King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:17 Mean?

Isaiah 59:17 in the King James Version says “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of ve...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.”

Isaiah 59:17 · KJV

Salvation

Context

15

Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. maketh: or, is accounted mad it displeased: Heb. it was evil in his eyes

16

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

18

According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. deeds: Heb. recompences

19

So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. lift: or, put him to flight

Read Isaiah 59 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God arms Himself as a warrior: 'For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.' Paul applies this armor to believers in Ephesians 6:14-17, but here God wears it. Righteousness protects, salvation guards, vengeance and zeal motivate action.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The divine warrior tradition appears throughout the Old Testament (Exodus 15, Judges 5, Habakkuk 3). God fights for His people when they cannot fight for themselves.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God wearing this armor differ from believers wearing it (Ephesians 6)?
  2. What does divine 'zeal' look like in action?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּלְבַּ֞שׁ1 of 13

“For he put on”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

צְדָקָה֙2 of 13

“righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

כַּשִּׁרְיָ֔ן3 of 13

“as a breastplate”

H8302

a corslet (as if twisted)

וְכ֥וֹבַע4 of 13

“and an helmet”

H3553

a helmet (as arched)

יְשׁוּעָ֖ה5 of 13

“of salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

בְּרֹאשׁ֑וֹ6 of 13

“upon his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַיִּלְבַּ֞שׁ7 of 13

“For he put on”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

בִּגְדֵ֤י8 of 13

“the garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

נָקָם֙9 of 13

“of vengeance”

H5359

revenge

תִּלְבֹּ֔שֶׁת10 of 13

“for clothing”

H8516

a garment

וַיַּ֥עַט11 of 13

“and was clad”

H5844

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

כַּמְעִ֖יל12 of 13

“as a cloke”

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

קִנְאָֽה׃13 of 13

“with zeal”

H7068

jealousy or envy

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 59:17 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 59:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 6:17Ephesians 6:141 Thessalonians 5:8Romans 13:12-14Isaiah 11:5Hebrews 10:30

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 59 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 59 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes