King James Version

What Does Isaiah 51:4 Mean?

Isaiah 51:4 in the King James Version says “Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgm...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.”

Isaiah 51:4 · KJV

Context

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.

4

Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.

5

My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

Read Isaiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The call 'Hearken unto me, my people' establishes covenant relationship before issuing commands. The promise 'a law shall proceed from me' and 'I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people' depicts Torah as divine gift providing guidance. The universal scope 'light of the people' anticipates Gentile inclusion - God's law isn't ethnic restriction but universal revelation of His character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This anticipates new covenant when law is written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33) and Gentiles are grafted into Israel (Romans 11:17). Christ as 'light of the world' (John 8:12) fulfills this promise - His teaching illuminates all peoples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you view God's law - as restrictive burden or gracious guidance providing 'light' for life's path?
  2. In what ways should Christ's universal light-giving compel you toward evangelistic concern for all peoples?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
הַקְשִׁ֤יבוּ1 of 14

“Hearken”

H7181

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

אֵלַי֙2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַמִּ֖ים3 of 14

“of the people”

H5971

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

וּלְאוּמִּ֖י4 of 14

“unto me O my nation”

H3816

a community

אֵלַ֣י5 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַאֲזִ֑ינוּ6 of 14

“and give ear”

H238

to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen

כִּ֤י7 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תוֹרָה֙8 of 14

“for a law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

מֵאִתִּ֣י9 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תֵצֵ֔א10 of 14

“shall proceed”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֔י11 of 14

“from me and I will make my judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

לְא֥וֹר12 of 14

“for a light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

עַמִּ֖ים13 of 14

“of the people”

H5971

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

אַרְגִּֽיעַ׃14 of 14

“to rest”

H7280

properly, to toss violently and suddenly (the sea with waves, the skin with boils); figuratively (in a favorable manner) to settle, i.e., quiet; speci

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 51:4 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 51:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:91 Corinthians 9:21Isaiah 2:3Isaiah 49:6Isaiah 42:6Micah 4:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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