Isaiah 33:24

KJV

And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein [shall be] forgiven [their] iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the inhabitant {H7934} shall not say {H559}, I am sick {H2470}: the people {H5971} that dwell {H3427} therein shall be forgiven {H5375} their iniquity {H5771}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No inhabitant will say, "I am ill"; the people living there will be forgiven their sin.

Berean Standard Bible

And no resident of Zion will say, “I am sick.” The people who dwell there will be forgiven of iniquity.

American Standard Version

And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 33:24 delivers a profound prophetic vision of holistic restoration for God's people in the eschatological age. It declares a future state of complete well-being, where physical infirmity is entirely absent, and, most significantly, where spiritual iniquity is fully pardoned. This verse encapsulates the blessed conditions of Zion under divine rule, emphasizing that true health, peace, and security are inextricably linked to a reconciled and pardoned relationship with God, culminating in a comprehensive redemption that addresses both the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 33 is strategically placed within the book of Isaiah, marking a powerful transition from prophecies of impending judgment and divine wrath to glorious visions of God's ultimate deliverance and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. The chapter opens with a fervent lament and a "woe" against the treacherous Assyrian oppressor, reflecting the desperate situation of Judah. Following this, a prayer for divine intervention (vv. 2-6) gives way to a magnificent affirmation of God's majestic power, His unwavering faithfulness, and His commitment to His covenant people (vv. 7-16). Verses 17-23 vividly describe the future security and prosperity of Zion, portraying the king in his beauty, the expansive land, and the complete absence of any formidable enemy. This idyllic scene sets the stage for the culminating promise of holistic well-being in verse 24, which describes the perfect state of those dwelling securely in God's presence, finally free from the curses of sin and sickness that plague the present age. The verse functions as a capstone, summarizing the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah, particularly those leading up to chapter 33, are deeply rooted in the historical realities of 8th-century BCE Judah, specifically during the reign of King Hezekiah. The nation faced immense existential pressure from the encroaching Assyrian Empire, most notably Sennacherib's invasion. Beyond external military threats, Judah also grappled with internal spiritual decay and unfaithfulness. In this context of fear and uncertainty, the promises of divine protection, healing, and forgiveness found in Isaiah 33:24 would have offered immense comfort and profound hope. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sickness was frequently perceived as a direct consequence of divine displeasure or a manifestation of sin, while health and prosperity were understood as clear indicators of divine favor and blessing. Thus, the radical promise of freedom from sickness and the complete forgiveness of iniquity directly addresses the core anxieties and deeply held theological understandings of the time, pointing to a dramatic reversal of their current suffering and a restoration of their relationship with their covenant God.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 33:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over history and His unparalleled power to redeem His people from all forms of oppression, both physical and spiritual, as evidenced by His mighty acts of salvation described earlier in the chapter (e.g., [Isaiah 33:10-12](/isaiah/33-10-12 "Isaiah 33:10-12 - God Arises to Judge")). The verse also underscores the profound theme of **Holistic Restoration and Wholeness (Shalom)**, portraying a future where God's people experience complete well-being, encompassing both physical health ("shall not say, I am sick") and spiritual reconciliation ("shall be forgiven their iniquity"). This vision of **Eschatological Hope** is central, pointing forward to a future Messianic age or the new creation, where the devastating effects of the Fall are fully undone, a hope echoed in passages like [Isaiah 65:17-25](/isaiah/65-17-25 "Isaiah 65:17-25 - New Heavens and New Earth") and [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - He Will Swallow Up Death Forever"). Finally, the verse profoundly emphasizes the **Primacy of Forgiveness**, revealing that the eradication of sickness is presented as a direct consequence of the removal of sin, thereby establishing forgiveness as the foundational blessing from which all other forms of restoration flow, a concept deeply explored in [Psalm 103:2-3](/psalms/103-2-3 "Psalm 103:2-3 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul, Who Forgives and Heals").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** From H2470, a primitive root meaning properly "to be rubbed or worn," and figuratively "to be weak, sick, afflicted." It can also denote grieving, being diseased, or experiencing infirmity. Its negation in this verse ("shall not say, I am sick") signifies a complete absence of physical weakness, illness, or distress. This points to a state of perfect health and vitality, free from the debilitating effects of disease that characterize the fallen world, implying a comprehensive restoration of physical well-being.
