Isaiah 46:13

KJV

I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

I bring near {H7126} my righteousness {H6666}; it shall not be far off {H7368}, and my salvation {H8668} shall not tarry {H309}: and I will place {H5414} salvation {H8668} in Zion {H6726} for Israel {H3478} my glory {H8597}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am bringing my justice nearer, it is not far away; my salvation will not be delayed, I will place my salvation in Tziyon for Isra'el my glory.

Berean Standard Bible

I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor.

American Standard Version

I bring near my righteousness, it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 46:13 stands as a climactic divine declaration, assuring God's people, Israel, of His imminent and certain deliverance. It powerfully asserts that His righteousness, the very foundation of His saving acts, is not a distant or abstract concept but an active, near reality that will not be delayed. The verse unequivocally states God's sovereign intention to establish salvation in Zion, securing glory for His chosen people, thereby revealing His unwavering character, perfect timing, and ultimate plan for their restoration and well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 46:13 serves as the powerful conclusion to a significant prophetic unit (chapters 40-48), often referred to as "The Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah." This section's primary purpose is to console and reassure the Judahite exiles in Babylon, contrasting the incomparable sovereignty and power of Yahweh with the utter impotence and absurdity of pagan idols. Chapter 46 specifically opens with a stark satirical depiction of the prominent Babylonian gods, Bel and Nebo, being carried away as burdens by weary animals, unable to save themselves or their worshippers ([Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1-2 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Burden of Idols")). This imagery stands in profound contrast to Yahweh, who declares that He has carried Israel "from the womb even to old age," emphasizing His enduring care and faithfulness ([Isaiah 46:3-4](/isaiah/46-3-4 "Isaiah 46:3-4 - God Carries His People")). The chapter then challenges Israel to remember God's past acts of deliverance and His unique ability to declare the end from the beginning, demonstrating His absolute control over history ([Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). Verse 13 functions as the climactic and certain assurance, a direct divine promise that God's promised salvation is not merely a distant hope but an immediate and active reality He is bringing to pass, thereby vindicating His unique power, faithfulness, and redemptive purpose for His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this prophecy is the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile of the Judahites during the 6th century BCE. This period was marked by profound national trauma, including the destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple, and the forced relocation of a significant portion of the population to Babylon. In this foreign land, the Israelites were immersed in a polytheistic culture that revered numerous deities, often represented by elaborate physical idols carried in grand religious processions. The prophet Isaiah's message directly confronts this pervasive cultural reality, highlighting the fundamental distinction between the living, active God of Israel and the lifeless, burdensome gods of Babylon. The concept of "Zion" (Jerusalem) held immense significance for Israelite identity, representing God's chosen dwelling place, the center of their worship, and the heart of their covenant relationship. Therefore, the promise of salvation being placed "in Zion" would have deeply resonated with a people whose capital and Temple lay in ruins, offering a powerful message of hope for restoration, return, and the re-establishment of their spiritual and national life.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 46:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, demonstrating that Yahweh alone possesses the power to declare and execute His plans, unlike the powerless idols ridiculed earlier in the chapter. His ability to bring near His righteousness and salvation without delay is a testament to His unrivaled authority. Secondly, it highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Covenant Loyalty**; His "righteousness" is not merely an abstract quality but an active commitment to uphold His promises and covenant with Israel. This theme is foundational, echoing God's call to remember His past works and new acts of salvation, as seen in [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18-19 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Remember Not the Former Things"). Thirdly, the theme of **Imminent and Certain Salvation** is paramount. The emphatic repetition that salvation "shall not be far off" and "shall not tarry" directly counters any despair or doubt among the exiles, assuring them of God's timely and decisive intervention. Finally, the verse reinforces **Zion's Centrality in God's Redemptive Plan** and **Israel's Identity as God's Glory**. Zion is the designated place for the manifestation of God's saving work, and Israel's deliverance brings honor and renown to God, fulfilling His purpose for His chosen people, as prophesied in [Isaiah 60:1-3](/isaiah/60-1-3 "Isaiah 60:1-3 - The Glory of Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bring near (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** From H7126, this primitive root means "to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose." In this context, it signifies God's active, intentional, and sovereign initiative to make His righteousness and salvation an immediate reality. It's not a passive waiting for things to unfold, but a deliberate act of divine proximity, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** From H6666, this term denotes "rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)." Here, _tsᵉdâqâh_ transcends mere moral uprightness; it refers to God's active, covenantal faithfulness in upholding His promises and delivering His people. It is His just and righteous character that compels Him to act on behalf of Israel, bringing about their deliverance and restoration. Thus, God's righteousness is the very foundation and guarantee of His salvation, ensuring that His saving acts are always consistent with His perfect nature.
