Isaiah 51:19
Isaiah 51:19 in Multiple Translations
These pairs have befallen you: devastation and destruction, famine and sword. Who will grieve for you? Who can comfort you?
These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
These two things are befallen thee, who shall bemoan thee? desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword; how shall I comfort thee?
These two things have come on you; who will be weeping for you? wasting and destruction; death from need of food, and from the sword; how may you be comforted?
Two tragedies have struck you: devastation caused by famine, and destruction caused by war. Who is going to sympathize with you? Who is going to comfort you?
These two thinges are come vnto thee: who will lament thee? desolation and destruction and famine, and the sworde: by whome shall I comfort thee?
These two are meeting thee, who is moved for thee? Spoiling and destruction — Famine and sword, who — I comfort thee?
These two things have happened to you— who will grieve with you?— desolation and destruction, and famine and the sword. How can I comfort you?
These two things have come to thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
There are two things that have happened to thee: who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword, who shall comfort thee?
You have experienced several disasters: Your country has become desolate/deserted; your cities have been destroyed; many people have died from hunger; many people have been killed by your enemies’ swords. Now, there is no one [RHQ] left to console/comfort you and sympathize with you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 51:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 51:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׁתַּ֤יִם
הֵ֨נָּה֙
קֹֽרְאֹתַ֔יִ/ךְ
מִ֖י
יָנ֣וּד
לָ֑/ךְ
הַ/שֹּׁ֧ד
וְ/הַ/שֶּׁ֛בֶר
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֥ב
וְ/הַ/חֶ֖רֶב
מִ֥י
אֲנַחֲמֵֽ/ךְ
שְׁתַּ֤יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
הֵ֨נָּה֙
hênnâh
H2007
they(fem.)
Pron
קֹֽרְאֹתַ֔יִ/ךְ
qârâʼ
H7122
to encounter
V-Qal | Suff
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יָנ֣וּד
nûwd
H5110
to wander
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
הַ/שֹּׁ֧ד
shôd
H7701
violence
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/שֶּׁ֛בֶר
sheber
H7667
breaking
Conj | Art | N-ms
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֥ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
Conj | Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Conj | Art | N-fs
מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
אֲנַחֲמֵֽ/ךְ
nâcham
H5162
to be sorry
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 51:19
שְׁתַּ֤יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
הֵ֨נָּה֙
hênnâh
H2007
"they(fem.)"
Pron
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
קֹֽרְאֹתַ֔יִ/ךְ
qârâʼ
H7122
"to encounter"
V-Qal | Suff
This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.
Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יָנ֣וּד
nûwd
H5110
"to wander"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To wander means to move aimlessly, showing grief or sympathy, and is used to describe someone who is lost or in need of comfort, like a mourner or a fugitive.
Definition: 1) to shake, waver, wander, move to and fro, flutter, show grief, have compassion on 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to move to and fro, wander (aimlessly), take flight 1a2) to flutter 1a3) to waver, wave, shake 1a4) to show grief 1a4a) to lament, condole, show sympathy 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to wander (aimlessly) 1b2) to make a wagging, wag (with the head) 1c) (Hithpolel) 1c1) to move oneself to and fro, sway, totter 1c2) to shake oneself 1c3) to bemoan oneself
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bemoan, flee, get, mourn, make to move, take pity, remove, shake, skip for joy, be sorry, vagabond, way, wandering. See also: Genesis 4:12; Jeremiah 4:1; Psalms 11:1.
לָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/שֹּׁ֧ד
shôd
H7701
"violence"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means violence or destruction, often referring to social sin or ruin, as seen in the desolation of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. It is used to describe the devastating effects of war and oppression. This concept is discussed in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) havoc, violence, destruction, devastation, ruin 1a) violence, havoc (as social sin) 1b) devastation, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: desolation, destruction, oppression, robbery, spoil(-ed, -er, -ing), wasting. See also: Job 5:21; Jeremiah 20:8; Psalms 12:6.
וְ/הַ/שֶּׁ֛בֶר
sheber
H7667
"breaking"
Conj | Art | N-ms
This word describes a breaking or shattering, like a physical injury or a dream being interpreted, and is used to convey ruin or destruction in the Bible.
