Isaiah Chapter 56 · Verse 1
Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
כֹּ֚ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שִׁמְר֥וּ
Keep
H8104
שִׁמְר֥וּ
Keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
ye judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
ye judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וַעֲשׂ֣וּ
and do
H6213
וַעֲשׂ֣וּ
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְצִדְקָתִ֖י
and my righteousness
H6666
וְצִדְקָתִ֖י
and my righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
7 of 13
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְשֽׁוּעָתִי֙
for my salvation
H3444
יְשֽׁוּעָתִי֙
for my salvation
Strong's:
H3444
Word #:
10 of 13
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
Cross References
Psalms 85:9Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.Romans 1:17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.Matthew 3:2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.Isaiah 51:5My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.Isaiah 46:13I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.Matthew 4:17From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.John 7:17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.Mark 1:15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.Malachi 4:4Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
Historical Context
This begins the final section of Isaiah (56-66) addressing life in the restored community. Ethical requirements accompany promised restoration, showing that salvation produces righteousness rather than the reverse.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing salvation is coming motivate righteous living?
- What is the relationship between God's initiative and human ethical response?
Analysis & Commentary
God commands: 'Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.' The Hebrew 'mishpat' (judgment) and 'tsedaqah' (justice/righteousness) are covenant requirements. Yet the motivation is not earning salvation but responding to it: salvation is 'near to come' - divine initiative precedes human response.