King James Version

What Does Isaiah 54:17 Mean?

Isaiah 54:17 in the King James Version says “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shal... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 54 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 54:17 · KJV


Context

15

Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

16

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise 'No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper' doesn't guarantee no attacks, but guarantees ultimate victory over all opposition. The assurance 'every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn' promises vindication against accusers. The declaration 'This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD' establishes these promises as covenant inheritance for all believers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel faced military (weapons) and legal (tongues in judgment) attacks throughout history. God promised that while attacks would come, they ultimately wouldn't succeed. The church inherits this promise - gates of hell won't prevail (Matthew 16:18).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'weapons formed against you' (opposition, attacks, trials) must you trust will ultimately 'not prosper'?
  2. How does knowing vindication is your 'heritage' from God sustain you through present accusations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כָּל1 of 20
H3605

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

כְּלִ֞י2 of 20

No weapon

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

יוּצַ֤ר3 of 20

that is formed

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

עָלַ֙יִךְ֙4 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לֹ֣א5 of 20
H3808

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

יִצְלָ֔ח6 of 20

against thee shall prosper

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

וְכָל7 of 20
H3605

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

לָשׁ֛וֹן8 of 20

and every tongue

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

תָּֽקוּם9 of 20

that shall rise

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אִתָּ֥ךְ10 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט11 of 20

against thee in judgment

H4941

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

תַּרְשִׁ֑יעִי12 of 20

thou shalt condemn

H7561

to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate

זֹ֡את13 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

נַחֲלַת֩14 of 20

This is the heritage

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

עַבְדֵ֨י15 of 20

of the servants

H5650

a servant

יְהוָֽה׃16 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְצִדְקָתָ֛ם17 of 20

and their righteousness

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

מֵאִתִּ֖י18 of 20
H853

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

נְאֻם19 of 20

is of me saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

of 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 54:17 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 54:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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