Isaiah 11:5

KJV

And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

KJV (with Strong's)

And righteousness {H6664} shall be the girdle {H232} of his loins {H4975}, and faithfulness {H530} the girdle {H232} of his reins {H2504}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Justice will be the belt around his waist, faithfulness the sash around his hips.

Berean Standard Bible

Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist.

American Standard Version

And righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 11:5 beautifully portrays the defining moral character of the coming Messianic King, prophesying that righteousness and faithfulness will be the foundational and intrinsic qualities of His person and reign. These virtues are depicted as a "girdle" – an essential, supportive element that provides strength and readiness – signifying that His rule will be perfectly just, His actions always right, and His promises utterly dependable, stemming from the very core of His being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 11:5 is an integral part of a profound Messianic prophecy spanning [Isaiah chapter 11](/isaiah/11 "Isaiah 11 - The Branch from Jesse"). The chapter opens by introducing the Messiah as a "shoot from the stump of Jesse," emphasizing His humble yet royal Davidic lineage, despite the apparent desolation of the Davidic dynasty ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")). Following this, the prophet describes the seven-fold Spirit of the Lord resting upon Him, endowing Him with unparalleled wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord ([Isaiah 11:2-3](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah")). This divine anointing empowers His righteous judgment, ensuring equity for the poor and justice for the meek ([Isaiah 11:4](/isaiah/11-4 "Isaiah 11:4 - Messiah's Righteous Judgment")). Verse 5, therefore, serves as a powerful summary of the moral integrity that undergirds all these divine attributes and actions, highlighting that His rule is not merely empowered by the Spirit but also intrinsically defined by perfect character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a "girdle" or belt was far more than a decorative accessory; it was a crucial item of clothing. Loose outer garments, common in the region, needed to be "girded up" or cinched at the waist to allow for freedom of movement, readiness for travel, work, or battle. To "gird up one's loins" was an idiom for preparing for strenuous activity or an important task. Symbolically, the girdle represented strength, readiness, and the very core of one's being. The "loins" (Hebrew: *môthen*) were considered the seat of physical strength and procreative power, while the "reins" (Hebrew: *châlâts*, referring to the kidneys) were anciently understood as the seat of inner thoughts, emotions, and moral character. Thus, describing righteousness and faithfulness as the girdle of the loins and reins emphasizes that these qualities are not superficial but deeply ingrained, central to the Messiah's very essence, and the source of His vigor and inner resolve.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Messianic Prophecy**, detailing the character of the promised King who will establish God's kingdom. It underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Righteous Rule**, portraying a leader whose governance is perfectly aligned with God's standards of equity and truth. This contrasts sharply with the unrighteous and corrupt leadership often depicted elsewhere in the Old Testament. The verse also highlights the theme of **God's Character Reflected in His King**, as righteousness and faithfulness are attributes of God Himself ([Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Character"); [Psalm 36:5](/psalm/36-5 "Psalm 36:5 - God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness")). Furthermore, it speaks to the **Integrity and Reliability of God's Promises**, as the Messiah's faithfulness guarantees the fulfillment of all covenant blessings. The vision of peace and harmony in [Isaiah 11:6-9](/isaiah/11-6 "Isaiah 11:6-9 - The Peaceable Kingdom") is directly predicated on the righteous and faithful nature of this King.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** From H6664, this term signifies the right (natural, moral, or legal), equity, and figuratively, prosperity. In this context, it refers to the Messiah's perfect moral uprightness, His adherence to divine law, and His absolute justice in judgment and action. It implies a standard of conduct that is always just, fair, and in conformity with God's perfect will.
* **Girdle (Hebrew, _ʼêzôwr'_):** From H232, meaning "something girt; a belt, also a band." This word describes a practical garment used to secure loose clothing, allowing for readiness and freedom of movement. Symbolically, it represents that which is foundational, supportive, and central to one's being, indicating that righteousness and faithfulness are not external adornments but intrinsic, enabling qualities of the Messiah.
* **Faithfulness (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** From H530, this term denotes firmness, security, and morally, fidelity. It encompasses steadfastness, reliability, truthfulness, and loyalty. Applied to the Messiah, it assures that He is completely trustworthy, consistent, and unwavering in His character, word, and promises, making Him the ultimate source of stability and truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins":** This clause declares that righteousness is not merely an attribute the Messiah possesses, but a core, foundational aspect of His very being, providing strength and stability. Just as a physical girdle supports the body and prepares one for action, so too does perfect moral uprightness define His essence and empower His every deed. The "loins" (H4975, *môthen*) refer to the waist or small of the back, often associated with physical strength and vigor, implying that His power and actions are rooted in righteousness.
* **"and faithfulness the girdle of his reins":** This parallel clause reinforces the concept, stating that faithfulness is equally central and foundational. Faithfulness (steadfastness, reliability, truth) is depicted as the "girdle" of His "reins" (H2504, *châlâts*). The "reins" (kidneys) were anciently considered the seat of one's deepest thoughts, emotions, and moral conscience. This imagery emphasizes that the Messiah's inner life, His intentions, and His deepest commitments are utterly firm, reliable, and true, ensuring that His character is unchangeable and unwavering.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 11:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where "righteousness" and "faithfulness" are described as a "girdle." This isn't a literal belt but a symbolic one, powerfully conveying that these virtues are essential, foundational, and enabling, just as a physical girdle provides support and readiness. The verse also exhibits strong **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("faithfulness the girdle of his reins") echoes and intensifies the meaning of the first ("righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins"). Both clauses use the same "girdle" imagery and refer to inner anatomical regions, reinforcing the idea that these qualities permeate the Messiah's entire being. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** in the choice of "loins" and "reins." The loins symbolize strength, vigor, and action, while the reins symbolize the innermost thoughts, emotions, and moral core. By associating righteousness with the loins and faithfulness with the reins, the prophet emphasizes that the Messiah's outward actions and inner character are both perfectly aligned with divine standards.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 11:5 offers a profound theological statement about the character of God's chosen King, echoing the divine attributes of the Lord Himself. Just as God is inherently righteous and faithful in all His dealings ([Psalm 145:17](/psalm/145-17 "Psalm 145:17 - The Lord is Righteous in All His Ways"); [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God is Faithful")), so too will His ultimate King perfectly embody these virtues. This verse assures us that the Messiah's reign will be one of absolute justice, where every decision is morally upright, and His promises are utterly reliable. It establishes the unshakeable foundation of His kingdom, built not on human strength or shifting alliances, but on the immutable integrity of His character. This divine standard of leadership stands in stark contrast to the fallibility and corruption of human rulers, pointing to a perfect King who will bring true peace and order.

* [Psalm 45:6-7](/psalm/45-6 "Psalm 45:6-7 - Your Throne, O God, Endures Forever"): "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
* [Ephesians 6:14](/ephesians/6-14 "Ephesians 6:14 - The Belt of Truth"): "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness."
* [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse"): "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 11:5 provides immense comfort and a powerful challenge for believers today. The assurance that our King, Jesus Christ, is perfectly girt with righteousness and faithfulness means we can place our absolute trust in His leadership, His judgments, and His promises. In a world often characterized by injustice, deceit, and shifting moral standards, the unwavering integrity of Christ offers a steadfast anchor for our souls. This truth should inspire confidence in His ultimate victory over all unrighteousness and His unwavering commitment to His people. Practically, this verse calls us to emulate the character of our King. We are to strive for righteousness in our conduct, seeking to live in conformity with God's holy standards, and to cultivate faithfulness in our commitments, relationships, and service. Just as these virtues are foundational to Christ, they should be central to our spiritual readiness, enabling us to stand firm against the pressures of the world and to reflect His light in a dark place. Our pursuit of righteousness and faithfulness is not merely an ethical endeavor but a spiritual one, a response to the perfect character of the One who rules over us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "righteousness" and "faithfulness" as a "girdle" deepen your understanding of Christ's character?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you called to embody greater righteousness and faithfulness?**
* **How does knowing that Christ's rule is founded on perfect righteousness and faithfulness impact your trust in Him amidst difficult circumstances or perceived injustices?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to "gird up your loins" with truth and righteousness in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Who is "he" in Isaiah 11:5, and why are these qualities so important for him?**

Answer: The "he" in Isaiah 11:5 refers to the promised Messianic King, the "Branch from the stump of Jesse" described earlier in [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse"). These qualities—righteousness and faithfulness—are supremely important for Him because they define the very nature of His person and His reign. Unlike human kings who are prone to corruption and unreliability, this King's rule will be perfectly just and utterly dependable. His righteousness ensures that His judgments are always fair and in accordance with divine standards, while His faithfulness guarantees that His promises will never fail and His character will remain steadfast. These attributes are foundational to the peace, justice, and harmony that He will establish in His kingdom, as envisioned in [Isaiah 11:6-9](/isaiah/11-6 "Isaiah 11:6-9 - The Peaceable Kingdom").

**What is the significance of the "girdle of his loins" and "girdle of his reins"?**

Answer: The imagery of the "girdle" is highly significant in ancient culture. A girdle or belt was used to secure loose outer garments, allowing for freedom of movement and readiness for action. Symbolically, it represents that which is foundational, supportive, and central to one's being. The "loins" (referring to the waist or lower back) were considered the seat of physical strength and vigor, while the "reins" (referring to the kidneys) were anciently understood as the seat of one's deepest thoughts, emotions, and moral conscience. By stating that righteousness is the girdle of His loins and faithfulness the girdle of His reins, the prophet emphasizes that these virtues are not superficial or external adornments, but intrinsic, deeply embedded qualities that permeate the Messiah's entire being—His outward actions, His inner resolve, His strength, and His deepest character. They are the very essence of who He is and how He rules.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 11:5 finds its perfect and ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the promised "Branch from the stump of Jesse" ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")), the Son of David, upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rested without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Without Measure")). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus perfectly embodied righteousness in every thought, word, and deed, living a sinless life that perfectly fulfilled the demands of God's law ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ Committed No Sin")). His judgments were always just, and His compassion was always righteous. Furthermore, His faithfulness was unwavering, demonstrated in His steadfast obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Christ, the Faithful and True Witness")), whose promises are "Yes and Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). As the reigning King, He now sits on a throne established in righteousness and justice ([Hebrews 1:8-9](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8-9 - Christ's Righteous Scepter")), and He will return as "Faithful and True," riding forth in righteousness to judge and make war, bringing about the full consummation of His perfectly righteous and faithful kingdom ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ, Faithful and True")). Thus, Isaiah 11:5 is not merely a description of a future ideal king, but a precise prophecy fulfilled in the very nature and reign of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 6:14

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Isaiah 25:1

¶ O LORD, thou [art] my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful [things; thy] counsels of old [are] faithfulness [and] truth.

2 Corinthians 6:7

By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

Isaiah 59:17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Hosea 2:20

I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

Revelation 1:13

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.