The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.

ISAIAH 41:27KJV
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Isaiah 41:27 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 41:27 mean?

Isaiah 41:27 describes someone being the first to announce good news to Zion, telling Jerusalem to look and see, and promising to send a messenger who brings good tidings. The verse highlights God’s intention to provide hope and encouragement to Jerusalem through a special announcement.

In this verse, God is speaking through Isaiah to the people of Israel, specifically addressing Zion (another name for Jerusalem). The context is a time of trouble and uncertainty, and God is promising that there will be a messenger who brings positive news. This is meant to reassure the people that God has not forgotten them and will act on their behalf.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 41:27

  • "first" (רִאשׁוֹן, rishon): This word means "the first" or "the earliest," emphasizing that God is the origin or the first to bring this message, not any idol or foreign nation.
  • "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinneh): This word means "look" or "see," used here to draw attention to the message and its importance.
  • "give" (נָתַן, natan): This word means "to give" or "to appoint," showing that God is actively providing someone to bring good news, not leaving Jerusalem to figure things out alone.
  • "tidings" (בָּשַׂר, basar): This word means "to bring good news" or "to announce glad tidings," highlighting that the message is positive and hopeful, not just any announcement.

Why Isaiah 41:27 matters

  • Isaiah 41:27 clears up any idea that hope or restoration for Jerusalem comes from another source; the verse stresses that God Himself is the first to bring good news.
  • The verse connects to the wider chapter, where God contrasts His power and faithfulness with the emptiness of idols and false prophets.
  • The emphasis on "good tidings" sets the stage for later passages in Isaiah that speak about messengers of peace and salvation, themes that become important throughout the book.

Where else these words appear

“Behold” Hebrew H2009 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
  • Genesis 42:28 And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us?
  • 1 Samuel 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.

“tidings” Hebrew H1319 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
  • 2 Samuel 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • Psalms 96:2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.