Isaiah 51:16

KJV

And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou [art] my people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I have put {H7760} my words {H1697} in thy mouth {H6310}, and I have covered {H3680} thee in the shadow {H6738} of mine hand {H3027}, that I may plant {H5193} the heavens {H8064}, and lay the foundations {H3245} of the earth {H776}, and say {H559} unto Zion {H6726}, Thou art my people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand, in order to plant the skies [anew], lay the foundations of the earth [anew] and say to Tziyon, 'You are my people.'"

Berean Standard Bible

I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’”

American Standard Version

And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the shadow of my hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:16 is a profound declaration from God, revealing His comprehensive plan for His chosen servant and, through them, for Zion. It encapsulates a divine commissioning where God imparts His authoritative words, promises intimate protection under His sovereign hand, and outlines the cosmic scope of His redemptive work, culminating in the reaffirmation of Zion's identity as His beloved people. This verse serves as a powerful assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness, His creative power, and His ultimate purpose to restore and establish His covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section primarily addressed to the exiled Israelites, offering hope and assurance of their impending return and restoration. Specifically, Isaiah 51 begins with a call to "listen to me" (Isaiah 51:1, 4, 7), urging the people to remember God's past acts of deliverance and His covenant promises. Verses 9-11 recall God's mighty power displayed in the exodus, metaphorically depicted as "waking up" and "cutting Rahab to pieces." This sets the stage for God's declaration in verse 16, where He asserts His continued power and commitment to His people, ensuring their future deliverance and the establishment of a new creation. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 51:17-23) then shift to a call for Jerusalem to awaken from her suffering, emphasizing God's removal of the cup of wrath and His promise of vengeance on her oppressors, further solidifying the themes of comfort and restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 40-55 are generally understood to be addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a people who had endured decades of displacement, oppression, and national humiliation. They were questioning God's faithfulness and their future. In this context, the imagery of God "planting the heavens and laying the foundations of the earth" (Isaiah 51:16) serves as a potent reminder of His absolute sovereignty and creative power, which far surpasses the might of any earthly empire, including Babylon. The concept of God putting "words in thy mouth" (Isaiah 51:16) reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of prophetic authority, where a messenger's words were considered to be the very words of the sender. The "shadow of mine hand" (Isaiah 51:16) evokes the protective imagery common in the region, where a powerful patron would offer shelter and security, a comfort to a vulnerable, dispersed people. The declaration "Thou art my people" (Isaiah 51:16) directly counters the exiles' fears of abandonment, reaffirming their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 51:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. The theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Creator God** is central, as God explicitly links His creative power ("plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth") to His redemptive purposes for His people. This underscores that the God who created all things is fully capable of bringing about a new future for Israel. The theme of **Divine Commissioning and Prophetic Authority** is evident in God placing His "words in thy mouth," highlighting the divine origin and authority of the prophetic message, whether delivered by Isaiah himself or a collective servant. This theme is echoed in other prophetic calls, such as with [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God's Words in the Prophet's Mouth"). Furthermore, the verse emphasizes **Divine Protection and Care**, with the imagery of being "covered... in the shadow of mine hand," assuring the vulnerable exiles of God's intimate and unwavering guardianship. Finally, the declaration "Thou art my people" (Isaiah 51:16) reinforces the enduring theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Restoration**, assuring Zion of their renewed identity and belonging, a promise that resonates throughout the "Book of Comfort" and finds its ultimate expression in the vision of a [new heavens and new earth](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to a word, matter, or thing. In this context, it signifies the divine message, revelation, and authoritative decree that God imparts directly to His chosen messenger. It implies not just spoken utterances but the very essence of God's will and purpose, carrying the weight of His divine authority and truth.
* **covered (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** From H3680, meaning to plump, fill up hollows, or by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy). Here, it conveys the idea of God providing complete shelter, concealment, and protection. It suggests an intimate, encompassing act of divine guardianship, shielding the recipient from harm and ensuring their security under His direct care.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to the hand (the open one), indicating power, means, or direction. In this phrase, "shadow of mine hand," it is a powerful anthropomorphism signifying God's active, personal, and mighty power in providing protection and control. It represents His sovereign ability to act on behalf of His servant and His people, demonstrating His strength and immediate presence.
* **plant (Hebrew, _nâṭaʻ'_):** From H5193, meaning to strike in or fix, specifically to plant. This word, typically used for planting trees or establishing foundations, is here applied to the heavens. It emphasizes God's role as the ultimate Creator and sustainer, implying a deliberate, foundational act of establishment. In the context of restoration, it also hints at a re-creation or the firm establishment of a new order.
* **foundations (Hebrew, _yâçad'_):** From H3245, meaning to set, found, establish, or lay a foundation. This term highlights the stability, permanence, and deliberate design inherent in God's creative and re-creative acts. When applied to the earth, it underscores God's absolute authority over the cosmos and His ability to establish a new, secure reality for His people.
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** From H5971, referring to a people as a congregated unit, specifically a tribe (like Israel). This word signifies a collective identity and a covenant relationship. God's declaration, "Thou art my people," is the ultimate reaffirmation of Israel's special status, their belonging to Him, and the unbreakable bond of His covenant, providing deep comfort and assurance to a nation in exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I have put my words in thy mouth":** This clause signifies a divine commissioning and empowerment. God directly imparts His message and authority to the prophet or servant, ensuring that what is spoken is not human wisdom but divine revelation. This act establishes the messenger as God's authentic voice, tasked with conveying His truth to His people.
* **"and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand":** This vivid imagery conveys profound divine protection and intimate care. The "shadow of God's hand" represents His immediate, powerful, and sheltering presence, guarding the commissioned servant from all harm and opposition. It speaks to God's personal guardianship over those He sends.
