Isaiah 51:1
Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְע֥וּ
Hearken
H8085
שִׁמְע֥וּ
Hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
רֹ֥דְפֵי
to me ye that follow after
H7291
רֹ֥דְפֵי
to me ye that follow after
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
3 of 14
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
צֶ֖דֶק
righteousness
H6664
צֶ֖דֶק
righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
4 of 14
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
מְבַקְשֵׁ֣י
ye that seek
H1245
מְבַקְשֵׁ֣י
ye that seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
5 of 14
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַבִּ֙יטוּ֙
look
H5027
הַבִּ֙יטוּ֙
look
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
7 of 14
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
צ֣וּר
unto the rock
H6697
צ֣וּר
unto the rock
Strong's:
H6697
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
חֻצַּבְתֶּ֔ם
whence ye are hewn
H2672
חֻצַּבְתֶּ֔ם
whence ye are hewn
Strong's:
H2672
Word #:
10 of 14
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
מַקֶּ֥בֶת
and to the hole
H4718
מַקֶּ֥בֶת
and to the hole
Strong's:
H4718
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, a perforator, (intransitively) a perforation, i.e., a quarry
Cross References
Isaiah 51:7Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.Psalms 94:15But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:Isaiah 48:12Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.Romans 14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.Proverbs 15:9The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.Proverbs 21:21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.Amos 5:6Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el.2 Timothy 2:22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.Isaiah 45:19I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
Historical Context
Exiles descended from Abraham (one man) miraculously blessed into multitudes. Remembering this origin encouraged faith that God could again multiply the small returning remnant. The same God who made Abraham's barrenness fruitful could restore desolate Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does reflecting on your spiritual 'quarry' - what you were before Christ - humble your pride?
- What 'barrenness' has God transformed in your life through His sovereign power?
Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'look unto the rock whence ye are hewn' calls believers to remember their spiritual origin - Abraham and Sarah's barrenness transformed by God's promise. The quarry metaphor emphasizes that our existence derives entirely from God's sovereign work, not human merit or effort. This grounds identity in divine grace and demolishes all boasting except in God's transforming power (1 Corinthians 1:29-31).