King James Version

What Does Isaiah 58:14 Mean?

Isaiah 58:14 in the King James Version says “Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed t...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 58 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.”

Isaiah 58:14 · KJV

Context

12

And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

13

If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

14

Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Read Isaiah 58 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The chapter concludes with promises for Sabbath observance: "Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD." The Hebrew hitanag (delight) describes exquisite pleasure and satisfaction—finding ultimate joy in God Himself rather than in created things. "And I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth" uses military imagery of victory and dominion (Deuteronomy 32:13, 33:29). "And feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father" promises covenant blessings—the inheritance given to the patriarchs. The chapter ends with divine authority: "for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." This phrase (pi Adonai diber) seals the promise with absolute certainty. God's spoken word ensures fulfillment. These blessings flow from turning from Sabbath-breaking and finding delight in God's appointed means of grace. The Sabbath represents trusting God's provision rather than endless striving, and dedicating time specifically for worship rather than perpetual commerce. From a Reformed perspective, Christ fulfills the Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9-10), but the principle remains: those who truly delight in God, prioritizing worship and dependence on Him rather than self-reliance, will experience His covenant blessings. True religion reforms all of life—worship, work, justice, mercy, and rest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sabbath-breaking was a persistent problem in post-exilic Judah (Nehemiah 10:31, 13:15-22). Economic pressure tempted people to treat holy days as business opportunities, neglecting worship for commerce. This violated the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11) and demonstrated misplaced trust in human effort rather than divine provision. Nehemiah instituted reforms to restore Sabbath observance, recognizing that proper worship undergirded social justice and community health. The principle extended into the New Testament era, where Christians gathered on the Lord's Day for worship (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we cultivate genuine delight in God rather than merely performing religious duties?
  2. What does Sabbath-keeping teach us about trust in God's provision versus self-reliance?
  3. How does Christ's fulfillment of the Sabbath change our understanding of rest and worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אָ֗ז1 of 16
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

תִּתְעַנַּג֙2 of 16

“Then shalt thou delight”

H6026

to be soft or pliable, i.e., (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious

עַל3 of 16
H5921

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

יְהוָ֖ה4 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וְהִרְכַּבְתִּ֖יךָ5 of 16

“and I will cause thee to ride”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עַל6 of 16
H5921

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

בָּ֣מֳותֵי7 of 16

“upon the high places”

H1116

an elevation

אָ֑רֶץ8 of 16

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְהַאֲכַלְתִּ֗יךָ9 of 16

“and feed”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

נַחֲלַת֙10 of 16

“thee with the heritage”

H5159

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

יַעֲקֹ֣ב11 of 16

“of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אָבִ֔יךָ12 of 16

“thy father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כִּ֛י13 of 16
H3588

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

פִּ֥י14 of 16

“for the mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

דִּבֵּֽר׃16 of 16

“hath spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

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 58:14 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 58:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:13Job 22:26Habakkuk 3:18-19Isaiah 33:16Isaiah 1:19-20Deuteronomy 33:29

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