Isaiah Chapter 56 · Verse 2
Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
Original Language Analysis
אַשְׁרֵ֤י
Blessed
H835
אַשְׁרֵ֤י
Blessed
Strong's:
H835
Word #:
1 of 16
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
אֱנוֹשׁ֙
H376
אֱנוֹשׁ֙
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מֵעֲשׂ֥וֹת
from doing
H6213
מֵעֲשׂ֥וֹת
from doing
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וּבֶן
this and the son
H1121
וּבֶן
this and the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֖ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֖ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
6 of 16
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
יַחֲזִ֣יק
that layeth hold
H2388
יַחֲזִ֣יק
that layeth hold
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
7 of 16
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
וְשֹׁמֵ֥ר
it and keepeth
H8104
וְשֹׁמֵ֥ר
it and keepeth
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מֵֽחַלְּל֔וֹ
from polluting
H2490
מֵֽחַלְּל֔וֹ
from polluting
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
וְשֹׁמֵ֥ר
it and keepeth
H8104
וְשֹׁמֵ֥ר
it and keepeth
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
13 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
מֵעֲשׂ֥וֹת
from doing
H6213
מֵעֲשׂ֥וֹת
from doing
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Isaiah 58:13If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:Psalms 112:1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.Ezekiel 20:12Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.Exodus 20:10But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.Ezekiel 20:20And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.Psalms 106:3Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.John 13:17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.Psalms 119:101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.Proverbs 16:17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Historical Context
Sabbath observance was intensified during and after exile as a distinctive identity marker. It symbolized trust in God and separation from pagan cultures that knew no sabbath.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sabbath-keeping express trust in God's provision?
- What does 'holding fast' to covenant commitments look like in your life?
Analysis & Commentary
Blessing comes to the one who 'doeth this' - keeping sabbath and keeping hands from evil. The Hebrew 'chazeq' (holds fast) suggests determined commitment. Sabbath-keeping becomes a test case for covenant loyalty, representing trust in God's provision rather than anxious self-reliance.