And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.

ISAIAH 59:20KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 59:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 59:20 mean?

Isaiah 59:20 promises that a Redeemer will come to Zion and to those among the people of Jacob who turn away from wrongdoing, as declared by the LORD. This verse assures that deliverance is offered to those who repent and seek to change their ways.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel during a time of spiritual and social crisis, relaying God's message of hope. The verse highlights that God's rescue is not automatic for everyone, but is specifically directed toward those who "turn from transgression," meaning those who genuinely repent. The mention of "Zion" refers to Jerusalem, symbolizing the heart of God's people, and "Jacob" points to the descendants of Israel as a whole.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 59:20

  • "Redeemer" (גּוֹאֵל, go'el): This word refers to someone who rescues or buys back, often used for a family protector or someone who restores lost rights. Here, it emphasizes that God is sending someone to personally restore and save His people.
  • "Turn" (שׁוּב, shuv): This verb means to return or repent. The focus is on an active choice to leave behind wrongdoing, not just feeling sorry but actually changing direction.
  • "Transgression" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha): This word means rebellion or breaking away from what is right, highlighting that the problem is not just mistakes but willful wrongdoing.
  • "Zion" (צִיּוֹן, tsiyyon): While it literally refers to Jerusalem, in prophetic writing it often stands for the spiritual center of God's people, making the promise both specific and symbolic.

Why Isaiah 59:20 matters

  • Isaiah 59:20 clarifies that God's promise of rescue is tied to repentance, not just identity or heritage; turning from wrongdoing is essential.
  • The verse connects to the larger message of Isaiah 59, which describes the people's sin and God's willingness to intervene when they seek Him.
  • By using the word "Redeemer," Isaiah points to a personal and relational act of salvation, not just a distant or impersonal rescue.

Where else these words appear

“Redeemer” Hebrew H1350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
  • Joshua 20:3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
  • Isaiah 35:9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

“transgression” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
  • Lamentations 1:14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.