Isaiah 56:2 kjv
Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
Isaiah 56:2 nkjv
Blessed is the man who does this, And the son of man who lays hold on it; Who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And keeps his hand from doing any evil."
Isaiah 56:2 niv
Blessed is the one who does this? the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil."
Isaiah 56:2 esv
Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil."
Isaiah 56:2 nlt
Blessed are all those
who are careful to do this.
Blessed are those who honor my Sabbath days of rest
and keep themselves from doing wrong.
Isaiah 56 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 56:4 | For thus says the LORD: "To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, Who choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant, | Salvation for All |
| Exodus 31:13 | "You shall keep My Sabbaths. It is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. | Sabbath as a Sign |
| Nehemiah 13:17 | So I contended with the nobles of Judah and said to them, "What is this evil thing you are doing, by profaning the Sabbath day? | Importance of Sabbath Practice |
| Jeremiah 17:24 | "And it shall be, if you earnestly listen to Me," declares the LORD, "to bring no load through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but to hallow the Sabbath day... | Hallowing the Sabbath |
| Matthew 12:12 | He said to them, "Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath days." | Doing Good on the Sabbath |
| Mark 2:27 | And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. | Sabbath for Humanity |
| Luke 13:10 | Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. | Sabbath Day Teaching |
| Acts 15:21 | For from ancient times Moses has had in every city those who preach him, every Sabbath resting in the synagogues, and being read in them. | Sabbath in Synagogues |
| Acts 17:2 | And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, | Paul's Sabbath Practice |
| Revelation 1:10 | I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard a voice behind me, like a trumpet, | Lord's Day (Future Fulfilment) |
| Psalm 56:13 | For You have delivered my soul from death indeed, Will You not deliver my feet from stumbling, That I may walk before God in the light of the living? | Walking before God |
| Psalm 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. | Word as a Guide |
| John 8:12 | Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." | Jesus as the Light |
| Romans 12:2 | And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. | Transformation of Mind |
| Ephesians 5:10 | trying to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. | Pleasing the Lord |
| Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. | Strength in Christ |
| Colossians 3:10 | and have put on the new man who is renewing himself unto knowledge according to the image of the one who created him, | Renewing of Knowledge |
| Hebrews 4:10 | For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. | Entering God's Rest |
| 1 Peter 2:5 | You also, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. | Spiritual Sacrifices |
| Malachi 3:16 | Then those who fear the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and esteem His name. | Book of Remembrance |
| Psalm 33:21 | For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. | Rejoicing in God |
| Isaiah 40:31 | But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. | Renewing Strength |
Isaiah 56 verses
Isaiah 56 2 Meaning
This verse describes the blessings of God upon those who faithfully observe the Sabbath and uphold His covenant. It promises divine acceptance, inner strength, and a lasting spiritual legacy.
Isaiah 56 2 Context
Isaiah chapter 56 continues the prophet's message of hope and inclusion for both Jews and Gentiles. Following the exile, there was a need to define who truly belonged to God's covenant people. This chapter broadens the definition, extending God's salvation and acceptance to those who were previously excluded by physical or ceremonial limitations, such as eunuchs and foreigners. Verse 2 specifically addresses the blessedness promised to those who actively keep the Sabbath and hold fast to the covenant, signifying their commitment to God's ways. This offers a hopeful outlook for all who seek to follow God, regardless of their background.
Isaiah 56 2 Word Analysis
- Blessed (Hebrew: 'asher - אַשֵּׁר): Denotes happiness, prosperity, and favor, especially from God.
- Is (Hebrew: yachazik - יַחֲזִיק): Third person masculine singular imperfect of chazak (חָזַק), meaning to hold firmly, grasp, strengthen, or hold onto.
- He (Hebrew: hu - הוּא): Pronoun for a male individual.
- Who (Hebrew: 'asher - אָשֶׁר): Relative pronoun introducing a subordinate clause describing the blessed one.
- Lay hold (Hebrew: echaz - אֶחֱז): Infinitive construct of achaz (אָחַז), meaning to grasp, seize, or hold onto.
- Of (Implied): Connection particle.
- This (Hebrew: zoth - זֹאת): Demonstrative pronoun, pointing to the specific covenant.
