Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

ISAIAH 63:1KJV
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Isaiah 63:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 63:1 mean?

Isaiah 63:1 pictures a powerful figure coming from Edom, specifically from Bozrah, wearing striking, dyed garments. The verse asks who this majestic person is, and the answer comes: it is the one who speaks in righteousness and is mighty to save.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah sets up a dramatic scene, almost like a dialogue. Someone sees a figure approaching from Edom (a nation southeast of Israel, often seen as an enemy), and asks about his identity and appearance. The answer reveals that this is not just any traveler, but someone glorious and strong, who claims to act with righteousness and has the power to save.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 63:1

  • "Edom" (אֱדוֹם, Edom) and "Bozrah" (בָּצְרָה, Bozrah) are real places southeast of Israel, often symbolizing opposition or judgment in prophetic writings. Mentioning them sets a tone of confrontation or victory over enemies.
  • "Dyed" (חָמוּץ, chamuts) refers to garments stained or colored, hinting at something dramatic—possibly blood, as the following verses make clear. This detail adds a sense of intensity and purpose to the figure’s appearance.
  • "Glorious" (הָדָר, hadar) and "apparel" (לְבוּשׁ, levush) emphasize not just the figure’s strength but also his majesty and dignity, suggesting this is someone of great importance, not an ordinary person.
  • "Mighty" (רַב, rav) and "save" (יָשַׁע, yasha) together stress that the speaker is not only strong but also able to rescue or deliver, highlighting both power and purpose.

Why Isaiah 63:1 matters

  • This verse clears up that the figure is not a random traveler but someone with authority and a mission, described as righteous and able to save.
  • The mention of Edom and Bozrah connects the verse to themes of judgment and deliverance found throughout Isaiah, setting the stage for the rest of the chapter’s message.
  • The vivid description of the garments and the dialogue format draw attention to the significance of what this person has done and is about to explain, inviting the reader to pay close attention to the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“travelling” Hebrew H6808 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 51:14 The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.
  • Jeremiah 2:20 For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.
  • Jeremiah 48:12 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.

“glorious” Hebrew H1921 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 23:3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
  • Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.
  • Isaiah 45:2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

“dyed” Hebrew H2556 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 12:19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.
  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • Psalms 71:4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

“Bozrah” Hebrew H1224 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 36:33 And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
  • Isaiah 34:6 The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.
  • Jeremiah 49:22 Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.