Isaiah 1:24 kjv

Therefore saith the LORD, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:

Isaiah 1:24 nkjv

Therefore the Lord says, The LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, "Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries, And take vengeance on My enemies.

Isaiah 1:24 niv

Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: "Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes and avenge myself on my enemies.

Isaiah 1:24 esv

Therefore the Lord declares, the LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: "Ah, I will get relief from my enemies and avenge myself on my foes.

Isaiah 1:24 nlt

Therefore, the Lord, the LORD of Heaven's Armies,
the Mighty One of Israel, says,
"I will take revenge on my enemies
and pay back my foes!

Isaiah 1 verses

Isaiah 1 24 Meaning

Isaiah 1:24 declares a profound and stern utterance from the sovereign God concerning His rebellious people, particularly the corrupt leaders of Judah and Jerusalem. It signifies that God, who is mighty and steadfast, will actively intervene to cleanse Himself, as it were, of the burden of His people's persistent iniquity and defiance. This "relief" and "vengeance" are acts of divine justice and purification, aiming to remove the unrighteous and restore the nation to covenant fidelity, albeit through severe judgment.

Isaiah 1 24 Context

Isaiah 1 serves as the prologue to the entire book, laying the foundational themes of Judah's rebellion, God's lament and judgment, and the promise of future restoration. The chapter opens with a celestial summons, presenting God's case (a "rib" or lawsuit) against His children, who have spurned and forgotten Him (v. 2-3). They are likened to a diseased body, bruised and festering from head to toe, utterly depraved (v. 5-6). Despite their fervent religious rituals and offerings, their hands are "full of blood" because of widespread social injustice and the oppression of the vulnerable (v. 10-15). The Lord rejects their empty piety, calling for genuine repentance, justice for the oppressed, and ethical living (v. 16-17). He then offers a choice: scarlet sins made white through obedience, or destruction through continued rebellion (v. 18-20).

Verse 24 specifically responds to the acute corruption among Jerusalem's leadership, portrayed as "rebels" and "companions of thieves," neglecting justice for the orphan and widow (v. 21-23). This verse encapsulates God's absolute resolve to purge the defiled nation, addressing the systemic evil at its heart. It introduces the Lord's coming judgment as an unavoidable, purifying fire necessary to uphold His holiness and righteousness, promising relief from the very sin that weighs upon Him.

