Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

ISAIAH 56:2KJV
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Isaiah 56:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 56:2 mean?

Isaiah 56:2 describes how a person is considered blessed if they act rightly by keeping the Sabbath day holy and avoiding evil actions. The verse highlights that both the one who does these things and anyone who commits to them is favored by God.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet speaks to the people of Israel, but the language is broad enough to include anyone who chooses to follow God’s ways. The focus is on practical faithfulness: honoring the Sabbath and steering clear of wrongdoing. This verse comes in a section where Isaiah is emphasizing that God’s blessings are available to all who genuinely seek to live according to His standards, not just to a particular group.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 56:2

  • "Blessed" (אַשְׁרֵי, 'ashrei'): This word means more than just happy; it carries the sense of someone who is truly fortunate or favored because of their choices and way of life.
  • "Keepeth" (שָׁמַר, shamar): Used twice, this word means to guard, observe, or pay careful attention. It emphasizes an active, ongoing effort to respect the Sabbath and avoid evil, not just a one-time action.
  • "Sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, shabbat): The Sabbath is not just a day off but a sign of the covenant between God and His people. Keeping it "from polluting it" (חָלַל, chalal) means treating it as special and not making it common or ordinary.
  • "Evil" (רַע, ra‘): This word covers all kinds of wrongdoing, not just major crimes. The verse calls for a general avoidance of harmful or unjust actions.

Why Isaiah 56:2 matters

  • Isaiah 56:2 clarifies that God’s blessing is tied to faithful living, not just to heritage or background, which is important in the wider context where Isaiah invites outsiders to join in God’s covenant.
  • The verse highlights the importance of both positive action (keeping the Sabbath) and restraint (not doing evil), showing a balanced view of what God values.
  • This verse helps correct the idea that ritual observance alone is enough; it connects outward practices with inner commitment and ethical behavior.

Where else these words appear

“Blessed” Hebrew H835 · used in 42 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
  • Psalms 84:4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
  • Psalms 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

“sabbath” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.

“polluting” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:31 And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, and kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.
  • Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.