Isaiah 51:16
Isaiah 51:16 in Multiple Translations
I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’”
And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the shadow of my hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
And I have put my words in your mouth, covering you with the shade of my hand, stretching out the heavens, and placing the earth on its base, and saying to Zion, You are my people.
I have told you what to say, and I have protected you with my hand. I created the heavens and founded the earth, and told Zion, “You are my people.”
And I haue put my wordes in thy mouth, and haue defended thee in the shadowe of mine hand, that I may plant the heauens, and lay the foundation of the earth, and say vnto Zion, Thou art my people.
And I put My words in thy mouth, And with the shadow of My hand have covered thee, To plant the heavens, and to found earth, And to say to Zion, 'My people [art] thou.'
I have put my words in your mouth and have covered you in the shadow of my hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and tell Zion, ‘You are my people.’”
And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the shade of my hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, Thou art my people.
I have put my words in thy mouth, and have protected thee in the shadow of my hand, that thou mightest plant the heavens, and found the earth: and mightest say to Sion: Thou art my people.
I have given you my message [MTY] to proclaim, and I have protected you with my hand [MTY]. I stretched out the sky and laid the foundation of the earth. And I am the one who says to you Israeli people, ‘You are my people!’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 51:16
BAB
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Isaiah 51:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אָשִׂ֤ים
דְּבָרַ/י֙
בְּ/פִ֔י/ךָ
וּ/בְ/צֵ֥ל
יָדִ֖/י
כִּסִּיתִ֑י/ךָ
לִ/נְטֹ֤עַ
שָׁמַ֨יִם֙
וְ/לִ/יסֹ֣ד
אָ֔רֶץ
וְ/לֵ/אמֹ֥ר
לְ/צִיּ֖וֹן
עַמִּ/י
אָֽתָּה
וָ/אָשִׂ֤ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
דְּבָרַ/י֙
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/פִ֔י/ךָ
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְ/צֵ֥ל
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Conj | Prep | N-ms
יָדִ֖/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
כִּסִּיתִ֑י/ךָ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff
לִ/נְטֹ֤עַ
nâṭaʻ
H5193
to plant
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שָׁמַ֨יִם֙
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
וְ/לִ/יסֹ֣ד
yâçad
H3245
to found
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וְ/לֵ/אמֹ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/צִיּ֖וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
Zion
Prep | N-proper
עַמִּ/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
אָֽתָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 51:16
וָ/אָשִׂ֤ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
דְּבָרַ/י֙
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
בְּ/פִ֔י/ךָ
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
וּ/בְ/צֵ֥ל
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
יָדִ֖/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
כִּסִּיתִ֑י/ךָ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
לִ/נְטֹ֤עַ
nâṭaʻ
H5193
"to plant"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To plant or establish something, like in Genesis 2:8 where God planted a garden in Eden. It can also mean to fix or fasten something in place.
Definition: 1) to plant, fasten, fix, establish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to plant 1a2) to plant, establish (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be planted 1b2) to be established (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: fastened, plant(-er). See also: Genesis 2:8; Isaiah 17:10; Psalms 44:3.
שָׁמַ֨יִם֙
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וְ/לִ/יסֹ֣ד
yâçad
H3245
"to found"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To found or establish something is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It also means to sit down together and consult, as in a meeting or council.
Definition: 1) to found, fix, establish, lay foundation 1a) (Qal) to found, establish, begin 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to fix or seat themselves close together, sit in conclave 1b2) to be founded 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to found 1c2) to establish, appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) to be founded, be laid 1e) (Hophal) to be founded
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appoint, take counsel, establish, (lay the, lay for a) found(-ation), instruct, lay, ordain, set, [idiom] sure. See also: Exodus 9:18; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 2:2.
אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/לֵ/אמֹ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְ/צִיּ֖וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
"Zion"
Prep | N-proper
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
עַמִּ/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אָֽתָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
Study Notes — Isaiah 51:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 51:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 51:16
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:16
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:16
- Sermons on Isaiah 51:16
Context — Salvation for Zion
14The captive will soon be freed; he will not die in the dungeon, and his bread will not be lacking.
15For I am the LORD your God who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD of Hosts is His name.
