Isaiah 40:5

KJV

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

And the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} shall be revealed {H1540}, and all flesh {H1320} shall see {H7200} it together {H3162}: for the mouth {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the glory of ADONAI will be revealed; all humankind together will see it, for the mouth of ADONAI has spoken."

Berean Standard Bible

And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

American Standard Version

and the glory of Jehovah shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 40:5 serves as a profound declaration within the "Book of Comfort," offering unwavering assurance to a people grappling with the aftermath of judgment and exile. This pivotal verse majestically proclaims that the inherent splendor, majesty, and power of the LORD will be openly and undeniably displayed, becoming universally visible to all humanity. The absolute certainty of this global revelation is firmly rooted in the unassailable authority and immutable promise of God's own spoken word, providing an unshakeable foundation of hope and divine assurance for every generation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 40:5 stands as a climactic declaration within the opening oracle of comfort that inaugurates the second major division of the book of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), often termed "The Book of Comfort." This section dramatically shifts from prophecies of judgment and impending exile to a message of restoration, hope, and divine intervention. The chapter begins with a tender divine command to [comfort God's people](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1 - God's Comfort for His People"), signaling the end of their period of punishment. The immediate preceding verses, [Isaiah 40:3-4](/isaiah/40-3-4 "Isaiah 40:3-4 - Preparing the Way of the Lord in the Wilderness"), vividly depict the preparation of a metaphorical highway in the wilderness, symbolizing a new exodus and the glorious return of the LORD to His people. Verse 5 culminates this preparatory imagery by explicitly stating that this divine return will be accompanied by a universal, undeniable manifestation of God's glory, visible to "all flesh." It serves as the ultimate guarantee that the promises of restoration and divine presence are not merely spiritual aspirations but will be demonstrably and universally realized.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah 40 is the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national trauma, spiritual despair, and theological questioning for the people of Judah. Stripped of their land, the Temple (the physical manifestation of God's presence among them), and their monarchy, they desperately needed a message of hope that transcended their immediate, bleak circumstances. The concept of God's glory being "revealed" would have resonated deeply with a people whose understanding of God's presence had been historically tied to the Shekinah glory in the tabernacle and Temple. The promise of a universal revelation of this glory was revolutionary, suggesting a display of God's power and sovereignty that would not only restore Israel but also compel recognition from the surrounding nations who had witnessed their humiliation. This vision speaks to a future beyond the immediate return from exile, pointing to God's ultimate plan for all creation, a common theme in prophetic literature when addressing the future of Israel and the nations.
* **Key Themes:** Several profound themes converge and are powerfully articulated in Isaiah 40:5. Firstly, the **Revelation of God's Glory** is central. This is not a mere intellectual understanding but a manifest, undeniable, and visible display of God's inherent greatness, power, and holiness. It signifies a profound moment in salvation history when God's character and sovereign authority will be fully unveiled, moving beyond the confines of a specific people or place. This theme is foundational to understanding God's self-disclosure throughout Scripture, from the wilderness tabernacle to the ultimate revelation in Christ. Secondly, the theme of **Universal Witness** is powerfully asserted by the phrase "all flesh shall see it together." This emphasizes the comprehensive and undeniable nature of this revelation, indicating that every human being, regardless of their background or belief, will ultimately bear witness to this divine display. This theme anticipates a time when God's sovereignty will be universally acknowledged, echoing sentiments found in passages like [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow") and [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him"). Lastly, the verse underscores the **Divine Assurance and Faithfulness** through the concluding declaration, "for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." This serves as the bedrock of the prophecy's certainty, highlighting the absolute reliability and immutability of God's word. What God declares, He will unfailingly bring to pass, providing ultimate assurance that His promises are dependent solely on His divine will and power, not on human circumstances or efforts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kâbôwd (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** This term, translated as "glory," fundamentally derives from a root meaning "weight" or "heaviness." When applied to God, it signifies His inherent greatness, His manifest presence, His splendor, honor, and majesty. It is not merely an abstract concept but the tangible, weighty reality of God's being and power made evident. The revelation of God's _kâbôwd_ implies a powerful, undeniable demonstration of His divine attributes that carries immense significance and impact.
