Isaiah 40:10
Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Original Language Analysis
אֲדֹנָ֤י
Behold the Lord
H136
אֲדֹנָ֤י
Behold the Lord
Strong's:
H136
Word #:
2 of 13
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
בְּחָזָ֣ק
with strong
H2389
בְּחָזָ֣ק
with strong
Strong's:
H2389
Word #:
4 of 13
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
וּזְרֹע֖וֹ
hand and his arm
H2220
וּזְרֹע֖וֹ
hand and his arm
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
6 of 13
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
שְׂכָרוֹ֙
for him behold his reward
H7939
שְׂכָרוֹ֙
for him behold his reward
Strong's:
H7939
Word #:
10 of 13
payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit
אִתּ֔וֹ
H854
אִתּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Cross References
Revelation 22:12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.Isaiah 62:11Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.Revelation 17:14These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Isaiah 49:4Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.Psalms 110:6He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.1 John 3:8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.John 12:15Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
Historical Context
This prophetically describes both Cyrus's decree (God's arm moving him to free Israel) and ultimately Christ's first coming in humility and second coming in power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's combination of strength and tenderness inform your understanding of His character?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's strong arm to rule and bring change?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse presents the paradox of God's coming: He comes with strong authority ('his arm shall rule') yet with tender care (verse 11). The Hebrew 'chazaq' (strong) emphasizes His invincible power to accomplish redemption. His reward and work accompany Him—He brings both justice and blessing, having earned the right through His mighty acts.