Isaiah 52:5
Isaiah 52:5 in Multiple Translations
And now what have I here? declares the LORD. For My people have been taken without cause; those who rule them taunt, declares the LORD, and My name is blasphemed continually all day long.
Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.
Now therefore, what do I here, saith Jehovah, seeing that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them do howl, saith Jehovah, and my name continually all the day is blasphemed.
Now then, what have I here? says the Lord, for my people are taken away without cause; they are made waste and give cries of sorrow, says the Lord, and all the day the nations put shame on my name.
What do I have to do now? asks the Lord. My people have been taken into captivity for no reason. Those who rule them mock them, and I'm treated with contempt that whole time, says the Lord.
Nowe therefore what haue I here, saith the Lord, that my people is taken away for naught, and they that rule ouer them, make them to howle, saith the Lord? and my Name all the day continually is blasphemed?
And now, what — to Me here, An affirmation of Jehovah, That taken is My people for nought? Its rulers cause howling, — an affirmation of Jehovah, And continually all the day My name is despised.
“Now therefore, what do I do here,” says the LORD, “seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them mock,” says the LORD, “and my name is blasphemed continually all day long.
Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for naught? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.
And now what have I here, saith the Lord: for my people is taken away gratis. They that rule over them treat them unjustly, saith the Lord, and my name is continually blasphemed all the day long.
But now think about what is happening: My people are being forced to be slaves again, this time by the people of Babylonia. And those who have conquered them this time have also paid me nothing, and they despise me [MTY] continually [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 52:5
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 52:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֤ה
מי
ל/י
מַה
לִּ/י
פֹה֙
נְאֻם
יְהוָ֔ה
כִּֽי
לֻקַּ֥ח
עַמִּ֖/י
חִנָּ֑ם
משל/ו
מֹשְׁלָ֤י/ו
יְהֵילִ֨ילוּ֙
נְאֻם
יְהוָ֔ה
וְ/תָמִ֥יד
כָּל
הַ/יּ֖וֹם
שְׁמִ֥/י
מִנֹּאָֽץ
וְ/עַתָּ֤ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
מי
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
ל/י
Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
לִּ/י
Prep | Suff
פֹה֙
pôh
H6311
here
Adv
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֻקַּ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
עַמִּ֖/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
חִנָּ֑ם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
משל/ו
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal | Suff
מֹשְׁלָ֤י/ו
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal | Suff
יְהֵילִ֨ילוּ֙
yâlal
H3213
to wail
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/תָמִ֥יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
Conj | N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/יּ֖וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
שְׁמִ֥/י
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
מִנֹּאָֽץ
nâʼats
H5006
to spurn
V-r-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 52:5
וְ/עַתָּ֤ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
מי
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
ל/י
""
Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לִּ/י
""
Prep | Suff
פֹה֙
pôh
H6311
"here"
Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֻקַּ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
עַמִּ֖/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.
חִנָּ֑ם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
משל/ו
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal | Suff
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
מֹשְׁלָ֤י/ו
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal | Suff
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
יְהֵילִ֨ילוּ֙
yâlal
H3213
"to wail"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This word means to wail or howl, expressing strong emotions like sadness or pain, used to describe a loud, mournful cry.
Definition: (Hiphil) to howl, wail, make a howling
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (make to) howl, be howling. See also: Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 48:31; Isaiah 14:31.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/תָמִ֥יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/יּ֖וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
שְׁמִ֥/י
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
מִנֹּאָֽץ
nâʼats
H5006
"to spurn"
V-r-Inf-c
To spurn or scorn means to show contempt or hatred, often used in the Bible to describe rejection of God or his people. This word appears in Proverbs and Psalms, warning against despising others. It can also mean to provoke or blaspheme.
Definition: 1) to spurn, contemn, despise, abhor 1a) (Qal) to spurn, contemn 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spurn 1b2) to cause to contemn 1c) (Hiphil) to spurn 1d) (Hithpolel) to be contemned
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: abhor, (give occasion to) blaspheme, contemn, despise, flourish, [idiom] great, provoke. See also: Numbers 14:11; Proverbs 1:30; Psalms 10:3.
Study Notes — Isaiah 52:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 52:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 52:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 52:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 52:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 52:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 52:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 52:5
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 52:5
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 52:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 52:5
- Sermons on Isaiah 52:5
Context — Deliverance for Jerusalem
3For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.”
