King James Version

What Does Isaiah 62:4 Mean?

Isaiah 62:4 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Heph... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 62 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. Hephzibah: that is, My delight is in her Beulah: that is, Married

Isaiah 62:4 · KJV


Context

2

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

3

Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.

4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. Hephzibah: that is, My delight is in her Beulah: that is, Married

5

For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. as the: Heb. with the joy of the bridegroom

6

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, make: or, are the LORD's remembrancers


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah ('my delight is in her'), and thy land Beulah ('married').' These new names reverse the old condition. From abandoned to beloved, from desolate wasteland to fruitful marriage - the Hebrew conveys intimate relationship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These names became personal names in Israel (2 Kings 21:1 mentions Hephzibah as Hezekiah's wife). The marriage metaphor runs throughout Isaiah and is fulfilled in Christ's relationship to His church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the names Hephzibah and Beulah describe your relationship with God?
  2. What 'old names' (Forsaken, Desolate) has God replaced with new identity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
לֹֽא1 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵאָמֵ֥ר2 of 23

Thou shalt no more be termed

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֨ךְ3 of 23
H0
ע֜וֹד4 of 23
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

עֲזוּבָ֗ה5 of 23

Forsaken

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וְאַרְצֵ֖ךְ6 of 23

and thy land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֹא7 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵאָמֵ֥ר8 of 23

Thou shalt no more be termed

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עוֹד֙9 of 23
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

שְׁמָמָ֔ה10 of 23

Desolate

H8077

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

כִּ֣י11 of 23
H3588

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

לָ֗ךְ12 of 23
H0
יִקָּרֵא֙13 of 23

but thou shalt be called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

חֶפְצִי14 of 23
H0
בָ֔הּ15 of 23

Hephzibah

H2657

cheptsi-bah, a spiritual name for palestine

וְאַרְצֵ֖ךְ16 of 23

and thy land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

תִּבָּעֵֽל׃17 of 23

Beulah

H1166

to be master; hence, to marry

כִּֽי18 of 23
H3588

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

חָפֵ֤ץ19 of 23

delighteth

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

יְהוָה֙20 of 23

for the LORD

H3068

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

בָּ֔ךְ21 of 23
H0
וְאַרְצֵ֖ךְ22 of 23

and thy land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

תִּבָּעֵֽל׃23 of 23

Beulah

H1166

to be master; hence, to marry


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 62:4 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 62:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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