Isaiah 40:2 - “Speak comfortably to Jerusalem; and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received of Yahweh’s hand double for all her sins.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Isaiah 40:2" mean?
Isaiah 40:2 is a powerful and comforting verse, promising a restoration and forgiveness for Jerusalem after a period of suffering. Let's break down the meaning:
"Speak comfortably to Jerusalem..." This sets a tone of tenderness and encouragement. The prophet is instructed to address Jerusalem with words that soothe and offer solace. The Hebrew word translated as "comfortably" (Hebrew: lev) implies speaking to the heart.
"...and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished..." This refers to a period of hardship and suffering that Jerusalem has endured, often interpreted as the Babylonian exile. The word "warfare" (tsaba) can mean military service, a difficult task, or a period of hardship. The proclamation is that this period of trial is now over.
"...that her iniquity is pardoned..." This is a declaration of forgiveness. God is announcing that Jerusalem's sins have been atoned for, and she is now reconciled with Him. This speaks to God's mercy and willingness to forgive even after significant transgression.
"...that she has received of Yahweh’s hand double for all her sins." This is the most debated and complex part of the verse. The key point lies in the meaning of "double." There are several interpretations:
Double Punishment: This is the most literal reading, suggesting that Jerusalem has suffered twice as much as she deserved for her sins. This interpretation emphasizes the severity of Jerusalem's suffering and God's subsequent compassion. It means the punishment was excessive, and justice has now been served.
Double Blessing: Another interpretation suggests "double" refers to a recompense or a blessing that is double what was lost due to sin. God will restore Jerusalem not just to her previous state, but to a state of even greater prosperity and favor. This aligns with the overall message of restoration and hope in Isaiah 40 and beyond.
Full and Complete Payment: Some scholars believe that "double" doesn't necessarily mean twice as much but signifies a complete and sufficient payment for the sins. It means that the debt is fully paid. This is a symbolic way of saying that God's judgment is complete, and His forgiveness is now fully extended.
Figurative Language: It's important to remember that prophetic language is often figurative. "Double" could be an exaggeration meant to emphasize the extent of either the suffering or the coming restoration.
In Summary:
Isaiah 40:2 is a powerful message of comfort, forgiveness, and restoration for Jerusalem. It announces the end of a period of hardship (likely the Babylonian exile), the pardon of her sins, and the promise of either a just end to excessive punishment or an abundant future blessing from God. The meaning of "double" is debated, but the overall message is one of hope and renewal. The verse sets the stage for the rest of Isaiah 40, which proclaims God's power and his promise to deliver his people. It speaks to the enduring themes of sin, judgment, forgiveness, and restoration in the relationship between God and his people.
Isaiah 40:2 - “Speak comfortably to Jerusalem; and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received of Yahweh’s hand double for all her sins.”
What does "Isaiah 40:2" mean?
Isaiah 40:2 is a powerful and comforting verse, promising a restoration and forgiveness for Jerusalem after a period of suffering. Let's break down the meaning:
"Speak comfortably to Jerusalem..." This sets a tone of tenderness and encouragement. The prophet is instructed to address Jerusalem with words that soothe and offer solace. The Hebrew word translated as "comfortably" (Hebrew: lev) implies speaking to the heart.
"...and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished..." This refers to a period of hardship and suffering that Jerusalem has endured, often interpreted as the Babylonian exile. The word "warfare" (tsaba) can mean military service, a difficult task, or a period of hardship. The proclamation is that this period of trial is now over.
"...that her iniquity is pardoned..." This is a declaration of forgiveness. God is announcing that Jerusalem's sins have been atoned for, and she is now reconciled with Him. This speaks to God's mercy and willingness to forgive even after significant transgression.
"...that she has received of Yahweh’s hand double for all her sins." This is the most debated and complex part of the verse. The key point lies in the meaning of "double." There are several interpretations:
Double Punishment: This is the most literal reading, suggesting that Jerusalem has suffered twice as much as she deserved for her sins. This interpretation emphasizes the severity of Jerusalem's suffering and God's subsequent compassion. It means the punishment was excessive, and justice has now been served.
Double Blessing: Another interpretation suggests "double" refers to a recompense or a blessing that is double what was lost due to sin. God will restore Jerusalem not just to her previous state, but to a state of even greater prosperity and favor. This aligns with the overall message of restoration and hope in Isaiah 40 and beyond.
Full and Complete Payment: Some scholars believe that "double" doesn't necessarily mean twice as much but signifies a complete and sufficient payment for the sins. It means that the debt is fully paid. This is a symbolic way of saying that God's judgment is complete, and His forgiveness is now fully extended.
Figurative Language: It's important to remember that prophetic language is often figurative. "Double" could be an exaggeration meant to emphasize the extent of either the suffering or the coming restoration.
In Summary:
Isaiah 40:2 is a powerful message of comfort, forgiveness, and restoration for Jerusalem. It announces the end of a period of hardship (likely the Babylonian exile), the pardon of her sins, and the promise of either a just end to excessive punishment or an abundant future blessing from God. The meaning of "double" is debated, but the overall message is one of hope and renewal. The verse sets the stage for the rest of Isaiah 40, which proclaims God's power and his promise to deliver his people. It speaks to the enduring themes of sin, judgment, forgiveness, and restoration in the relationship between God and his people.