Isaiah 63:5
Isaiah 63:5 in Multiple Translations
I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me.
And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.
And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my wrath, it upheld me.
And I saw that there was no helper, and I was wondering that no one gave them support: so my arm did the work of salvation, and my wrath was my support.
I looked around, but no one came to help; I was shocked that there was no one to assist me. So I saved them through my own strength alone, and my own anger kept me going.
And I looked, and there was none to helpe, and I wondered that there was none to vpholde: therefore mine owne arme helped me, and my wrath it selfe sustained me.
And I look attentively, and there is none helping, And I am astonished that there is none supporting, And give salvation to me doth mine own arm. And my wrath — it hath supported me.
I looked, and there was no one to help; and I wondered that there was no one to uphold. Therefore my own arm brought salvation to me. My own wrath upheld me.
And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore my own arm brought salvation to me; and my fury, it upheld me.
I looked about, and there was none to help: I sought, and there was none to give aid: and my own arm hath saved for me, and my indignation itself hath helped me.
I searched for someone who would enable me to help my people, but I was amazed/shocked that there was no one to help me. So I defeated their enemies with my own power/strength [MTY]; I was able [PRS] to do that because of my being very angry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 63:5
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 63:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַבִּיט֙
וְ/אֵ֣ין
עֹזֵ֔ר
וְ/אֶשְׁתּוֹמֵ֖ם
וְ/אֵ֣ין
סוֹמֵ֑ךְ
וַ/תּ֤וֹשַֽׁע
לִ/י֙
זְרֹעִ֔/י
וַ/חֲמָתִ֖/י
הִ֥יא
סְמָכָֽתְ/נִי
וְ/אַבִּיט֙
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
עֹזֵ֔ר
ʻâzar
H5826
to help
V-Qal
וְ/אֶשְׁתּוֹמֵ֖ם
shâmêm
H8074
be desolate
Conj | V-r-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
סוֹמֵ֑ךְ
çâmak
H5564
to support
V-Qal
וַ/תּ֤וֹשַֽׁע
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
זְרֹעִ֔/י
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
N-cs | Suff
וַ/חֲמָתִ֖/י
chêmâh
H2534
rage
Conj | N-fs | Suff
הִ֥יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
סְמָכָֽתְ/נִי
çâmak
H5564
to support
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 63:5
וְ/אַבִּיט֙
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
עֹזֵ֔ר
ʻâzar
H5826
"to help"
V-Qal
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
וְ/אֶשְׁתּוֹמֵ֖ם
shâmêm
H8074
"be desolate"
Conj | V-r-Imperf-1cs
The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
סוֹמֵ֑ךְ
çâmak
H5564
"to support"
V-Qal
To support or lean on something, like a person or object, as seen in the Bible where God upholds his people. It means to hold something up or stand firm. This concept appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to lean, lay, rest, support, put, uphold, lean upon 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lean or lay upon, rest upon, lean against 1a2) to support, uphold, sustain 1b) (Niphal) to support or brace oneself 1c) (Piel) to sustain, refresh, revive
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain. See also: Genesis 27:37; Judges 16:29; Psalms 3:6.
וַ/תּ֤וֹשַֽׁע
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
זְרֹעִ֔/י
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
וַ/חֲמָתִ֖/י
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
הִ֥יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
סְמָכָֽתְ/נִי
çâmak
H5564
"to support"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
To support or lean on something, like a person or object, as seen in the Bible where God upholds his people. It means to hold something up or stand firm. This concept appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to lean, lay, rest, support, put, uphold, lean upon 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lean or lay upon, rest upon, lean against 1a2) to support, uphold, sustain 1b) (Niphal) to support or brace oneself 1c) (Piel) to sustain, refresh, revive
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain. See also: Genesis 27:37; Judges 16:29; Psalms 3:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 63:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 63:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 63:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 63:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 63:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 63:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 63:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 63:5
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 63:5
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 63:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 63:5
- Sermons on Isaiah 63:5
Context — God’s Vengeance on the Nations
3“I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained.
4For the day of vengeance was in My heart, and the year of My redemption had come.
5I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me.
6I trampled the nations in My anger; in My wrath I made them drunk and poured out their blood on the ground.” 7I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts, because of all that the LORD has done for us— the many good things for the house of Israel according to His great compassion and loving devotion.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 44:3 | For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them. |
| 2 | Isaiah 40:10 | Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him. |
| 3 | Psalms 98:1 | Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory. |
| 4 | Isaiah 59:16–18 | He 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. 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. So He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His enemies, retribution to His foes, and recompense to the islands. |
| 5 | Isaiah 41:28 | When I look, there is no one; there is no counselor among them; when I ask them, they have nothing to say. |
| 6 | Isaiah 52:10 | The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. |
| 7 | Isaiah 50:2 | Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. |
| 8 | Hosea 1:7 | Yet I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will save them—not by bow or sword or war, not by horses and cavalry, but by the LORD their God.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 63:3 | “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 1:24 | but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. |
Isaiah 63:5 Summary
[In Isaiah 63:5, God says He looked for help but found none, so He used His own arm to bring salvation. This shows that God is all-powerful and can accomplish His plans without our help. As it says in Psalm 44:3, God's right hand and arm are what give Him the power to save. This is a reminder that we can trust in God's power and love, just like it says in Jeremiah 31:3, that He loves us with an everlasting love.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of God saying 'I looked, but there was no one to help' in Isaiah 63:5?
