Isaiah 52 15

Isaiah 52:15 kjv

So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

Isaiah 52:15 nkjv

So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider.

Isaiah 52:15 niv

so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.

Isaiah 52:15 esv

so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.

Isaiah 52:15 nlt

And he will startle many nations.
Kings will stand speechless in his presence.
For they will see what they had not been told;
they will understand what they had not heard about.

Isaiah 52 verses

Isaiah 52 15 Meaning

This verse describes a dramatic, divinely orchestrated event where many nations and kings, previously in shock and disbelief, will recognize God's intervention. Their recognition will stem from seeing and understanding what has been done for His people. This transformation will lead to awe and the silencing of their boasts.

Isaiah 52 15 Context

Chapter 52 of Isaiah concludes a section of prophecies often referred to as the "Servant Songs." This specific verse, Isaiah 52:15, serves as a culmination of the servant's work, emphasizing the astonishment and subsequent reverence of the nations due to the impact of his mission. The preceding verses detail the servant's suffering, his desolation making him unrecognizable, and the immense redemption and cleansing that result from his sacrifice. This verse therefore bridges the suffering of the servant with the vast positive impact of his obedience on a global scale, setting the stage for the depiction of the restored Jerusalem and the expansive reach of God's kingdom. It highlights a divine reversal of fortunes, where those who were once perplexed by God's actions are now compelled to acknowledge His power and justice.

Isaiah 52 15 Word Analysis

• so shall he startle: Hebrew: yaḥaṛiz (yah-ha-reets). From the root ḥarâsh (khah-rash), meaning to be amazed, astonished, struck with sudden terror or wonder. This conveys a deep, impactful surprise.
• many nations: Hebrew: gôyîm rabbîm (go-yeem rah-beem). Refers to gentiles or foreign peoples.
• kings: Hebrew: məlukkîm (mel-ook-keem). Leaders, rulers, monarchs.
• shall stop their mouths: Hebrew: yisgərû peh (yis-geh-roo peh). Literally "they shall shut mouth." Signifies complete speechlessness, a cessation of arrogant claims or arguments due to overwhelming evidence.
• for that: Hebrew: kî (kee). A causal conjunction, indicating the reason for their astonishment and silence.
• which had not been told them they shall see: Hebrew: ’ašer lō’ hinnôgedâ lâhem rô’ū (a-sher lo hin-noh-geh-dah lah-hem ro-oo). This signifies a revelation of something previously unknown or unimagined to them. It speaks to seeing spiritual or salvific realities beyond their previous understanding.
• and that which they had not heard they shall consider: Hebrew: wə’ašer lō’ šāme‘û thînônān (wuh-a-sher lo sha-moo thuh-noh-nahn). Similar to seeing, this refers to understanding or perceiving something through hearing or reception, implying intellectual and spiritual apprehension of God's plan through His servant.

Group Analysis: The phrase "so shall he startle many nations; kings shall stop their mouths" (Hebrew: yaḥaṛiz gôyîm rabbîm məlukkîm yisgərû peh) captures a universal, awe-inspiring effect. The nations and their rulers, previously unaware or dismissive, will be rendered speechless by the astonishing reality of God's action. The subsequent clause, "for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall consider," explains the cause of this stunned silence: a profound revelation and comprehension of divine work that surpasses their prior knowledge and communication.

Isaiah 52 15 Bonus Section

The impact described here extends beyond mere observation; it involves deep cognitive and spiritual reception ("see" and "consider"). This implies a transformative experience that changes perspective and allegiance. The "mouths stopped" is significant, indicating a humbling of pride and arrogant claims. In Christian theology, this verse is often seen as a prophecy fulfilled in the spread of the Gospel, where people from all nations, previously unaware of God's full plan, have come to believe, are awestruck by God's mercy, and praise Him, silencing their former arguments or disbelief. It speaks to the transformative power of the truth unveiled in Christ, which silenced even the religious authorities of His day, and continues to silence doubt in the hearts of many through the witness of the church and the spreading of God's Word.

Isaiah 52 15 Commentary

This verse beautifully encapsulates the far-reaching impact of the Suffering Servant's mission, foreshadowing the universal proclamation of the Gospel. The astonishment of nations and the silencing of kings point to a supernatural unveiling of God's redemptive plan. This is not merely a political or social upheaval, but a deep spiritual revelation that renders prior human understanding inadequate. What was hidden and unknown becomes evident and understood. The servant's suffering, paradoxically, leads to a recognition of God's power and justice by those outside His covenant. This anticipated outcome is a core theme in understanding the mission of Christ, whose death and resurrection profoundly impacted the gentile world and continues to inspire awe and submission to God's sovereignty.