I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.

ISAIAH 57:19KJV
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Isaiah 57:19 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 57:19 mean?

Isaiah 57:19 describes God promising to create words of blessing and peace for people who are far away and those who are near, saying that He will bring healing to them. The verse shows God’s desire to bring reconciliation and restoration, no matter how distant someone might feel.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to people who have been scattered or feel separated from Him, likely because of their actions or their circumstances. The phrase “Peace, peace” is a strong assurance, repeated for emphasis, that God’s offer of peace and healing is open to all—both those who are far off and those who are near. This is a message of hope and restoration for people who might think they are beyond God’s reach.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 57:19

  • “create” (בָּרָא, bara): This word is often used for God’s unique, creative work. Here, it emphasizes that the words of peace and blessing come directly from God, not from human effort.
  • “fruit” (נִיב, niv): This word means “fruit” or “produce,” and in this context, it refers to the words or speech that come from the lips. It highlights that what God causes people to say—words of peace—are themselves a result of His action.
  • “Peace” (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it includes wholeness, well-being, and restoration. The repetition (“Peace, peace”) underlines the completeness and certainty of God’s promise.
  • “far off” (רָחוֹק, rachoq) and “near” (קָרוֹב, qarov): These words show that God’s promise is not limited by distance or status. God’s healing and peace are offered to everyone, regardless of how far they feel from Him.

Why Isaiah 57:19 matters

  • Isaiah 57:19 clears up the idea that God’s peace is only for a select group; instead, it shows that God’s healing is available to all, no matter how distant they may seem.
  • The verse emphasizes that true peace and restoration come from God’s initiative, not from human achievement or ritual.
  • This verse connects to the wider message in Isaiah about God’s willingness to forgive and restore even those who have wandered far, offering hope to people in difficult or broken situations.

Where else these words appear

“fruit” Hebrew H5108 · used in 2 verses

  • Malachi 1:12 But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.

“create” Hebrew H1254 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Psalms 89:12 The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.
  • Isaiah 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

“heal” Hebrew H7495 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
  • Jeremiah 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

“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.