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Isaiah 51:4

God's word

2 Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.

3 For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song.

Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for a law will go out from Me, and My justice will become a light to the nations; I will bring it about quickly.

5 My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm.

6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail.

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This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for a law will go out from Me, and My justice will become a light to the nations; I will bring it about quickly.
KJV
Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
WEB
“Listen to me, my people; and hear me, my nation, for a law will go out from me, and I will establish my justice for a light to the peoples.
ASV
Attend unto me, O my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall go forth from me, and I will establish my justice for a light of the peoples.
DARBY
Listen unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will establish my judgment for a light of the peoples.
BLB
Pay attention to Me, My people; and My nation, give ear to Me! For from Me a law goes forth, and My justice I will make in an instant as a light to the nations.
ÅB
Hør på meg, mitt folk! Vend øret til meg, du min menighet! For lov skal gå ut fra meg, og min rett vil jeg sette til et lys for folkene.
OTB
“Lytt til meg, mitt folk; hør, min nasjon: En lov vil gå ut fra meg; min rettferdighet vil være et lys for folkene.
B1930
Hør på mig, mitt folk! Vend øret til mig, du min menighet! For lov skal gå ut fra mig, og min rett vil jeg sette til et lys for folkene.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

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  • 1 Corinthians 9:21

    To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law.

    Read in context

  • Isaiah 2:3

    And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

    Read in context

  • Isaiah 49:6

    He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

    Read in context

  • Isaiah 42:6

    “I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,

    Read in context

  • Micah 4:2

    And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

    Read in context

  • Psalms 78:1

    Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth.

    Read in context

  • Exodus 19:6

    And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”

    Read in context