Isaiah 40
40
Comfort My People
1Your God says to you:
“Comfort, comfort my people # 40:1 The Targum reads “You prophets, prophesy comfort, comfort to my people.” See Jer. 31:13, 20; Zeph. 3:14–17; 2 Cor. 1:3. with gentle, compassionate words. # 40:1 The Hebrew word nacham connotes deep emotion, compassionate words that give relief and tender consolation to people. Beginning in Isaiah 40, the prophet’s tone changed from that of his words throughout chs. 1–39. In a similar way, the New Testament brings us an even sweeter, more glorious message than the Old Testament (see 2 Cor. 3:9). The New Testament begins with John the Baptizer quoting from Isaiah 40, demonstrating that the time has come for the removal of our sins. Compare Isa. 40:3 and Mark 1:3. Isaiah 1–39 speaks of a worldwide desolation; Isaiah 40–66 speaks of a worldwide restoration. The later chapters of this book are described by some scholars as the “New Testament of Isaiah.” The New Testament has twenty-seven books, corresponding to Isaiah’s last twenty-seven chapters. An outline of the remainder of the book could be: The Book of Comfort (chs. 40–44), The Book of Cyrus (chs. 45–48), The Book of Messiah, the Servant of the Lord (chs. 49–55), The Book of Judah, the Victory of the Bride (chs. 56–66).
2Speak tenderly from the heart # 40:2 Or “Speak to the heart [to revive].” to revive those in Jerusalem, # 40:2 Scripture often contains multiple meanings and applications. Jerusalem here can also mean the church. The church does not replace Jerusalem (Israel), but can be viewed as a “new” Israel (see Gal. 6:16). Believers today find themselves in the New Jerusalem, where God and man have become one. See Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22.
and proclaim that their warfare is over. # 40:2 For the overcoming believer, the warfare of Romans 7 has ended as we become the victorious overcomers who move into Christ’s victory found in Romans 8. Our race begins at the finish line (see Rom. 6:5–7).
Her debt of sin is paid for, and she will not be treated as guilty. # 40:2 See John 19:30; Rom. 8:1; Col. 2:13–14; 1 Peter 3:18.
Prophesy to her that she has received from the hand of Yahweh
twice as many blessings as all her sins.” # 40:2 The Hebrew text is somewhat ambiguous. It could mean double punishment or double blessing. That is, they will receive from the hand of God twice what they have lost. Favor and mercy always triumph over judgment. God will excel in grace toward his people and give us back even more than what our sins took from us. See Ex. 22:4, 7, 9; Job 42:10; Isa. 61:7; Zech. 9:12; Rom. 5.
3A thunderous voice cries out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way for Yahweh’s arrival! # 40:3 Or “In the wilderness prepare the way for Yahweh’s arrival.” This was a prophecy of John the Baptizer and his ministry of calling people to repentance in preparation for the appearing of the Lord Jesus. Although John came in the spirit of Elijah, he worked no miracles. His prophecy was not to begin a road project but to prepare people’s hearts. Even now the voice of the Spirit is crying out in the wilderness of people’s souls, bringing them to repentance and faith in Christ.
Make a highway straight through the desert for our God! # 40:3 See John 14:6.
4Every valley will be raised up, every mountain brought low.
The rugged terrain will become level ground
and the rough places a plain.
5Then Yahweh’s radiant glory will be unveiled,
and all humanity # 40:5 Or “all flesh” (i.e., Jews and gentiles). will experience it together. # 40:5 Or “all flesh will see it as one.” See Rom. 8:19.
Believe it, for Yahweh has spoken his decree!” # 40:5 See Luke 3:5–6.
6A voice says, “Cry out!”
And I ask, “What should I say?”
“All people are as frail as grass,
and their elegance is like a wilting wildflower.
7The grass withers, the flower fades
when the breath of Yahweh blows upon it;
the people are just like grass!
8But even though grass withers and the flower fades,
the word of our God stands strong forever!” # 40:8 See Pss. 103:15–16; 119:89–90; James 1:9–11; 1 Peter 1:24–25.