4For this is what the Lord GOD says: “At first My people went down to Egypt to live, then Assyria oppressed them without cause.
5And now what have I here? declares the LORD. For My people have been taken without cause; those who rule them taunt, declares the LORD, and My name is blasphemed continually all day long.
6Therefore My people will know My name; therefore they will know on that day that I am He who speaks. Here I am!” 7How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 2:24 | As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” |
| 2 | Psalms 44:16 | at the voice of the scorner and reviler, because of the enemy, bent on revenge. |
| 3 | Psalms 74:10 | How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever? |
| 4 | Isaiah 37:28 | But I know your sitting down, your going out and coming in, and your raging against Me. |
| 5 | Isaiah 37:6 | who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 36:20–23 | And wherever they went among the nations, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD, yet they had to leave His land.’ But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they had gone. Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went. I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes. |
| 7 | Psalms 74:18 | Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 20:14 | But I acted for the sake of My name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out. |
| 9 | Isaiah 47:6 | I was angry with My people; I profaned My heritage, and I placed them under your control. You showed them no mercy; even on the elderly you laid a most heavy yoke. |
| 10 | Zephaniah 1:10 | On that day,” declares the LORD, “a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, a wail from the Second District, and a loud crashing from the hills. |
Isaiah 52:5 Summary
[This verse is saying that God sees what is happening to His people, and He is not happy about it. He knows that they are being treated unfairly and that people are speaking against Him, as it is written in Psalm 74:10 and Psalm 74:18. God wants us to know that He cares about what happens to us and that He will act to rescue us, just like He promised in Isaiah 41:10. He wants us to trust in Him and to know that He is our Redeemer, as stated in Isaiah 44:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's people were taken without cause?
This phrase suggests that God's people were oppressed and enslaved without any just reason, much like the Israelites were in Egypt, as described in Exodus 1:14, and it is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Deuteronomy 28:68.
Who are those that rule over God's people and taunt them?
These rulers could be referring to the foreign nations that have oppressed God's people throughout history, such as the Assyrians and Babylonians, as mentioned in Isaiah 39:1 and Jeremiah 25:9.
What does it mean that God's name is blasphemed continually all day long?
This phrase indicates that the nations are continually speaking against and disrespecting God, much like it is written in Romans 2:24, where it says that God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of the behavior of His people.
How does this verse relate to God's plan of redemption?
This verse shows that God is aware of the suffering of His people and is moved to act on their behalf, as seen in the preceding verse, Isaiah 52:3, where it says that God's people will be redeemed without money, and in the prophecy of Isaiah 53:5, which speaks of the coming Messiah who will bear the punishment for their sins.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's people being taken advantage of or oppressed in my own community or world, and how can I respond to help them?
- How do I feel when I see God's name being disrespected or blasphemed, and what can I do to stand up for His honor?
- What are some ways that I can be a part of proclaiming God's name and bringing glory to Him, as opposed to blaspheming His name through my actions or words?
- How can I trust in God's plan of redemption, even when I see injustice and suffering in the world, and what hope can I hold onto from this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 52:5
Now therefore what have I here, saith the Lord, that my people is taken away for nought?.... Or what do I get by it, that my people should be taken and held in captivity without cause?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 52:5
Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 52:5
What have I here? Heb. What to me here? the sense is either, 1. What do I here? Why do I sit still here, and not go to Babylon to punish the Babylonians, and to deliver my people? Or, 2. What honour have I by suffering this injury to be done to my people? Is taken away, were carried away captive by the Babylonians, for nought; without any provocation or pretence of right. See before on . They that rule over then, who by their office are obliged to deal justly and tenderly with their subjects, make them to howl, by their tyrannical and unmerciful usage of them.
