Isaiah 58 12

Isaiah 58:12 kjv

And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Isaiah 58:12 nkjv

Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

Isaiah 58:12 niv

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Isaiah 58:12 esv

And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.

Isaiah 58:12 nlt

Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes.

Isaiah 58 verses

Isaiah 58 12 Meaning

Isaiah 58:12 presents a divine promise of restoration and honorable identity to those who genuinely live out God's principles of justice and compassion. It declares that the true worshipers, who heed the call for ethical living described in the preceding verses, will be God's instruments in rebuilding the long-desolated ruins of society, re-establishing ancient foundations of community, and consequently earning a distinguished reputation as those who mend what is broken and restore functionality to inhabitable spaces. This promise extends beyond mere physical rebuilding, encompassing the social, moral, and spiritual renewal of a community devastated by neglect and injustice.

Isaiah 58 12 Context

Isaiah chapter 58 stands as a profound rebuke to a people observing religious rituals (like fasting) without the accompanying spiritual and social righteousness. They diligently sought God, asked about justice, and appeared devout, yet their fasting was marked by strife, oppression, and self-indulgence (Isa 58:2-5). The chapter contrasts this superficial piety with God's chosen fast: acts of true justice, releasing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and clothing the naked (Isa 58:6-7). This specific verse (Isa 58:12) directly follows a series of blessings promised to those who embrace this true worship (Isa 58:8-11). It outlines the glorious outcome and reputation for those who commit to righteousness and compassionate service. Historically, the chapter likely addresses the post-exilic community or provides prophetic counsel to Israel anticipating the return from Babylonian captivity, where the literal city of Jerusalem lay in ruins. Spiritually, it addresses the moral and societal breakdown, emphasizing that restoration isn't just about brick and mortar, but about rebuilding communal life based on God's just principles. The polemic is against outward religious observance that neglects inward transformation and outward societal responsibility.

Isaiah 58 12 Word analysis

• And those from among you (וּמִמְּךָ֙ - u-mi-mimməḵā): Literally, "and from you." This highlights that the agents of restoration will rise from within the community itself, specifically from those who embrace God's righteous fast outlined in the chapter. It implies an internal spiritual and social transformation empowers this rebuilding.
• shall build (וּבָנ֖וּ - u-va-nu): An active verb indicating a deliberate, conscious effort. It implies not merely repair but the erection of new structures or reconstruction from a desolate state. This verb frequently appears in prophecies of physical restoration, but also metaphorical.
• the old waste places (חָֽרָב֧וֹת עוֹלָ֛ם - ḥā-rā-ḇōṯ ‘ō-lām):
  • ḥā-rā-ḇōṯ: "waste places," "ruins," "desolations." Refers to sites that have been long abandoned or destroyed.
  • ‘ō-lām: "ancient," "long-lasting," "everlasting." Combined with "waste places," it emphasizes the profound and enduring nature of the destruction, perhaps suggesting generations of neglect or the aftermath of devastating judgment. It underscores the monumental scale of the task.
• you shall raise up (מוֹסְדֵ֥י דֽוֹר־וָדוֹר - mō-sə-ḏê ḏōr wā-ḏōr):
  • mō-sə-ḏê: "foundations," "bases," "establishments." Implies deep-level reconstruction, not superficial repairs. It suggests addressing core, systemic issues.
  • דֽוֹר־וָדוֹר: "generation and generation," or "of many generations." This indicates the foundations were laid long ago, and the restoration will endure for future generations, implying a lasting legacy. It is a work for posterity.
• and you shall be called (וְקֹרָ֣א לְךָ֔ - wə-qō-rā’ lə-ḵā): Signifies the granting of a new identity, reputation, or public honor directly from God. It's a formal recognition of their vital role.
• The Repairer of the breach (פֹּרֵ֣ץ גָּדֵ֑ר - pō-rêṣ gā-ḏêr):
  • פֹּרֵ֣ץ: "one who breaks through," often with destructive connotation. Here, it is ironically and metaphorically applied to someone who repairs the breakdown, closes the gaps, and restores integrity.
  • גָּדֵ֑ר: "wall," "hedge," "fence." A protective barrier. A "breach" implies a gap, a point of vulnerability in protection or order. Repairing it restores safety, security, and the integrity of communal life.
• The Restorer of streets to dwell in (מְשֹׁובֵ֥ב נְתִיב֖וֹת לָשָֽׁבֶת - mə-šō-ḇêḇ nə-ṯî-ḇōṯ lā-šā-ḇeṯ):
  • מְשֹׁובֵ֥ב: "restorer," "renewer," "one who brings back." Conveys making something functional and fit for its original purpose again.
  • נְתִיב֖וֹת: "paths," "roads," "streets." The arteries of a functioning city or society, symbolizing order, accessibility, and communication.
  • לָשָֽׁבֶת: "to dwell in," "for habitation." The purpose of restoration is to create a livable, stable, and thriving environment where people can safely and peacefully reside. It points to restored community life and social order.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And those from among you shall build the old waste places": This phrase establishes the human agency (inspired by God) and the profound scope of the work: to revive long-forgotten, utterly devastated aspects of society and physical structures. It suggests bringing life back to what was considered irretrievable.
• "you shall raise up the foundations of many generations": This speaks to deep-seated, fundamental work. It's not cosmetic; it's about rebuilding on the bedrock principles and structures that underpinned a society for ages, ensuring stability and continuity for the future. It’s a call to re-establish justice, righteousness, and order.
• "and you shall be called the Repairer of the breach, The Restorer of streets to dwell in": This identifies the specific and honored reputation gained. "Repairer of the breach" signifies mending what has been broken in societal relationships, legal systems, or moral fabric. "Restorer of streets to dwell in" paints a picture of transforming disorder into livable, functioning communities, ensuring safe and purposeful daily life. It emphasizes the practical, visible outcomes of their ethical conduct.

