Isaiah 56:1 kjv
Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
Isaiah 56:1 nkjv
Thus says the LORD: "Keep justice, and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come, And My righteousness to be revealed.
Isaiah 56:1 niv
This is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
Isaiah 56:1 esv
Thus says the LORD: "Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed.
Isaiah 56:1 nlt
This is what the LORD says: "Be just and fair to all.
Do what is right and good,
for I am coming soon to rescue you
and to display my righteousness among you.
Isaiah 56 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 56:1 | Keep justice, and do righteousness, | Purpose: Direct command for righteous living. |
| Ps 106:3 | Happy are those who keep justice, who practice righteousness at all times! | Similarity: Emphasizes continuous righteousness. |
| Prov 21:3 | To practice righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. | Emphasis: Prioritizes justice over ritual. |
| Mic 6:8 | He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? | Requirement: God's core demands. |
| Luke 1:75 | ...that we might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. | Application: Christian walk of service. |
| Acts 10:34-35 | So Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. | Universality: God accepts all who fear Him and act righteously. |
| Eph 6:9 | Masters, do the same to them, leaving threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. | Principle: Master's accountability to God. |
| Heb 1:9 | You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” | Christological Connection: Christ's perfect righteousness. |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. | Identity: Believers' call to reflect God's light through their actions. |
| 1 Pet 3:14 | But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, | Suffering: Encouragement for righteous action amidst persecution. |
| Isa 62:1-2 | For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. I will see your righteousness, and all the nations shall see your glory. | Fulfillment: Zion's righteousness and salvation revealed. |
| Rom 3:21-22 | But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness. The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. | Revelation: God's righteousness revealed through Christ. |
| Isa 51:4-5 | “Listen to me, my people, and give ear to me, my nation; for a law will come from me, and my justice will become a light to the peoples. My righteousness draws near speedily; my salvation has gone out, and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands hope for me, and in my arm they trust. | Foreshadowing: Prophecy of future salvation and righteousness. |
| Isa 46:13 | I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay. I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory. | Imminence: Salvation and righteousness are near. |
| Isa 45:8 | Drop down, you heavens, from above, and let the clouds pour down righteousness; let the earth open, that it may bring forth salvation, and let righteousness sprout up with it; I the Lord have created it. | Divine Creation: God's direct action in bringing salvation and righteousness. |
| Acts 17:31 | because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the whole world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed. He has given evidence to all by raising him from the dead.” | Judgment: Future judgment based on righteousness. |
| Rev 19:11 | Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. | Christ's Return: Christ judging with righteousness. |
| Rev 22:12 | “Behold, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to give to everyone according to what he has done. | Consequence: Future reward for deeds. |
| Deut 6:25 | And our righteousness will be ours if we obey to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us.” | Condition: Righteousness tied to obedience. |
| Isa 58:2 | Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if it were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God. | Contrast: Distinction between seeking God and practicing righteousness. |
Isaiah 56 verses
Isaiah 56 1 Meaning
Thus says the Lord: "Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed." This verse is a call to maintain ethical behavior and moral uprightness, promising divine deliverance and the manifestation of God's justice in the future. It emphasizes that faithful action precedes God's revealed salvation.
Isaiah 56 1 Context
This verse opens Isaiah chapter 56, following a section of judgment and exile, and preceding promises of restoration and inclusion. The immediate context is God's affirmation of his covenant with those who diligently adhere to its commands. This chapter transitions to a message of hope for the marginalized, including eunuchs and foreigners, who would be welcomed into the community of faith if they "keep my sabbaths" and "hold fast my covenant" (Isa 56:4-6). This inclusive promise is grounded in the universal call to uphold justice and righteousness. Historically, this would have resonated with an audience in exile or post-exile, longing for God's deliverance and the re-establishment of His kingdom. It speaks to a longing for God's intervention to correct the injustices prevalent in their world.
Isaiah 56 1 Word Analysis
כֹּה (koh): "Thus," "So." Introduces a direct, authoritative statement from God. It signifies a pronouncement of divine will or revelation.
אָמַר (amar): "said," "has said." Denotes divine utterance or prophecy.
יְהוָה (YHWH): "The Lord." The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship and faithfulness to His people.
שִׁמְרוּ (shim'ru): "Keep," "Observe." Imperative form of the verb "to guard" or "to keep." It implies active vigilance and consistent practice.
מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat): "Justice," "Judgment," "Ordinance." Refers to equitable dealings, fairness, and the correct application of law and divine statutes. It involves right conduct in all relationships.
וּצְדָקָה (u'tzedakah): "and righteousness," "and doing right." Conjunction "vav" (u) connects it directly to "justice." "Tzedakah" encompasses moral integrity, rectitude, and doing what is right in God's eyes, often translated as charity or righteous deed.
כִּי (ki): "for," "because," "that." A causal or explanatory conjunction.
קָרוֹב (qarov): "near," "is near." Indicates proximity or imminence.
יִשְׁעִי (yishi): "my salvation." Refers to God's deliverance, deliverance from enemies, sin, and suffering, and His ultimate saving action.
וּצְדָקָתִי (u'tzedakati): "and my righteousness." Again, linked by "vav." This is God's own righteousness, which He will actively reveal and impart.
מִגְלָה (miglah): "revealed," "made known," "uncovered." Denotes a manifestation or unveiling. God's justice and saving action will be clearly demonstrated.
Group of Words Analysis:
- "Keep justice, and do righteousness" (שִׁמְרוּ מִשְׁפָּט וּצְדָקָה): This parallel imperative phrase highlights the inseparable nature of justice and righteousness in the prophetic view. Justice refers to societal fairness and right actions, while righteousness pertains to inner moral integrity and alignment with God's will. Both are actively commanded.
- "for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed" (כִּי קָרוֹב יִשְׁעִי וּצְדָקָתִי מִגְלָה): This clause provides the motivation and assurance for the preceding commands. God's imminent action of salvation is directly linked to the revelation of His own righteous character and salvific plan. The use of "near" and "revealed" emphasizes God's active and forthcoming intervention.
Isaiah 56 1 Bonus Section
The prophetic vision in Isaiah 56:1 is not limited to a future temporal event but encapsulates God's ongoing work in preparing His people to be a light to the nations through their consistent demonstration of justice and righteousness. The Hebrew word "tzedakah" (righteousness/justice) carries a strong connotation of social action and faithfulness in duty, highlighting that a believer's spiritual life is inherently intertwined with their ethical responsibilities towards others. The promise of God's "salvation" and "righteousness" being revealed is echoed in the New Testament's teaching about the gospel, where Christ's finished work on the cross is the ultimate manifestation of God's saving power and perfect justice, satisfying the demands of righteousness.
Isaiah 56 1 Commentary
This verse serves as a profound exhortation from God, found in Isaiah 56. It underscores a fundamental principle in God's economy: obedience and ethical conduct are the prerequisites and companions to experiencing divine blessing and salvation. God calls His people to be paragons of justice and righteousness, not merely as ritualistic observances but as inherent ways of living that reflect His own character. The assurance of "soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed" is a powerful promise of God's imminent intervention, offering hope to those awaiting His deliverance. This anticipation is not passive; it requires active engagement in living out His commands. The prophetic promise of salvation and righteousness finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied justice and righteousness and through whom God's salvation and righteousness are revealed to all believers. This passage therefore bridges the Old Testament covenant faithfulness with the New Testament reality of God's grace through Christ. It’s a call to active participation in God’s redemptive plan by living a life that is pleasing to Him.