Isaiah 51:6

KJV

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lift up {H5375} your eyes {H5869} to the heavens {H8064}, and look {H5027} upon the earth {H776} beneath: for the heavens {H8064} shall vanish away {H4414} like smoke {H6227}, and the earth {H776} shall wax old {H1086} like a garment {H899}, and they that dwell {H3427} therein shall die {H4191} in like {H3644} manner {H3654}: but my salvation {H3444} shall be for ever {H5769}, and my righteousness {H6666} shall not be abolished {H2865}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Raise your eyes toward the skies, look at the earth below. The skies will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like clothing. Those living on it will die like flies; but my salvation will be forever, and my justice will never end.

Berean Standard Bible

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail.

American Standard Version

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:6 delivers a profound theological statement, contrasting the transient nature of the created order with the eternal and immutable character of God's salvation and righteousness. It calls the audience to shift their perspective from the fleeting physical realm, which is destined to decay and disappear, to the steadfast and everlasting promises of the Almighty. This verse serves as a powerful anchor of hope and assurance for those facing despair, reminding them that while all earthly things are temporary, God's redemptive work and perfect justice endure forever, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a significant section of Isaiah's prophecy primarily aimed at reassuring and encouraging the exilic community in Babylon, or those facing similar despair in Judah. Following chapters that emphasize God's incomparable power and His role as the sole Creator and Redeemer, chapter 51 specifically calls God's people to remember His past acts of deliverance, particularly the call of Abraham and Sarah in [Isaiah 51:1-2](/isaiah/51-1-2 "Isaiah 51:1-2 - Remembering God's Call to Abraham and Sarah"). This remembrance is intended to bolster their faith in God's capacity to deliver them again. The preceding verses (Isaiah 51:4-5) speak of God's righteousness drawing near and His salvation going forth, becoming a light to the nations, setting the stage for the radical contrast between the temporary and the eternal. The immediate call to "lift up your eyes" serves as an imperative to adopt a divine perspective, moving beyond immediate circumstances to grasp God's ultimate, enduring plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary audience for this message was likely the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a people who had experienced the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and who were living under foreign dominion. Their world had been turned upside down; their land was desolate, their national identity threatened, and their faith severely tested. In such a context, the grandeur and apparent permanence of the Babylonian empire might have seemed overwhelming, while their own future appeared bleak and uncertain. Culturally, the ancient Near East often viewed the heavens and earth as enduring, though some traditions recognized a cyclical nature. Isaiah's proclamation of their ultimate decay would have been a radical theological statement, designed to dismantle any trust placed in the stability of the physical world or human empires, redirecting their hope solely to the God of Israel, who transcends all creation.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 51:6 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the "Book of Comfort." The most prominent is the **transience of creation versus the eternality of God**. While the physical universe, including human life, is depicted as subject to decay and dissolution—the heavens vanishing like smoke, the earth wearing out like a garment—God's attributes of salvation and righteousness are declared to be everlasting and indestructible. This theme directly counters the despair of the exiles, who might have felt that God had abandoned them or that His promises had failed. Instead, Isaiah asserts God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate triumph. This echoes themes of cosmic renewal found elsewhere, such as the promise of [new heavens and a new earth](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - The Promise of New Creation") where righteousness dwells, a concept later expanded in the New Testament (e.g., [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Another key theme is **divine perspective**, as the command to "lift up your eyes" urges a shift from an earthly, limited viewpoint to a heavenly, eternal one. This reorientation is crucial for fostering profound hope and trust in God's sovereign plan, even amidst profound suffering and apparent hopelessness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bâlâh (Hebrew, _bâlâh'_):** Used in "the earth shall wax old like a garment" (H1086). This primitive root signifies to fail, wear out, decay, or become old. It vividly portrays the natural process of deterioration and eventual uselessness, much like a piece of clothing that becomes threadbare and is discarded. This emphasizes the inherent impermanence and finite lifespan of the created order, highlighting its susceptibility to the ravages of time and entropy.
