And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?

ISAIAH 51:13KJV
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Isaiah 51:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 51:13 mean?

Isaiah 51:13 points out that the people have forgotten the LORD, their Creator, who made the heavens and the earth, and instead, they live in constant fear of an oppressor’s anger, as if destruction is always near. The verse questions why they fear the oppressor’s fury so much when, in reality, God’s power and presence far outweigh any human threat.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, who are under threat and feeling anxious about their enemies. Isaiah reminds them that the LORD (Yahweh), who made everything, is still their God, and challenges them to remember His greatness rather than be overwhelmed by fear of their oppressors. The verse highlights the contrast between God’s creative power and the temporary rage of human enemies.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 51:13

  • "forgettest" (שָׁכַח, shakach): This word means to neglect or lose sight of something important. Here, it emphasizes how the people have lost sight of God’s role as their Creator and protector.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, underscoring a close relationship and covenant with Israel, not just a distant deity.
  • "maker" (עָשָׂה, asah): This word means "the one who made" or "the one who acts." It reminds the people that God is the active Creator, not just a passive observer.
  • "feared" (יָרֵא, yare): This word for fear often means being afraid or in awe. In this context, it stresses how the people are living in ongoing anxiety about their oppressors, rather than trusting in God.

Why Isaiah 51:13 matters

  • Isaiah 51:13 clears up the idea that fear of human threats should outweigh trust in God; it calls readers to remember who God is and what He has done.
  • The verse highlights the tendency to focus on immediate dangers and forget the bigger reality of God’s power and faithfulness.
  • In the wider passage, this verse is part of Isaiah’s encouragement to people who feel hopeless, reminding them that God’s authority and care are far greater than any earthly oppressor’s anger.

Where else these words appear

“oppressor” Hebrew H6693 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:53 And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee:
  • Judges 14:17 And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people.
  • Isaiah 29:2 Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow: and it shall be unto me as Ariel.

“feared” Hebrew H6342 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:
  • Psalms 78:53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
  • Isaiah 44:8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

“foundations” Hebrew H3245 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 9:18 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
  • Esther 1:8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.
  • Song of Solomon 5:15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

“forgettest” Hebrew H7911 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.