Isaiah 42:21
The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חָפֵ֖ץ
is well pleased
H2654
חָפֵ֖ץ
is well pleased
Strong's:
H2654
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
צִדְק֑וֹ
for his righteousness
H6664
צִדְק֑וֹ
for his righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
4 of 7
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
יַגְדִּ֥יל
sake he will magnify
H1431
יַגְדִּ֥יל
sake he will magnify
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
5 of 7
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
Cross References
Romans 3:31Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.Hebrews 8:10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:Isaiah 42:4He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.Psalms 71:19Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!Psalms 40:8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.Romans 7:12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.Matthew 3:15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.Psalms 71:16I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.Romans 10:4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Historical Context
God's commitment to magnify His law meant that despite Israel's failure, He would uphold its requirements through Messiah's perfect obedience and substitutionary death, demonstrating both justice and mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's commitment to His own righteousness ensure salvation despite your failures?
- What does it mean that Christ magnified the law by perfectly keeping and fulfilling it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Despite Israel's failure, 'the LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake'—His own righteousness, not theirs. He will 'magnify the law, and make it honourable' through His purposes. The Hebrew 'gadal' (magnify) suggests exalting and displaying the law's perfection, ultimately through Christ who fulfills it.