King James Version

What Does Isaiah 57:13 Mean?

Isaiah 57:13 in the King James Version says “When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;”

Isaiah 57:13 · KJV

Context

11

And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

12

I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.

13

When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;

14

And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.

15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Read Isaiah 57 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The verse divides sharply between judgment and promise. First, the threat: "When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee." The Hebrew qibbuts (collection/companies) likely refers to their assembled idols or allied nations—let these supposed helpers save them in their distress. This echoes Jeremiah's taunt, "Where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee" (Jeremiah 2:28). "The wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them" uses parallel terms—ruach (wind/spirit) and hebel (vanity/breath)—emphasizing the utter insubstantiality of false securities. Then comes the glorious contrast: "But he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain." This promise of inheritance connects to the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15:7) and ultimate rest in Zion. Reformed theology sees this as distinguishing true faith from false profession—the elect remnant who trust Yahweh alone will receive the inheritance. "Putting trust" (chasah) means seeking refuge, the language of faith used in the Psalms (Psalm 2:12, 16:1, 57:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy was fulfilled historically when Judah's allies and idols proved useless during Babylon's invasion. Those who trusted in Egypt, Assyria, or pagan gods found no help (Jeremiah 37:7-10). However, a remnant who trusted Yahweh alone, like Daniel, Ezekiel, and others, eventually returned from exile to possess the land again (Ezra, Nehemiah). Ultimately, this points to the new covenant people who inherit God's kingdom through faith in Christ (Matthew 5:5, Romans 4:13, Galatians 3:29).

Reflection Questions

  1. What false refuges do we run to in times of crisis instead of trusting God alone?
  2. How does genuine trust in God differ from mere religious profession?
  3. What inheritance has Christ secured for those who put their trust in Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בְּזַֽעֲקֵךְ֙1 of 16

“When thou criest”

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

יַצִּילֻ֣ךְ2 of 16

“deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

קִבּוּצַ֔יִךְ3 of 16

“let thy companies”

H6899

a throng

וְאֶת4 of 16
H853

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

כֻּלָּ֥ם5 of 16
H3605

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

יִשָּׂא6 of 16

“shall carry them all away”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

ר֖וּחַ7 of 16

“thee but the wind”

H7307

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

יִקַּח8 of 16

“shall take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הָ֑בֶל9 of 16

“vanity”

H1892

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

וְהַחוֹסֶ֥ה10 of 16

“them but he that putteth his trust”

H2620

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

בִי֙11 of 16
H0
יִנְחַל12 of 16

“in me shall possess”

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אֶ֔רֶץ13 of 16

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְיִירַ֖שׁ14 of 16

“and shall inherit”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

הַר15 of 16

“mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קָדְשִֽׁי׃16 of 16

“my holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 57:13 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 57:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 37:9Psalms 37:3Isaiah 65:25Isaiah 56:7Isaiah 11:9Judges 10:14

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