I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

ISAIAH 51:12KJV
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Isaiah 51:12 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 51:12 mean?

Isaiah 51:12 says that God Himself is the one who comforts His people, so they should not be afraid of human beings who are mortal and temporary. The verse draws a contrast between God’s lasting comfort and the short-lived nature of people, who are compared to grass that withers away.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to the people of Israel, who are feeling threatened and discouraged by their enemies. God reassures them that, unlike humans who will eventually die, He is eternal and able to give true comfort. The message is meant to encourage the people to trust God’s power and care rather than fearing what other people might do.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 51:12

  • "Comforteth" (נחם, nacham) means to console or bring relief. Here, God emphasizes that He alone is the source of real comfort, not any human or earthly thing.
  • "Afraid" (ירא, yare) means to fear or be terrified. The verse challenges the reader to reconsider their fear of people, since such fear is misplaced when compared to trust in God.
  • "Man" (אנוש, enosh) and "man" (אדם, adam) are both used, highlighting the frailty and mortality of humans. "Enosh" often points to human weakness, while "adam" is a general word for mankind.
  • "Grass" (חציר, chatsir) is used to show how quickly human life fades, just like grass that soon withers.

Why Isaiah 51:12 matters

  • Isaiah 51:12 corrects the common fear that people or earthly powers are more important or threatening than they really are, reminding readers that only God’s comfort is lasting.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Isaiah of God’s faithfulness to His people, even when they feel overwhelmed by their circumstances.
  • By using two different Hebrew words for "man," the verse strongly underlines the idea that all humans, no matter their status, are temporary compared to God’s eternal nature.

Where else these words appear

“grass” Hebrew H2682 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 11:5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:
  • Psalms 90:5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
  • Isaiah 15:6 For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing.

“comforteth” Hebrew H5162 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.
  • Job 29:25 I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.
  • Jeremiah 18:10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.