Proclaim Good News
9Go up on a high mountain, you joyful messengers of Zion,
and lift up your voices with power.
You who proclaim joyous news to Jerusalem,
shout it out and don’t be afraid.
Say to the cities of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
10Look! Here comes Lord Yahweh as a victorious warrior;
he triumphs with his awesome power. # 40:10 Or “his mighty arm rules for him.”
Watch as he brings with him his reward
and the spoils of victory to give to his people.
11He will care for you as a shepherd tends his flock,
gathering the weak lambs and taking them in his arms.
He carries them close to his heart
and gently leads those that have young. # 40:10–11 These verses are somewhat parallel to Eph. 4:11, where we can see the apostle’s “awesome power” (v. 10), the prophet’s “reward” (v. 10 and Matt. 10:41), the evangelist’s “spoils of victory [he gives] to his people” (v. 10), the pastor or “shepherd [who] tends his flock” (v. 11), and the teacher who “gently leads” into truth (v. 11).
The Infinite God
12Who has measured the waters of the sea
in the hollow of his hand
and used his hand-width to mark off the heavens?
Who knows the exact weight of all the dust of the earth # 40:12 Or “Who has weighed the dust of the earth in a basket [third of an ephah]?” The Creator can never be measured by his creation; he is infinitely greater.
and has weighed all the mountains and hills on his scale?
13Who fully understands the Spirit of Yahweh # 40:13 See Eph. 1:17.
or is wise enough to counsel him? # 40:13 See Rom. 11:34; 1 Cor. 2:16.
14Whom does he consult to be enlightened?
Who teaches him the ways of justice? # 40:14 Or “Who teaches him the right way to do things?” or “Who gives him insight to make right decisions?”
Who imparts knowledge to him
or shows him the true path of wisdom? # 40:14 That is, who is capable enough to show God how to skillfully design his plan or give him the wisdom needed to carry it out? He is too wise to make a mistake. These verses show us God’s heart of love (v. 11), God’s hand of power (v. 12), and God’s mind of wisdom (vv. 13–14).
15Even the nations are to him like a drop # 40:15 The Hebrew word used for “drop” is not a drop of water but a drop of myrrh. Myrrh was harvested by piercing a tree and collecting drops of sap in a bucket. Nations are more than a drop of water but rather are like myrrh dropping into a bucket. in a bucket,
regarded as nothing more than dust on a scale.
He picks up the islands like fine grains of sand.
16All of Lebanon’s trees # 40:16 Lebanon was known for its lumber and forests. are not enough firewood for him,
nor are all its animals enough for a burnt offering.
17The nations are nothing in his eyes;
he regards them as absolutely nothing. # 40:17 Or “from nothing but emptiness” (as though they didn’t exist).
Idols Cannot Be Compared to God
18Who even comes close to being compared to God? # 40:18 This is the Hebrew word ‘el, “the mighty God.”
How could you ever compare God to an idol?
19A craftsman forms # 40:19 Or “melts [pours out].” an idol-god,
then a goldsmith overlays it with gold
and forges its silver chains. # 40:19 The Hebrew clause is uncertain.
20The one who is poor and cannot afford silver or gold # 40:20 The Hebrew clause is uncertain.
chooses a tree # 40:20 Adam and Eve chose the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. See Jer. 10:3–4. that will not rot,
then seeks a skilled workman
to make an idol that will not topple.
Fear Not
21Don’t you realize that God is the Creator?
Don’t you hear the truth? # 40:21 Or “Do you not know? Do you not hear?” These two questions (imperfect tense) are best seen as invitations rather than surprise over their ignorance. See Young, Book of Isaiah, vol. 3, 40–66.
Haven’t you been told this from the beginning?
Haven’t you understood this
since he laid a firm foundation for the earth? # 40:21 See Ps. 24:2.
22He sits enthroned high above the circle of the earth; # 40:22 The “circle of the earth” could not only mean that the earth is round but also be a reference to the circular orbit of the earth.
to him the people of earth are like grasshoppers!
He stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
spreading it open like a tent to live in. # 40:22 See Ex. 25:8.
23He reduces rulers to nothing
and makes the elite of the earth as nothing at all.
24They barely get planted and barely take root in their position of power
when the Lord blows on them and they wither away,
carried off like straw in the stormy wind.
God Above All Others
25The Holy One asks:
“Can you find anyone or anything to compare to me?
Where is the one equal to me?”
26Lift up your eyes to the sky and see for yourself.
Who do you think created the cosmos? # 40:26 See Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:15–16.
He lit every shining star and formed every glowing galaxy,
and stationed them all where they belong.
He has numbered, counted, and given each one a name.
They shine because of God’s incredible power
and awesome might; not one fails to appear!
27Why, then, O Jacob’s tribes, would you ever complain?
And my chosen Israel, why would you say,
“Yahweh isn’t paying attention to my situation. # 40:27 Or “My way is hidden from Yahweh.”
He has lost all interest in what happens to me”? # 40:27 Or “My decisions are passed over.”
28Don’t you know? Haven’t you been listening?
Yahweh is the one and only everlasting God,
the Creator of all you can see and imagine!
He never gets weary or worn out.
His intelligence is unlimited;
he is never puzzled over what to do!
29He empowers the feeble
and infuses the powerless with increasing strength.
30Even young people faint and get exhausted;
athletic ones # 40:30 Or “young men.” may stumble and fall.
31But those who entwine their hearts with Yahweh # 40:31 Or “wait on Yahweh.” The Hebrew word for “wait” means to “tie,” “twist,” “bind,” or “entwine [to make a rope].” Waiting on God is never passive; it is binding our hearts to who God is as we wait for God’s plan to unfold.
will experience divine strength. # 40:31 Or “will grow new feathers like eagles” (LXX) or “renew their strength.” An eagle has the longest lifespan of any bird. See Ps. 103:5.
They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles,
run their races without growing weary,
and walk through life without giving up. # 40:31 Or “without fainting.” The outer court is where we walk, the Holy Place is where we run, and we soar like eagles into the heavenly realm in the Holy of Holies (see Heb. 10:19).
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Isaiah 40: TPT
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Learn More About The Passion TranslationIsaiah 40
40
Comfort My People
1Your God says to you:
“Comfort, comfort my people # 40:1 The Targum reads “You prophets, prophesy comfort, comfort to my people.” See Jer. 31:13, 20; Zeph. 3:14–17; 2 Cor. 1:3. with gentle, compassionate words. # 40:1 The Hebrew word nacham connotes deep emotion, compassionate words that give relief and tender consolation to people. Beginning in Isaiah 40, the prophet’s tone changed from that of his words throughout chs. 1–39. In a similar way, the New Testament brings us an even sweeter, more glorious message than the Old Testament (see 2 Cor. 3:9). The New Testament begins with John the Baptizer quoting from Isaiah 40, demonstrating that the time has come for the removal of our sins. Compare Isa. 40:3 and Mark 1:3. Isaiah 1–39 speaks of a worldwide desolation; Isaiah 40–66 speaks of a worldwide restoration. The later chapters of this book are described by some scholars as the “New Testament of Isaiah.” The New Testament has twenty-seven books, corresponding to Isaiah’s last twenty-seven chapters. An outline of the remainder of the book could be: The Book of Comfort (chs. 40–44), The Book of Cyrus (chs. 45–48), The Book of Messiah, the Servant of the Lord (chs. 49–55), The Book of Judah, the Victory of the Bride (chs. 56–66).
2Speak tenderly from the heart # 40:2 Or “Speak to the heart [to revive].” to revive those in Jerusalem, # 40:2 Scripture often contains multiple meanings and applications. Jerusalem here can also mean the church. The church does not replace Jerusalem (Israel), but can be viewed as a “new” Israel (see Gal. 6:16). Believers today find themselves in the New Jerusalem, where God and man have become one. See Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22.
and proclaim that their warfare is over. # 40:2 For the overcoming believer, the warfare of Romans 7 has ended as we become the victorious overcomers who move into Christ’s victory found in Romans 8. Our race begins at the finish line (see Rom. 6:5–7).
Her debt of sin is paid for, and she will not be treated as guilty. # 40:2 See John 19:30; Rom. 8:1; Col. 2:13–14; 1 Peter 3:18.
Prophesy to her that she has received from the hand of Yahweh
twice as many blessings as all her sins.” # 40:2 The Hebrew text is somewhat ambiguous. It could mean double punishment or double blessing. That is, they will receive from the hand of God twice what they have lost. Favor and mercy always triumph over judgment. God will excel in grace toward his people and give us back even more than what our sins took from us. See Ex. 22:4, 7, 9; Job 42:10; Isa. 61:7; Zech. 9:12; Rom. 5.
3A thunderous voice cries out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way for Yahweh’s arrival! # 40:3 Or “In the wilderness prepare the way for Yahweh’s arrival.” This was a prophecy of John the Baptizer and his ministry of calling people to repentance in preparation for the appearing of the Lord Jesus. Although John came in the spirit of Elijah, he worked no miracles. His prophecy was not to begin a road project but to prepare people’s hearts. Even now the voice of the Spirit is crying out in the wilderness of people’s souls, bringing them to repentance and faith in Christ.
Make a highway straight through the desert for our God! # 40:3 See John 14:6.
4Every valley will be raised up, every mountain brought low.
The rugged terrain will become level ground
and the rough places a plain.
5Then Yahweh’s radiant glory will be unveiled,
and all humanity # 40:5 Or “all flesh” (i.e., Jews and gentiles). will experience it together. # 40:5 Or “all flesh will see it as one.” See Rom. 8:19.
Believe it, for Yahweh has spoken his decree!” # 40:5 See Luke 3:5–6.
6A voice says, “Cry out!”
And I ask, “What should I say?”
“All people are as frail as grass,
and their elegance is like a wilting wildflower.
7The grass withers, the flower fades
when the breath of Yahweh blows upon it;
the people are just like grass!
8But even though grass withers and the flower fades,
the word of our God stands strong forever!” # 40:8 See Pss. 103:15–16; 119:89–90; James 1:9–11; 1 Peter 1:24–25.
Proclaim Good News
9Go up on a high mountain, you joyful messengers of Zion,
and lift up your voices with power.
You who proclaim joyous news to Jerusalem,
shout it out and don’t be afraid.
Say to the cities of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
10Look! Here comes Lord Yahweh as a victorious warrior;
he triumphs with his awesome power. # 40:10 Or “his mighty arm rules for him.”
Watch as he brings with him his reward
and the spoils of victory to give to his people.
11He will care for you as a shepherd tends his flock,
gathering the weak lambs and taking them in his arms.
He carries them close to his heart
and gently leads those that have young. # 40:10–11 These verses are somewhat parallel to Eph. 4:11, where we can see the apostle’s “awesome power” (v. 10), the prophet’s “reward” (v. 10 and Matt. 10:41), the evangelist’s “spoils of victory [he gives] to his people” (v. 10), the pastor or “shepherd [who] tends his flock” (v. 11), and the teacher who “gently leads” into truth (v. 11).
The Infinite God
12Who has measured the waters of the sea
in the hollow of his hand
and used his hand-width to mark off the heavens?
Who knows the exact weight of all the dust of the earth # 40:12 Or “Who has weighed the dust of the earth in a basket [third of an ephah]?” The Creator can never be measured by his creation; he is infinitely greater.
and has weighed all the mountains and hills on his scale?
13Who fully understands the Spirit of Yahweh # 40:13 See Eph. 1:17.
or is wise enough to counsel him? # 40:13 See Rom. 11:34; 1 Cor. 2:16.
14Whom does he consult to be enlightened?
Who teaches him the ways of justice? # 40:14 Or “Who teaches him the right way to do things?” or “Who gives him insight to make right decisions?”
Who imparts knowledge to him
or shows him the true path of wisdom? # 40:14 That is, who is capable enough to show God how to skillfully design his plan or give him the wisdom needed to carry it out? He is too wise to make a mistake. These verses show us God’s heart of love (v. 11), God’s hand of power (v. 12), and God’s mind of wisdom (vv. 13–14).
15Even the nations are to him like a drop # 40:15 The Hebrew word used for “drop” is not a drop of water but a drop of myrrh. Myrrh was harvested by piercing a tree and collecting drops of sap in a bucket. Nations are more than a drop of water but rather are like myrrh dropping into a bucket. in a bucket,
regarded as nothing more than dust on a scale.
He picks up the islands like fine grains of sand.
16All of Lebanon’s trees # 40:16 Lebanon was known for its lumber and forests. are not enough firewood for him,
nor are all its animals enough for a burnt offering.
17The nations are nothing in his eyes;
he regards them as absolutely nothing. # 40:17 Or “from nothing but emptiness” (as though they didn’t exist).
Idols Cannot Be Compared to God
18Who even comes close to being compared to God? # 40:18 This is the Hebrew word ‘el, “the mighty God.”
How could you ever compare God to an idol?
19A craftsman forms # 40:19 Or “melts [pours out].” an idol-god,
then a goldsmith overlays it with gold
and forges its silver chains. # 40:19 The Hebrew clause is uncertain.
20The one who is poor and cannot afford silver or gold # 40:20 The Hebrew clause is uncertain.
chooses a tree # 40:20 Adam and Eve chose the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. See Jer. 10:3–4. that will not rot,
then seeks a skilled workman
to make an idol that will not topple.
Fear Not
21Don’t you realize that God is the Creator?
Don’t you hear the truth? # 40:21 Or “Do you not know? Do you not hear?” These two questions (imperfect tense) are best seen as invitations rather than surprise over their ignorance. See Young, Book of Isaiah, vol. 3, 40–66.
Haven’t you been told this from the beginning?
Haven’t you understood this
since he laid a firm foundation for the earth? # 40:21 See Ps. 24:2.
22He sits enthroned high above the circle of the earth; # 40:22 The “circle of the earth” could not only mean that the earth is round but also be a reference to the circular orbit of the earth.
to him the people of earth are like grasshoppers!
He stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
spreading it open like a tent to live in. # 40:22 See Ex. 25:8.
23He reduces rulers to nothing
and makes the elite of the earth as nothing at all.
24They barely get planted and barely take root in their position of power
when the Lord blows on them and they wither away,
carried off like straw in the stormy wind.
God Above All Others
25The Holy One asks:
“Can you find anyone or anything to compare to me?
Where is the one equal to me?”
26Lift up your eyes to the sky and see for yourself.
Who do you think created the cosmos? # 40:26 See Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:15–16.
He lit every shining star and formed every glowing galaxy,
and stationed them all where they belong.
He has numbered, counted, and given each one a name.
They shine because of God’s incredible power
and awesome might; not one fails to appear!
27Why, then, O Jacob’s tribes, would you ever complain?
And my chosen Israel, why would you say,
“Yahweh isn’t paying attention to my situation. # 40:27 Or “My way is hidden from Yahweh.”
He has lost all interest in what happens to me”? # 40:27 Or “My decisions are passed over.”
28Don’t you know? Haven’t you been listening?
Yahweh is the one and only everlasting God,
the Creator of all you can see and imagine!
He never gets weary or worn out.
His intelligence is unlimited;
he is never puzzled over what to do!
29He empowers the feeble
and infuses the powerless with increasing strength.
30Even young people faint and get exhausted;
athletic ones # 40:30 Or “young men.” may stumble and fall.
31But those who entwine their hearts with Yahweh # 40:31 Or “wait on Yahweh.” The Hebrew word for “wait” means to “tie,” “twist,” “bind,” or “entwine [to make a rope].” Waiting on God is never passive; it is binding our hearts to who God is as we wait for God’s plan to unfold.
will experience divine strength. # 40:31 Or “will grow new feathers like eagles” (LXX) or “renew their strength.” An eagle has the longest lifespan of any bird. See Ps. 103:5.
They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles,
run their races without growing weary,
and walk through life without giving up. # 40:31 Or “without fainting.” The outer court is where we walk, the Holy Place is where we run, and we soar like eagles into the heavenly realm in the Holy of Holies (see Heb. 10:19).
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Learn More About The Passion Translation