King James Version

What Does Isaiah 54:10 Mean?

Isaiah 54:10 in the King James Version says “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 54 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.”

Isaiah 54:10 · KJV

Peace

Context

8

In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

9

For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

10

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

11

O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

12

And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles , and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

Read Isaiah 54 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise that 'the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed' depicts cosmic upheaval, yet 'my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed' establishes that God's love is more stable than creation itself. The oath 'saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee' grounds assurance in divine character. This anticipates eternal security - even if creation dissolves, God's covenant stands.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Exile shook Israel's confidence in covenant security. God swears that His covenant is more permanent than mountains - even if natural order fails, His promise endures. This 'covenant of peace' finds ultimate expression in new covenant sealed by Christ's blood.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God's covenant love is more permanent than mountains themselves strengthen your assurance?
  2. What does it mean that God has sworn a 'covenant of peace' that cannot be removed regardless of your circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֤י1 of 16
H3588

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

הֶֽהָרִים֙2 of 16

“For the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יָמ֗וּשׁ3 of 16

“shall depart”

H4185

to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)

וְהַגְּבָע֖וֹת4 of 16

“and the hills”

H1389

a hillock

תָמ֔וּט5 of 16

“be removed”

H4131

to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

וְחַסְדִּ֞י6 of 16

“but my kindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

מֵאִתֵּ֣ךְ7 of 16
H853

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

לֹֽא8 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָמ֗וּשׁ9 of 16

“shall depart”

H4185

to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)

וּבְרִ֤ית10 of 16

“from thee neither shall the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

שְׁלוֹמִי֙11 of 16

“of my peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

לֹ֣א12 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָמ֔וּט13 of 16

“be removed”

H4131

to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

אָמַ֥ר14 of 16

“saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מְרַחֲמֵ֖ךְ15 of 16

“that hath mercy”

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

יְהוָֽה׃16 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 54:10 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 54:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 89:33-34Psalms 46:2Ephesians 2:4-5Matthew 24:35Romans 11:29Isaiah 51:6-7

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