Isaiah 58 12 Bonus section

The "breach" can also be understood theologically as the breach between humanity and God, or the breakdown of the covenant. While the primary context here is societal and physical, the ultimate repair of the spiritual breach comes through Christ. Those who practice true righteousness, in alignment with God's character, participate in a microcosmic restoration that points to the grand redemptive work of Christ. Furthermore, the concept of a new name or calling is significant in biblical prophecy, often signaling a transformed status and purpose. For ancient Israel, this verse served as a beacon of hope and a directive for how they should live upon their return from exile – not just to rebuild physical walls, but to rebuild a righteous society worthy of God's presence. In the New Testament, believers are called to be reconcilers (2 Cor 5:18), building up the body of Christ and bringing healing to a broken world, thus embodying the spirit of the "Repairer of the breach" in spiritual and social realms.

Isaiah 58 12 Commentary

Isaiah 58:12 is a powerful summation of God's blessing for practical, justice-oriented faith. It moves from internal spiritual discipline to visible societal impact. The imagery of rebuilding "old waste places" and "foundations of many generations" vividly portrays a restoration that is both vast in scope and fundamental in nature. It implies a comprehensive healing of long-standing social ills, systemic injustices, and physical dilapidation. This is not merely about patching up superficial problems but addressing the root causes of decay, re-establishing God-ordained principles of community, equity, and order that had eroded over time. The dual titles, "Repairer of the breach" and "Restorer of streets to dwell in," solidify the esteemed identity given to those who carry out this work. They become known as the ones who bridge divides, heal brokenness in society, and make a disordered world safe and habitable again. This requires proactive, self-sacrificial involvement in the lives of the vulnerable, demonstrating that true spiritual health translates into societal well-being.Examples: A community coming together to revitalise neglected public spaces and support for vulnerable neighbors, leading to lower crime rates and stronger social bonds. A church partnering with local charities to provide shelter and job training for the homeless, seeing lives rebuilt and contributing positively to the town.