Isaiah 51:7 kjv
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.
Isaiah 51:7 nkjv
"Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults.
Isaiah 51:7 niv
"Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults.
Isaiah 51:7 esv
"Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings.
Isaiah 51:7 nlt
"Listen to me, you who know right from wrong,
you who cherish my law in your hearts.
Do not be afraid of people's scorn,
nor fear their insults.
Isaiah 51 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 51:7 | "Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness" | Righteousness |
| Ps 119:1 | "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD." | Law |
| Rom 2:13 | "For it is not the hearers of the law which are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." | Law-doers |
| 1 Pet 3:14 | "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;" | Suffer for Righteousness |
| Heb 11:24-25 | "By faith Moses... Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;" | Suffering |
| Phil 3:9 | "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness... but that which is of the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith:" | Christ's Righteousness |
| 2 Tim 3:12 | "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." | Persecution |
| Ps 56:4 | "In God I will praise his word: in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." | Fear not flesh |
| John 14:27 | "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." | Peace |
| Rom 8:31 | "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" | God is for us |
| Ps 27:1 | "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" | Fear not the Lord |
| Matt 10:28 | "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." | Fear God not Man |
| 1 John 4:18 | "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." | Perfect Love casts out Fear |
| Acts 4:20 | "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." | Speak God's Truth |
| Neh 8:10 | "...for the joy of the LORD is your strength." | Joy in the Lord |
| Prov 3:5-6 | "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." | Trust and Acknowledge God |
| 2 Chron 20:15 | "And he said, Hearken, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." | Not afraid, battle is God's |
| Gal 5:22-23 | "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." | Fruit of the Spirit |
| Jer 7:23 | "But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you." | Obey God |
| Ps 119:105 | "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." | Word as Light |
| Rom 12:1-2 | "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice... And be not conformed to this world..." | Present your body |
Isaiah 51 verses
Isaiah 51 7 Meaning
Listen to me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is my law: do not fear the reproach of men, nor be dismayed by their revilings.
Isaiah 51 7 Context
This verse is part of Isaiah's exhortation to the people of God, following a period of judgment and exile. The prophecy shifts focus from the suffering of Israel to the future restoration and glory of Zion. Chapter 51 emphasizes comfort and encouragement for a weary people. God is calling them to listen to His word, to live according to His righteous commands, and not to be intimidated by the opposition or mockery of unbelievers. This promise extends to all who remain faithful to God, even amidst persecution.
Isaiah 51 7 Word analysis
- Hearken (Shema'): Listen attentively, obey.
- to me: Direct address to God's people.
- ye: Plural, addressing the community of faith.
- that follow after: Those who pursue, are devoted to.
- righteousness: Alignment with God's standards, justice, doing what is right.
- you: Plural, the same community.
- in whose heart: Inner being, the core of their being.
- is: Possesses, resides within.
- my law: God's commands, His revealed will, His teachings.
- do not fear: A command to cast away apprehension and dread.
- the reproach: Shame, insult, contempt.
- of men: From human beings, from the world.
- nor be dismayed: Do not be frightened, terrified, or discouraged.
- by their revilings: By their insults, slander, abusive language.
Grouped Analysis:
- "Hearken to me, you who follow after righteousness, you in whose heart is my law": This highlights a covenant relationship based on obedience and internal commitment to God's will. It's not just outward conformity but an inward disposition to live righteously and obey God's law.
- "do not fear the reproach of men, nor be dismayed by their revilings": This is a powerful assurance against external pressures and verbal attacks. Believers are to stand firm, confident in God's truth and their relationship with Him, unswayed by the opinions or persecution of those outside the covenant.
Isaiah 51 7 Bonus section
The principle articulated here is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing the believer's need to prioritize God's truth over human opinion. This also connects to the New Testament concept of the believer being a new creation, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live according to God's will and to overcome worldly opposition. The "law" in the heart signifies the internal transformation brought by faith, where obedience becomes a joyous response to a loving God, rather than a burdensome obligation. The reassurance against "reproach" and "revilings" anticipates the persecution believers would face for their faith, a theme prevalent in the Gospels and Epistles.
Isaiah 51 7 Commentary
The verse calls God's people to an unwavering stance of faith. True righteousness is not merely an outward act but a deep internal commitment to God's law. This commitment grants the strength to disregard the opinions and insults of the world. Believers are assured that their allegiance to God and His word provides them with the fortitude to withstand reproach and remain unthreatened by the opposition of men. It is a call to steadfastness grounded in a knowledge of God's character and promises.