Isaiah 26:19

KJV

Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy dead {H4191} men shall live {H2421}, together with my dead body {H5038} shall they arise {H6965}. Awake {H6974} and sing {H7442}, ye that dwell {H7931} in dust {H6083}: for thy dew {H2919} is as the dew {H2919} of herbs {H219}, and the earth {H776} shall cast out {H5307} the dead {H7496}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your dead will live, my corpses will rise; awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust; for your dew is like the morning dew, and the earth will bring the ghosts to life.

Berean Standard Bible

Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead.

American Standard Version

Thy dead shall live; my dead bodies shall arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast forth the dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:19 is a profound prophetic declaration within a broader song of salvation, offering a vivid and explicit promise of bodily resurrection for God's faithful people. It portrays a future triumph over death, where those who "dwell in dust" will awaken to life and joy, empowered by God's life-giving presence, likened to refreshing dew that causes the earth to yield its dead. This verse stands as a powerful testament to divine sovereignty over life and death, providing immense hope and assurance of ultimate restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 26:19 is nestled within a section of Isaiah often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27). This segment shifts from prophecies of judgment against various nations to a grand vision of God's ultimate triumph, universal judgment, and the restoration of His people. Chapter 26 itself is a "song of salvation" sung by the righteous in the day of the Lord, celebrating God's just rule, His protection of the faithful, and the eventual downfall of the wicked. The preceding verses (Isaiah 26:1-18) speak of the security of God's city, the steadfastness of those who trust in Him, and Israel's past struggles and yearning for deliverance. Verse 19, therefore, serves as the triumphant climax of this song, providing the ultimate assurance of God's power to bring life out of death, culminating the themes of trust, deliverance, and future hope.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah was written during a tumultuous period for Judah, marked by the rising Assyrian and later Babylonian empires. The prophecies often address the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness, including the threat of exile and national desolation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, death was generally viewed as a finality, with a shadowy existence in Sheol. While some early intimations of an afterlife existed, explicit declarations of bodily resurrection were rare. Isaiah's prophecy, therefore, stands out as a remarkably clear and forward-looking statement against this backdrop, offering a radical hope beyond the typical understanding of death prevalent in the region. The imagery of "dew" would have resonated deeply with an agricultural society, where dew was a vital source of moisture, especially during dry seasons, symbolizing life and refreshment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it is a cornerstone for the theme of **Resurrection**, providing one of the clearest Old Testament affirmations of a future bodily resurrection, echoing later declarations like those found in [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to everlasting life or contempt"). Secondly, it underscores God's **Sovereignty over Life and Death**, portraying Him as the ultimate source of life, capable of reversing the natural order of decay and bringing forth new life even from the grave. This theme is foundational to understanding God's power over all creation and His redemptive plan. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Hope and Restoration of Israel**, promising not just individual life but a collective revival for God's people, even after periods of national desolation, as seen in the vision of the dry bones in [Ezekiel 37:1](/ezekiel/37-1 "Ezekiel 37 - The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones"). Finally, the call to "Awake and sing" highlights the theme of **Joyful Anticipation** and worship in response to God's mighty acts of salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dead (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** H4191, a primitive root meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." In this context, it refers to those who have physically died, emphasizing the state of lifelessness from which God promises to bring them back. The repetition of "dead men" and "dead body" underscores the reality of physical demise that is to be overcome.
* **dead body (Hebrew, _nᵉbêlâh'_):** H5038, from the root נָבֵל (nâbêl), meaning "a flabby thing, i.e. a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol." The use of this term, particularly in the phrase "my dead body," is highly significant. It denotes a lifeless, decaying corpse, emphasizing the utter finality of death from a human perspective. Its inclusion here highlights the miraculous nature of the resurrection – God brings life back to what is completely devoid of it, even a decaying carcass. This term can also carry a collective sense, referring to the "corpse" of the nation Israel, seemingly dead in exile or affliction.
* **dew (Hebrew, _ṭal'_):** H2919, from the root טָלַל (ṭâlal), meaning "dew (as covering vegetation)." Dew in arid climates was essential for life, providing moisture and refreshment, especially when rain was scarce. Here, it serves as a powerful metaphor for God's life-giving power, a divine, supernatural moisture that invigorates the earth and causes what is seemingly dead to sprout forth. It connects the natural world's renewal to the spiritual and physical renewal promised by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy dead [men] shall live,"**: This opening clause is a direct and emphatic declaration of resurrection. The "thy" refers to God's people, Israel. It promises that those who have died will indeed experience life again, signaling a reversal of the natural order of death and decay through divine intervention.
* **"[together with] my dead body shall they arise."**: This phrase is pivotal and subject to various interpretations. The KJV's addition of "[together with]" clarifies the relationship, suggesting a collective resurrection. "My dead body" (Hebrew: _nivlati_) can refer to the collective body of Israel, which, though seemingly dead in exile or national affliction, will be revived by God. Alternatively, it can be seen as a poetic reference to the individual deceased bodies of the faithful being raised alongside one another. Regardless, it underscores the certainty of a physical resurrection.
* **"Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust:"**: This is an imperative, a call to action for those who are dead. "Dwell in dust" is a poetic idiom for being dead and buried. The command to "Awake and sing" transforms the grim reality of the grave into a scene of joyful reawakening and worship, emphasizing the celebratory nature of the promised resurrection.
* **"for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs,"**: This clause provides the reason and mechanism for the resurrection. God's "dew" is likened to the life-giving dew that causes "herbs" (plants) to sprout and flourish. This is a powerful **metaphor** for God's life-restoring power, a supernatural, refreshing, and invigorating force that will bring the dead back to life, just as dew brings vitality to dry ground.
* **"and the earth shall cast out the dead."**: This final clause reinforces the certainty and completeness of the resurrection. The earth, which has held the dead in its grip, is personified as actively expelling them at God's command. This imagery vividly portrays God's absolute dominion over death and the grave, ensuring that none of His faithful will remain bound by the dust.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:19 is rich in poetic language and employs several powerful literary devices. **Metaphor** is prominently used in the comparison of God's life-giving power to "dew," specifically "the dew of herbs." This imagery evokes refreshment, new growth, and vitality, contrasting sharply with the dryness and decay of death. The "earth" is given agency through **Personification**, as it is described as actively "casting out the dead," emphasizing God's sovereign command over creation, even the very ground that holds graves. The phrase "ye that dwell in dust" is a poignant **Euphemism** for the deceased, softening the harsh reality of death while setting the stage for the miraculous awakening. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy** and **Declaration**, a definitive statement of future reality, designed to instill hope and assurance. The structure also exhibits elements of **Parallelism**, especially in the opening lines, reinforcing the central message of life emerging from death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:19 is a monumental verse in Old Testament eschatology, offering one of the clearest and most explicit declarations of bodily resurrection. It establishes God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, portraying Him as the one who can reverse the ultimate consequence of sin. This promise of resurrection is not merely an abstract theological concept but a profound source of hope, assuring God's people that their ultimate destiny is not the grave but a transformed existence in His presence. It prefigures the New Testament understanding of resurrection, laying a vital foundation for the Christian hope in Christ's victory over death and the future resurrection of believers. The imagery of life emerging from dust and the earth casting out its dead speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work, extending even to the physical body.

