Isaiah 11:5 kjv
And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
Isaiah 11:5 nkjv
Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist.
Isaiah 11:5 niv
Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
Isaiah 11:5 esv
Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.
Isaiah 11:5 nlt
He will wear righteousness like a belt
and truth like an undergarment.
Isaiah 11 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 11:1 | There shall come forth a Rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: | Prophetic origin of the Messiah's lineage |
| Isaiah 59:17 | For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; | Righteousness as protective armor |
| Psalm 45:6 | Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of your kingdom is a sceptre of righteousness. | Messiah’s reign characterized by righteousness |
| John 1:14 | And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. | The embodiment of righteousness and truth |
| Ephesians 6:14 | Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; | Righteousness as a girdle of truth |
| Revelation 19:11 | And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon it was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. | Messiah’s judgment and warfare are righteous |
| Jeremiah 23:5 | Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. | Prophecy of a righteous king |
| 2 Thessalonians 3:5 | And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. | Longing for Christ's reign of righteousness |
| Hebrews 1:9 | Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. | Christ’s love for righteousness |
| 1 Peter 2:22 | Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: | Christ's sinless perfection |
| Proverbs 16:12 | Righteousness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. | The foundational nature of righteousness |
| Psalm 99:4 | The King in his might loves justice. You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. | God’s attributes of justice and righteousness |
| Acts 10:38 | How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. | Christ’s ministry marked by good and righteousness |
| Romans 3:22 | the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. For there is no distinction. | Righteousness as a gift through faith |
| Colossians 1:20 | and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace by the blood of his cross. | The comprehensive nature of Christ’s atoning work |
| 1 Corinthians 1:30 | And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. | Christ as our righteousness |
| Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. | Unity in Christ’s righteousness |
| 2 Corinthians 5:21 | For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. | Our imputation of righteousness |
| Philippians 3:9 | and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith. | Our righteousness received by faith |
| Revelation 7:14 | “My lord,” I said, “you know.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. | Purity and righteousness through the Lamb |
Isaiah 11 verses
Isaiah 11 5 Meaning
This verse describes righteousness as a belt that secures and holds intact the waist. It signifies that the Messiah’s righteous character and actions will be an inseparable, dependable foundation for His reign. This inner fortitude and moral integrity are what empower His authority and leadership.
Isaiah 11 5 Context
Isaiah chapter 11 vividly describes the future Messianic kingdom, a time of peace, justice, and perfect harmony under the reign of the descendant of David, often understood to be Jesus Christ. The preceding verses outline the miraculous nature of this reign, with supernatural peace among creation (e.g., wolf and lamb lying together). This particular verse, Isaiah 11:5, focuses on the Messiah’s intrinsic character as the foundation for this restored order. It follows the description of His spiritual anointing and discernment, emphasizing that His rule is not merely external but deeply rooted in His righteous being. The immediate context is the establishment of God's perfect kingdom on earth.
Isaiah 11 5 Word Analysis
And (וְ – wə): A conjunction connecting phrases or clauses, indicating continuation or addition. Here it links the description of the Messiah to the consequence of His nature.
righteousness (צְדָקָה – tsedakah): This Hebrew word is rich in meaning, encompassing justice, fairness, and uprightness. It's not just outward legality but an inner quality of doing what is right before God and man. It implies a relational covenant faithfulness. In the context of God and the Messiah, it denotes perfect moral integrity and adherence to God’s will.
shall be (תִּהְיֶה – tihyeh): Future tense of the verb "to be." Indicates that righteousness will be a definitive characteristic.
a girdle (אֵזוֹר – ezor): A sash or belt worn around the waist. This imagery is significant as belts were essential garments in ancient times. They were practical, holding tunics in place, and symbolic.
about his loins (בְּמָתְנָיו – bemotnayav): "Mathenayim" (מָתְנַיִם) is the plural for "waist" or "loins." The loins were often associated with strength, vitality, and integrity. A girdle worn around the loins suggested readiness, stability, and preparedness.
and righteousness shall be the girdle about his loins: This phrase presents righteousness as the fundamental support system of the Messiah's being and His government. It's not an adornment but a functional part of His essential nature, providing stability and readiness. It conveys the idea that His moral purity and adherence to God's justice are inseparable from Him and are the very things that gird Him for His righteous rule. The strength and dependability of a properly fastened belt reflect the inherent stability of the Messiah's character.
Isaiah 11 5 Bonus Section
The imagery of righteousness as a girdle is also found in the New Testament, notably in Ephesians 6:14, where believers are exhorted to have their “loins girt about with truth.” While Ephesians emphasizes truth as the girdle for believers, Isaiah focuses on righteousness for the Messiah. This connection suggests that for Christ, truth and righteousness are intimately bound. His truthfulness and His righteousness are inseparable elements of His essential character, making Him the reliable foundation of His kingdom and our salvation. The loins are also associated with procreation and inheritance, suggesting that righteousness is integral to His lineage and the inheritance He secures for His people.
Isaiah 11 5 Commentary
The verse emphasizes that the Messiah’s reign will be built upon His unshakeable righteousness. Unlike human rulers who are often swayed by expediency or external pressures, the Messiah’s character is intrinsically righteous. This righteousness isn’t merely a matter of external action but a deep, foundational aspect of His being, much like a girdle cinches and supports the body. It signifies His preparedness and stability in executing judgment and establishing justice. His every act of governance will flow from this inner perfection, ensuring a perfect and enduring kingdom. This personal integrity is what underpins His authority and guarantees the just administration of His rule, providing steadfastness and reliability.