16I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’”
17Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of His fury; you who have drained the goblet to the dregs— the cup that makes men stagger. 18Among all the sons she bore, there is no one to guide her; among all the sons she brought up, there is no one to take her hand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 59:21 | “As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not depart from you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and grandchildren, from now on and forevermore,” says the LORD. |
| 2 | Isaiah 49:2 | He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver. |
| 3 | John 17:8 | For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 18:18 | I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 31:33 | “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. |
| 6 | Isaiah 66:22 | “For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me,” declares the LORD, “so your descendants and your name will endure. |
| 7 | Isaiah 48:13 | Surely My own hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand up together. |
| 8 | Isaiah 50:4 | The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. |
| 9 | John 8:38–40 | I speak of what I have seen in the presence of the Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” “Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. |
| 10 | Zechariah 13:9 | This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” |
Isaiah 51:16 Summary
[This verse is a beautiful reminder that God has given us the privilege of speaking His words and being covered by His protection. He has put His words in our mouth, just like He did with the prophets in Jeremiah 1:9, and has covered us with the shadow of His hand. This means that we can trust in His care and provision, and that He will help us to proclaim His message to the world, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20. As we trust in God's power and protection, we can live out our identity as His people, and declare His truth to those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have God's words in our mouth?
This phrase means that God has given us the authority and responsibility to speak His truth, as seen in Isaiah 51:16, and to proclaim His message to others, just as He did with the prophets in Jeremiah 1:9.
How does God's shadow protect us?
The shadow of God's hand is a metaphor for His protection and care, as seen in Isaiah 51:16, and is reminiscent of Psalm 91:1, where it says 'He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.'
What is the significance of God saying 'You are My people' to Zion?
This statement is a declaration of God's love and ownership of His people, as seen in Isaiah 51:16, and is a reminder of His covenant with them, as stated in Exodus 19:5-6 and reaffirmed in 2 Corinthians 6:16.
How does this verse relate to our role as believers?
As believers, we are called to be God's representatives on earth, and this verse reminds us that God has given us the privilege of speaking His words and being covered by His protection, just as He did with the Israelites, and we are to proclaim His message to the world, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has put His words in my mouth, and how can I be more faithful in speaking His truth?
- How have I experienced the protection of God's shadow in my life, and how can I trust in His care more fully?
- What does it mean for me to be part of God's people, and how can I live out my identity as a child of God?
- In what ways can I establish or strengthen my faith, just as God established the heavens and the earth, and what role does trust in His power play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:16
And I have put my words in thy mouth,.... His promises and his truths, either in the mouth of his church, and people for them, both to preserve and transmit to future generations, and to publish and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:16
And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:16
I have put my words in thy mouth; these great and glorious promises which are in thy mouth are not the vain words of man, a weak, and inconstant, and unfaithful creature, but the words of the almighty, unchangeable, and faithful God, and therefore they shall be infallibly accomplished. These words are manifestly spoken by God, either, 1. To Isaiah, by whom these promises were delivered. Or, 2. To Christ, of whom and to whom many things are said in this prophecy, as we have already seen, and will further appear. And such abrupt and sudden apostrophes to persons not mentioned in the foregoing words are not unusual in this prophecy, as hath been observed. Or rather, 3. To Israel, to God’ s church and people, to whom he speaks both in the foregoing and following verses. For God’ s word is frequently said to be put into the mouths, not only of the prophets, but of the people also, as ; as also , &c. Have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand; have protected thee by my almighty power.
See the same phrase . That I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth; I have given thee these promises and this protection in all thy calamities, to assure thee of any care and kindness to thee, and that I will reform thee in a most glorious manner, and bring thee unto that perfect and blessed estate which is reserved for the days of the Messiah, which in Scripture phrase is called a making of new heavens and a new earth, 66:22 , and elsewhere. And say unto Zion, Thou art my people; that I may own thee for my people, in a more illustrious manner than ever I have done.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:16
Isaiah 51:16 And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou [art] my people.Ver. 16. And I have put my words in thy mouth.] O Isaiah, my servant; but especially, O Christ, my Son. That I may plant the heavens, &c.] God doth as great a wonder, in saying to Zion, "Thou art my people," in the work of renovation, as if he had made a new world. "Whosoever is in Christ is a new creature," or a new creation. Christ is called, "The beginning of the creation of God." Some, by "planting the heavens and laying the foundation of the earth" here, understand the state of the gospel, called by St Peter a "new heaven and a new earth"; and the same, they say, is called by our Saviour "regeneration" in Matthew 19:28, "Ye which have followed me in the regeneration," &c.; and by the author to the Hebrews, "The world to come."
