King James Version

What Does Isaiah 51:5 Mean?

Isaiah 51:5 in the King James Version says “My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 51:5 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

7

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

Read Isaiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise 'My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth' emphasizes the imminent arrival of God's deliverance. The phrase 'mine arms shall judge the people' depicts divine strength executing justice and salvation. The prediction that 'the isles shall wait upon me' and 'on mine arm shall they trust' shows Gentiles expecting salvation from Israel's God - a radical vision in ethnic-particularist context.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This began fulfilling when gospel spread to coastal Mediterranean regions (the 'isles'), but awaits complete fulfillment when 'every knee bows' to Christ (Philippians 2:10). God's 'arm' is Christ who executes judgment and saves.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the nearness of God's righteousness create urgency in your pursuit of holiness?
  2. What does Gentile inclusion in salvation promises teach about the scope of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
קָר֤וֹב1 of 13

“is near”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

צִדְקִי֙2 of 13

“My righteousness”

H6664

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

יָצָ֣א3 of 13

“is gone forth”

H3318

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

יִשְׁעִ֔י4 of 13

“my salvation”

H3468

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

זְרֹעִ֖י5 of 13

“and mine arms”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

עַמִּ֣ים6 of 13

“the people”

H5971

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

יִשְׁפֹּ֑טוּ7 of 13

“shall judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

אֵלַי֙8 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִיִּ֣ים9 of 13

“the isles”

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

יְקַוּ֔וּ10 of 13

“shall wait”

H6960

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

וְאֶל11 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זְרֹעִ֖י12 of 13

“and mine arms”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

יְיַחֵלֽוּן׃13 of 13

“shall they trust”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

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 51:5 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 51:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 10:17-18Isaiah 46:13Romans 10:6-10Isaiah 42:4Isaiah 60:92 Corinthians 5:10

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