King James Version

What Does Isaiah 52:5 Mean?

Isaiah 52:5 in the King James Version says “Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 52 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.

Isaiah 52:5 · KJV


Context

3

For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.

4

For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.

5

Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.

6

Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.

7

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The question 'what have I here...that my people is taken away for nought?' expresses divine indignation at unjust oppression. The accusation that oppressors 'make them to howl' and 'my name continually is blasphemed' shows that persecution of God's people constitutes blasphemy against God. This establishes that the church's suffering is Christ's suffering (Acts 9:4 - 'why persecutest thou me?').

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian mockery of captured Israel blasphemed Yahweh's name, suggesting He was weaker than Marduk. This provoked God's wrath and motivated Babylon's judgment. The principle applies to all persecution of believers - it is God who is ultimately attacked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that attacks on you as a Christian are actually attacks on Christ Himself comfort and embolden you?
  2. In what ways does the world's treatment of the church blaspheme God's name today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְעַתָּ֤ה1 of 19
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

מַה2 of 19
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לִּי3 of 19
H0
פֹה֙4 of 19
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

נְאֻם5 of 19

Now therefore what have I here saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 19

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּֽי7 of 19
H3588

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

לֻקַּ֥ח8 of 19

is taken away

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

עַמִּ֖י9 of 19

that my people

H5971

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

חִנָּ֑ם10 of 19

for nought

H2600

gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage

מֹשְׁלָ֤ו11 of 19

they that rule

H4910

to rule

יְהֵילִ֙ילוּ֙12 of 19

over them make them to howl

H3213

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

נְאֻם13 of 19

Now therefore what have I here saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה14 of 19

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְתָמִ֥יד15 of 19

continually

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

כָּל16 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיּ֖וֹם17 of 19

every day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שְׁמִ֥י18 of 19

and my name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

מִנֹּאָֽץ׃19 of 19

is blasphemed

H5006

to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom


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 52:5 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 52:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study