Isaiah 59:17 kjv
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.
Isaiah 59:17 nkjv
For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak.
Isaiah 59:17 niv
He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Isaiah 59:17 esv
He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.
Isaiah 59:17 nlt
He put on righteousness as his body armor
and placed the helmet of salvation on his head.
He clothed himself with a robe of vengeance
and wrapped himself in a cloak of divine passion.
Isaiah 59 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 59:18 | For according to their deeds, so will he repay, with fierceness a fury to his adversaries, to make reprisal to his enemies; to the islands he will make reprisal. | Continues the theme of God's judgment |
| Isaiah 11:4 | but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. | God's righteous judgment |
| Isaiah 63:1-6 | Who is this that comes from Edom, withdyed garments from Bozrah, he who was glorious in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? "It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save."... | God as a victorious warrior |
| Psalms 98:2 | The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. | God's revealed salvation/righteousness |
| Ephesians 6:14 | Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, | Righteousness as armor |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:8 | But, since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. | Salvation as a helmet |
| Revelation 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 as the righteous warrior |
| Revelation 19:13 | He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. | Christ's redemptive work |
| Revelation 1:16 | In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. | Christ's divine authority |
| Romans 3:25-26 | whom God put forward as a sacrificial offering by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. | God's righteousness in justification |
| Jeremiah 23:6 | In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.” | The LORD as righteousness |
| Zechariah 12:8 | On that day the LORD will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the one who stumbles among them on that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them. | God as protector of His people |
| Wisdom of Solomon 5:17 | He will put on righteousness as his breastplate, and array himself with judgment as his helmet. | Righteousness and judgment as armor |
| 2 Corinthians 5:21 | For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. | Imputed righteousness |
| Hebrews 4:12 | For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. | God's Word as powerful weapon |
| Nahum 1:2-3 | The LORD is a jealous God and a God of vengeance. The LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and nurses wrath against his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger and of great might, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty. The LORD has his way in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. | God's wrath and power |
| Habakkuk 3:3-4 | God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. His radiance was like the sunlight; he came from his hand with wings. Before him went pestilence, and fiery plague followed at his heels. | God's majestic appearance |
| Hosea 13:14 | Shall I ransom them from the power of the grave? Shall I redeem them from death? O death, where are your sting? O grave, where is your victory? | God's victory over death |
| 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 | "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. | Victory over death |
| Revelation 22:12 | "Behold, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to give to each according to what he has done." | Jesus' second coming and judgment |
| Malachi 4:2 | But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. | The Sun of righteousness |
Isaiah 59 verses
Isaiah 59 17 Meaning
This verse describes God's appearance for battle, clothed in righteousness as His armor. He comes as a warrior to execute judgment and bring salvation to His people. His intervention is fueled by His zeal for righteousness and His people's redemption.
Isaiah 59 17 Context
Chapter 59 of Isaiah describes the pervasive sinfulness of Israel and the consequences of their separation from God. This verse, however, shifts the focus from Israel's unrighteousness to God's divine response. It signifies a turning point, moving from the lament over sin to the assurance of God's sovereign intervention and vindication. Historically, this passage would have resonated with an audience experiencing oppression and despair, offering hope through the promise of divine deliverance and judgment against their enemies. The chapter preceding this verse highlights Israel's deep iniquity, painting a bleak picture. Verse 17 therefore marks the dawning of hope, presenting God as the ultimate restorer and vindicator, ready to act.
Isaiah 59 17 Word Analysis
- וְ" (V'`): "And" - A conjunctive particle, indicating a continuation of thought or a transition.
- יִרְאֶה (yir'eh): "He will see" or "He will look" - From the root ra'ah (רָאָה), meaning to see, perceive, behold. Here, it suggests God perceiving the situation and preparing to act.
- וְ" (V'`): "And"
- יִלְבַּשׁ (yilbash): "He will put on" or "He will wear" - From the root labash (לָבַשׁ), to clothe. This denotes equipping for action.
- צְדָקָה (tzedakah): "Righteousness" - A key Hebrew concept encompassing justice, equity, and moral uprightness. It refers to conformity to God's law and will.