* **Tarry (Hebrew, _ʼâchar'_):** From H309, this primitive root means "to loiter (i.e. be behind); by implication to procrastinate; continue, defer, delay, hinder, be late (slack), stay (there), tarry (longer)." The emphatic negation "shall not tarry" (`loʼ teʼaḥēr`) powerfully conveys God's absolute certainty and punctuality in fulfilling His promise. It assures the exiles that despite their current suffering and the apparent delay, God's plan for their salvation is on an unalterable, divine timetable and will not be postponed.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _tᵉshûwʻâh'_):** From H8668, this word denotes "rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual); deliverance, help, safety, victory." The repetition of "salvation" in the verse underscores its centrality and certainty. It refers specifically to the national deliverance of Israel from Babylonian captivity, but also carries broader implications of spiritual rescue and ultimate victory over all forms of oppression and sin. God's act of bringing near and placing this salvation in Zion signifies a comprehensive and decisive act of divine intervention, ensuring complete rescue for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off":** This opening clause emphasizes God's active initiative and the imminence of His saving work. "My righteousness" refers to God's inherent character of justice, moral integrity, and especially His covenant faithfulness, which drives Him to act on behalf of His people. The declaration that it "shall not be far off" reassures the audience that God's intervention is not a distant hope but an impending reality, actively being brought to fruition by Him, demonstrating His control over time and events.
* **"and my salvation shall not tarry":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the theme of imminence and certainty. "My salvation" refers to the comprehensive deliverance God will bring, primarily from Babylonian exile, but also more broadly as an act of rescue and victory over all adversaries. The emphatic "shall not tarry" (literally, "will not be late" or "will not delay") underscores God's perfect timing and unwavering commitment, dispelling any notion of procrastination or abandonment on His part. It assures His people that His redemptive plan is moving forward precisely as intended, according to His sovereign schedule.
* **"and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory":** This final clause specifies both the location and the ultimate purpose of God's saving act. "Zion" (Jerusalem) is designated as the sacred place where this salvation will be established, signifying the restoration of the nation's spiritual and political center and the re-establishment of God's presence among His people. The phrase "for Israel my glory" highlights that God's deliverance of His people is not merely for their benefit, but also redounds to His own honor, renown, and fame. Israel, as God's chosen nation, serves as a living testament to His power, faithfulness, and unique relationship with humanity, thereby bringing Him glory through their restoration and flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 46:13 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine certainty and imminent deliverance. The most prominent is **Personification**, as God speaks of His "righteousness" and "salvation" as if they are active agents that can be "brought near," "not far off," and that "shall not tarry." This imbues abstract theological concepts with dynamic agency, emphasizing God's direct and active involvement in bringing them to pass. There is also a strong sense of **Emphasis** through **Repetition** of the concept of "salvation" and the double negation ("not far off," "not tarry"), which creates a powerful assertion of certainty and immediacy, dispelling any doubt. The verse also implicitly utilizes **Contrast**, comparing God's active, timely, and powerful deliverance with the inert, burdensome, and helpless idols described earlier in the chapter, thereby highlighting God's unique power and faithfulness. Finally, the entire declaration is presented as a direct **Divine Utterance**, lending it ultimate authority, infallibility, and certainty, as God Himself speaks His unchangeable will and purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 46:13 stands as a profound declaration of God's sovereign character and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It reveals that God's righteousness is not merely a static attribute but an active, dynamic force that compels Him to deliver. This righteousness is intrinsically linked to His salvation, demonstrating that His saving acts are always consistent with His just and faithful nature. The promise of salvation in Zion points to God's specific plan for His people and His chosen place, foreshadowing the ultimate establishment of His kingdom and the dwelling of His presence among humanity. This verse reassures believers across all ages that God is actively working in history, bringing His purposes to fruition in His perfect timing, and that His glory is intrinsically tied to the salvation of those He calls His own. It underscores that divine promises are not subject to human timetables but will unfold according to God's unhindered will.