* **yᵉshûwʻâh (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** Translated as "salvation" (H3444). This feminine passive participle means "something saved" or "deliverance." It encompasses aid, victory, prosperity, health, and welfare. In this context, it refers to God's active, redemptive intervention on behalf of His people, which is declared to be eternal, standing in stark contrast to the decaying cosmos. It speaks to God's enduring power to rescue and restore, irrespective of worldly conditions.
* **châthath (Hebrew, _châthath'_):** Used in "shall not be abolished" (H2865). This primitive root means to prostrate, break down, or be dismayed. Its negation here ("shall not be abolished") powerfully conveys that God's righteousness is not subject to being broken, discouraged, or brought to an end. It signifies an unyielding, enduring, and unbreakable quality, highlighting the absolute stability and reliability of God's character and actions, ensuring His justice and faithfulness will never fail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath":** This opening imperative serves as a powerful call to attention, urging the audience to observe the vastness and apparent permanence of the cosmos—both the celestial and terrestrial realms. It's an invitation to gain a panoramic, cosmic perspective, setting the stage for the subsequent profound revelation about their transient nature. It challenges the immediate, limited human viewpoint.
* **"for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment":** This clause introduces the shocking truth about the created order. The heavens, seemingly eternal and majestic, are likened to "smoke" that dissipates quickly and completely, while the earth, the very foundation of human existence, is compared to a "garment" that wears out and becomes useless over time. This vivid imagery underscores the inherent impermanence and ultimate decay of the physical universe, despite its initial appearance of stability.
* **"and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner":** This extends the principle of transience and decay to humanity itself. Just as the heavens and earth are destined to perish and pass away, so too are their inhabitants. This acknowledges the universal reality of mortality and reinforces the idea that all things within the created realm, including human life, are subject to decay and an ultimate end, emphasizing the fleeting nature of earthly existence.
* **"but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished":** This is the pivotal contrast and the core message of profound hope and assurance. The conjunction "but" introduces a radical shift in focus from the fleeting to the eternal. God's "salvation" (His redemptive acts and deliverance) and His "righteousness" (His just character, moral integrity, and covenant faithfulness) are declared to be "for ever" (eternal, without end) and "shall not be abolished" (unbreakable, never failing, never dismayed). This provides an unshakeable foundation for faith, assuring the audience that God's nature and promises are utterly dependable, regardless of the instability and decay of the created world.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:6 is rich with powerful **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, particularly in its vivid depiction of the transient cosmos. The heavens "vanish away like smoke" (**Simile**), evoking a swift, complete, and insubstantial disappearance, emphasizing their ephemeral nature. The earth will "wax old like a garment" (**Simile**), portraying a gradual but inevitable process of decay, deterioration, and eventual discarding, making the abstract concept of cosmic entropy tangible and relatable. The verse employs **Contrast** as its central rhetorical strategy, juxtaposing the ephemeral nature of creation with the eternal permanence and immutability of God's salvation and righteousness. This stark opposition highlights the absolute reliability of God in the face of universal decay and human mortality. The opening phrase, "Lift up your eyes... and look upon," is an **Imperative**, a direct command that functions as a call to reorient one's perspective, urging the audience to shift their focus from the immediate, temporal world to the enduring reality of God. This also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** in its cosmic scope, emphasizing the ultimate and complete transformation or dissolution of the current order to underscore the magnitude of God's eternal nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 51:6 stands as a profound declaration of divine immutability in the face of cosmic impermanence, a truth echoed throughout the biblical narrative. It underscores the fundamental distinction between the Creator and creation: while all that is made is subject to decay and an end, the God who made it is eternal, unchanging, and utterly reliable. This theological bedrock provides immense comfort, asserting that the ultimate hope of humanity rests not in the stability of the physical world or human institutions, but in the enduring character and covenant faithfulness of Yahweh. God's eternal salvation and righteousness are the secure anchors in a world of flux, promising a future that transcends the limitations of the present age and offers an unshakeable foundation for faith and hope.