Definition: 1) breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash, ruin, shattering 1a) breaking, fracture, shattering, crushing 1b) crashing 1c) breaking (of a dream), interpretation 1d) quarries
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: affliction, breach, breaking, broken(-footed, -handed), bruise, crashing, destruction, hurt, interpretation, vexation. See also: Leviticus 21:19; Jeremiah 6:1; Psalms 60:4.
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֥ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
Conj | Art | N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
וְ/הַ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Conj | Art | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אֲנַחֲמֵֽ/ךְ
nâcham
H5162
"to be sorry"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
Study Notes — Isaiah 51:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 51:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 51:19
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:19
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:19
- Sermons on Isaiah 51:19
Context — God’s Fury Removed
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.
19These pairs have befallen you: devastation and destruction, famine and sword. Who will grieve for you? Who can comfort you?
20Your sons have fainted; they lie at the head of every street, like an antelope in a net. They are full of the wrath of the LORD, the rebuke of your God. 21Therefore now hear this, you afflicted one, drunken, but not with wine.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 7:2 | And when the locusts had eaten every green plant in the land, I said, “Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?” |
| 2 | Isaiah 47:9 | These two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children, and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the potency of your spells. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 14:21 | For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem My four dire judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague—in order to cut off from it both man and beast? |
| 4 | Job 2:11 | Now when Job’s three friends—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his home, and they met together to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 7:13 | On account of this, we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. |
| 6 | Isaiah 61:2 | to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 7:6–7 | But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 4:1 | Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter. |
| 9 | Lamentations 1:9 | Her uncleanness stains her skirts; she did not consider her end. Her downfall was astounding; there was no one to comfort her. Look, O LORD, on my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed! |
| 10 | Isaiah 14:30 | Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain. |
Isaiah 51:19 Summary
Isaiah 51:19 describes a time when God's people, Jerusalem, are facing great troubles, including devastation, destruction, famine, and sword. This is a result of God's judgment, but it's also a call to recognize their need for Him. Just like a child who has lost their way, Jerusalem needs guidance and comfort, as mentioned in Isaiah 40:1. God is the only one who can truly comfort them, and He promises to do so, as seen in Isaiah 66:13, where He says He will comfort His people like a mother comforts her child.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 'pairs' mentioned in Isaiah 51:19?
The 'pairs' refer to the dual calamities of devastation and destruction, as well as famine and sword, which have befallen Jerusalem, as seen in Isaiah 51:19, and are a result of God's judgment, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:47-48.
Why does God ask 'Who will grieve for you?' in Isaiah 51:19?
God is emphasizing the severity of Jerusalem's situation, highlighting that their suffering is so great that it seems no one can comfort them, much like Jeremiah 15:5, where Jeremiah laments that even God seems far off.
Is Isaiah 51:19 a message of hope or despair?
While the verse describes a dire situation, it is part of a larger context that ultimately points to God's redemption and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 51:3 and Isaiah 52:9, where God promises to comfort Zion and restore her beauty.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel like I am facing 'pairs' of troubles in my life, with no comfort in sight?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's sovereignty, even when I face devastating circumstances, like the ones described in Isaiah 51:19?
- In what ways can I offer comfort to those around me who are suffering, as a reflection of God's heart of compassion, as seen in Psalm 103:13-14?
