Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.

ISAIAH 56:1KJV
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Isaiah 56:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 56:1 mean?

Isaiah 56:1 calls the people to live with fairness and integrity, urging them to maintain justice and do what is right because God’s deliverance and righteousness are about to be revealed. The verse presents a direct message from God, emphasizing that faithful behavior is important in light of God’s coming action.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is relaying God’s words to the people of Israel, likely during a time of uncertainty or transition. The call to “keep judgment” and “do justice” is a reminder that ethical living is expected, especially as God’s salvation (“my salvation is near to come”) is approaching. The verse sets the stage for the following section, which includes promises for those who hold fast to God’s ways.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 56:1

  • “Keep” (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to guard, watch, or carefully observe. The use of שָׁמַר (shamar) suggests an active, ongoing responsibility to uphold justice, not just a one-time action.
  • “Judgment” (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This term often refers to fair decisions or legal justice. Here, it highlights the importance of making fair choices in daily life.
  • “Justice” / “Righteousness” (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): The same Hebrew word is used for both “justice” and “righteousness” in this verse, showing that doing what is right in God’s eyes involves both fairness and moral integrity.
  • “Salvation” (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah): This word means deliverance or rescue. The promise that God’s yeshuah is “near” emphasizes hope and anticipation for God’s intervention.

Why Isaiah 56:1 matters

  • Isaiah 56:1 clarifies that God’s expectations for justice and righteousness are not only for the distant past but are tied to the hope of God’s future work.
  • The verse connects personal and communal ethics to God’s larger plan, showing that how people live matters as God’s promises unfold.
  • Understanding that “justice” and “righteousness” come from the same Hebrew word helps readers see that God’s standards are about both fair actions and faithful character.

Where else these words appear

“near” Hebrew H7138 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 19:20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither,( is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.
  • 1 Kings 21:2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.
  • Isaiah 51:5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

“salvation” Hebrew H3444 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:18 I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.
  • Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
  • Psalms 118:21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

“justice” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.