Isaiah 41 5

Isaiah 41:5 kjv

The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.

Isaiah 41:5 nkjv

The coastlands saw it and feared, The ends of the earth were afraid; They drew near and came.

Isaiah 41:5 niv

The islands have seen it and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward;

Isaiah 41:5 esv

The coastlands have seen and are afraid; the ends of the earth tremble; they have drawn near and come.

Isaiah 41:5 nlt

The lands beyond the sea watch in fear.
Remote lands tremble and mobilize for war.

Isaiah 41 verses

Isaiah 41 5 Meaning

Isaiah 41:5 describes a global reaction of fear and approach in response to a powerful divine act. The distant coastal lands and remote parts of the earth witness a significant event, generating fear and awe among them. This fear is not merely terror but a recognition of a superior, possibly divine, power. This apprehension then prompts them to draw near and assemble, implying an intent to understand, confront, or perhaps even submit to this revealed power. It sets the stage for God's argument with the nations and their idols, showcasing His unparalleled sovereignty over all creation.

Isaiah 41 5 Context

Isaiah 41 is part of a major section in the book (chapters 40-55) focusing on the Lord's comfort and salvation for His exiled people. It opens with God challenging the "coastlands" (אִיִּים) and nations to "draw near" (וַיִּגָּשׁוּ), preparing for a divine court case where He will demonstrate His unique sovereignty and power over against the impotent idols worshipped by other nations. This verse (Isa 41:5) describes the immediate, universal reaction to a divine or divinely-empowered act that God is setting in motion. It anticipates the dramatic rise of a figure (likely Cyrus, though not explicitly named until Isa 45) who God will use, demonstrating His control over history and kings. The nations' fear and assembly is a precursor to God’s direct confrontation of their idolatry and His declaration of Israel as His chosen servant, unique witness, and ultimate beneficiary of His salvation. Historically, this prophecy would resonate with the Jewish exiles in Babylon, assuring them that their God was sovereign even over powerful empires.

Isaiah 41 5 Word analysis

• The isles (אִיִּים, iyyim): This Hebrew term specifically refers not only to literal islands but, more broadly, to distant coastal regions, foreign lands beyond the immediate reach of Israel, or nations across the sea. Its usage emphasizes the geographical remoteness and breadth of the perception, highlighting the universal scope of the event. It signifies that no corner of the earth is unaffected.

• saw (רָאוּ, ra'u): Implies direct perception or observation. It suggests not mere hearsay but a witnessing or recognition of a significant event or divine intervention. This act of seeing initiates the subsequent reactions of fear and approach. It can also imply understanding or apprehension.

• and feared (וַיִּירָאוּ, vayyira'u): This fear (יָרֵא, yare') encompasses more than just terror; it can also mean awe, reverence, or respect for power. It’s a profound response to a demonstration of might, prompting a sense of humility and perhaps even veneration before a perceived superior entity. This kind of fear is often a prerequisite to seeking.

• the ends of the earth (קְצוֹת הָאָרֶץ, qetsoht ha'aretz): A highly emphatic parallelism with "the isles," further extending the geographical reach. It literally means the uttermost limits or extremities of the habitable world, underscoring that the entire globe is encompassed in this observation and reaction. It speaks to God’s universal domain and influence.

• were afraid (חָרְדוּ, khardu): This verb suggests trembling, agitation, or alarm. It's an internal, visceral reaction of dread or deep apprehension. Paired with "feared," it intensifies the sense of perturbation and discomfort experienced by these distant nations. This goes beyond respectful awe into genuine apprehension of what the perceived power might entail.

• drew near (וַיִּגָּשׁוּ, vayiggashu): This verb indicates movement towards something, approaching. It can imply a confrontational approach, an investigative one, or even a preparatory move for submission. It shows a response that isn't static, but an active engagement with what they have witnessed and feared.

• and came (וַיֶּאֱתָיוּ, vaye'etayu): Similar to "drew near," this term means to arrive or come forth, often in assembly. It strengthens the idea of a gathering, a convergence of these distant nations. This coming together suggests a concerted response, whether it be for defense, inquiry, or to pay homage.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "The isles saw, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid": This poetic parallelism underscores the universal scope and the initial, strong emotional response of fear and awe to God's powerful deeds. It portrays the nations as keenly aware and deeply disturbed by what is unfolding, implying God's activity is unmistakable.
  • "drew near, and came": These paired actions describe a unified and active physical response. The fear observed in the first half of the verse leads to an approach and assembly, suggesting the nations are not passively receiving the news but actively seeking engagement with the power that has shaken them. This prepares the stage for God's further interaction with them.

Isaiah 41 5 Bonus section

The immediate literary context of Isaiah 41:5, particularly verses 6-7, strongly suggests a polemical intent. The nations, having witnessed something powerful and feared, then rush to strengthen their idols and one another's faith in these false gods, saying, "Let us make it stronger!" and "It is good!" (Isa 41:6-7). This portrays a futile attempt to fortify their pagan beliefs in the face of overwhelming divine evidence, underscoring the contrast between the living God's undeniable power and the impotence of human-made gods. The movement of drawing near and coming could also be interpreted, at least initially, as gathering for counsel and defense against this perceived power, reflecting their human attempt to manage the unknown through their own systems of worship and power. This highlights God's unique ability to act, causing the world to tremble, while the world then seeks comfort and false assurance in that which has no power to save.

Isaiah 41 5 Commentary

Isaiah 41:5 paints a picture of unparalleled divine power resonating across the entire globe. The "isles" and "ends of the earth" – metaphors for distant nations – are struck by an observable, awe-inspiring event orchestrated by God. This initial shock manifests as both fear and apprehension, reflecting a recognition of formidable might, beyond anything they knew or worshipped in their idols. Critically, this apprehension then propels them not into hiding, but into a communal gathering – they "drew near, and came." This active convergence is a pivotal moment, setting the stage for God's impending declaration of His singular sovereignty, as detailed in the following verses (Isa 41:6-7) where the futility of their idol worship is explicitly exposed. The verse essentially signals the world's preparation to face the reality of the one true God and to consider His claims. This universal reaction anticipates future fulfillments where nations will either turn to God in reverence or confront Him in ultimate judgment.