King James Version

What Does Isaiah 63:5 Mean?

Isaiah 63:5 in the King James Version says “And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought s...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 63 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.”

Isaiah 63:5 · KJV

Salvation

Context

3

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

4

For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

5

And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.

6

And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

7

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

Read Isaiah 63 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.' This echoes 59:16 exactly - God finds no helper, acts alone. The Hebrew 'zera' (arm) represents divine power. Fury and salvation merge as God accomplishes His purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The repeated theme of divine solo action emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's work. Human helpers fail; God prevails. This is the foundation of grace theology.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is it important that salvation requires no human assistance?
  2. How does God's self-sufficient action ground your assurance of salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאַבִּיט֙1 of 12

“And I looked”

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

וְאֵ֣ין2 of 12
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עֹזֵ֔ר3 of 12

“and there was none to help”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

וְאֶשְׁתּוֹמֵ֖ם4 of 12

“and I wondered”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

וְאֵ֣ין5 of 12
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

סְמָכָֽתְנִי׃6 of 12

“it upheld”

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

וַתּ֤וֹשַֽׁע7 of 12

“brought salvation”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

לִי֙8 of 12
H0
זְרֹעִ֔י9 of 12

“therefore mine own arm”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

וַחֲמָתִ֖י10 of 12

“unto me and my fury”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

הִ֥יא11 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

סְמָכָֽתְנִי׃12 of 12

“it upheld”

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

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 63:5 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 63:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 44:3Isaiah 52:10Isaiah 59:16-18Hosea 1:7Isaiah 50:2Isaiah 40:10

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 63 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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