- כְּעֻלָּה (ke'ulah): "As a breastplate" or "as a coat of mail" - From the root `alah (
alah), related to covering or clothing. It signifies protective armor. - וְ" (V'`): "And"
- כְּתַחֲר֣וֹחַ (ketacharcho'ah): "As a helmet" or "as a crown" - From a root associated with covering the head or being adorned. It indicates protection for the head and perhaps readiness for combat.
- חֹמַת (chomah): "As a helmet" or "as a head-covering" - Similar meaning to tacharcho'ah, reinforcing the idea of head protection. Some translations link this word to the helmet of salvation.
- חָמָה (chamah): "Wrath" or "fury" - From the root chamah (חמה), signifying intense heat, anger, or fury. This points to the divine indignation against sin.
- לְ" (l'): "For" or "to" - A preposition indicating purpose or destination.
- צְדָקָה (tzedakah): "Righteousness" - Again emphasizing God's character and motive.
- וְ" (V'`): "And"
- קְרָב (q'rav): "Battle" or "combat" - A noun signifying warfare.
- לְ" (l'): "For" or "to"
- לְ" (l'): "For" or "to"
- שְׁלָל (sh'lal): "Spoil" or "prey" - This signifies the outcome of the battle – victory and the spoils taken from the defeated enemies.
- צָרָיו (tzarav): "His enemies" or "His adversaries" - The opposing forces God is confronting.
- וְ" (V'`): "And"
- מִדַּה (midah): "according to" or "in proportion to" - From midah (מִדָּה), a measure.
- וּ" (u"): "And"
- יַלְבִּישׁ (yalbish): "He will clothe" or "He will reward" - Similar to labash, but in this context, it suggests recompensing.
- רֹעֵל (ro'el): "Indignation" or "fierceness" - Related to the word for wrath (chamah), denoting intense displeasure.
- לְ" (l'): "For" or "to"
- צָרָיו (tzarav): "His enemies" - Again referring to adversaries.
- וְ" (V'`): "And"
- אֹיְבָיו (o'yevav): "His foes" - Synonymous with adversaries, emphasizing opposition.
- לְ" (l'): "To" or "For"
- אִיִּים (iyyim): "Islands" or "coastlands" - Representing distant nations or those separated by sea, indicating the global scope of God's action.
- לְ" (l'): "To" or "For"
- הֲשִׁיב (hashiv): "Repay" or "retribute" - From shuv (שׁוּב), meaning to turn back, return, repay. This suggests bringing consequences or making a recompense.
Words/Group Analysis:The imagery of God clothing Himself in "righteousness" and "helmet of salvation" is significant. It presents God as a divinely armored warrior whose actions are perfectly aligned with His just nature and His plan for redemption. The "breastplate" (or coat of mail) of righteousness protects His character from any accusation of injustice, while the "helmet" of salvation signifies His protection and deliverance for His people. His wrath and fury are directed against His enemies, reflecting God's just anger towards sin and rebellion. The concluding phrase, "He will repay," signifies a definitive act of justice and retribution on behalf of His people, reaching even to the distant lands.
Isaiah 59 17 Bonus Section
The description of God wearing righteousness and salvation as armor connects strongly to the New Testament concept of spiritual warfare. Christians are called to "put on the full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18), which includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. Isaiah 59:17 poetically anticipates this, revealing that God Himself embodies these divine attributes as His own protective and offensive weaponry. This passage also emphasizes that God's ultimate action is salvific, not purely punitive, though His wrath against injustice is also made clear. The 'salvation' functioning as a helmet indicates that God's salvific plan is always at the forefront of His mind as He executes judgment.
Isaiah 59 17 Commentary
Isaiah 59:17 paints a vivid picture of God preparing for divine intervention and warfare against evil. He is depicted as a warrior meticulously outfitted, not with earthly armor, but with abstract virtues that perfectly reflect His being. Righteousness is His defensive breastplate, safeguarding His holy character, while the helmet of salvation covers His mind and thought processes in judgment. This is not a God driven by chaotic anger, but by a holy zeal and justice. His "fury" is a righteous indignation against sin and oppression. He engages in this battle to exact vengeance and repay His adversaries, extending His action even to "islands," indicating the comprehensive nature of His judgment and deliverance. This imagery is a powerful assurance for the oppressed that God is not a distant observer but an active participant who will decisively act to vindicate His people and establish His righteous rule.