Isaiah 40:1
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Original Language Analysis
נַחֲמ֖וּ
Comfort
H5162
נַחֲמ֖וּ
Comfort
Strong's:
H5162
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
נַחֲמ֖וּ
Comfort
H5162
נַחֲמ֖וּ
Comfort
Strong's:
H5162
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.Isaiah 51:12I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;Isaiah 51:3For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.1 Thessalonians 4:18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.Zechariah 1:13And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.Isaiah 12:1And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.Isaiah 52:9Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.Isaiah 41:27The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.Isaiah 50:10Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
Historical Context
Written during the Babylonian captivity (586-538 BC), these words offered hope to a devastated nation. Isaiah prophetically speaks to future exiles, assuring them of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite their unfaithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise of comfort speak to your current season of difficulty?
- In what ways can you be an instrument of God's comfort to others who are suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse inaugurates the Book of Comfort (chapters 40-66), marking a dramatic shift from judgment to consolation. The Hebrew 'nachamu' (comfort) is repeated for emphasis, signaling God's tender compassion for His exiled people. The plural imperative addresses the prophets who will proclaim restoration, foreshadowing the ultimate comfort found in Messiah who brings peace with God.