* [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to everlasting life or contempt")
* [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28 "John 5:28-29 - Jesus' words on the resurrection of the dead")
* [1 Corinthians 15:52](/1_corinthians/15-52 "1 Corinthians 15:52 - The resurrection at the last trumpet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 26:19 offers profound comfort and an enduring wellspring of hope for believers navigating the realities of loss, suffering, and mortality. In a world where death often feels like the final word, this verse powerfully declares God's ultimate victory over the grave. It calls us to embrace an eternal perspective, reminding us that our present trials and even the sting of death are temporary. This promise should ignite a spirit of joyful anticipation within us, prompting us to "Awake and sing" even amidst life's dust and ashes, knowing that our future is secured by a God who brings life out of death. It challenges us to live lives rooted in hope, confident in God's power to restore, renew, and ultimately resurrect, transforming our sorrow into singing and our despair into delight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of bodily resurrection in Isaiah 26:19 challenge your understanding of death and the afterlife?**
* **In what ways can the imagery of "dew" bringing life to herbs encourage you in moments of spiritual dryness or despair?**
* **What does the command to "Awake and sing" mean for your daily walk of faith, especially when facing difficult circumstances?**
* **How does this Old Testament prophecy deepen your appreciation for God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, including life and death?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 26:19 explicitly teach bodily resurrection?**

Answer: Yes, Isaiah 26:19 is widely regarded as one of the clearest and most explicit Old Testament passages teaching bodily resurrection. Phrases like "Thy dead men shall live," "my dead body shall they arise," and "the earth shall cast out the dead" strongly indicate a physical, corporeal resurrection, not merely a spiritual or metaphorical revival. While other Old Testament texts might hint at an afterlife or national restoration, this verse directly addresses the raising of the deceased from the grave.

**What is the meaning of "my dead body" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "my dead body" (Hebrew: _nivlati_) is subject to interpretation. Some scholars understand it as a collective reference to the nation of Israel, seen as a "dead body" due to exile, oppression, or national decline, which God promises to revive and restore. This aligns with prophetic themes of national restoration, such as the vision of the dry bones in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones"). Others interpret it as a poetic, emphatic reference to the individual bodies of the faithful dead, emphasizing that even decaying corpses will be raised. The KJV's insertion of "[together with]" suggests a collective rising of individuals alongside this "dead body," possibly implying a corporate resurrection of God's people.

**How does the "dew" imagery relate to resurrection?**

Answer: The imagery of "dew" is a powerful metaphor for God's life-giving power. In the arid climate of ancient Israel, dew was crucial for sustaining plant life, especially during dry seasons. Just as dew brings forth new growth and vitality from seemingly barren ground, God's divine "dew" will miraculously bring the dead back to life. It signifies a supernatural, refreshing, and invigorating force that reverses the effects of death and decay, causing the earth to yield its deceased inhabitants. This imagery underscores the effortless and natural way God's power will accomplish the resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:19 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophecy of "Thy dead men shall live" and "my dead body shall they arise" culminates in Christ's own resurrection from the dead, which serves as the foundational event of Christian faith and the guarantee of our future hope. Jesus, as the [firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the firstfruits of resurrection"), demonstrated God's absolute power over death, fulfilling the very promise anticipated by Isaiah. His resurrection was not merely a spiritual awakening but a bodily one, validating the physical nature of the resurrection described here. Through Christ, the "dew" of God's life-giving Spirit is poured out, quickening those who are spiritually dead and promising future bodily resurrection for all who are in Him, as affirmed by Paul in [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies"). Jesus Himself declared, "[I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")," echoing Isaiah's ancient promise. Thus, Isaiah 26:19 is not just a hope for Israel, but a universal hope for all humanity, realized and secured through the triumph of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), conquering death and opening the way to eternal life for all who believe.

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

Daniel 12:2

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

Ezekiel 37:1

¶ The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which [was] full of bones,

Ezekiel 37:14

And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD.

Matthew 27:52

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

Ephesians 5:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Hosea 13:14

I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

Hosea 6:2

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.