King James Version

What Does Isaiah 51:19 Mean?

Isaiah 51:19 in the King James Version says “These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the s...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee? are: Heb. happened destruction: Heb. breaking”

Isaiah 51:19 · KJV

Comfort

Context

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.

19

These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee? are: Heb. happened destruction: Heb. breaking

20

Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the LORD, the rebuke of thy God.

21

Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee? The opening "two things" actually lists four calamities, suggesting Hebrew parallelism pairs them: desolation (shod, שֹׁד) with destruction (shever, שֶׁבֶר), and famine (ra'av, רָעָב) with sword (cherev, חֶרֶב). These represent comprehensive judgment—external military attack (sword) and internal social collapse (famine), physical devastation and human destruction.

The rhetorical questions—"who shall be sorry for thee?" and "by whom shall I comfort thee?"—emphasize Jerusalem's isolation. The Hebrew yenud (יָנוּד, "be sorry") suggests shaking the head in sympathetic grief, while anachamekh (אֲנַחֲמֵךְ, "comfort thee") involves consoling presence. The implied answer: no human comforter exists. This creates desperation that forces looking beyond human sources to divine provision.

From a Reformed perspective, this verse sets up the gospel paradox. Humanity under judgment deserves no sympathy, no comfort—we've merited wrath. Yet verse 21 begins "Therefore hear now this," introducing God's merciful intervention despite deserved judgment. Christ becomes the comforter (Paraclete, John 14:16) when no human comfort suffices. The doctrine of grace shines brightest against the backdrop of deserved desolation. God's comfort comes not because we merit it but despite our forfeiting all right to it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These four judgments correspond to covenant curses in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 and Leviticus 26:14-39. The pairing of famine and sword appears frequently (Jeremiah 14:12, 18; 21:7; Ezekiel 5:12)—siege warfare created starvation, culminating in violent conquest. Archaeological evidence from 586 BCE destruction layers shows burned grain stores and weapons, confirming both judgments.

Lamentations provides extended meditation on Jerusalem's isolation: "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?" (Lamentations 1:12). Neighboring nations either gloated over Judah's fall (Obadiah 1:12-13) or feared similar fate, offering no comfort. Yet God's comfort comes (2 Corinthians 1:3-4—"God of all comfort"), ultimately through Christ who endured desolation, destruction, abandonment, and death to bring consolation to the afflicted.

Reflection Questions

  1. What losses in your life seem beyond human comfort, requiring divine consolation?
  2. How does recognizing that you deserve no comfort deepen gratitude for God's mercy?
  3. Where is God calling you to comfort others who experience isolation and loss?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
שְׁתַּ֤יִם1 of 12

“These two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הֵ֙נָּה֙2 of 12
H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

קֹֽרְאֹתַ֔יִךְ3 of 12

“things are come”

H7122

to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner

מִ֖י4 of 12
H4310

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

יָנ֣וּד5 of 12

“unto thee who shall be sorry”

H5110

to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea

לָ֑ךְ6 of 12
H0
הַשֹּׁ֧ד7 of 12

“for thee desolation”

H7701

violence, ravage

וְהַשֶּׁ֛בֶר8 of 12

“and destruction”

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

וְהָרָעָ֥ב9 of 12

“and the famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

וְהַחֶ֖רֶב10 of 12

“and the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

מִ֥י11 of 12
H4310

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

אֲנַחֲמֵֽךְ׃12 of 12

“by whom shall I comfort”

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

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 51:19 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 51:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 47:9Amos 7:2Job 2:11Isaiah 14:30Lamentations 1:16-17Lamentations 1:12

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