I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

ISAIAH 46:13KJV
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Isaiah 46:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 46:13 mean?

Isaiah 46:13 describes God declaring that His righteousness and salvation are coming soon and will not be delayed, promising to establish salvation in Zion as a display of His glory for Israel. The verse assures that God’s help and deliverance are near at hand, not distant or postponed.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, who are facing hardship and exile. The message responds to their fears and doubts by emphasizing that God’s justice (“righteousness”) and rescue (“salvation”) are certain and imminent, specifically for Zion (Jerusalem) and the people of Israel. The verse highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises and His intention to make Israel a sign of His glory.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 46:13

  • "Righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): This word often means more than just moral rightness; it can also refer to God’s saving justice or His commitment to set things right for His people. Here, it points to God’s active intervention on Israel’s behalf.
  • "Salvation" (תְּשׁוּעָה, teshua): This word means deliverance or rescue, not just spiritual salvation but also concrete help in times of trouble. The verse uses it twice, stressing both the act of saving and the place where it will happen.
  • "Zion" (צִיּוֹן, tsiyyon): This is a specific reference to Jerusalem, representing the heart of Israel’s identity and hope. By naming Zion, the verse roots God’s promise in a real place and people.

Why Isaiah 46:13 matters

  • Isaiah 46:13 clarifies that God’s promises are not vague or far-off; He intends to act soon and decisively for His people, countering any sense of abandonment.
  • The verse connects God’s righteousness directly with His saving action, showing that for Israel, God’s justice is not just a standard but a source of hope and deliverance.
  • By focusing on Zion and Israel, the verse ties God’s glory to the restoration and well-being of His chosen people, reinforcing the theme of God’s faithfulness throughout Isaiah.

Where else these words appear

“tarry” Hebrew H309 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 24:56 And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master.
  • Deuteronomy 23:21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.
  • Psalms 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

“salvation” Hebrew H8668 · used in 32 verses

  • Judges 15:18 And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?
  • 1 Chronicles 19:12 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.
  • Psalms 108:12 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

“glory” Hebrew H8597 · used in 50 verses

  • Exodus 28:2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
  • Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
  • Isaiah 63:12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

“off” Hebrew H7368 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 21:16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
  • Psalms 22:11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.