King James Version

What Does Isaiah 54:6 Mean?

Isaiah 54:6 in the King James Version says “For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, sa...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 54 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 54:6 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

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.

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.

Read Isaiah 54 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse employs marital imagery to describe Israel's relationship with God. The threefold description—"forsaken" ('azuvah, עֲזוּבָה), "grieved in spirit" (va'atzuvat ruach, וַעֲצוּבַת רוּחַ), "refused" (me'usah, מְאוּסָה)—depicts a wife experiencing abandonment and rejection. Yet the opening phrase "the LORD hath called thee" introduces redemptive reversal—God takes back the rejected wife.

"A wife of youth" (eshet ne'urim, אֵשֶׁת נְעוּרִים) emphasizes the relationship's early covenant origins, recalling Israel's initial betrothal to Yahweh (Jeremiah 2:2, Ezekiel 16:8). Though the wife experienced rejection (exile), God now summons her back, demonstrating covenant faithfulness despite her unfaithfulness. The title "thy God" maintains personal relationship even through estrangement.

From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates unconditional election and persevering grace. Israel's restoration doesn't depend on her worthiness but God's covenant commitment. The church, though comprised of former covenant-breakers, is called back through Christ's mediation. Hosea's marriage to Gomer provides parallel imagery (Hosea 1-3)—God loves His people with covenant loyalty despite spiritual adultery. This verse confronts Arminian theology that makes salvation dependent on sustained human faithfulness; instead, God's calling and reclaiming proves His sovereignty in salvation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The marital metaphor for God-Israel relationship appears frequently in prophetic literature (Hosea, Jeremiah 2-3, Ezekiel 16, 23). Ancient Near Eastern treaties sometimes used marriage language for covenant relationships. Israel's exile seemed to terminate this relationship—God appeared to divorce His people for adultery (idolatry).

Yet Isaiah promises remarriage, demonstrating covenant faithfulness. The "wife of youth" recalls Sinai covenant establishment, Israel's "marriage" to Yahweh after Egypt's exodus. Despite subsequent unfaithfulness leading to exile, God promises restoration. This pattern finds ultimate expression in Christ's relationship with the church—He betroths a bride "not having spot, or wrinkle" (Ephesians 5:27), transforming former adulterers into pure bride through His sanctifying work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's initiative in calling back the 'forsaken' affect your view of salvation?
  2. What aspects of your spiritual history involve feeling 'refused' or 'grieved in spirit'?
  3. How should God's persistent calling despite unfaithfulness shape your confidence in perseverance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּֽי1 of 13
H3588

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

וְאֵ֧שֶׁת2 of 13

“and a wife”

H802

a woman

עֲזוּבָ֛ה3 of 13

“forsaken”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וַעֲצ֥וּבַת4 of 13

“and grieved”

H6087

properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion

ר֖וּחַ5 of 13

“in spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

קְרָאָ֣ךְ6 of 13

“hath called”

H7121

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

יְהוָ֑ה7 of 13

“For the LORD”

H3068

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

וְאֵ֧שֶׁת8 of 13

“and a wife”

H802

a woman

נְעוּרִ֛ים9 of 13

“of youth”

H5271

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

כִּ֥י10 of 13
H3588

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

תִמָּאֵ֖ס11 of 13

“when thou wast refused”

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

אָמַ֥ר12 of 13

“saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהָֽיִךְ׃13 of 13

“thy 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

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 54:6 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 54:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 62:4Ecclesiastes 9:9Hosea 2:14-15Proverbs 5:18Hosea 2:1-2Isaiah 49:14-21

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 54 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 54 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes