No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
What does Isaiah 54:17 mean?
Let the people of God, when afflicted and tossed, think they hear God speaking comfortably to them by these words, taking notice of their griefs and fears.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside its immediate passage and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Isaiah 54:17
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. No weapon that is formed - No instrument of war, no sword, or spear; no instrument of persecution or torture that is made by the smith, Isaiah 54:16 . Shall prosper - On the meaning of this word, see the notes at Isaiah 52:13 . The sense here is, that it shall not have final and ultimate prosperity. It might be permitted for a time to appear to prosper - as persecutors and oppressors have done; but there would not be final and complete success. And every tongue - No one shall be able to injure you by words and accusations.
Key words
- weapon
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weapon. Exposition of the Entire Bible by John Gill [1746-63].
- weapon
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weapon. Exposition of the Entire Bible by John Gill [1746-63].
Context in Isaiah 54
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Isaiah 54 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as new exodus, Zion, and new creation. Isaiah is one of Scripture’s grandest prophetic books, moving from holy judgment to consolation, servant imagery, and new-creation hope. Read this chapter with the wider themes of holiness, judgment, and remnant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Verses on the fear of the Lord, wise speech, practical judgment, teachability, and the difference between biblical wisdom and mere cleverness.
Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.