Isaiah 1 24 Word analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן - lākhēn): A consequential adverb, indicating that what follows is a direct outcome of the previously stated accusations and the people's stubborn rebellion. It links God's declaration to the deep corruption detailed in verses 21-23.
• the Lord (אֲדֹנָי - ’Ăḏōnāy): Refers to God as "My Lord" or "Master." It emphasizes His supreme sovereignty, authority, and ownership, setting the stage for His declaration of judgment as a rightful master over His unfaithful servants.
• the LORD of hosts (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת - Yəhovāh Tsəḇā’ōṯ): The personal covenant name of God (YHWH) combined with "Sabaoth," meaning "armies" or "hosts." This title emphasizes God's immense power and might as the Commander of all heavenly armies, capable of executing any decree. It highlights the vast difference in power between the rebellious people and their righteous, omnipotent Judge.
• the Mighty One of Israel (אֲבִיר יִשְׂרָאֵל - ’Ăḇîr Yiśrā’ēl): "Abir" signifies strength, potency, and heroism. This title, unique to Jacob (Gen 49:24), signifies God as the strong Protector and Guardian of His covenant people. Its use here underscores the irony and gravity of Israel's rebellion: they have defied their very defender, who must now act against them in justice.
• declares (נְאֻם - nə’um): A technical term for a divine oracle, an authoritative utterance from God himself. It implies the absolute certainty and immutability of the word spoken; it is a prophecy guaranteed to come to pass.
• Ah (הוֹי - hoy): An interjection that can express lament, woe, or warning. Here, it conveys a strong sense of indignant emotion from God—a blend of grief over His people's actions and resolute determination to act. It signals a pronouncement of severe consequences.
• I will get relief (אִנָּחֵם - ’innāḥēm): From the root "nāḥam" (נחם), meaning to comfort, to console oneself, or to avenge. In this context, it speaks of God taking "comfort" or "relief" by justly responding to the persistent sin of His people. It’s not human vengeance but divine satisfaction of justice, alleviating the "burden" of their unholiness that weighs on His character. It implies God is taking action for His own sake and His holy name.
• from my adversaries (מִצָּרַי - mittsārāy): "Tsārr" (צַר) means one who troubles, oppresses, or besieges. While often referring to foreign enemies, here it shockingly applies to His own people, particularly the corrupt elements within Judah, who have become adversaries by their actions, opposing His will and purposes.
• and take vengeance (אִנָּקְמָה - ’innāqəmâ): From the root "nāqam" (נקם), meaning to avenge, to exact retribution, or to punish. This is not arbitrary anger but righteous divine judgment against flagrant unfaithfulness. It implies God setting right what has been wronged and upholding His holiness.
• on my enemies (מֵאוֹיְבַי - mê’ōyəḇay): "’Ōyēbh" (אוֹיֵב) means one who is hostile or adversarial. Similar to "adversaries," this refers to those within Israel who have acted against God's covenant, thereby placing themselves in opposition to Him. God will demonstrate His power and justice by dealing with internal rebellion as severely as He would with external threats.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Therefore the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: This accumulation of divine titles powerfully asserts God's identity and absolute authority before declaring judgment. "The Lord" speaks to His sovereign control, "the LORD of hosts" to His infinite power and resources, and "the Mighty One of Israel" to His unique covenant relationship and strength for His people. The conjunction of these titles underscores that the one issuing this decree is unchallengeable, perfect in righteousness, and cannot allow such flagrant rebellion to persist within His own household without consequences.
• declares: "Ah, I will get relief from my adversaries and take vengeance on my enemies.": This phrase captures the emotional and determined essence of God's coming judgment. The "declares" confirms it as a non-negotiable divine utterance. The interjection "Ah" indicates profound distress and unwavering resolve. "Get relief from my adversaries" and "take vengeance on my enemies" convey God's personal anguish over His people's rebellion, framing their sin as a direct assault upon Him, necessitating a firm, just, and purifying response to alleviate the burden of their iniquity upon His holiness. The enemies here are primarily internal, signifying the depth of their covenant unfaithfulness.

Isaiah 1 24 Bonus section

The seemingly harsh language of "relief" and "vengeance" must be understood within the broader prophetic context of Isaiah and the covenant. It signifies not petty human wrath but a divine act of ethical purification and self-vindication of His holy nature. God cannot tolerate pervasive sin, especially among His chosen people, without compromising His own righteous character. Therefore, His judgment acts as a holy surgery, cutting off the diseased parts for the survival and health of the whole. This concept underscores a core biblical principle: judgment begins at the house of God, meaning His people are held to a higher standard and face more severe consequences for their disobedience than those who do not know Him (1 Pet 4:17). The ultimate goal of this painful process, as indicated in subsequent verses (Isa 1:25-27), is restoration: the city will be called the "city of righteousness" and Zion will be redeemed through justice. This prophecy found partial fulfillment in the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return and reformation, but its ultimate, complete fulfillment points towards the full establishment of God's righteous kingdom through Christ, where all adversaries will be silenced, and righteousness will reign.

Isaiah 1 24 Commentary

Isaiah 1:24 presents a turning point in God's interaction with Judah, transitioning from lament and pleading to a firm declaration of impending, painful judgment. This verse is not about God needing emotional relief as a human would, but about Him asserting His holy character and sovereign authority by purifying what has become defiled. The titles of God emphasize His unimpeachable authority, vast power, and unique covenant bond with Israel, making their rebellion against Him all the more heinous and justifying the severity of His response. "Getting relief" signifies His righteous indignation reaching a point where inaction would be a compromise of His very nature. The "adversaries" and "enemies" here are specifically the rebellious, unrighteous elements within His own people, especially the corrupt leaders who had perverted justice and despised His laws. The promised vengeance is therefore an act of holy justice and covenant faithfulness—a cleansing and refining fire that will purge the unholy, not for destruction's sake, but for the restoration of a righteous remnant and the ultimate glory of His name. This judgment is an unavoidable, sovereign act that demonstrates God's commitment to righteousness and His ultimate control over the destiny of His people.