* [Psalm 98:2-3](/psalms/98-2-3 "Psalm 98:2-3 - God's Salvation and Righteousness Revealed")
* [Romans 1:16-17](/romans/1-16-17 "Romans 1:16-17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")
* [Hebrews 10:37](/hebrews/10-37 "Hebrews 10:37 - He Who Is Coming Will Come and Not Delay")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 46:13 offers a profound anchor for faith in a world often characterized by waiting, uncertainty, and perceived delays. It calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and His active engagement in our lives and in the grand sweep of history. When circumstances seem bleak, God's promises appear distant, or our prayers seem unanswered, this verse reminds us that His righteousness is the very foundation of His commitment to save, and His salvation will never be late according to His divine schedule. It encourages us to rest in the unwavering certainty of His character, knowing that His plans for our deliverance, both personal and collective, are being brought near and will not tarry. Our hope is not to be placed in our own efforts, the fleeting promises of the world, or the power of human institutions, but solely in the steadfast, powerful, and timely intervention of the God who carries His people from their very beginning and brings them to ultimate glory. This truth should ignite patient endurance and confident expectation within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting for God's intervention or the fulfillment of a specific promise, and how does this verse speak to your present situation?**
* **How does understanding God's "righteousness" as His active faithfulness and covenant loyalty deepen your trust in His timing and methods, especially when they differ from your own expectations?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live with greater confidence in the truth that God's salvation "shall not tarry," even amidst delays or difficulties?**
* **Considering Israel as God's "glory," how does your own salvation and life of faith contribute to bringing glory to God in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What does "my righteousness" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Isaiah 46:13, "my righteousness" (Hebrew: _tsᵉdâqâh_) refers to God's inherent character of justice, moral uprightness, and, crucially, His covenant faithfulness. It's not just an abstract quality but an active principle that compels God to uphold His promises and deliver His people. His righteousness is the basis for His saving acts; He saves because it is consistent with who He is and what He has pledged to do for His chosen nation, Israel. This concept of God's righteousness as an active, saving power is a recurring theme in Isaiah, often linked to His redemptive work, as seen in [Isaiah 51:5-6](/isaiah/51-5-6 "God's Righteousness and Salvation Endure"). It signifies that God's saving intervention is always just and right.

**Is this promise of salvation only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context of Isaiah 46:13 is God's promise to deliver Israel from Babylonian exile and restore them, the theological principles are timeless and apply broadly to all who trust in God. The verse reveals God's unchanging character—His faithfulness, His perfect timing, and His commitment to bring salvation. For believers today, this means we can trust that God is actively working to fulfill His promises, both individually and globally. The ultimate "salvation" promised here finds its fullest spiritual realization in Christ for all who believe, transcending ethnic or national boundaries. Thus, while rooted in Israel's history, its message of divine certainty and timely deliverance resonates deeply with the Christian hope for ultimate redemption and the coming of God's kingdom.

**What is the significance of "Zion" in this verse?**

Answer: "Zion" primarily refers to Jerusalem, specifically the temple mount, and by extension, the city itself and the spiritual center of Israel. In Isaiah 46:13, God's promise to "place salvation in Zion" signifies the restoration of Jerusalem as the focal point of God's redemptive activity for His people. It points to a physical return from exile and the rebuilding of the city and temple, but also carries profound spiritual significance. Zion often symbolizes God's dwelling place and the place from which His salvation and law will go forth to the nations, as prophesied in [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2-3 "The Mountain of the Lord's House"). In the New Testament, Zion takes on a broader spiritual meaning, representing the heavenly Jerusalem and the Church, where God's people gather and His presence dwells.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 46:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "righteousness" that God brings near is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is Himself declared to be "our righteousness" by God ([1_corinthians/1-30](/1-corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His sinless life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, Christ fully satisfied God's righteous demands, making it possible for all humanity to be declared righteous before God by faith alone ([romans/3-21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Furthermore, the "salvation" that "shall not tarry" is definitively inaugurated in Jesus. He is the very embodiment of God's saving act, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([john/1-29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). While Isaiah foresaw a national deliverance from exile, Christ's salvation is cosmic in scope, offered to all nations and individuals who believe. The promise to "place salvation in Zion" is fulfilled in the New Covenant through the establishment of the Church, the spiritual Zion, where God's presence dwells among His people, comprising believers from every tribe and tongue ([hebrews/12-22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - You Have Come to Mount Zion")). Israel, originally designated as God's "glory," finds its truest and most expansive expression in the Church, comprised of both Jew and Gentile, united in Christ, reflecting God's glory to the world ([ephesians/2-11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Humanity in Christ")). Thus, Isaiah 46:13 points forward to the person and work of Jesus, in whom God's righteousness and salvation are fully revealed, eternally secured, and delivered without delay.

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

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Isaiah 62:11

Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

Isaiah 51:5

My righteousness [is] near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

Isaiah 43:7

[Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Isaiah 44:23

Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done [it]: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

Isaiah 61:11

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.