Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

ISAIAH 40:10KJV
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Isaiah 40:10 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 40:10 mean?

Isaiah 40:10 describes the Lord GOD coming with great strength and authority, bringing both reward and the results of his work with him. The verse emphasizes God's powerful arrival and the certainty that he will act decisively, carrying both justice and the outcomes of his actions.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel, offering comfort and hope during a time of hardship and exile. The verse pictures God as a mighty ruler whose "arm" represents his power to save and rule. The mention of reward and work highlights that God brings both blessings and the fulfillment of his promises when he comes.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 40:10

  • GOD (יְהוִה, yehovih): This word is a special form of God's name, often used to stress his supreme authority and covenant relationship with Israel. Its use here underlines the seriousness and majesty of the one who is coming.
  • strong (חָזָק, chazaq): This word means strong or mighty, emphasizing that God is not coming in weakness but with overwhelming power.
  • arm (זְרוֹעַ, zeroa): In Hebrew, "arm" often symbolizes strength or the ability to act. Here, it highlights God's capability to rule and deliver.
  • reward (שָׂכָר, sakar): This word refers to wages or recompense. The verse suggests that God brings with him what is due, whether blessing or judgment, showing that his coming is purposeful and just.

Why Isaiah 40:10 matters

  • Isaiah 40:10 clears up the idea that God is distant or passive; instead, it shows him as actively coming to intervene with strength and purpose.
  • The verse connects to the wider chapter, which shifts from warning to comfort, promising that God will personally restore and lead his people.
  • The mention of both "reward" and "work" helps the reader see that God's actions are intentional and just, not random or arbitrary.

Where else these words appear

“work” Hebrew H6468 · used in 14 verses

  • Leviticus 19:13 Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.
  • Psalms 109:20 Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.
  • Isaiah 61:8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

“reward” Hebrew H7939 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • Numbers 18:31 And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • Isaiah 62:11 Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

“strong” Hebrew H2389 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 3:19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
  • Deuteronomy 26:8 And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:
  • Proverbs 23:11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

“rule” Hebrew H4910 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 1:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
  • Job 25:2 Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.
  • Isaiah 3:4 And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.