Isaiah 41:6

KJV

They helped every one his neighbour; and [every one] said to his brother, Be of good courage.

KJV (with Strong's)

They helped {H5826} every one {H376} his neighbour {H7453}; and every one said {H559} to his brother {H251}, Be of good courage {H2388}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Every one helps his fellow workman, everyone says to his brother, "Be strong!"

Berean Standard Bible

Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!”

American Standard Version

They help every one his neighbor; and every one saith to his brother, Be of good courage.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 41:6 offers a poignant depiction of human solidarity and mutual encouragement, yet within a prophetic context that subtly critiques its ultimate futility when misdirected. The verse portrays individuals actively assisting their neighbors and exhorting their brothers to "be of good courage," illustrating a collective human effort to find strength and resolve. However, when read in its immediate prophetic setting, this seemingly positive scene serves as a stark contrast to the true, unwavering power and faithfulness of God, highlighting the misplaced hope and self-reliance inherent in endeavors that are not anchored in divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 41:6 is strategically placed within a pivotal section of Isaiah (chapters 40-48), often referred to as "The Book of Comfort," where the prophet emphatically declares God's incomparable sovereignty, His unique ability to foretell the future, and His exclusive role as the deliverer and redeemer of His people, Israel. Immediately preceding this verse, [Isaiah 41:5](/isaiah/41-5 "Isaiah 41:5 - Nations Tremble Before God") describes nations trembling and drawing near, perhaps in fear or anticipation of a powerful, divinely appointed conqueror (like Cyrus, introduced later in the chapter). The crucial interpretive key for verse 6 lies in the subsequent verse, [Isaiah 41:7](/isaiah/41-7 "Isaiah 41:7 - The Folly of Idol Makers"), which explicitly reveals that this mutual "helping" and "encouraging" is occurring among idol makers. They are depicted as feverishly working together to create and secure their false gods, in a desperate, collective attempt to find security and meaning in the face of God's manifest power and impending judgment. Thus, the human solidarity described in verse 6, while appearing commendable on the surface, is ultimately directed towards a vain and idolatrous purpose, underscoring the stark contrast between human futility and divine omnipotence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 41 is the looming threat of the Babylonian exile for Judah, and the subsequent promise of restoration. In this turbulent period, various nations across the ancient Near East would have faced political and military uncertainties, often resorting to their national deities and the creation of idols as perceived sources of protection and stability. The act of "helping every one his neighbour" and "saying to his brother, Be of good courage" reflects common ancient Near Eastern practices of communal labor and mutual support, particularly in times of crisis or when undertaking significant projects. The making of idols was a labor-intensive process, involving artisans from various trades—goldsmiths, carpenters, and smiths—who would indeed assist each other in the intricate work of shaping, fastening, and decorating their cultic images. This verse captures a snapshot of this cultural reality, but reinterprets it through a prophetic lens, exposing the inherent weakness and ultimate worthlessness of such human-made solutions when compared to the living, sovereign God.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 41:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. A primary theme is the **Futility of Idolatry and Human Self-Reliance**. The verse, especially when read in conjunction with [Isaiah 41:7](/isaiah/41-7 "Isaiah 41:7 - The Folly of Idols"), vividly portrays humanity's pervasive tendency to rely on its own strength and creations (idols) rather than on the one true God. The collective effort and encouragement, while demonstrating human solidarity, are ultimately misdirected, serving only to reinforce a false sense of security. This stands in stark contrast to God's repeated declarations of His unique power and ability to save, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:18-26](/isaiah/40-18-26 "Isaiah 40:18-26 - God's Incomparable Power") and His promise to His people in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Help and Uphold"). Another key theme is **Misplaced Courage**. The "be of good courage" exhorted in the verse is a human-generated resolve, not a divinely inspired one. While courage is often a virtue in biblical narratives, here it is applied to a context of defiance against God, highlighting how even positive human traits can be perverted when not grounded in divine truth. This contrasts sharply with the divine command to "be strong and courageous" that is rooted in God's presence and promises, as powerfully exemplified in [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Command to Be Strong and Courageous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **helped (Hebrew, _ʻâzar'_):** This primitive root (H5826) means "to surround, i.e. protect or aid; help, succour." In Isaiah 41:6, it describes the active assistance given by one person to another. While the word itself is neutral, denoting practical support, its application here to the context of idol-making (as revealed in the subsequent verse) imbues it with a sense of misdirection. The help rendered is not for a righteous or God-honoring cause but for the futile endeavor of strengthening false gods.
* **neighbour (Hebrew, _rêaʻ'_):** This word (H7453), derived from a root meaning "to associate," refers to "an associate (more or less close); brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other." It emphasizes the close social bond and communal spirit among those engaged in this activity. The term highlights the interpersonal aspect of their collective effort, suggesting a shared purpose and mutual reliance within their community, even if that purpose is misguided.
