King James Version

What Does Isaiah 51:7 Mean?

Isaiah 51:7 in the King James Version says “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neith...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 51:7 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

8

For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

9

Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?

Read Isaiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The address to those with 'my law in your heart' describes true believers - internal transformation, not mere external conformity (Jeremiah 31:33). The command 'fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings' calls for courage grounded in divine approval over human opinion. Those with God's word internalized can withstand social pressure because identity rests in God, not peer acceptance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Exiles faced mockery from Babylonians and later opposition rebuilding Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:1-3). The internalized law sustained faithful remnant through ridicule. Same principle applies to Christians facing secular culture's contempt.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does having God's law 'in your heart' (internalized Word) provide courage to withstand cultural opposition?
  2. What reproaches or revilings are you tempted to avoid by compromising biblical standards?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
שִׁמְע֤וּ1 of 14

“Hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵלַי֙2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֹ֣דְעֵי3 of 14

“unto me ye that know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

צֶ֔דֶק4 of 14

“righteousness”

H6664

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

עַ֖ם5 of 14

“the people”

H5971

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

תּוֹרָתִ֣י6 of 14

“is my law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

בְלִבָּ֑ם7 of 14

“in whose heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אַל8 of 14
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּֽירְאוּ֙9 of 14

“fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

חֶרְפַּ֣ת10 of 14

“ye not the reproach”

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

אֱנ֔וֹשׁ11 of 14

“of men”

H582

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

וּמִגִּדֻּפֹתָ֖ם12 of 14

“of their revilings”

H1421

vilification

אַל13 of 14
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּחָֽתּוּ׃14 of 14

“neither be ye afraid”

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

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 51:7 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 51:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:11Psalms 37:31Ezekiel 2:61 Peter 4:14Isaiah 51:1Philippians 3:8

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