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell" or "to remain." It conveys a profound sense of settledness, permanence, and security. In the context of the verse, "the people that dwell therein" refers to those who are securely established in God's presence, indicating a permanent and blessed residency in His kingdom where these promises are fully realized. This suggests a stable and enduring relationship with God, free from displacement or fear.
* **forgiven (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, a primitive root meaning "to lift," "to bear," or "to take away." In a theological sense, it signifies to "pardon" or "forgive." The passive voice "shall be forgiven" emphasizes that this is a divine act, God Himself lifting the burden of sin from His people. This forgiveness is not merely an overlooking of sin but a complete removal of its guilt and penalty, leading to a profound state of spiritual peace, reconciliation, and freedom from condemnation.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, meaning "perversity," "moral evil," "fault," or "sin." It also encompasses the punishment or consequences for sin. The promise that this "iniquity" shall be forgiven highlights the comprehensive nature of God's pardon, addressing the root cause of human suffering, alienation, and separation from God. It signifies the complete removal of guilt, condemnation, and the destructive consequences of moral transgression, leading to a state of pure righteousness before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick:"** This clause presents a radical and transformative vision of physical well-being. It speaks to a future state where physical infirmity, chronic disease, and the experience of pain are entirely absent. The active declaration "I am sick" is negated, indicating that the very concept or experience of sickness will be utterly foreign to those dwelling in this blessed state. It implies a complete and perfect restoration of the physical body, free from the debilitating effects of the Fall, signifying an end to all physical suffering.
* **"the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity."** This second clause reveals the foundational and theological reason for the physical restoration promised in the first. The eradication of sickness is presented not as an isolated blessing but as a direct consequence of the complete forgiveness of sin. "Iniquity" (Hebrew: _ʻâvôn_) encompasses both the moral evil itself and its pervasive consequences. The passive voice "shall be forgiven" underscores that this is a divine act of sovereign grace; God Himself removes the guilt, penalty, and power of sin from His people. This spiritual pardon is the ultimate source of their holistic health and peace, establishing a reconciled relationship with God as the indispensable basis for all other blessings, including physical wholeness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 33:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message of ultimate restoration and divine blessing. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second clause ("the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity") expands upon and explains the first ("And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick"). This structure highlights the profound theological connection between spiritual forgiveness and physical well-being, indicating that the absence of sickness is a direct and necessary result of the removal of sin. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Idealization** to depict a perfect future state, as the complete and utter absence of sickness is an ultimate, eschatological reality that transcends current human experience. Furthermore, the language is rich in **Eschatological Language**, pointing towards a future, ideal kingdom of God where the devastating effects of the Fall are fully undone, and humanity experiences complete _shalom_ (peace, wholeness, flourishing) in His presence. The phrases "the inhabitant" and "the people that dwell therein" also serve as **Synecdoche**, where a part (the individual inhabitants) represents the whole (the community of God's redeemed people), emphasizing that this comprehensive blessing extends to every member of the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 33:24 offers a profound theological statement about God's ultimate redemptive plan, presenting a future where the pervasive consequences of sin—both spiritual alienation and physical brokenness—are completely undone. It establishes an intrinsic and direct link between spiritual pardon and physical wholeness, asserting that true and lasting health and well-being flow fundamentally from a reconciled relationship with God. This vision anticipates a comprehensive restoration where God's active presence brings not only security and peace but also the complete eradication of suffering and the full, unreserved forgiveness of all iniquity. It speaks powerfully to the holistic nature of God's salvation, demonstrating His intent to address the human condition in its entirety, from the deepest spiritual brokenness to the most tangible physical ailments, culminating in a state of perfect _shalom_.

* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, Death, or Pain")
* [Psalm 103:3](/psalms/103-3 "Psalm 103:3 - God Forgives All Iniquities and Heals All Diseases")
* [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - The New Covenant Promise of Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 33:24 serves as a brilliant beacon of hope and a profound source of comfort for believers navigating a world still profoundly marked by suffering, sickness, and sin. It reminds us that God's ultimate plan is one of complete and comprehensive restoration, addressing the deepest spiritual needs of forgiveness and the most tangible physical needs of healing. While we presently experience the brokenness of a fallen world, this verse assures us of a glorious future where all tears will be wiped away, all pain eradicated, and all iniquity pardoned. It challenges us to recognize that true and lasting well-being is fundamentally rooted in our relationship with God and His gracious, unmerited act of forgiveness. This powerful promise encourages us to live with eager anticipation for the day when God's kingdom is fully realized in its consummation, and to trust in His redemptive power even amidst present trials and afflictions, knowing that His ultimate victory includes our holistic healing and spiritual liberation from the bondage of sin. It cultivates a deep gratitude for the forgiveness we have now and a longing for the complete redemption to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the intrinsic connection between physical healing and spiritual forgiveness in Isaiah 33:24 deepen your understanding of God's comprehensive salvation?**
* **In what specific ways does this verse offer hope and comfort to you personally, especially when facing present sickness, the consequences of sin, or the suffering of others?**
* **How can the promise of a future without sickness and with complete forgiveness motivate your present walk of faith, your pursuit of holiness, and your eager anticipation of God's fully realized kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 33:24 promise that believers will never get sick in this life?**

Answer: No, Isaiah 33:24 is an eschatological promise, meaning it points to a future, ultimate fulfillment in God's perfected kingdom, often understood as the Messianic age or the new heavens and new earth. While God certainly can and does heal in the present age, and believers can experience divine healing, this verse describes a state of permanent, comprehensive well-being where sickness is entirely absent, which is not fully realized in our current fallen world. It is a prophetic vision of the ideal, perfected conditions that will prevail when God's redemptive work is complete, and the effects of sin are entirely undone. We still experience sickness and death in this life, but this verse assures us of a glorious future free from such afflictions, as described in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain").

**What is the relationship between forgiveness and healing in this verse?**

Answer: Isaiah 33:24 establishes a profound and direct relationship between spiritual forgiveness and physical healing. The verse places the forgiveness of iniquity as the foundational blessing that leads to the absence of sickness. In biblical thought, particularly in the Old Testament, sickness was often seen as a consequence of sin or a sign of spiritual brokenness and alienation from God. Therefore, the promise that "the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity" is presented as the prerequisite and ultimate cause for the declaration that "the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick." This highlights God's holistic approach to redemption, where spiritual reconciliation is the ultimate source of complete well-being, addressing the root cause of human suffering and separation from God. This intrinsic connection is also powerfully evident in passages like [Psalm 103:3](/psalms/103-3 "Psalm 103:3 - God Forgives All Iniquities and Heals All Diseases"), which links forgiveness and healing directly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 33:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The prophetic promise of a future where "the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick" and where "the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity" is inaugurated through Christ's atoning sacrifice and will be consummated in His glorious return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore our iniquities on the cross, making complete and perfect forgiveness possible for all who believe ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). His death and resurrection fundamentally broke the power of sin, which is the root cause of all human brokenness, including sickness, suffering, and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). Furthermore, Christ's earthly ministry was characterized by both the authoritative forgiveness of sins and miraculous physical healings, demonstrating His divine authority over both spiritual and physical ailments, as seen in the healing of the paralytic where He first declared, "[Son, your sins are forgiven](/mark/2-5 "Mark 2:5 - Jesus Forgives and Heals the Paralytic")" before commanding him to walk. While the full eradication of sickness and death awaits His glorious return and the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")), believers now experience the down payment and foretaste of this future reality through the indwelling Holy Spirit and the spiritual healing that comes from being declared righteous and reconciled to God in Christ ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Isaiah 33:24 points directly to Jesus as the Messiah who brings ultimate forgiveness and, consequently, the sure promise of a future free from all sickness, sorrow, and the effects of sin, ushering in an era of perfect _shalom_.

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

Jeremiah 50:20

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and [there shall be] none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

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.

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Isaiah 44:22

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

James 5:14

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

Isaiah 58:8

¶ Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.