Isaiah 35:4

KJV

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Say {H559} to them that are of a fearful {H4116} heart {H3820}, Be strong {H2388}, fear {H3372} not: behold, your God {H430} will come {H935} with vengeance {H5359}, even God {H430} with a recompence {H1576}; he will come {H935} and save {H3467} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Say to the fainthearted, "Be strong and unafraid! Here is your God; he will come with vengeance; with God's retribution he will come and save you."

Berean Standard Bible

Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.”

American Standard Version

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; he will come and save you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 35:4 delivers a profound prophetic assurance of divine intervention and ultimate salvation to those afflicted by fear and anxiety. It directly addresses individuals with a "fearful heart," urging them to embrace strength and cast off dread. The verse promises that God Himself will imminently arrive, bringing both righteous vengeance upon oppressors and a just recompense, culminating in the complete deliverance and rescue of His people from all forms of distress. This declaration serves as a powerful anchor of hope, emphasizing God's active presence and unwavering commitment to His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 35:4 is strategically positioned within a pivotal section of Isaiah's prophecy, specifically following a vivid depiction of divine judgment in [Isaiah 34](/isaiah/34 "Isaiah 34 - God's Judgment on the Nations") and preceding a glorious vision of Israel's restoration in [Isaiah 35](/isaiah/35 "Isaiah 35 - The Highway of Holiness and Redemption"). Chapter 34 details God's fierce indignation against the nations, particularly Edom, serving as a backdrop for the contrasting hope offered to His people. Chapter 35, in turn, paints an idyllic picture of a transformed wilderness blooming with life, a "highway of holiness" for the redeemed, and the joyful return of Zion's exiles. Within this grand narrative, Isaiah 35:4 functions as a direct, pastoral address, providing immediate comfort and a foundational promise for the miraculous events and deliverance that are about to unfold for God's faithful remnant. It is a personal word of encouragement amidst the cosmic drama of judgment and redemption.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Isaiah were delivered during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by the looming threats of Assyrian and Babylonian empires, periods of national unfaithfulness, and the eventual experience of exile. The audience for this message would have been a people facing immense political instability, military threats, and spiritual despondency. The concept of "fearful heart" (H4116 mâhar H3820 lêb) would resonate deeply with those living under oppression or anticipating severe judgment. Culturally, the idea of God's "vengeance" (H5359 nâqâm) and "recompense" (H1576 gᵉmûwl) was understood not as arbitrary wrath, but as righteous justice—God settling accounts for wrongs committed against His covenant people, upholding His divine order, and fulfilling His promises. The assurance of God's "coming" (H935 bôwʼ) and "saving" (H3467 yâshaʻ) would evoke the historical memory of God's past deliverances, such as the Exodus, reinforcing His role as the ultimate rescuer and defender of His people.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 35:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Comfort and Encouragement**, directly commanding the fearful to "Be strong, fear not," echoing God's consistent call for His people to trust in His presence despite daunting circumstances, as seen in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Imminent and Personal Intervention**, emphasizing that "your God will come." This portrays God not as a distant deity, but as an active, personal, and sovereign agent who draws near to execute His will in human history, a theme central to the covenant relationship. Thirdly, it reveals God's **Righteous Justice and Retribution**, through the terms "vengeance" and "recompence," signifying that God will rectify wrongs and bring a just settlement, ensuring that no injustice goes unaddressed and that His people are vindicated, a principle affirmed in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine"). Finally, the verse culminates in the theme of **Ultimate Salvation and Deliverance**, promising that God "will come and save you." This encompasses not only physical rescue from oppression but also spiritual redemption and the establishment of His righteous kingdom, a salvific work that finds its ultimate expression in the person and work of the Messiah, as prophesied in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fearful (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** From H4116, this word literally means "to be liquid or flow easily," implying a state of being "hasty" or "impetuous." When applied to the heart (H3820, _lêb_), it describes a heart that is quick to panic, prone to anxiety, despair, or rash action due to fear. It suggests a lack of steadfastness and a tendency to be overwhelmed by circumstances.
* **strong (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, this primitive root means "to fasten upon," and by extension, "to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate." In this context, it is an imperative command to take courage, to be firm, to hold fast, and to be fortified against the fear that threatens to overwhelm the "hasty heart." It implies a divinely enabled steadfastness.
* **recompence (Hebrew, _gᵉmûwl'_):** From H1576, this term refers to "treatment," "an act (of good or ill)," or "requital." It signifies a just return, a repayment, or a settlement for actions. Paired with "vengeance" (H5359, _nâqâm_), it underscores the idea of a righteous and complete retribution, ensuring that every wrong is righted and that justice is fully served, not merely as an act of anger, but as a divine balancing of accounts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart,"**: This opening phrase establishes the specific audience for this divine message: those whose inner disposition is characterized by fear, anxiety, or a tendency to panic. The prophet is commissioned to deliver a direct, pastoral word of comfort and instruction to individuals experiencing deep apprehension.
