Isaiah 26 15

Isaiah 26:15 kjv

Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth.

Isaiah 26:15 nkjv

You have increased the nation, O LORD, You have increased the nation; You are glorified; You have expanded all the borders of the land.

Isaiah 26:15 niv

You have enlarged the nation, LORD; you have enlarged the nation. You have gained glory for yourself; you have extended all the borders of the land.

Isaiah 26:15 esv

But you have increased the nation, O LORD, you have increased the nation; you are glorified; you have enlarged all the borders of the land.

Isaiah 26:15 nlt

O LORD, you have made our nation great;
yes, you have made us great.
You have extended our borders,
and we give you the glory!

Isaiah 26 verses

Isaiah 26 15 meaning

Isaiah 26:15 expresses a declaration of praise and faith in Yahweh's sovereign power to bring about a supernatural increase and expansion for His people. It celebrates God's past actions and looks forward to further fulfillment of His covenant promises to multiply the nation and extend their territorial boundaries, resulting in His own glory. The verse emphasizes that this blessing comes directly from God's hand.

Isaiah 26 15 Context

Isaiah chapter 26 is part of the "Apocalypse of Isaiah" (chapters 24-27), a prophetic section characterized by themes of global judgment and ultimate salvation for God's people. This chapter specifically contains a "Song of Salvation" or "Song of Trust" (vv. 1-19) sung by the righteous in Judah, anticipating or reflecting upon a time of great deliverance. Following the destruction of the city of human pride (Isa 25), chapter 26 declares trust in Yahweh, whose steadfast character ensures peace for those who depend on Him. Verse 15 fits into this song as a declaration of God's faithful work in increasing His nation, both numerically and geographically. This multiplication serves as a tangible manifestation of God's covenant promises, contrasting with the previous context of God's judgment upon the wicked. It offers a hopeful vision of restoration and expansion for a people who may have faced periods of dwindling numbers or restricted territory (e.g., during exile or oppression), reminding them that God's plan is to bless and make them glorious.

Isaiah 26 15 Word analysis

• You have increased: Hebrew: יָסַפְתָּ (yasaphtā). The verb means "to add," "to continue," "to increase." The repetition ("You have increased the nation, O Lord, you have increased the nation") serves as an emphatic declaration, stressing the certainty, the abundance, and the divine initiative behind this increase. It implies an act of superabundant blessing.

• the nation: Hebrew: גּוֹי (gôy). While gôy can refer to any nation (Gentile), in this context within the Song of Judah, it undeniably refers to Israel/Judah, the people of God. The increase of gôy Israel points to the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant promises regarding a numerous seed (Gen 12:2, 15:5).

• O Lord: Hebrew: יְהוָה (Yahweh). The divine name signifies the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel. Attributing the increase directly to Yahweh emphasizes His sovereignty and faithfulness as the sole agent of this blessing, countering any pagan notion of other deities providing prosperity.

• you are glorified: Hebrew: נִכְבָּדְתָּ (nikbādtā). This is a Nifal (passive/reflexive) form of the verb כָּבַד (kāvad), meaning "to be heavy," "to be glorious," "to be honored." It can be translated as "you have become glorious" or "you have demonstrated your glory" through these acts. The increase of the nation directly brings glory to God, revealing His power, faithfulness, and goodness.

• you have enlarged: Hebrew: הִרְחַבְתָּ (hirḥavtā). A Hiphil (causative) form, meaning "you have made wide" or "you have extended." This is an intentional act of expansion by God.

• all the borders: Hebrew: גְּבֻלוֹת (gěvûlôt). Plural of gěvûl, meaning "border," "boundary," or "territory." This speaks of definite, identifiable land.

• of the land: Hebrew: אֶרֶץ (’ereṣ). Generally, "land" or "earth." In this specific context, given the promise of the gôy (nation) and the context of God's people, it specifically refers to the land of Israel, the Promised Land. The enlargement of borders refers to a territorial expansion, likely hinting at the full scope of the Abrahamic land grant (Gen 15:18).

• You have increased the nation, O Lord, you have increased the nation: This repetition highlights the powerful, deliberate, and undeniable nature of God's blessing. It underscores that this numerical growth is not by human effort alone but is a direct, active work of Yahweh. It conveys awe and wonder at divine fertility and growth.

• you are glorified: The result and purpose of God's work in increasing the nation and land is His own glory. His blessing reveals His character and magnifies His name.

• you have enlarged all the borders of the land: This speaks to geographical expansion and security, a fulfillment of the territorial aspects of the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants (Gen 15:18, Deut 11:24). It contrasts with periods when Israel's territory was diminished or under foreign control, looking to a future of prosperity and wide dominion under God.

Isaiah 26 15 Bonus section

• The phrasing reflects an "already and not yet" aspect common in prophetic literature. It can refer to past historical fulfillments (e.g., the growth of Israel in Egypt, during the Exodus, or under kings like David and Solomon) and also points forward to a greater, ultimate eschatological fulfillment in the messianic age, when God's people (which includes Gentile believers, Isa 2:2-4) will experience an even more profound increase and a broader spiritual dominion.
• The connection between a nation's prosperity (population, territory) and God's glory implies a clear understanding that true success for God's people must ultimately demonstrate the power and goodness of their God, drawing others to acknowledge Him.
• The historical and cultural context would have included periods of Israel's demographic and territorial shrinkage due to war, exile, and oppression. The prophet, speaking to such realities, affirms God's nature to reverse these trends and restore abundance. This divine increase serves as a powerful sign of God's presence and favor amidst perceived weakness or national vulnerability.

Isaiah 26 15 Commentary

Isaiah 26:15 is a potent declaration of Israel's unwavering faith in Yahweh as the sole orchestrator of their national well-being and expansion. Coming from a period perhaps contemplating or experiencing distress, this verse expresses confidence in God's past and future faithfulness. The double emphasis on "You have increased the nation" powerfully underscores that Israel's numerical growth is neither coincidental nor the result of their own strength or policies, but a direct, undeniable act of divine favor. This blessing not only serves the nation but directly redounds to God's glory, showcasing His covenant faithfulness and power to the world. Furthermore, the promise of enlarged borders directly echoes the ancient land promises to Abraham, speaking to both security and prosperity. It is a polemic against any competing claims that other deities or empires control the destiny of nations or their territorial integrity; Yahweh alone holds this sovereign power. This verse reassures believers that even amidst trials, God's ultimate plan for His people includes flourishing and a display of His own majesty.