Keraia
Isaiah 40

Isaiah 40:2

Prepare the Way for the LORD · Isaiah 40:1–5
Read Isaiah 40

Translations

Modern
“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.”
Traditional
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
Literal
“Speak upon the heart of Jerusalem, and call out to her, that her service has been fulfilled, that her iniquity has been pardoned, for she has received from the hand of YHWH double for all her sins.”
Latin
Loquimini ad cor Jerusalem, et advocate eam, quoniam completa est malitia ejus, dimissa est iniquitas illius: suscepit de manu Domini duplicia pro omnibus peccatis suis.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.”

Notes

Isaiah 40:2

  • Speak tenderly: The prophet's message was to encourage Jerusalem with the good news of God's forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration.

  • From the prophetic perspective, Israel’s sad days are gone because the exile has ended.

  • she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins: Israel faced the full force of God's wrath (Isaiah 51:19–23; compare 61:7).

Isaiah 40:1–66:24

The rest of Isaiah offers a message of comfort and reveals God's character and his plans for Israel. As Isaiah 39:6–7 predicted, Judah would face judgment and exile after Isaiah's time. Throughout Isaiah 40–66, Isaiah prophesied as if the exile in Babylon had already occurred. Thus, the Babylonian exile is the context for understanding these chapters.

Isaiah 40:1–55:13

This section shares the good news of God's coming salvation. The Lord will support his people and judge His enemies. Salvation will occur through the arrival, suffering, and exaltation of the Lord's servant, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 40:1–31

This chapter introduces chapters 40–66. In this section, comfort means the result of God's merciful actions toward people in the future. It includes encouragement, strength, and acceptance.

God wants to rescue his people (Isaiah 40:1–11) and is fully capable of doing so (40:12–26). The exiles needed to trust God's promises and wait for their rescue (Isaiah 40:27–31; see also 30:15–18).

Events

Parallels

Matthew 3:1–12 Mark 1:1–8 Luke 3:1–20 John 1:19–28

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Book of Baruch Gospel Isaiah, Book of New Creation, New Creature Numbers and Numerology Prophet, Prophetess Ransom

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Christian Minister: Duties of Consolation Under Affliction by Ministers of the Gospel Consolation Under Affliction: To Those Who Mourn for Sin Pardon: Ministers are Appointed to Proclaim Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration Select Readings: The Omnipotence and Incomparableness of God