- Covenant (Hebrew: brit - בְּרִית): A formal agreement or treaty, in this context, God's covenant with His people.
- And (Hebrew: veth - וְ): Conjunction.
- The eunuch (Hebrew: ha-sarís - הַסָּרִיס): A male who has been castrated.
- Who (Hebrew: 'asher - אָשֶׁר): Relative pronoun.
- Keeps (Hebrew: yishmor - יִשְׁמֹר): Third person masculine singular imperfect of shamar (שָׁמַר), meaning to guard, observe, or keep.
- The Sabbaths (Hebrew: 'et-hashabbathoth - אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּתֹות): Plural form of Sabbath (שַּׁבָּת), indicating observance of all aspects of the Sabbath day, perhaps including weekly Sabbaths and sabbatical principles.
- From (Hebrew: mipocha - מִפֹּךְ): Preposition from "pok" (פֹּךְ) meaning to profane or violate, thus "from profaning."
- Profaning (Hebrew: yachlok - יַחְלֹק): Third person masculine singular imperfect of chalak (חָלַק), meaning to divide, share, or here, to profane or treat lightly.
- It (Implied): Refers to the Sabbath.
- And (Hebrew: veth - וְ): Conjunction.
- Holds fast (Hebrew: maḥazik - מַחֲזִיק): Participial form of chazak (חָזַק), meaning grasping firmly, cleaving to.
- My (Hebrew: 'eth-berithí - אֶת־בְּרִיתִי): Possessive pronoun with covenant.
- Covenant (Hebrew: beríth - בְּרִית): God's covenant.
Words-group analysis:The phrase "lays hold of My covenant" (אֶחֱז בְּרִיתִי) implies active and persistent adherence to God's promises and commands, not mere intellectual assent. "Keeps My Sabbaths from profaning it" emphasizes diligent and respectful observance of the Sabbath, guarding it from secularization or neglect. The combined focus on covenant and Sabbath highlights these as central pillars of faithfulness in the life of the believer.
Isaiah 56 2 Bonus Section
The concept of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant, as mentioned in Exodus 31:13, is crucial here. It was meant to remind Israel of their distinctness as God's people and their relationship with Him. Isaiah extends this significance to include those previously on the fringes. The promise of "an everlasting name" is also echoed in Isaiah 55:13 where transformed lives are depicted as bringing glory to the Lord. Furthermore, the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews chapters 3 and 4, speaks of a spiritual "rest" available through Christ, which fulfills and magnifies the meaning of the Sabbath rest. The "house" in which they will be established likely refers to the spiritual temple or the heavenly Jerusalem, signifying eternal dwelling with God. The notion of "a door" relates to access, and the verse suggests a form of spiritual access and acceptance granted by God that is not based on humanly devised gateways.
Isaiah 56 2 Commentary
This verse presents a powerful promise of divine acceptance and enduring strength for those who demonstrate a sincere commitment to God's covenant and the observance of His Sabbath. The inclusion of the eunuch is significant. Under previous interpretations of Mosaic Law, eunuchs were partially excluded from full participation in the assembly of Israel (Deut. 23:1). Isaiah here reveals God's expanded grace, accepting and blessing those who, despite their physical state, actively choose to honor God by keeping His Sabbaths and holding fast to His covenant.
The emphasis on "holding fast" implies a steadfast commitment that is tested by difficulties. This act of holding on leads to internal reinforcement, depicted by the promise that such individuals will "hold fast" to the covenant, a reciprocal action of divine grounding. It signifies more than outward adherence; it's about a deep, internal grasping and embracing of God's relational agreement. The assurance of receiving "an everlasting name" signifies a spiritual legacy that outlasts physical limitations or earthly achievements. This enduring recognition comes from being firmly established in God's house, meaning within His community of faith and within His eternal plan.
The Sabbath here is not merely a day of rest but a sign of the covenant, a recurring reminder of God's sanctifying work and His presence. By keeping the Sabbath from profaning it, believers align themselves with God's rhythm of rest and holiness. This commitment results in God blessing their lives and enabling them to continue serving Him faithfully. The blessings are "according to the way that is not entered in by the door," suggesting a spiritual entry and acceptance that transcends human tradition or strict physical entry requirements, pointing towards a deeper, spiritual inclusion through Christ.