* **"that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth":** This teleological clause reveals the cosmic scope of God's ultimate purpose, which is achieved through the commissioned servant. It refers to God's sovereign power as Creator, implying not only His original act of creation but also His ability to re-create or establish a new, stable order. This grand purpose extends beyond human history to the very fabric of the cosmos, signifying a complete renewal.
* **"and say unto Zion, Thou art my people":** This final clause articulates the ultimate goal of God's cosmic and redemptive work: the reaffirmation of His covenant relationship with Zion (representing Israel). The declaration "Thou art my people" is the culmination of His plan, assuring His chosen nation of their secure identity, belonging, and restored relationship with Him, despite their past failures and current suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:16 is rich with **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics and actions to God. The phrases "put my words in thy mouth" and "covered thee in the shadow of mine hand" depict God with a mouth and a hand, making His actions relatable and emphasizing His direct, personal involvement. The "shadow of mine hand" is also a powerful **Metaphor** for divine protection and refuge, likening God's care to the shelter provided by a physical shadow. The verse employs **Parallelism** in "plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth," where two distinct but complementary actions of creation are presented, reinforcing God's comprehensive power over the cosmos. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Oracle** or **Prophetic Declaration**, a direct utterance from God conveying His will and promises, designed to inspire faith and assurance in the audience. The declaration "Thou art my people" serves as a climactic **Affirmation** of the covenant, a powerful statement of identity and belonging.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 51:16 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating that His redemptive plan is as foundational and comprehensive as His original act of creation. The divine commissioning of the servant (whether Isaiah or a collective Israel) to speak God's words, coupled with God's intimate protection, underscores the vital link between divine revelation and the establishment of God's kingdom. This verse reveals that God's ultimate purpose is not merely to restore a nation but to re-establish a cosmic order where His people dwell securely with Him, reflecting His sovereign power over both creation and history. It highlights that the security and identity of God's people are rooted in His unchangeable character and His creative might, providing profound comfort and hope amidst despair.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God's Promise of a Prophet Like Moses")
* [Psalm 91:1](/psalm/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Shadow of the Almighty")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant and God's People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 51:16 offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers today, reminding us that the same God who spoke the cosmos into existence and commissioned His prophets is actively at work in our lives and in the world. We are called to be recipients of His word, allowing it to shape our understanding and guide our actions, knowing that when we speak His truth, we do so with His authority. The promise of being "covered in the shadow of His hand" provides immense comfort, assuring us of God's intimate and unwavering protection amidst life's challenges, fears, and uncertainties. This verse also broadens our perspective, connecting our personal walk of faith to God's grand, cosmic plan of redemption and renewal. It reminds us that our identity as "His people" is a secure, covenantal reality, empowering us to live with purpose and hope, trusting that God's ultimate design for a new heaven and a new earth will surely come to pass, and we are part of that glorious future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize God putting His "words in my mouth" for specific situations or conversations, and how can I better steward that divine impartation?**
* **How does the imagery of being "covered in the shadow of God's hand" speak to my current fears or anxieties, and how can I lean more fully into His promised protection?**
* **Considering God's power to "plant the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth," how does this truth impact my view of His ability to work in seemingly impossible circumstances in my life or in the world?**
* **What does it mean for me, personally, to be part of "His people," and how does this covenant identity shape my daily living and my hope for the future?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "thy" in Isaiah 51:16 that God is addressing?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Isaiah 51 suggests the "thy" could refer to the prophet Isaiah himself, it is more broadly understood to represent the "Servant of the Lord," a figure in Isaiah who can be both an individual (like the prophet) and, at times, the collective nation of Israel, or even a future messianic figure. In this specific verse, the commissioning to speak God's words and the subsequent cosmic and redemptive purposes ("that I may plant the heavens... and say unto Zion, Thou art my people") suggest a representative figure through whom God's ultimate purposes for Zion will be achieved. This figure is empowered and protected by God to deliver His message and facilitate His creative and redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the quintessential Servant of the Lord. He is the one in whose mouth God truly "put His words," as Jesus consistently declared, "My teaching is not my own but that of him who sent me" ([John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Teaching is from God")). He spoke with unparalleled authority, and His words were, and are, the very words of God ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks God's Words")). Furthermore, Jesus was perfectly "covered... in the shadow of God's hand," protected and sustained by the Father through His earthly ministry, even as He faced intense opposition, until His appointed time for sacrifice ([Luke 4:29-30](/luke/4-29 "Luke 4:29-30 - Jesus Escapes the Crowd")). It is through Christ's redemptive work that God truly "plants the heavens and lays the foundations of the earth" anew, bringing about a new creation and a new covenant reality. His death and resurrection initiated the new heavens and new earth, a spiritual reality that will one day be fully consummated ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"); [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth")). And most significantly, it is through faith in Him that God declares to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike, "Thou art my people," fulfilling the promise to Zion in an expanded, spiritual sense, forming the church as the new covenant community, the people of God ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen People")). Thus, Jesus is the divine Word, the protected Servant, the agent of new creation, and the one through whom God's people are finally and eternally gathered and declared His own.

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 59:21

As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

Isaiah 49:2

And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

John 17:8

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

Deuteronomy 18:18

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

Jeremiah 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Isaiah 66:22

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

Isaiah 50:4

¶ The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.