Isaiah 59:17
Isaiah 59:17 in Multiple Translations
He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
And he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a mantle.
Yes, he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and salvation as a head-dress; and he put on punishment as clothing, and wrath as a robe.
He put on integrity as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head. He put on clothes of vengeance and wrapped himself with determination as a cloak.
For he put on righteousnes, as an habergeon, and an helmet of saluation vpon his head, and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeale as a cloke.
And He putteth on righteousness as a breastplate, And an helmet of salvation on His head, And He putteth on garments of vengeance [for] clothing, And is covered, as [with] an upper-robe, [with] zeal.
He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head. He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a mantle.
For he put on righteousness as a breast-plate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
He put on justice as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head: he put on the garments of vengeance, and was clad with zeal as with a cloak.
It is as though he is a soldier who [MET] puts on his armor and a helmet; his continually doing what is right is like [MET] his armor, and his ability to rescue people is like his helmet. His being extremely angry and his being ready to get revenge on those who do evil are like [MET] his robes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 59:17
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 59:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּלְבַּ֤שׁ
צְדָקָה֙
כַּ/שִּׁרְיָ֔ן
וְ/כ֥וֹבַע
יְשׁוּעָ֖ה
בְּ/רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ
וַ/יִּלְבַּ֞שׁ
בִּגְדֵ֤י
נָקָם֙
תִּלְבֹּ֔שֶׁת
וַ/יַּ֥עַט
כַּ/מְעִ֖יל
קִנְאָֽה
וַ/יִּלְבַּ֤שׁ
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
צְדָקָה֙
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs
כַּ/שִּׁרְיָ֔ן
shiryôwn
H8302
lance
Prep | N-cs
וְ/כ֥וֹבַע
kôwbaʻ
H3553
helmet
Conj | N-ms
יְשׁוּעָ֖ה
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
salvation
N-fs
בְּ/רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּלְבַּ֞שׁ
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּגְדֵ֤י
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp
נָקָם֙
nâqâm
H5359
vengeance
N-ms
תִּלְבֹּ֔שֶׁת
talbôsheth
H8516
clothing
N-fs
וַ/יַּ֥עַט
ʻâṭâh
H5844
to enwrap
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כַּ/מְעִ֖יל
mᵉʻîyl
H4598
robe
Prep | N-ms
קִנְאָֽה
qinʼâh
H7068
jealousy
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 59:17
וַ/יִּלְבַּ֤שׁ
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
צְדָקָה֙
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
כַּ/שִּׁרְיָ֔ן
shiryôwn
H8302
"lance"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a type of armor worn for protection, including breastplates and coats of mail. It is used to describe the defensive gear worn by soldiers in battle, providing them with safety and security. The armor was often made of metal or leather.
Definition: 1) a weapon 1a) perhaps a lance, javelin
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: breastplate, coat of mail, habergeon, harness. See H5630 (סִרְיֹן). See also: 1 Samuel 17:5; 2 Chronicles 26:14; Isaiah 59:17.
וְ/כ֥וֹבַע
kôwbaʻ
H3553
"helmet"
Conj | N-ms
A helmet is a protective head covering, often arched in shape. It is compared to another word for helmet in the Bible. The KJV translates it as helmet.
Definition: helmet
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: helmet. Compare H6959 (קוֹבַע). See also: 1 Samuel 17:5; Jeremiah 46:4; Isaiah 59:17.
יְשׁוּעָ֖ה
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
"salvation"
N-fs
Salvation means being saved or delivered from something, like trouble or danger, and can also mean victory or prosperity, as seen in the Bible's promises of God's deliverance.
Definition: 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) welfare, prosperity 1b) deliverance 1c) salvation (by God) 1d) victory
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare. See also: Genesis 49:18; Psalms 80:3; Psalms 3:3.
בְּ/רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וַ/יִּלְבַּ֞שׁ
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
בִּגְדֵ֤י
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
נָקָם֙
nâqâm
H5359
"vengeance"
N-ms
This noun means revenge or vengeance, like the vengeance God took on the Egyptians in Exodus 12:12.
Definition: 1) vengeance 1a) vengeance (by God, by Samson, by enemies of Judah)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenged, quarrel, vengeance. See also: Leviticus 26:25; Isaiah 35:4; Psalms 58:11.
תִּלְבֹּ֔שֶׁת
talbôsheth
H8516
"clothing"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to clothing or garments, like the robes worn by priests and kings. It appears in descriptions of worship and everyday life. The word is used to describe what people wore.
Definition: garment, clothing, raiment
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: clothing. See also: Isaiah 59:17.
וַ/יַּ֥עַט
ʻâṭâh
H5844
"to enwrap"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to grasp or cover something, like wrapping oneself in a cloak. It is used in Exodus 28:42 to describe the clothing of the priests. It can also mean to turn aside or change direction.
