Isaiah 2:1 kjv

The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:1 nkjv

The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:1 niv

This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:

Isaiah 2:1 esv

The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:1 nlt

This is a vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:

Isaiah 2 verses

Isaiah 2 1 Meaning

Isaiah 2:1 serves as a foundational superscription, announcing the divine origin and specific target of the ensuing prophecy. It declares that the message conveyed is a direct revelation from God, received by the prophet Isaiah, who "saw" it in a prophetic vision. This divine communication is particularly addressed to the southern kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem, signifying the immediate scope of the prophet's foretellings, warnings, and promises. It sets the authoritative tone for the subsequent declaration concerning Zion's future glory and the Lord's coming judgment.

Isaiah 2 1 Context

Isaiah chapter 2, specifically verse 1, acts as an independent superscription or heading for the prophetic oracle contained in verses 2-4. While chapter 1 broadly sets forth Israel's spiritual rebellion and God's call to repentance, chapter 2 begins a new major section within the book of Isaiah, focusing on the eschatological glory of Zion, universal peace, and subsequent judgment for human pride and idolatry. The historical context is the 8th century BC, a period of significant geopolitical flux during the reigns of Judean kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. During this era, Judah faced constant threats from powerful regional empires, notably Assyria, and struggled with internal spiritual decay and social injustice. Isaiah, active during this volatile period, delivered God's word addressing both immediate historical circumstances and future divine plans concerning Judah, Jerusalem, and all nations.

Isaiah 2 1 Word analysis

• The word (Hebrew: דָּבָר, davar): This term is multifaceted. While it literally means "word," it often denotes a "message," "matter," "thing," "affair," or specifically, a "divine oracle." Here, it signifies the comprehensive revelation or prophetic discourse given by God. It implies authoritative content and goes beyond mere speech, encompassing the very essence and impact of God's communication. It highlights the divine source and inherent power of the ensuing message.
• that Isaiah (Hebrew: יְשַׁעְיָהוּ, Yeshayahu): The name Isaiah means "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." This name is highly significant as it encapsulates the overarching theme of his prophetic book, which extensively speaks of God's redemptive work, both in judgment and in restoration through a coming Messiah. The mention of his name establishes the human channel through whom the divine message is conveyed.
• the son of Amoz (Hebrew: אָמוֹץ, Amotz): This provides the lineage of the prophet, identifying him unequivocally. Amoz is generally understood to be Isaiah's father; tradition, though unconfirmed biblically, sometimes connects Amoz to royal lineage, possibly as a brother to King Amaziah. His father's identity lends credibility and roots Isaiah within a known family structure, affirming his historical existence as the vessel for God's message.
• saw (Hebrew: חָזָה, chazah): This verb means "to see," but in a prophetic context, it specifically refers to perceiving a vision or discerning a divine revelation. It's not mere physical sight but spiritual perception or apprehension of truth shown by God. Prophecies were often "seen" as much as they were "heard," emphasizing the vividness, clarity, and certainty of the divine encounter and its content. This points to the visionary nature of Isaiah's reception of the prophetic message, a revelation experienced perhaps like an unfolding panorama.
• concerning Judah (Hebrew: יְהוּדָה, Yehudah): This identifies the primary political and geographical target of the prophecy. Judah refers to the southern kingdom of Israel, comprised mainly of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which remained after the division of the united monarchy. The focus on Judah indicates the messages directly apply to its kings, people, religious practices, and political decisions.
• and Jerusalem (Hebrew: יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, Yerushalayim): The capital city of Judah and the spiritual center, home to the Temple. By specifying Jerusalem alongside Judah, the verse emphasizes the importance and prominence of the city as the locus of spiritual authority, national life, and future eschatological significance. Many of Isaiah's prophecies are intrinsically tied to the fate and future of Jerusalem, both in its immediate judgment and ultimate glorious restoration as the seat of God's kingdom.

• "The word that Isaiah... saw": This phrase clarifies the nature of prophetic inspiration and reception. It highlights that the prophet is not generating the message from his own thoughts but is a recipient of a divinely revealed word or vision. The revelation is personal and direct to the prophet, establishing the authoritative backing of the prophecy.
• "concerning Judah and Jerusalem": This delimits the immediate sphere of application of the prophecies to follow. While Isaiah's book contains oracles concerning many nations, a substantial core, particularly in the earlier chapters, is directed towards the chosen people and their spiritual and political center. This emphasis underscores God's direct engagement with His covenant people and the consequences of their faithfulness or rebellion.

Isaiah 2 1 Bonus section

This introductory verse not only names the prophet and his patronymic but also firmly establishes the authority and divine source of the prophecy by stating "the word that Isaiah... saw." This fusion of "word" (davar, implying audible divine utterance/message) and "saw" (chazah, implying visual revelation or profound spiritual insight) illustrates the multifaceted nature of prophetic revelation. Prophets often experienced God's truth through various means—direct speech, dreams, visions, and inner conviction—all converging as the undeniable word of the Lord. The specific targeting of "Judah and Jerusalem" is critical as it highlights God's covenant relationship. While later chapters in Isaiah extend to other nations, the core theological and practical application often loops back to the lessons learned and destiny of His covenant people centered in Zion. The presence of this distinct superscription here (after Isa 1 also having one) suggests Isa 2-4 (or a broader section) forms a cohesive prophetic unit.

Isaiah 2 1 Commentary

Isaiah 2:1 functions as an authoritative superscription, introducing the specific content of the prophetic message that follows, especially concerning the future of Zion and the nations. It emphasizes that this is not human opinion but a divinely originated "word," received by Isaiah through visionary perception. The identification of "Judah and Jerusalem" as the central audience grounds the prophecy in a concrete historical and geographical context, making the warnings of judgment and promises of restoration directly applicable to the covenant people. This concise declaration underscores the authenticity of the prophetic office and the profound significance of its subject matter – God's dealings with His chosen nation.