Isaiah 51 7

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 verses

Isaiah 51 7 meaning

This verse is a divine exhortation to God's faithful people, those who inherently understand and practice righteousness, having internalized God's law. It commands them not to be intimidated by the scorn, taunts, or verbal abuse from mere human beings. The message underscores the transience of human judgment and the enduring nature of God's righteous rule, urging steadfastness and trust in the face of worldly contempt.

Isaiah 51 7 Context

Isaiah 51 is a passage of strong comfort and exhortation within the book of Isaiah, specifically addressed to the exiled or soon-to-be-exiled people of Israel (Judah). It is part of the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-55), delivered in a context where the people felt abandoned and hopeless, fearing both their captors and the overwhelming opposition to their faith.Verse 7 immediately follows a call to remember their divine origin through Abraham and Sarah (v. 1-2) and a promise of Jerusalem's future restoration (v. 3). Verses 4-6 describe God's eternal salvation, justice, and the transient nature of the heavens and earth, contrasting them with His enduring righteousness and salvation. Within this broader theme of divine faithfulness and human insignificance, verse 7 targets a specific fear: the fear of human disapproval, scorn, and persecution. It calls upon the truly faithful among them not to allow external pressures or the opinions of those hostile to their covenant relationship with God to cause them to abandon their convictions. The verse serves as a crucial point of encouragement against external pressures, setting the stage for further promises of God's might and deliverance. It confronts the idolatry of fearing humanity more than God, a common polemic throughout the prophets.

Isaiah 51 7 Word analysis

• Hearken unto me (שִׁמְעוּ אֵלַי, shim'u 'elay): This is an imperative command, meaning "listen attentively" or "give ear to me." It denotes a call for deep, obedient reception, not merely passive hearing. It underscores the divine authority behind the message and the necessity of internalizing it.
• ye that know righteousness (יֹדְעֵי צֶדֶק, yod'ei tzedek):
  • Know (ידע, yada): Implies an experiential, intimate, and practical knowledge, not just intellectual awareness. It suggests that these individuals embody righteousness in their lives.
  • Righteousness (צֶדֶק, tzedek): Refers to God's attribute of justice and faithfulness, His covenantal standard, and the right conduct that flows from being in a right relationship with Him. Those who 'know tzedek' live according to God's just principles and participate in His saving acts.
• the people in whose heart is my law (עַם תּוֹרָתִי בְּלִבָּם, 'am torati bilbam):
  • My law (תּוֹרָתִי, torati): Refers to God's divine instruction, teachings, and covenantal requirements. It encompasses both specific commands and general guidance.
  • In whose heart (בְּלִבָּם, bilbam): Signifies internalization and personal ownership. It is not merely external observance or head knowledge, but an inner inclination, desire, and commitment to God's will, echoing prophetic hopes for a new covenant where God's law would be written on hearts.
• fear ye not (אַל תִּירְאוּ, 'al tir'u): A strong negative imperative, repeatedly used throughout the Bible to counter anxiety and to instill faith and courage. It demands a complete cessation of fear, based on God's sovereignty.
• the reproach of men (חֶרְפַּת אֱנוֹשׁ, cherpat 'enosh):
  • Reproach (חֶרְפַּת, cherpat): Denotes shame, disgrace, contempt, derision, or public humiliation. It speaks to the psychological and social pressure inflicted by others.
  • Men (אֱנוֹשׁ, 'enosh): Refers to mortal, frail, and fallible human beings, often in contrast to God. The term emphasizes their transience and limited power, minimizing the weight of their judgment.
• neither be ye afraid of their revilings (וּמֵחֲרַף גִּדֻפֵיהֶם, u-mēkhēf giddūpehem):
  • The Hebrew for "neither be ye afraid" is implicitly carried from the previous "fear ye not." The second part directly states, "nor from their revilings."
  • Revilings (גִּדֻפֵיהֶם, giddūpehem): Denotes verbal abuse, blasphemy, taunts, insults, or curses. It signifies offensive and hostile language intended to wound and degrade.

Words-group by Words-group analysis:

• "Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law": This opening phrase specifically identifies the audience as those who are truly devout, marked by both a deep understanding and an inward commitment to God's ways. They are God's covenant people in spirit, not just in name, having integrated God's moral order and instruction into their core being. This foundational identity gives weight to the subsequent command, indicating that such people should have no cause for fear from human opposition, as their identity is rooted in something far more enduring.
• "fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings": This double prohibition against fear emphasizes the intensity of the pressure the faithful face and God's absolute insistence on courage. The specific terms "reproach" and "revilings" highlight the verbal and social attacks: the shame, public humiliation, and hostile insults aimed at disparaging their faith. The term "men" ('enosh) grounds this command in the perspective of eternity; what mortal, perishable humans say or do is utterly inconsequential compared to God's eternal truth and salvation.

Isaiah 51 7 Bonus section

• The "fear not" theme is pervasive in Isaiah, functioning as a primary source of comfort and empowerment from God to His often-faltering people (e.g., Isa 41:10, 43:1). It's a hallmark of prophetic reassurance during times of distress.
• The contrast drawn between "men" ('enosh, signifying mortality and frailty) in verse 7 and God's eternal and unshakeable salvation and righteousness (mentioned in verses 6 and 8) is key. The words and judgments of ephemeral humanity simply cannot stand against the enduring power and promise of the Almighty. This rhetorical device emphasizes the insignificance of human opposition in light of divine permanence.
• This verse provides a counter-narrative to societal pressures for conformity. In any era, including modern times, where adherence to biblical principles may invite criticism or ridicule, Isaiah 51:7 offers strength and justification for maintaining a distinct, God-honoring stance.
• The specific mention of the law "in the heart" prefigures the New Covenant promise (Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10), where God's will is intrinsically desired and written by the Spirit, not just externally commanded. This inner transformation is the basis for the courage required to face external scorn.

Isaiah 51 7 Commentary

Isaiah 51:7 delivers a critical message of spiritual courage to God's faithful followers, urging them to disregard human scorn and abuse. It begins by identifying the audience as those who not only know what is right but have also deeply internalized God's law within their hearts, distinguishing them from nominal adherents. To such committed individuals, the command is unequivocal: do not succumb to the fear of human disapproval or verbal attacks. The prophet subtly contrasts the transient nature of "men" ('enosh), whose judgment and insults are temporary, with the eternal power and justice of God. This verse calls believers to anchor their confidence and identity solely in God's righteousness and covenant, not in the fluctuating opinions of a world hostile to divine truth. It is a powerful affirmation that God's approval vastly outweighs all human condemnation, empowering believers to stand steadfast in their convictions. Practically, this means valuing faith over popularity and divine validation over social acceptance.