* **"Be strong, fear not:"**: This is a powerful, dual imperative command. "Be strong" (H2388, _châzaq_) calls for courage, steadfastness, and inner fortitude, a divinely imparted strength. "Fear not" (H3372, _yârêʼ_) is a direct prohibition against succumbing to dread or terror, urging a posture of trust and confidence rather than apprehension. These commands are not based on human capacity but on the subsequent promise of God's action.
* **"behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence;"**: This clause reveals the foundation for the preceding commands. The adverb "behold" (H2009, _hinnēh_) draws attention to a certain and imminent event. The repeated phrase "your God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship God has with His people. He is not a generic deity but *their* God. His coming is explicitly linked to "vengeance" (H5359, _nâqâm_) and "recompence" (H1576, _gᵉmûwl_). These terms signify God's righteous judgment against those who have oppressed His people and His just settlement of all wrongs, ensuring that justice is fully served.
* **"he will come and save you."**: This final clause states the ultimate purpose and blessed outcome of God's intervention. The repetition of "he will come" reinforces the certainty and active nature of His arrival. The culmination of His coming, however, is not merely judgment on others, but "to save you" (H3467, _yâshaʻ_). This encompasses comprehensive deliverance—from enemies, from oppression, from the consequences of sin, and ultimately, into the full experience of His promised kingdom and blessings.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 35:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope and assurance. The most prominent is **Imperative** language ("Say," "Be strong," "fear not"), which lends a direct, authoritative, and urgent tone to the divine command, demanding an immediate response from the fearful heart. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the latter part of the verse, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "vengeance" and "recompence" are used in conjunction to reinforce the concept of God's comprehensive and righteous justice. Similarly, the repeated phrase "he will come" emphasizes the certainty and active nature of God's intervention, leading to the ultimate outcome: "and save you." The use of **Divine Epithets** like "your God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) personalizes the message, reminding the audience of God's covenant relationship and His unwavering commitment to His people. Furthermore, the phrase "fearful heart" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "heart" (H3820, _lêb_) represents the totality of one's inner being—feelings, will, and intellect—thus signifying a person entirely consumed by apprehension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 35:4 stands as a testament to God's unwavering character as both a righteous judge and a compassionate deliverer. Theologically, it affirms God's absolute sovereignty and His active engagement in human affairs, asserting that He is not a distant observer but one who draws near to execute His perfect will. The promise of "vengeance" and "recompence" underscores divine justice, assuring His people that all wrongs committed against them will be addressed and rectified by the ultimate arbiter. This is not an arbitrary act of wrath but a necessary component of God's holiness, ensuring that His moral order prevails. Simultaneously, the promise "he will come and save you" highlights God's boundless mercy and faithfulness to His covenant. It reminds believers that even in their deepest fears and most desperate circumstances, their ultimate hope rests in God's power to intervene, redeem, and bring about complete salvation. This dual aspect of God's character—justice and salvation—is foundational to understanding His work throughout Scripture.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Room for God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 35:4 offers timeless comfort and a powerful call to faith for believers across generations. In a world often fraught with uncertainty, anxiety, and injustice, our hearts can easily become "fearful" or "hasty," prone to panic and despair. This verse directly addresses that human vulnerability, urging us to "Be strong, fear not." This is not a call to stoicism or self-reliance, but a command rooted in the certainty of God's character and His promised intervention. We are encouraged to find our strength not in our own resilience, but in the knowledge that "your God will come." This means trusting that God is actively working, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It calls us to release our grip on fear and embrace the confident expectation that God will ultimately bring justice to situations of injustice and complete deliverance from all forms of distress, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Our hope is anchored in His ultimate salvation, which promises a future where all tears are wiped away and His righteous kingdom is fully established.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific fears or anxieties are currently making your heart "fearful" or "hasty"?**
* **How does the promise of God's "vengeance" and "recompence" bring you comfort or challenge your understanding of divine justice?**
* **In what practical ways can you "be strong" and "fear not" in your daily life, relying on God's promised intervention?**
* **How does knowing that God "will come and save you" impact your perspective on current trials or future uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**What does "fearful heart" mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase translated "fearful heart" (H4116 _mâhar_ H3820 _lêb_) literally means "hasty of heart" or "impetuous heart." It describes a heart that is prone to panic, quick to give way to anxiety, despair, or rash action when faced with daunting circumstances. It signifies a state of inner turmoil and a lack of steadfastness, which the divine command to "Be strong, fear not" directly addresses.