My name continually every day is blasphemed; instead of that praise and service which the Babylonians owe me for all their successes and conquests, they blaspheme me, as if I wanted either power or good-will to save my people out of their hands.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 52:5
Isaiah 52:5 Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day [is] blasphemed.Ver. 5. Now, therefore, what have I here?] Cui bono? To what purpose or profit? For what wealth or worth suffer I my poor people to lie captives here at Babylon? Or, as others sense it, what make I here any longer at Jerusalem when my poor people are in durance at Babylon? Why hasten I not to help them out? They that rule over them, make them to howl,] i.e., The Chaldeans, and after them the Romans, and then the scribes and Pharisees, by "binding heavy burdens grievous to be borne, and laying them on men’ s consciences." And my name continually every day (or, all the day long) is blasphemed.] That is all I get by the bargain. Piscator.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 52:5
(5) What have I here . . .?—i.e., What have I to do? As in Genesis 11:4, Jehovah is represented as deliberating after the manner of men. Again the people have been gratuitously, wantonly attacked; and their groans mingle with the taunting blasphemies of their conquerors. Has not the time come for Him to vindicate His outraged Majesty?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 52:5
Verse 5. They that rule over them - "They that are lords over them"] For משלו moshelo, singular, in the text, more than a hundred and twenty MSS. (De Rossi says, codices innumeri, "numberless copies") have משליו moshelaiv, plural, according to the Masoretical correction in the margin; which shows that the Masoretes often superstitiously retained apparent mistakes in the text, even when they had sufficient evidence to authorize the introduction of the true reading. Make them to howl - "Make their boast of it"] For יהילילו yeheililu, "make them to howl," five MSS., (two ancient,) have יהללו yehalelu, "make their boast;" which is confirmed by the Chaldee paraphrast, who renders it משתבחין mishtabbechin. Ulaloo is not only the cry itself, but also the name of the funeral song of the Irish. The Arabs have a cry very much resembling this.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 52:5
5. Now therefore] Rather, But now, accentuating the gravity of the present situation. Exile and oppression were indeed no new experiences for Israel (Isaiah 52:4), but no such overwhelming disaster as this had ever befallen it hitherto. what have I here &c.] The sentence may be variously understood. The main idea obviously is that the state of things described in what follows is not to be endured, being inconsistent with the honour of Jehovah. The formula “What is there to me?” expresses a strong sense of incongruity between what is and what ought to be (see Isaiah 3:15, Isaiah 22:1; Isaiah 22:16), and we may render either, “What am I about (Isaiah 22:1) here (in Babylonia)?” or, more generally, “What do I find here?” i.e. in the existing position of affairs, as contrasted with the historic parallels in Isaiah 52:4. The last is perhaps to be preferred. The meaning can hardly be, “What have I to do here (ch. Isaiah 22:16) now that my people is taken away?” that (better for) my people is taken away] destroyed outright (ch. Isaiah 53:8). they that rule over them (the Chaldæans) make them to howl (R.V. do howl)] The R.V. rightly avoids the causative sense of the verb, which has no support in usage. On the other hand, it is nowhere else used of a shout of exultation, as it must be here; comp. with Gesenius and others, “laetis ululare triumphis” (Lucan, 6, 261).
In Syriac also the word appears occasionally to undergo a similar modification. my name … is blasphemed] lit. despised. (The form should probably be pointed as part. Pual.) The meaning is that the calamities of Israel were attributed by the heathen to the impotence of their God, and thus the majesty of Jehovah was impaired,—a thought frequently expressed by Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 36:20 &c.). The words are cited in Romans 2:24. continually all the day] (R.V.), as ch. Isaiah 51:13.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 52:5
Now, therefore, what have I here? - In Babylon, referring to the captivity of the Jews there.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 52:5
3-6. Shall be redeemed without money — As the Babylonians paid no price for Israel, so they shall receive none for her return. God punishes injustice all round.
Sermons on Isaiah 52:5
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Devil, You Can't Walk on Me Anymore by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of God-loving people being oppressed and discouraged by the enemy. He emphasizes that God is looking at this situation with disbeli |
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(A Heavenly Church) 1. Secure in God Our Father by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to others through our attitudes and words. He highlights the prevalence of insecurity and jealousy among G |
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God's Name Not Blasphemed by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome urges believers to repent sincerely, turn away from folly and wickedness, and seek righteousness. He emphasizes the importance of not just speaking God's words but |
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I Wish That You Were Cold or Hot by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of losing focus on God amidst worldly success and prosperity. He highlights the story of a wealthy city that had become self-suff |
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(Christian Leadership) Heaven on Earth by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the need for Christians to embody the principles of heaven on earth, arguing that many have rejected Christ due to the poor testimony of believers. He highlig |
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Gods Fire Marks His Presence by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being on fire for God, drawing parallels from the Old Testament where God's presence was manifested through fire. It highlights the need fo |
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2 Peter 2:2 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the dangers of following false teachers and their immoral ways, which lead many astray and ultimately to destruction. He highlights that these individuals, des |