King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:19 Mean?

Isaiah 59:19 in the King James Version says “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 co... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 59:19 · KJV


Context

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

20

And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.

21

As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The result of God's intervention: 'So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun.' Universal recognition of God replaces universal rebellion. 'When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.' The Spirit raises a battle standard against overwhelming evil.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophetic victory over enemy flood anticipates eschatological triumph. The Spirit's raising a standard echoes military practice of rallying troops around a banner.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God's Spirit raised a standard against overwhelming opposition in your experience?
  2. What does fearing God's name 'from the west and from the east' look like?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְיִֽירְא֤וּ1 of 17

So shall they fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מִֽמַּעֲרָב֙2 of 17

from the west

H4628

the west (as a region of the evening sun)

אֶת3 of 17
H853

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

שֵׁ֣ם4 of 17

the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֖ה5 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

וּמִמִּזְרַח6 of 17

from the rising

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

שֶׁ֖מֶשׁ7 of 17

of the sun

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

אֶת8 of 17
H853

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

כְּבוֹד֑וֹ9 of 17

and his glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

כִּֽי10 of 17
H3588

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

יָב֤וֹא11 of 17

shall come in

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כַנָּהָר֙12 of 17

like a flood

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

צָ֔ר13 of 17

When the enemy

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

ר֥וּחַ14 of 17

the Spirit

H7307

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

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

נֹ֥סְסָה16 of 17

shall lift up a standard

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

בֽוֹ׃17 of 17
H0

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 59:19 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 59:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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