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:16
(16) And I have put my words in thy mouth . . .—Some interpreters assume, that while Isaiah 51:1? was spoken to the Jewish exiles, this, which reminds us of Isa 49:2, is addressed to the Servant of the Lord. Of these, some (Cheyne), struck by the apparent abruptness, assume it to be misplaced. There seems no adequate reason for adopting either hypothesis. The words are spoken to Israel, contemplated as in its ideal, as were the others to the actual Israel. It remains true, as ever, that that ideal is fulfilled only in the Servant. That I may plant.—Noteworthy as the first intimation of the new heaven and the new earth, implying a restitution of all things, of which we find the expression in Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 51:16
Verse 16. That I may plant the heavens - "To stretch out the heavens"] In the present text it is לנתע lintoa, "to plant the heavens:" the phrase is certainly very obscure, and in all probability is a mistake for לנטות lintoth. This latter is the word used in Isaiah 51:13 just before, in the very same sentence; and this phrase occurs very frequently in Isaiah, Isaiah 40:22; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 44:24; Isaiah 45:12; the former in no other place. It is also very remarkable, that in the Samaritan text, Numbers 24:6, these two words are twice changed by mistake, one for the other, in the same verse.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:16
16. I have put my words in thy mouth] recurring in ch. Isaiah 59:21. covered thee in the shadow of mine hand] Taken almost exactly from Isaiah 49:2. that I may plant &c.] This is no doubt the right translation, not “that thou mayest plant” (lit. “to plant”). The metaphor of “planting” the heavens is strange; some critics substitute “to stretch forth” (changing a letter), as in Isaiah 51:13, with which likewise the following words correspond. The verse is remarkable in two respects. (1) It throws an important light on the idea of the Servant of the Lord. Language which is elsewhere used of the Servant is here applied to Israel, to whom the verse is undoubtedly addressed. This would be a strong confirmation of the theory that the Servant is in some sense a personification of Israel. (2) The conception of a new moral universe about to be created is partly anticipated both in Isaiah 51:6 (where the transitoriness of the present world is asserted), and in Isaiah 51:9 f. (see the notes above).
This verse, however, adds the further idea that the new creation is the ultimate goal of God’s dealings with Israel, whose religious mission culminates in a universal and everlasting salvation.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:16
And I have put my words in thy mouth - That is, he had committed his truth to the Jewish people; to Zion.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:16
14-16. The captive exile — One bowed down under the burden of captivity, which may be general, but more likely is here local, the captivity in Babylon. Hasteneth… loosed — Set free.
Sermons on Isaiah 51:16
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(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) Being Godly Parents by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the husband-wife relationship in churches, particularly in India. The devil seeks to attack the Christian home because he k |
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Through the Bible - Isaiah - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of believers in preparing people for the second coming of Jesus, comparing it to the way John the Baptist prepared for his first co |
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True Obedience to God by Grace by Asa Mahan | Asa Mahan preaches about the struggle of Christians to maintain a childlike, affectionate, and obedient spirit towards God, which can only be achieved through complete surrender to |
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The Papal and Hierarchial System - Part 6 by Joseph John Gurney | Joseph John Gurney preaches about the Christian ministry, highlighting the fallacious claim of the priesthood by Rome, the importance of apostolic succession, and the true qualifie |
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What to Leave Children by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of a father's integrity and character as the most valuable inheritance for his children, surpassing material wealth. He argues that a holy |
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An Abundant Harvest by Robert Hawker | Robert Hawker preaches on the profound truth shared by Jesus in John 12:24, comparing His death to a corn of wheat falling into the ground and dying to bring forth much fruit. He u |
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All the Principles of Piety Subverted by Fanatics, Who Substitute Revelations for Scriptures. by John Calvin | John Calvin addresses the issue of fanatics who wrongly appeal to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that those who reject Scripture and claim a superior connection to God through the Sp |