* [Psalm 102:25-27](/psalm/102-25-27 "Psalm 102:25-27 - God's Enduring Nature")
* [Hebrews 1:10-12](/hebrews/1-10-12 "Hebrews 1:10-12 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")
* [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Passing of the Old Creation and Promise of the New")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 51:6 offers a vital reorientation for believers in every generation, prompting us to evaluate where we place our ultimate hope and security. In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and often, despair, this verse calls us away from anchoring our lives in anything temporary—be it wealth, status, physical health, political systems, or even the seeming stability of the natural world. Instead, it directs us to fix our gaze on the unchanging character and eternal promises of God. When we face personal trials, societal upheaval, or existential questions about the future, this passage reminds us that while everything else may fade, God's salvation and righteousness stand firm forever. This truth cultivates a deep sense of peace and resilience, knowing that our ultimate hope is secured in an eternal, unfailing God whose purposes cannot be thwarted and whose justice will never diminish. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our time and energy in what truly lasts and finding our identity and security not in what we possess or achieve, but in the enduring faithfulness of our Creator and Redeemer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly things do I tend to place my hope or security in, and how does this verse challenge that perspective?**
* **How does the promise of God's eternal salvation and righteousness provide comfort and stability in my current circumstances, especially amidst uncertainty?**
* **In what ways can I intentionally "lift up my eyes" to gain a more eternal perspective in my daily life and decision-making?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live more in light of God's enduring nature rather than being consumed by the world's transience?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse suggest that the physical heavens and earth will literally disappear?**

Answer: Yes, the language used in Isaiah 51:6 ("vanish away like smoke," "wax old like a garment") strongly suggests a literal and complete transformation or dissolution of the current physical heavens and earth. This imagery is not merely poetic hyperbole but points to an ultimate end for the present cosmic order. This concept is further developed in the New Testament, particularly in [2 Peter 3:10-12](/2_peter/3-10-12 "2 Peter 3:10-12 - The Consummation of the Old Creation"), which speaks of the heavens passing away with a roar and the elements melting with fervent heat. However, this destruction is not an end to existence but a precursor to the creation of [new heavens and a new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), where righteousness dwells, as promised in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - God's Promise of New Creation").

**How can God's "salvation" and "righteousness" be eternal?**

Answer: God's salvation and righteousness are eternal because they are intrinsic aspects of His unchanging character and nature. "Salvation" refers to God's redemptive plan and His active deliverance of His people, which is rooted in His eternal love and faithfulness. "Righteousness" speaks to His perfect justice, moral integrity, and covenant fidelity. Unlike human endeavors or the created world, which are finite and subject to decay, God Himself is eternal, immutable, and perfect. Therefore, His attributes and His saving acts, being extensions of His very being, are also eternal and cannot be "abolished" or brought to an end. This truth assures believers that God's promises of deliverance and His just rule are utterly reliable and will endure forever, providing an unshakeable foundation for hope, as seen in passages like [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God's Unchanging Nature") and [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God, the Giver of Good Gifts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophet declares the transience of the cosmos and the eternality of God's salvation and righteousness, it is in Christ that these eternal realities are fully embodied and made accessible to humanity. Jesus himself is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the very embodiment of God's eternal salvation. His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection are the definitive acts of divine deliverance, securing eternal life for all who believe, as highlighted in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life"). Furthermore, Christ is identified as God's righteousness (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ as Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")), and through faith in Him, believers are clothed with His perfect righteousness ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). The New Testament affirms the passing of the old creation, echoing Isaiah's prophecy, but points to Christ as the one through whom [all things are held together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Sustainer of All Things") and through whom God will ultimately bring about [new heavens and a new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). Thus, Christ is not merely the agent of eternal salvation and righteousness, but He is their very essence, standing as the unshakeable foundation for all who trust in Him, even as the world around them fades away.

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

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Psalms 102:25

Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands.

Psalms 102:26

They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

Isaiah 34:4

And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree.

Hebrews 1:10

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

Hebrews 1:12

And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

Revelation 6:12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;