Isaiah 51:12

KJV

I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

KJV (with Strong's)

I, even I, am he that comforteth {H5162} you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid {H3372} of a man {H582} that shall die {H4191}, and of the son {H1121} of man {H120} which shall be made {H5414} as grass {H2682};

Complete Jewish Bible

"I, yes I, am the one who comforts you! Why are you afraid of a man, who must die; of a human being, who will wither like grass?

Berean Standard Bible

“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?

American Standard Version

I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou art afraid of man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:12 presents a profound divine declaration, challenging humanity's propensity to fear mortal beings by asserting God's exclusive and unwavering role as the ultimate source of comfort. It starkly contrasts the eternal, omnipotent nature of God with the transient, fragile existence of humankind, urging His people to place their trust and security solely in Him rather than succumbing to the anxieties induced by earthly threats or oppressors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section primarily addressing the exiled people of Israel, offering solace, hope, and assurance of future restoration. Immediately preceding [Isaiah 51:12](/isaiah/51-12 "Isaiah 51:12 - God, the Comforter"), the prophet calls the exiles to remember their origins in Abraham and Sarah, highlighting God's past faithfulness in multiplying them from a single couple ([Isaiah 51:1-3](/isaiah/51-1-3 "Isaiah 51:1-3 - God's Comfort for Zion")). The verses that follow continue to emphasize God's power over creation and His redemptive plan, contrasting His eternal nature with the perishing heavens and earth ([Isaiah 51:6](/isaiah/51-6 "Isaiah 51:6 - Heaven and Earth Shall Vanish")). The rhetorical question in verse 12 serves as a pivot, directly confronting the fear that would undermine the comfort God offers.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national trauma, despair, and spiritual questioning for the Israelites. They were living under the dominion of a powerful, idolatrous empire, surrounded by foreign gods and customs. The people were vulnerable, feeling abandoned by their God, and facing the constant threat of oppression and annihilation. In this context, God's message through Isaiah aims to reorient their perspective, reminding them that the Babylonian empire, despite its might, was ultimately transient, much like its human leaders. The imagery of man as "grass" would have resonated deeply, as life in the ancient Near East was often precarious and short-lived, subject to the whims of nature and human conflict.

* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 51:12](/isaiah/51-12 "Isaiah 51:12 - God, the Comforter") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Uniqueness of God**, presenting Him as the exclusive source of true comfort, in stark contrast to the impotence of idols or human systems. Secondly, it highlights the **Frailty and Mortality of Humanity**, emphasizing that even the most powerful human oppressors are temporary and destined to perish, like "grass" ([Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6-8 "Isaiah 40:6-8 - All Flesh is Grass")). This theme serves to diminish the perceived threat of human adversaries. Thirdly, the verse directly addresses the **Folly of Fearing Man**, challenging the irrationality of allowing fear of mortal beings to overshadow trust in the eternal and all-powerful God. This resonates with the wisdom found in [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man is a Snare"), which warns against the snare of fearing man.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **comforteth (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** From H5162, meaning "to sigh," "to pity," "to console," or "to repent." In this context, it signifies God's deep compassion and His active provision of solace and relief to His distressed people. The emphatic "I, even I" underscores that this comforting action is uniquely and perfectly God's.
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, a primitive root meaning "to fear," "to revere," or causatively "to frighten." Here, it denotes a paralyzing dread or terror directed towards human threats. The rhetorical question challenges the legitimacy of such fear when contrasted with God's comforting presence.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_ / _ʼâdâm'_):** The verse uses two distinct Hebrew words for "man." H582 (_ʼĕnôwsh_) refers to a mortal, frail human being, emphasizing their weakness and vulnerability. H120 (_ʼâdâm_) is a more general term for human being or mankind. The phrase "son of man" (H1121 _bên_ + H120 _ʼâdâm_) is a common Hebrew idiom for a human being, highlighting their earthly origin and inherent mortality. Together, these terms paint a picture of humanity as inherently weak, transient, and dependent, especially when compared to the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I, even I, am he that comforteth you:"** This opening clause is a powerful, emphatic declaration of God's identity and role. The repetition of "I" (Hebrew: _ānōḵî ānōḵî_) serves as a divine self-affirmation, stressing His unique and exclusive capacity to provide true, lasting comfort. It asserts His unparalleled sovereignty and compassion over His people, positioning Him as the sole source of solace in their distress.
* **"who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die,"** This is a rhetorical question designed to challenge and expose the irrationality of fearing mortal humans. It directly confronts the audience, forcing them to consider the object of their fear. The phrase "a man that shall die" immediately highlights the inherent limitation and impermanence of any human oppressor or threat, diminishing their power in the face of an eternal God.
* **"and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;"** This clause further amplifies the fragility of humanity through vivid imagery. "Son of man" is a common idiom for a human being, reinforcing their earthly, finite nature. The simile "shall be made as grass" powerfully conveys the transience and vulnerability of human life. Just as grass withers and perishes quickly, so too do human beings and their power, making fear of them ultimately misplaced and foolish when God, the eternal Comforter, is present.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through **Repetition**, seen in "I, even I," which serves to underscore God's unique and exclusive identity as the Comforter. This is immediately followed by a **Rhetorical Question**, "who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die," which is not meant to be answered literally but to provoke introspection and highlight the absurdity of fearing what is transient. The verse also utilizes a powerful **Simile** and **Metaphor** in the phrase "shall be made as grass," vividly portraying human mortality and transience, contrasting sharply with God's eternal nature. This creates a stark **Antithesis** between the eternal, comforting God and the dying, perishing human, reinforcing the theological message of where true security lies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the proper object of human fear and trust. Theologically, it asserts God's absolute sovereignty and His unique capacity as the divine Comforter, challenging any misplaced reliance on human power or succumbing to human threats. It underscores the vast chasm between the Creator and the created, reminding us that all human authority, strength, and life are ultimately temporary and dependent on God. The folly of fearing man is not merely a psychological observation but a theological misstep, as it implies a greater trust in human power to harm than in God's power to protect and comfort. True security and peace are found only in recognizing God's eternal nature and His unwavering commitment to His people, liberating them from the anxieties of a world dominated by fleeting human powers.

