King James Version

What Does Isaiah 56:2 Mean?

Isaiah 56:2 in the King James Version says “Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting i... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 56 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

Isaiah 56:2 · KJV


Context

1

Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. judgment: or, equity

2

Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

3

Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

4

For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blessing comes to the one who 'doeth this' - keeping sabbath and keeping hands from evil. The Hebrew 'chazeq' (holds fast) suggests determined commitment. Sabbath-keeping becomes a test case for covenant loyalty, representing trust in God's provision rather than anxious self-reliance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sabbath observance was intensified during and after exile as a distinctive identity marker. It symbolized trust in God and separation from pagan cultures that knew no sabbath.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sabbath-keeping express trust in God's provision?
  2. What does 'holding fast' to covenant commitments look like in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אַשְׁרֵ֤י1 of 16

Blessed

H835

happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!

אֱנוֹשׁ֙2 of 16
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵעֲשׂ֥וֹת3 of 16

from doing

H6213

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

זֹּ֔את4 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וּבֶן5 of 16

this and the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֖ם6 of 16

of man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

יַחֲזִ֣יק7 of 16

that layeth hold

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בָּ֑הּ8 of 16
H0
וְשֹׁמֵ֥ר9 of 16

it and keepeth

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

שַׁבָּת֙10 of 16

the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

מֵֽחַלְּל֔וֹ11 of 16

from polluting

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

וְשֹׁמֵ֥ר12 of 16

it and keepeth

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

יָד֖וֹ13 of 16

his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מֵעֲשׂ֥וֹת14 of 16

from doing

H6213

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

כָּל15 of 16
H3605

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

רָֽע׃16 of 16

any evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)


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 56:2 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 56:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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