Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

ISAIAH 40:2KJV
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Isaiah 40:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 40:2 mean?

Isaiah 40:2 tells the people of Jerusalem that their time of hardship is over, their guilt has been forgiven, and they have received more than enough punishment for their sins from the LORD. The verse is a message of comfort and reassurance after a period of suffering.

In this verse, God instructs His messenger to speak kindly to Jerusalem and announce that the difficult period ("warfare") is finished and forgiveness has been granted. The context is God addressing His people, likely after their exile or a time of great trouble, promising that their punishment is complete and they can look forward to restoration.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 40:2

  • "Comfortably" comes from לֵב (lev, H3820), meaning "heart." The phrase literally means "speak to the heart of Jerusalem," suggesting a message meant to reach deep into their emotions, not just their minds.
  • "Warfare" is צָבָא (tsava', H6635), which can mean military service or a period of hardship. Here, it refers to Jerusalem’s time of struggle or affliction, not just literal war.
  • "Double" is כִּפְלַיִם (kiflayim, H3718), meaning "double" or "in full measure." The idea is that Jerusalem has received a full, possibly even overflowing, portion of consequences for her sins.
  • "Pardoned" is רָצָה (ratsah, H7521), which carries the sense of being accepted or reconciled, not just forgiven. It suggests a restored relationship, not only the removal of guilt.

Why Isaiah 40:2 matters

  • Isaiah 40:2 clarifies that God’s discipline has a limit and is not meant to be endless; restoration follows judgment.
  • The verse shifts the tone of Isaiah from warning and judgment to comfort and hope, marking a turning point in the book.
  • The language about receiving "double" for sins can be misunderstood as harsh, but the context shows it emphasizes that the punishment is now fully complete, and God is ready to bring comfort.

Where else these words appear

“double” Hebrew H3718 · used in 3 verses

  • Job 11:6 And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.
  • Job 41:13 Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can come to him with his double bridle?

“pardoned” Hebrew H7521 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 33:10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
  • Psalms 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.