* **Be of good courage (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This primitive root (H2388) means "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate." While _châzaq_ is frequently used in the Bible to describe God's strengthening of His people or His command to them to be strong (e.g., [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous")), here it is applied to human beings encouraging each other in a context of idolatry. This usage is deeply ironic, as their self-generated courage is directed towards a purpose that is ultimately weak and powerless against the true God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They helped every one his neighbour":** This initial clause vividly depicts a scene of active, communal support. The individuals are not isolated but are engaged in a collaborative effort, providing practical assistance to one another. This "helping" suggests a shared task or burden, where each person contributes to the overall objective of the group. The emphasis on "every one" and "his neighbour" highlights the pervasive nature of this mutual aid within the community, indicating a widespread commitment to their collective enterprise.
* **"and [every one] said to his brother, Be of good courage.":** This second clause reveals the verbal and emotional dimension of their solidarity. Beyond physical assistance, there is also psychological and moral support. The exhortation "Be of good courage" (or "Be strong!") is a fervent call to steadfastness, resolve, and perseverance. It implies a recognition of challenges, fears, or the arduous nature of their task, and an attempt to bolster morale and commitment. The repetition of "every one" and the intimate reference to "his brother" further underscore the widespread and deeply personal nature of this mutual encouragement, suggesting a profound, though misguided, dedication to their shared enterprise.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 41:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Irony**. On the surface, the verse describes commendable human traits: mutual aid and encouragement, often seen as virtues. However, the immediate literary context, particularly [Isaiah 41:7](/isaiah/41-7 "Isaiah 41:7 - The Folly of Idol Makers"), reveals that this solidarity is directed towards the futile and blasphemous act of idol-making. This creates a powerful ironic contrast: the strength and courage they generate among themselves are ultimately wasted on powerless, inanimate objects. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** woven throughout Isaiah 41, and this verse contributes to it by juxtaposing human efforts and their inherent limitations against the boundless power and trustworthiness of God. The self-generated "courage" of man stands in stark opposition to the true strength and unwavering steadfastness found only in the Lord. Finally, the scene implicitly highlights **Misplaced Agency**, as humans attempt to imbue inanimate objects (idols) with qualities of strength and life, mirroring their own misplaced efforts to find security and power in created things rather than in the Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 41:6, when understood in its broader context, serves as a powerful theological statement on the nature of true strength and the folly of misplaced trust. It highlights humanity's innate desire for security, stability, and courage, but critiques the means by which these are often sought apart from God. The mutual encouragement among idol makers underscores a fundamental theological truth: human solidarity, while valuable in itself, becomes futile and even idolatrous when it props up false hopes and man-made solutions instead of relying on the sovereign Creator. The passage implicitly argues that genuine courage and lasting security can only be found in the Lord, who alone is capable of upholding and delivering His people. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, warning against self-reliance and the worship of anything other than the one true God, emphasizing that true strength comes from acknowledging God's supremacy and trusting in His unfailing power.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 10:3-5](/jeremiah/10-3-5 "Jeremiah 10:3-5 - The Worthlessness of Idols")
* [Isaiah 40:28-31](/isaiah/40-28-31 "Isaiah 40:28-31 - God Gives Power to the Faint")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 41:6 offers a profound challenge for contemporary believers, prompting us to critically examine the sources of our courage and the objects of our trust, particularly in times of uncertainty or crisis. In a world that often encourages self-sufficiency, collective human ingenuity, and reliance on material or technological advancements, this verse reminds us that even the most well-intentioned human efforts can be ultimately futile if they are not grounded in God's truth and His sovereign power. Do we, like the idol makers, rally together to shore up systems, ideologies, or possessions that cannot ultimately save us or provide lasting security? Or do we turn to the living God, whose promises are unwavering and whose strength is infinite? The call to "be of good courage" is vital, but its efficacy depends entirely on the foundation upon which that courage is built. Our encouragement to one another should always point to Christ as the ultimate source of hope and strength, ensuring that our solidarity is rooted in eternal truth rather than fleeting human endeavors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on human effort, collective strength, or man-made solutions rather than trusting in God's provision and power?**
* **How might our collective efforts as a church or community inadvertently become a form of "idol-making" if they are not firmly rooted in Christ and His mission, or if they subtly replace dependence on God?**
* **When you encourage others, what is the ultimate source of the courage you seek to impart? Is it human resolve, or the steadfastness found in God's character and promises?**