**Is God's "vengeance" in this verse a positive or negative concept?**

Answer: In the biblical context, especially with God, "vengeance" (H5359 _nâqâm_) and "recompence" (H1576 _gᵉmûwl_) are not about arbitrary wrath or personal spite, but about righteous justice. They refer to God's commitment to setting things right, vindicating His oppressed people, and bringing a just settlement for wrongs committed against them. It is a necessary act of His holiness to restore moral order and ensure that justice ultimately prevails. It is a positive concept for the oppressed, signifying their ultimate vindication and deliverance, as seen in passages like [Psalm 94:1](/psalm/94-1 "Psalm 94:1 - God of Vengeance").

**Does this prophecy apply only to ancient Israel, or does it have relevance for believers today?**

Answer: While Isaiah 35:4 was initially given to ancient Israel facing specific historical challenges, its core message of divine comfort, God's active intervention, and ultimate salvation has enduring relevance for believers today. The human condition of a "fearful heart" is universal. The promise that "your God will come" speaks to God's unchanging character and His ongoing commitment to His people in all ages. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is found in Christ, making it a source of hope and encouragement for all who trust in Him, as God continues to work justice and salvation in the world and in individual lives, culminating in His final return and the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 35:4 finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise that "your God will come" is ultimately realized in the Incarnation, when God Himself entered human history in the person of Jesus ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He came not only as a divine presence but specifically "to save you" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")), fulfilling the deepest longing for deliverance from sin, death, and the power of evil. The "vengeance" and "recompence" spoken of in Isaiah are perfectly executed through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He triumphed over the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) and bore the just recompense for humanity's sin, thereby securing salvation for all who believe. His first coming brought spiritual deliverance and the inauguration of God's kingdom, while His second coming will bring the full and final "recompence" against all injustice and the complete "salvation" of His people into an eternal state of peace and righteousness, where "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")). Thus, Jesus is the ultimate answer to the "fearful heart," for in Him, God has indeed come, He has brought justice, and He has saved us.

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

James 5:7

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

James 5:9

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 34:8

For [it is] the day of the LORD'S vengeance, [and] the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.

Haggai 2:4

Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I [am] with you, saith the LORD of hosts:

Zephaniah 3:16

In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: [and to] Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.