- How can I balance the reality of God's judgment with the promise of His redemption and restoration in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:19
These two things are come unto thee,.... Affliction from the hand of God, though by means of enemies, and no friends to help, support, and comfort, as before hinted: or else this respects what
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:19
These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:19
These two things; either, 1. Those which were now mentioned: 1. That she was drunk with the cup of God’ s wrath, . 2. That she had none to support or comfort her in that condition, Or, 2. Those which here follow, which although they be expressed in four words, yet they may fitly be reduced to two things, the desolation or devastation of the land, and the destruction of the people, by famine and sword. So famine and sword are not named as new evils, but only as the particular ways or means of bringing the destruction there mentioned; and the words may be thus rendered, desolation and destruction, even (this Hebrew particle being oft taken expositively, whereof many instances have been given) famine (or, by famine) and sword. Or two, nay be put indefinitely for many, as double is put for abundantly more, 61:7 , and elsewhere. By whom shall I comfort thee? I cannot find any man who is able to comfort and relieve thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:19
Isaiah 51:19 These two [things] are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?Ver. 19. These two things are come unto thee.] As they seldom are separated; as some write of the asp, that he never wanders alone without his companion. Who shall be sorry for thee?] Condole and comfort thee. Desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword,] i.e., Desolation by famine, and destruction by the sword; or, as some will have it, desolation by famine and sword, and want of consolation. By whom shall I comfort thee?] By whom but by myself, when thou art at thy greatest under, and even forsaken of thy hopes. See Isaiah 51:12.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 51:19
(19) These two things . . .—The two things are amplified into four: (1) the two effects, and (2) the two causes. Who shall be sorry for thee?—Better, Be sorry with thee, or who shall console thee? Even Jehovah is represented as failing, or seeming to fail, in finding a comforter for such affliction.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 51:19
Verse 19. These two things - desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword] That is, desolation by famine, and destruction by the sword, taking the terms alternately: of which form of construction see other examples. De S. Poesi, Heb. Prael. xix., and Prelim. Dissert. p. xxx. The Chaldee paraphrast, not rightly understanding this, has had recourse to the following expedient: "Two afflictions are come upon thee, and when four shall come upon thee, depredation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword - " Five MSS. הרעב haraab, without the conjunction ו vau; and so the Septuagint and Syriac. By whom shall I comfort thee - "Who shall comfort thee"] A MS., the Septuagint, Syriac, Chaldee, and Vulgate have it in the third person, ינחמך yenachamech, which is evidently right.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:19
19. These two things] (ch. Isaiah 47:9), i.e. two kinds of calamities; namely, devastation and destruction on land and city; famine and sword on the inhabitants. who shall be sorry for thee] Better who condoles with thee (Jeremiah 15:5; Nahum 3:7), i.e. “thou hast no sympathizers.” To “condole” is in Hebr. to shake the head (cf. Jeremiah 16:5; Job 2:11; Job 42:11 &c.), a similar gesture, expressed by a different verb, denotes contempt (see on ch. Isaiah 37:22). by whom shall I comfort thee?] Rather: how (lit. who) shall I comfort thee? The idiom cannot be reproduced exactly; see Amos 7:2; Amos 7:5 and comp. Davidson’s Synt. § 8 R. 1 (where it is suggested that the peculiar use of the pronoun may be provincial or colloquial). The Ancient Versions, however, read the third person, which is far easier; “who comforts thee?”
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:19
These two things are come unto thee - Margin, ‘Happened.’ That is, two sources of calamity have come upon thee; to wit, famine and the sword, producing desolation and destruction; or desolation by
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:19
18-20. There is none to guide her — There is none like Messiah to guide and lead. The sons of Jerusalem — namely, the priests and prophets — have lost character, hence ability spiritually to guide.
Sermons on Isaiah 51:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Seven Levels of Judgment - Proper Response Part 2 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of a proper response to God's word, focusing on seeking wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from God, repentance, acknowledging sin, seeking |
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Priestly Attributes by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of Jesus as a priest and emphasizes his ability to save completely all who come to God through him. The preacher also highlights the |
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Applying the Test of Biblical Accuracy by A.W. Tozer | Greek Word Studies for aid_number 35832 delves into the origins and meanings of 'pharmakeia', primarily signifying the use of medicine, drugs, spells, and sorcery. The practice of |
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Removing the Stumbling Blocks by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of removing stumbling blocks from our hearts and from the church. He warns that if we do not heed God's call to be honest and |
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Needed: True Friends by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the significance of true friendship in times of distress, using the story of Job and his friends as a cautionary tale. While Job's friends initially showed |
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K-067d the Holocaust 4 of 4 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story of a community who ignored the warning of a Jewish man who had escaped from a concentration camp. The man tried to warn them about the |
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Meeting God Face to Face by Neil Rhodes | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of reconciliation that runs through the book of Isaiah. From chapters 40 to 66, God is portrayed as desiring reconciliation with his |