### FAQ
**What is the main point Isaiah 41:6 is trying to convey?**

Answer: The main point of Isaiah 41:6 is to highlight the futility of human effort and self-reliance, especially when contrasted with the incomparable power and sovereignty of God. While the verse describes seemingly positive acts of mutual help and encouragement, the broader context (particularly [Isaiah 41:7](/isaiah/41-7 "Isaiah 41:7 - The Folly of Idols")) reveals that these efforts are directed towards the creation and reinforcement of idols—false gods that are utterly powerless. Thus, the verse subtly critiques human attempts to find security and strength apart from the one true God, emphasizing that true help and courage come only from Him.

**How does this verse relate to the theme of idolatry in Isaiah?**

Answer: This verse is intrinsically linked to the pervasive theme of idolatry throughout Isaiah. It provides a vivid picture of the communal effort involved in idol-making, showing how people would "help" and "encourage" one another in this vain endeavor. This mutual support, while demonstrating human solidarity, is presented as misdirected energy and misplaced trust. The prophet Isaiah consistently contrasts the living God, who creates and controls history, with the lifeless idols that are the product of human hands and imagination. Passages like [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idols") further elaborate on the absurdity and worthlessness of idol worship, making it clear that the "courage" found in such pursuits is ultimately baseless and futile.

**Does this verse mean that human cooperation and encouragement are bad?**

Answer: No, the verse does not inherently condemn human cooperation or encouragement. These are often positive and necessary aspects of human society and community, reflecting the communal nature of humanity. However, the context of Isaiah 41:6 is crucial: the cooperation and encouragement are being applied to a futile and ultimately idolatrous purpose. The problem is not the act of helping or encouraging, but the *object* of that help and courage. When human solidarity is directed towards propping up false hopes or anything that replaces God as the ultimate source of security and strength, it becomes misguided. True, godly encouragement always points to God as the foundation of our hope, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Encourage One Another").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 41:6, with its depiction of human beings rallying together in misplaced courage to sustain their own futile creations, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between humanity's self-generated strength and the true, divine strength offered in Jesus Christ. The "good courage" exhorted among the idol makers is a human-centered resolve, ultimately powerless to save or secure. In contrast, the New Testament reveals that true courage and steadfastness come not from human effort or collective self-reliance, but from faith in the finished work of Christ. He is the one who truly "helps" and "strengthens" His people, enabling them to do all things through Him who gives them strength (cf. [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). The futility of trusting in human constructs, as shown in Isaiah, is overcome by the perfect and sufficient work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world. Our courage is found in His victory over sin and death, knowing that [He will never leave us nor forsake us](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You") and that in Him we have peace (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). Thus, the misplaced courage of Isaiah 41:6 points forward to the true and lasting courage found only in Christ, who is our ultimate help, hope, and strength (cf. [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")).

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 3:1

¶ Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height [was] threescore cubits, [and] the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.

Daniel 3:7

Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down [and] worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

1 Samuel 4:7

And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.

1 Samuel 4:9

Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

Isaiah 40:19

The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.

Isaiah 44:12

The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.

Acts 19:24

For a certain [man] named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;