* **gâlâh (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** Meaning "to denude," "to uncover," "to disclose," or "to reveal," this primitive root implies an active unveiling or making something visible that was previously hidden. In the passive voice ("shall be revealed"), it indicates that God Himself is the agent of this unveiling, ensuring its certainty, comprehensiveness, and the removal of any obscurity. It speaks to a deliberate act of divine self-disclosure.
* **bâsâr (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** Translated as "flesh," this term comprehensively refers to humanity in its entirety – "all flesh" signifying all living beings, specifically all humankind. It emphasizes the universal scope of the revelation, indicating that no one will be exempt from witnessing this divine display. The term also carries connotations of human frailty and mortality, highlighting the stark contrast between finite humanity and the infinite, glorious God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed":** This initial clause declares a future, certain, and profound event: the manifestation of God's inherent majesty, splendor, and sovereign power. The "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: _kâbôwd_ of _Yᵉhôvâh_) refers to His weighty presence, His divine attributes, and His supreme authority. The use of the passive voice, "shall be revealed" (Hebrew: _gâlâh_), indicates that God Himself is the active agent in this unveiling, ensuring its certainty and undeniable nature. It speaks to a moment of divine self-disclosure that will transcend previous, more localized manifestations of His presence.
* **"and all flesh shall see it together":** This phrase powerfully emphasizes the universal and unified nature of this revelation. "All flesh" (Hebrew: _kol-bâsâr_) encompasses every human being, signifying that this divine display will be witnessed by everyone, without exception. The word "together" (Hebrew: _yachad_) reinforces the idea of a collective, simultaneous, and undeniable observation, leaving no one untouched or unaware of God's glorious presence. It points to a global acknowledgment of divine sovereignty and an inescapable encounter with His manifest glory.
* **"for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.":** This concluding clause provides the ultimate, unassailable ground for the prophecy's certainty. It underscores the absolute authority, reliability, and immutability of God's word (Hebrew: _peh_ of _Yᵉhôvâh_ hath _dâbar_). What God declares, He will unfailingly bring to pass, for His word is inherently powerful and effective. This serves as the bedrock of assurance, affirming that the promise of universal revelation is not contingent on human circumstances, efforts, or belief, but solely on the divine will and omnipotence of the Sovereign God.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 40:5 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of certainty, hope, and divine authority. The verse itself is a clear **Prophecy**, a forward-looking declaration of a future, divinely ordained event. The concluding phrase, "for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it," functions as a potent **Divine Guarantee** or **Affirmation**, emphasizing the absolute reliability and immutability of God's word. This serves as a powerful rhetorical device designed to instill unwavering confidence and certainty in the listener regarding the fulfillment of the prophecy. The use of "all flesh" is a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (flesh, representing human mortality and physicality) stands for the whole (all humanity), underscoring the comprehensive and universal scope of the revelation. This phrase also carries an element of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the undeniable and inescapable nature of this divine manifestation, implying that no one will be able to deny or escape witnessing God's glory. Furthermore, the entire verse anticipates a grand **Theophany**, a visible and powerful manifestation of God's presence and glory, which is a recurring and awe-inspiring motif throughout biblical literature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 40:5 is a profound theological statement on God's inherent nature, His active engagement with humanity, and the absolute reliability of His divine plan. It asserts God's inherent sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to self-disclosure, promising a future where His glory will not be confined to a specific people or place but will burst forth for all to witness. This universal revelation is not merely for Israel's comfort and restoration but for the global recognition of His Lordship, demonstrating that God's redemptive purposes extend to all creation. The verse underscores the absolute power and faithfulness of God's spoken word, establishing it as the ultimate foundation for all hope and certainty. It reminds us that God's promises are not mere suggestions or possibilities but divine decrees that will inevitably come to pass, shaping history according to His perfect and sovereign will.