Definition: 1) to cover, enwrap, wrap oneself, envelop oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wrap, envelop oneself 1a2) to cover (the beard in mourning) 1a3) mourner, one who covers (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to cover, enwrap, envelop
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: array self, be clad, (put a) cover (-ing, self), fill, put on, [idiom] surely, turn aside. See also: Leviticus 13:45; Psalms 109:29; Psalms 71:13.
כַּ/מְעִ֖יל
mᵉʻîyl
H4598
"robe"
Prep | N-ms
A meil was a robe or outer garment worn by men of rank, including kings and high priests. It was also worn by David's daughters and is mentioned in various KJV translations as a cloak or coat.
Definition: 1) robe 1a) a garment worn over a tunic by men of rank 1b) a long garment worn by David's daughters 1c) a garment of the high priest 1d) (fig.) of attributes
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: cloke, coat, mantle, robe. See also: Exodus 28:4; 1 Samuel 24:5; Psalms 109:29.
קִנְאָֽה
qinʼâh
H7068
"jealousy"
N-fs
This word refers to strong feelings of jealousy or envy, often related to romantic or spiritual passion. It can describe human emotions or God's zeal for His people, as seen in the Bible.
Definition: 1) ardour, zeal, jealousy 1a) ardour, jealousy, jealous disposition (of husband) 1a1) sexual passion 1b) ardour of zeal (of religious zeal) 1b1) of men for God 1b2) of men for the house of God 1b3) of God for his people 1c) ardour of anger 1c1) of men against adversaries 1c2) of God against men 1d) envy (of man) 1e) jealousy (resulting in the wrath of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: envy(-ied), jealousy, [idiom] sake, zeal. See also: Numbers 5:14; Isaiah 9:6; Psalms 69:10.
Study Notes — Isaiah 59:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 59:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 59:17
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:17
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:17
- Sermons on Isaiah 59:17
Context — Sin Separates Us from God
15Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.
16He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. So His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him.
17He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.
18So He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His enemies, retribution to His foes, and recompense to the islands. 19So shall they fear the name of the LORD where the sun sets, and His glory where it rises. For He will come like a raging flood, driven by the breath of the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 6:17 | And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. |
| 2 | Ephesians 6:14 | Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, |
| 3 | 1 Thessalonians 5:8 | But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation. |
| 4 | Romans 13:12–14 | The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. |
| 5 | Isaiah 11:5 | Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist. |
| 6 | Hebrews 10:30 | For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 51:9 | Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? |
| 8 | John 2:17 | His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 9:7 | Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. |
| 10 | Job 29:14 | I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban. |
Isaiah 59:17 Summary
[This verse paints a powerful picture of God preparing for battle, not with traditional weapons, but with righteousness, salvation, vengeance, and zeal. He is a God who fights for what is right and just, and He does so with a passion that is both fierce and loving. Just as God wears a helmet of salvation, we are told to put on the helmet of salvation in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, reminding us of God's promise to save us. By understanding God's character as described here, we can better trust in His sovereignty and love for us, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to put on righteousness like a breastplate?
This means God is protecting Himself with His own righteousness, just like a soldier wears a breastplate for protection, as seen in Ephesians 6:14 where believers are also told to put on righteousness.
Why does God wear a helmet of salvation on His head?
The helmet of salvation represents God's plan to save His people, and by wearing it, He is reminding us of His promise to deliver us, as stated in Psalm 140:7 and reinforced in 1 Thessalonians 5:8.
What are garments of vengeance and a cloak of zeal?
These represent God's righteous judgment and passionate desire to defend and avenge His people, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Isaiah 61:2.
Is this verse talking about God's character or a specific event?
This verse is describing God's character, specifically how He prepares Himself for battle, emphasizing His righteousness, salvation, vengeance, and zeal, which are all aspects of His nature as seen throughout Scripture, including in Exodus 34:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- How does the image of God putting on righteousness like a breastplate challenge or comfort you in your understanding of His nature?
- In what ways can you 'put on' righteousness in your own life, as instructed in Romans 13:12-14 and Ephesians 6:10-18?
- What does the helmet of salvation mean to you personally, and how can you apply its significance in your daily walk with God?
