Isaiah 58:12
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
Original Language Analysis
וּבָנ֤וּ
And they that shall be of thee shall build
H1129
וּבָנ֤וּ
And they that shall be of thee shall build
Strong's:
H1129
Word #:
1 of 15
to build (literally and figuratively)
מִמְּךָ֙
H4480
מִמְּךָ֙
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
חָרְב֣וֹת
waste places
H2723
חָרְב֣וֹת
waste places
Strong's:
H2723
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
עוֹלָ֔ם
the old
H5769
עוֹלָ֔ם
the old
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
וָד֖וֹר
generations
H1755
וָד֖וֹר
generations
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
וָד֖וֹר
generations
H1755
וָד֖וֹר
generations
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
תְּקוֹמֵ֑ם
thou shalt raise up
H6965
תְּקוֹמֵ֑ם
thou shalt raise up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
8 of 15
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְקֹרָ֤א
and thou shalt be called
H7121
וְקֹרָ֤א
and thou shalt be called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Isaiah 61:4And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.Ezekiel 36:33Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded.Nehemiah 2:17Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.Amos 9:14And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.Amos 9:11In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:Isaiah 51:3For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.Jeremiah 31:38Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.Isaiah 49:8Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
Historical Context
This prophecy addressed the post-exilic community called to rebuild Jerusalem's literal walls and foundations (Nehemiah 2:17, 4:6). However, it extends beyond physical reconstruction to spiritual and social restoration. Those who practiced justice and mercy would create lasting legacy—their descendants would continue the work of restoration across generations. The early church saw itself fulfilling this calling, building up what centuries of sin had destroyed (1 Peter 2:5, Ephesians 2:19-22).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'breaches' in our culture and communities is God calling His people to repair?
- How does faithful living in one generation impact the possibilities available to future generations?
- In what sense is Christ the ultimate 'repairer of the breach' between God and humanity?
Analysis & Commentary
God promises restoration and legacy: "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places." The Hebrew mimekha (from/of thee) indicates descendants or followers—future generations will benefit from present faithfulness. "Build the old waste places" promises reconstruction of what has been destroyed. "Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations" speaks of re-establishing what has been lost across time. Then come two honorific titles: "thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach." A breach (perets) is a gap in city walls creating vulnerability (Nehemiah 6:1). God's people will repair what sin has broken. "The restorer of paths to dwell in" pictures making safe passage where roads had become dangerous or impassable. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the church's calling in redemptive history. We are builders and repairers—not creating something new but restoring God's original design. Through proclamation of the gospel and works of mercy, we repair the breach between God and humanity that sin created, and restore paths to abundant life. Ultimately, Christ is the true Repairer who rebuilds the fallen temple of humanity (John 2:19-21) and restores all things (Acts 3:21, Revelation 21:5).