This statement highlights God's sovereignty and self-sufficiency, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where He declares His ability to accomplish His plans without human assistance.
How does God's arm bringing salvation relate to our lives today?
Just as God's arm brought salvation in Isaiah 63:5, Jesus Christ, the arm of the Lord, brings salvation to all who put their faith in Him, as stated in Isaiah 53:1 and John 3:16.
What is the relationship between God's wrath and salvation in this verse?
God's wrath and salvation are intertwined in Isaiah 63:5, demonstrating that His wrath towards sin is what motivates His salvation, as seen in Romans 3:25, where Jesus' sacrifice satisfies God's wrath towards sin.
How does this verse apply to our understanding of God's character?
Isaiah 63:5 reveals God's character as a God of both justice and salvation, who is willing to take matters into His own hands when necessary, as seen in Psalm 98:1, where God's salvation is linked to His mighty arm.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am waiting for help from others, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty instead?
- How does the image of God's arm bringing salvation impact my understanding of His power and love?
- In what ways can I reflect on God's wrath towards sin and His desire to save me, and how can this reflection shape my relationship with Him?
- What are some ways I can apply the concept of God's self-sufficiency to my own life and trust in His ability to accomplish His plans?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 63:5
And I looked, and there was none to help,.... As, in the first redemption and salvation by Christ here on earth, there were none among the angels, nor any of the sons of men, to help him and assist
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 63:5
And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 63:5
There was none to help; not that he needed it, for help implies a defect of power, or wisdom, or wealth, or opportunity, &c.; but to see what men would do, in regard his people needed it; therefore the standing or not standing by his people is the same thing with standing or not standing by him, ,40,42,45. None to uphold; a metaphor taken from a staff, that is a help to one that leans on it. My fury, or zeal, viz. against the adversaries of the church. God’ s arm notes his strength and power, and his zeal sets this power on work, ; but See Poole "", See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 63:5
Isaiah 63:5 And I looked, and [there was] none to help; and I wondered that [there was] none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.Ver. 5. And I looked, and there was none to help.] See on Isaiah 59:16.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 63:5
(5) I looked . . .—As in Isaiah 1:2, the absolute isolation of the avenger and redeemer is emphasised again and again. Nothing but his own indomitable and righteous zeal against evil had sustained him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 63:5
Verse 5. And my fury - "And mine indignation"] For וחמתי vachamathi, nineteen MSS. (three ancient) of Kennicott's, nine of De Rossi's, and one of mine, and four editions, have וצדקתי vetsidkathi, and my righteousness; from Isaiah 59:16, which I suppose the transcriber retained in his memory. It is true that the Versions are in favour of the common reading; but that noticed above seems to stand on good authority, and is a reading both pleasing and impressive. Opposite, in the margin, my MS. has the common reading by a later hand.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 63:5
5. Comp. ch. Isaiah 59:16. The verse explains why it is that Jehovah treads the winepress “alone” (Isaiah 63:3). The expectation that some human helper would appear on the side of Jehovah is more remarkable here than in ch. Isaiah 59:16, where the judgement was on Israel itself, and the complaint might be that even within the chosen nation no champion of righteousness could be found. The idea that such a champion might have been found amongst heathen nations is of course much less easily explained; unless, with Duhm, we suppose that the prophet is sadly contrasting his own age with the more hopeful time of the Second Isaiah, when the faith of Israel was directed to Cyrus as the agent of Jehovah’s purposes on earth.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 63:5
And I looked and there was none to help - The same sentiment is expressed in Isaiah 59:16 (see the note at that verse). None to uphold - None to sustain or assist.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 63:5
5, 6. I looked… there was none to help — These opening words do but repeat Isaiah 59:16, with one change only, that of the person, which, in the latter is Jehovah, while in the former it is Messiah,
Sermons on Isaiah 63:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Carry His Burden by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for the world that is without God. He encourages the audience to bear the burden and care for others, belie |
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Learning God's Word by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the uncertainty of the future and the need for guidance. He highlights the importance of the Word of God as a guide and a source of comfort i |
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God's Hornets by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God sends His own forces, likened to 'hornets', to prepare the way for His people, ensuring their victory over adversaries without direct confrontatio |
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Ascribe the Victory to God by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of ascribing victory to God, using the example of the Syrians who recognized the supernatural power behind their defeat at the hands of the |
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The Power of Gentle Hands by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Isaiah chapter 40 verse 10, which describes the coming of the Lord with a strong hand and His arm ruling for Him. The speaker highlights the |
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Powerful but Tender by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of comfort and mercy from God. He begins by discussing the meaning of the Hebrew word for comfort, which implies speaking tenderl |
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God's Terribleness and Gentleness by Joseph Parker | Joseph Parker preaches about the contrasting truths of God's power and restraint, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing both aspects. He illustrates how God's p |