King James Version

What Does Isaiah 54:5 Mean?

Isaiah 54:5 in the King James Version says “For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the w... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 54 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Isaiah 54:5 · KJV


Context

3

For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

4

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

5

For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

6

For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

7

For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The declaration 'thy Maker is thine husband' employs marriage imagery depicting covenant intimacy between God and people. The titles 'the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called' progress from particular (Israel's God) to universal (whole earth's God). This anticipates gospel going to all nations - Israel's covenant God becomes world's only God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In exile, Israel felt widowed and abandoned. God's reassurance 'thy Maker is thy husband' renewed covenant relationship. Ultimately fulfilled in Christ as bridegroom (Ephesians 5:25-32) married to the church, His bride. The husband-imagery emphasizes permanent covenant commitment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God as your 'husband' (covenant partner) deepen your assurance of His committed love?
  2. What does it mean that Israel's particular God is 'God of the whole earth' - how does this affect evangelism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּ֤י1 of 13
H3588

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

בֹעֲלַ֙יִךְ֙2 of 13

is thine husband

H1166

to be master; hence, to marry

עֹשַׂ֔יִךְ3 of 13

For thy Maker

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָ֥ה4 of 13

the LORD

H3068

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

צְבָא֖וֹת5 of 13

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

שְׁמ֑וֹ6 of 13

is his name

H8034

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

וְגֹֽאֲלֵךְ֙7 of 13

and thy Redeemer

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

קְד֣וֹשׁ8 of 13

the Holy One

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל9 of 13

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֱלֹהֵ֥י10 of 13

The God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כָל11 of 13
H3605

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

הָאָ֖רֶץ12 of 13

of the whole earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִקָּרֵֽא׃13 of 13

shall he be called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)


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 54:5 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 54:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study