* [Psalm 97:6](/psalm/97-6 "Psalm 97:6 - The Heavens Declare His Righteousness")
* [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with the Knowledge of God's Glory")
* [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 40:5 offers enduring solace and a powerful call to faith for believers across all generations. In a world often marked by uncertainty, hiddenness, and apparent divine silence, this verse serves as a profound anchor, reminding us that God's ultimate plan for revelation and restoration is absolutely certain. It invites us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in the unfailing nature of God's word, understanding that His promises are not dependent on our fluctuating circumstances or limited human efforts, but solely on His divine will and omnipotent power. This certainty should fuel our hope, enabling us to live with eager anticipation for the day when God's glory will be undeniably evident to all. Furthermore, the universal scope of this prophecy impresses upon us the urgency and privilege of participating in God's ongoing mission. As we await the full revelation of His glory, we are called to share the good news of His coming, His comfort, and His salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, with a world that desperately needs to see and acknowledge Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's spoken word, as highlighted in this verse, impact your trust in His promises during times of personal doubt or global upheaval?**
* **In what ways do you personally long for or anticipate the full, undeniable revelation of God's glory in the world, as promised in Isaiah 40:5?**
* **Considering that "all flesh shall see it together," how might this universal witness of God's glory motivate your personal evangelism or your commitment to sharing the Gospel with others?**

### FAQ

**What does "the glory of the LORD" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Isaiah 40:5, "the glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: _kâbôwd Yᵉhôvâh_) refers to the manifest presence, inherent greatness, splendor, and majestic power of God. It is not merely an abstract concept but the tangible, weighty reality of God's being made evident. In this context, it signifies a future, undeniable, and visible display of God's divine attributes and sovereign power that will be apparent to all humanity. It speaks to God's active self-revelation, where His character and authority will be fully unveiled for all to behold, moving beyond the localized manifestations of glory seen in the Old Testament.

**How can "all flesh" see God's glory? Is this literal?**

Answer: The phrase "all flesh" (Hebrew: _kol-bâsâr_) comprehensively refers to all humanity. While there may have been immediate, partial fulfillments related to the return from Babylonian exile, the prophetic scope of Isaiah 40:5 points to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment. This "seeing" can be understood both literally and spiritually. Literally, it anticipates a future, global event where God's glory will be undeniably displayed, perhaps in a manner akin to a grand theophany, as hinted at in passages like [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him"), where "every eye will see him." Spiritually, it implies a universal recognition of God's sovereignty and truth, where no one will be able to deny His existence or authority. The emphasis is on the undeniable and comprehensive nature of this revelation, ensuring that every human being will be confronted with God's manifest presence.

**Why is it important that "the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it"?**

Answer: This concluding phrase is crucial because it provides the ultimate, unassailable guarantee for the prophecy's fulfillment. It underscores the absolute authority, reliability, and immutability of God's word. Unlike human promises, which can be broken, hindered, or forgotten, God's word is inherently powerful and effective; what He declares, He will unfailingly bring to pass. This divine assurance means the prophecy of universal revelation is not contingent on human effort, circumstances, or belief, but solely on the sovereign will and omnipotence of God. It serves as the unshakeable foundation for the hope and certainty offered throughout the "Book of Comfort" and indeed, all of Scripture, providing an anchor for faith in God's unwavering faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:5 finds its most profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context points to God's glorious return to His people after exile, the New Testament reveals that the ultimate "glory of the LORD" was uniquely "revealed" in the incarnation of Jesus. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." In Christ, the invisible God became visible, and His glory was seen by those who believed, though not universally recognized in its full divine majesty at His first coming. However, the promise that "all flesh shall see it together" points unequivocally to Christ's glorious second coming. [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man") foretells, "then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." This future event will be the undeniable, universal manifestation of God's glory in Christ, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy to its fullest extent. The certainty that "the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it" finds its ultimate validation in God's eternal plan, fully revealed and accomplished through His Son, who is "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being" as described in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"). Thus, Isaiah 40:5 is a prophetic beacon pointing to the Christ, in whom God's glory is both revealed and ultimately seen by all.

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

Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Joel 2:28

¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Isaiah 52:10

The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Luke 3:6

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Isaiah 11:9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 60:1

¶ Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.