- How does knowing that God wears garments of vengeance and a cloak of zeal impact your prayers for justice and your trust in His sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 59:17
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate,.... Here the Lord is represented as a warrior clothed with armour, and as Christ is, and as he will appear in the latter day on the behalf of his people,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 59:17
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 59:17
He put on righteousness as a breastplate; God, resolving to appear as a man of war against Babylon, that did now oppress his people, puts on his arms, Heb. wrapped himself, and particularly his breastplate, which he calls righteousness, to show the justness of his cause, as also his faithfulness in making good his promises to his people. An helmet: as the breastplate is to defend the heart and vital parts, whereby God doth signify the innocency and justness of his cause, as well as his faithfulness; so the helmet is to defend the brain, the fountain of the animal spirits, and therefore by this piece of armour would have us know that he is invincible: as by the other, that he defends a just cause in his truth and faithfulness; so by this, that he cannot be disappointed in it by reason of his power and invincibleness. The garments of vengeance, or garments made of vengeance; as God is said to put on the former for their sakes whom he would preserve, so he puts on these for their sakes whom he will destroy, viz. his people’ s enemies, the Chaldeans, and other enemies of the Jews. Was clad with zeal; either, 1. Zeal to his own honour, which had been given to idols; or, 2. Zeal for his own people, who were now in distress; or, 3. Zeal and indignation against the Babylonians, who were such great oppressors of his people, which are the materials that his garment of vengeance and his cloak of zeal is made of. It may be trifling to follow the metaphor of garments too close: see of the phrase , margin. The sum of all these expressions is this, to describe both the cause and effect together; the cause was righteousness and zeal in God, the effect salvation to his people, and vengeance on his enemies, as is evident from the next verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 59:17
Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.Ver. 17. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate,] i.e., Christ did; and so must every Christian, where the apostle Paul soundeth the alarm, and describeth his weapons as here, defensive and offensive, alluding likely to this text.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 59:17
(17) He put on righteousness . . .—The close parallelism with Isaiah 11 points, as far as it goes, to identity of authorship; and that with Ephesians 6:14-17 suggests a new significance for St. Paul’s “whole armour of God.” The garments of vengeance . . .—As parts of a warrior’s dress the “garments” are the short tunic, or tabard, which hung over the breast-plate; the “cloke” the scarlet mantle (the chlamys of the Roman soldier), its colour probably making it a fit symbol of the zeal of Jehovah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 59:17
Verse 17. For clothing - "For his clothing"] תלבשת tilbosheth. "I cannot but think that this word, תלבשת tilbosheth, is an interpolation. 1. It is in no one ancient version. 2. It is redundant in the sense, as it is before expressed in בגדי bigdey. 3. It makes the hemistich just so much longer than it ought to be, if it is compared with the others adjoining. 4. It makes a form of construction in this clause less elegant than that in the others. 5. It might probably be in some margin a various reading for בגדי bigdey, and thence taken into the text. This is more probable, as its form is such as it would be if it were in regimine, as it must be before נקם nakam." - Dr. JUBB.
Two sorts of armour are mentioned: a breast-plate and a helmet, to bring righteousness and salvation to those who fear him; and the garments of vengeance and the cloak of zeal for the destruction of all those who finally oppose him, and reject his Gospel.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 59:17
17. The idea of Jehovah as a warrior occurs several times in this book (ch. Isaiah 42:13, Isaiah 49:24 f., Isaiah 52:10); but the fully developed image of His arming Himself with His own attributes has no exact parallel in the O.T. (cf. however, ch. Isaiah 11:5). It is reproduced and further elaborated in Wis 5:17 ff.; and in the N. T. it suggests the figure of the Christian armour (Ephesians 6:14 ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:8). And he put on righteousness as a coat of mail (R.V. marg.). “Righteousness,” as in Isaiah 59:16, is a divine attribute,—zeal for the right, the stedfast purpose to establish righteousness (and its correlate, salvation) on the earth. zeal] Cf. ch. Isaiah 42:13, Isaiah 9:7.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 59:17
For he put on righteousness - That is, God the Redeemer. The prophet here introduces him as going forth to vindicate his people clad like an ancient warrior.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 59:17
15-17. The Lord saw it — Dramatic for the statement that he accepts the confession as he promised. Isaiah 58:8-14. It displeased — Literally, It was evil in his eyes.
Sermons on Isaiah 59:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Way to Heavenly Fullness - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the zeal of Elijah as a model for believers, illustrating how true jealousy for the Lord's rights leads to heavenly fullness. He explains that Elijah's |
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Christ or Antichrist? by John Nelson Darby | The preacher discusses the concept of the full armor of God, emphasizing the importance of being fully equipped for spiritual warfare with offensive and defensive tools. This armor |
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Epistle 211 by George Fox | George Fox preaches a powerful message warning those who have turned back to the world's ways after knowing the truth, causing stumbling blocks for others and grieving the righteou |
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Epistle 55 by George Fox | George Fox delivers a powerful message urging believers to arm themselves for spiritual warfare, emphasizing the need to stand firm against deceit and to uphold the truth of God. H |
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(1 Peter - Part 11): Wherefore, Gird Up Your Minds and Be Sober by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. He uses the analogy of a violinist who neglects to tune his instrument, resulting |
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Authority and God's Word - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon emphasizes the authority of Scripture, highlighting that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. It discusses the importance of accepting the entire B |
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(Basics) 11. God's Word Helps Us Overcome Satan by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing in the forgiveness and acceptance offered by God through Jesus Christ. He explains that God no |