* [Psalm 103:15-16](/psalms/103-15-16 "The Frailty of Man")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "The Fear of Man is a Snare")
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "God of All Comfort")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often defined by anxiety, social pressures, and the fear of what others might do or say, Isaiah 51:12 offers a profound anchor for the soul. It calls us to shift our gaze from the transient and limited power of human beings to the eternal, all-sufficient comfort of God. When we find ourselves paralyzed by the fear of rejection, criticism, or persecution from others, this verse reminds us that those we fear are merely "grass" – mortal, fragile, and ultimately powerless in the face of our sovereign God. Our ultimate security is not found in appeasing human opinion or avoiding human conflict, but in resting in the unwavering comfort and protection of the One who created and sustains all life. This truth liberates us to live courageously, to speak truth, and to pursue righteousness, knowing that our ultimate well-being rests in God's hands, not in the fleeting whims of humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific fears of man (e.g., fear of failure, rejection, criticism) currently hold me back from fully trusting God?**
* **How does remembering God's eternal nature and His role as my Comforter change my perspective on these fears?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively choose to rely on God's comfort instead of seeking validation or security from human sources?**

### FAQ
**Why does God emphasize "I, even I" in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition "I, even I" (Hebrew: _ānōḵî ānōḵî_) is a strong emphatic construction. It serves to underscore God's unique, singular, and exclusive identity as the one true Comforter. In a context where Israel felt abandoned and surrounded by the false gods of Babylon, this emphasis reaffirms God's unparalleled sovereignty and His absolute faithfulness to His covenant people. It highlights that no other being or power can offer the profound, lasting comfort that He provides, challenging the people to look to Him alone for solace and security.

**What does "son of man" mean in this context, and how does it relate to the New Testament usage concerning Jesus?**

Answer: In [Isaiah 51:12](/isaiah/51-12 "Isaiah 51:12 - God, the Comforter"), "son of man" is a common Hebrew idiom (Hebrew: _ben 'adam_) simply meaning a human being or mortal. It emphasizes the frailty and mortality of humanity, contrasting it with God's eternal nature. It is used here to highlight that any human oppressor, regardless of their power, is ultimately transient and will perish "as grass." This usage is distinct from the specific title "Son of Man" that Jesus frequently uses for Himself in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). While Jesus's title "Son of Man" also affirms His humanity, it simultaneously points to His divine authority and eschatological role as prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). The Isaiah passage focuses on human weakness; Jesus's title encompasses both His true humanity and His divine, eternal power.

**How can this verse help me overcome the fear of man in my daily life?**

Answer: This verse provides a powerful theological framework for overcoming the fear of man by reorienting your perspective. Firstly, it reminds you of God's supreme and unique ability to comfort and protect you. If God Himself is your Comforter, what can mere mortals truly do to you that He cannot overcome or redeem? Secondly, it exposes the inherent fragility and transience of those you fear. Any human power, influence, or threat is temporary, like "grass" that withers. By meditating on the mortality of those you fear and the eternity of the God who comforts you, you can diminish the perceived power of human threats and bolster your trust in God's unfailing care. This allows you to stand firm in your convictions, knowing that your ultimate security is in God alone, as highlighted in [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Do Not Fear Man").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the verse directly addresses God's comforting presence in the Old Covenant, Jesus is revealed as the very embodiment of God's comfort to humanity. He is the "I, even I" of this verse, the one sent by the Father to bring true solace and peace. As the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), He faced the ultimate human fear—death—and conquered it, thereby disarming the power of those who hold the "power of death" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Frees from Fear of Death")). The "man that shall die" and "son of man which shall be made as grass" is a stark contrast to Christ, who, though truly human, is also the eternal Son of God. He died, but He did not remain in the dust; He rose again, forever victorious over death and decay ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "Christ, the Firstfruits")). Through His atoning work, He removes the ultimate basis for fearing man—the fear of death and eternal judgment—and offers an eternal comfort that transcends all earthly threats. He promises the Holy Spirit, the "Comforter" or "Helper," to dwell within believers, ensuring God's comforting presence is always with them ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "The Promise of the Helper")). Thus, in Christ, the fear of man is swallowed up by the perfect love and eternal comfort of God.

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

Psalms 118:6

The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

1 Peter 1:24

¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

Isaiah 2:22

Cease ye from man, whose breath [is] in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

John 14:26

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:18

¶ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

James 1:10

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.