1 of 14

And I have put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

דְּבָרַי֙2 of 14

my words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּפִ֔יךָ3 of 14

in thy mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וּבְצֵ֥ל4 of 14

thee in the shadow

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

יָדִ֖י5 of 14

of mine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כִּסִּיתִ֑יךָ6 of 14

and I have covered

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

לִנְטֹ֤עַ7 of 14

that I may plant

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

שָׁמַ֙יִם֙8 of 14

the heavens

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְלִיסֹ֣ד9 of 14

and lay the foundations

H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

אָ֔רֶץ10 of 14

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְלֵאמֹ֥ר11 of 14

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְצִיּ֖וֹן12 of 14

unto Zion

H6726

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

עַמִּי13 of 14

Thou art my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אָֽתָּה׃14 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you


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 51:16 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 51:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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