Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

ISAIAH 58:14KJV
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Isaiah 58:14 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 58:14 mean?

Isaiah 58:14 promises that those who truly honor and delight in the LORD will be lifted up and given blessings, enjoying the rich inheritance promised to Jacob. The verse assures that these blessings are certain, because they come from the very mouth of the LORD.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, explaining the rewards that come from genuine devotion to God, not just empty religious rituals. The verse closes a section where God describes the difference between shallow worship and sincere faith, promising that those who follow Him wholeheartedly will experience joy and security, just as their ancestors were promised.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 58:14

  • "delight" (עָנֹג, ‘anog): This word means to take great pleasure or joy. Here, it describes a deep, heartfelt enjoyment in God Himself, not just in His gifts.
  • "ride" (רָכַב, rākav): This word often means to ride or be carried, sometimes with the sense of victory or being lifted above difficulties. In this verse, it paints a picture of being given honor or a privileged position.
  • "heritage" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word means an inheritance or possession passed down. It connects the promise directly to what was given to Jacob, emphasizing continuity with God’s ancient promises.

Why Isaiah 58:14 matters

  • Isaiah 58:14 clarifies that God values genuine devotion over outward religious acts, promising real blessings to those who truly seek Him.
  • The verse ties God’s promises to the heritage of Jacob, reminding the people that God’s faithfulness to their ancestors continues to their own generation.
  • The assurance that “the mouth of the LORD has spoken” underlines the certainty and authority of these promises, giving the people confidence in God’s word.

Where else these words appear

“delight” Hebrew H6026 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:56 The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,
  • Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
  • Isaiah 57:4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

“ride” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

“places” Hebrew H1116 · used in 92 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • 2 Kings 15:35 Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:12 Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?