Isaiah 57:19
I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.
Original Language Analysis
בּוֹרֵ֖א
I create
H1254
בּוֹרֵ֖א
I create
Strong's:
H1254
Word #:
1 of 10
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
שְׂפָתָ֑יִם
of the lips
H8193
שְׂפָתָ֑יִם
of the lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
3 of 10
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
שָׁל֜וֹם
Peace
H7965
שָׁל֜וֹם
Peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
4 of 10
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
שָׁל֜וֹם
Peace
H7965
שָׁל֜וֹם
Peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
5 of 10
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
לָרָח֧וֹק
to him that is far off
H7350
לָרָח֧וֹק
to him that is far off
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
6 of 10
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
וְלַקָּר֛וֹב
and to him that is near
H7138
וְלַקָּר֛וֹב
and to him that is near
Strong's:
H7138
Word #:
7 of 10
near (in place, kindred or time)
Cross References
Hebrews 13:15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.Acts 2:39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.Acts 10:36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)Ephesians 6:19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,Luke 2:14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.Luke 21:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.Isaiah 6:7And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.Mark 16:15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.Matthew 10:13And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Historical Context
The immediate historical reference is to restored exiles (near) and those still scattered (far off) receiving God's peace. However, the New Testament's interpretation shows the ultimate fulfillment in Christ breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new people reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:11-22). The early church saw this as prophesying gospel expansion to all nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's creation of 'the fruit of the lips' demonstrate that even our faith and praise are gifts of grace?
- What does Christ's achievement of peace for those 'far off' and 'near' mean for the church's mission?
- In what ways have you experienced the comprehensive healing and peace that God promises?
Analysis & Commentary
God creates "the fruit of the lips" (niv sefatayim)—praise and confession that flows from renewed hearts. This echoes Hebrews 13:15, "the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." The double pronouncement "Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near" announces comprehensive reconciliation. "Far off" and "near" likely distinguish Gentiles from Jews (Ephesians 2:13-17), though also representing the distant exiles and those remaining in the land. Paul explicitly quotes this verse to describe Christ's reconciling work (Ephesians 2:17). The Hebrew shalom encompasses complete well-being, wholeness, and right relationship with God—the comprehensive salvation provided through Christ's atonement. The verse concludes, "saith the LORD; and I will heal him"—God both announces peace and accomplishes the healing necessary for it. This is the gospel in miniature: God creates faith and repentance (fruit of lips), announces peace through Christ, and heals our relationship with Him.