Isaiah 51:7

KJV

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart [is] my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H8085} unto me, ye that know {H3045} righteousness {H6664}, the people {H5971} in whose heart {H3820} is my law {H8451}; fear {H3372} ye not the reproach {H2781} of men {H582}, neither be ye afraid {H2865} of their revilings {H1421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Listen to me, you who know justice, you people who have my Torah in your heart: don't be afraid of people's taunts, don't be upset by their insults.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.

American Standard Version

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye dismayed at their revilings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:7 delivers a powerful divine injunction to God's faithful remnant, those whose lives are characterized by an intimate knowledge of His righteousness and whose hearts are transformed by His divine law. In a world prone to hostility and opposition, the Lord commands His people to shed all fear of human scorn and verbal abuse, assuring them that their ultimate security and vindication rest solely in His eternal character and unfailing salvation, rather than in the ephemeral judgments or threats of humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 51:7 is strategically positioned within the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66) of Isaiah, a section primarily designed to offer profound hope, consolation, and assurance to the nation of Israel, particularly in anticipation of or during their Babylonian exile. This specific verse forms a pivotal part of a larger prophetic oracle (Isaiah 51:1-8) where God directly addresses various segments of His people, urging them to recall His mighty acts of salvation in the past and to place their unwavering trust in His promised deliverance for the future. Immediately preceding this exhortation, God directs His people to "[look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you](/isaiah/51-2 "Isaiah 51:2 - The Call to Remember Abraham and Sarah")," thereby establishing a powerful precedent for His ability to bring forth a vast nation from a single, barren couple. This historical remembrance serves to underscore God's sovereign power to restore His seemingly diminished people. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 51:8-11) further amplify the stark contrast between the transient nature of human opposition and the eternal, unshakeable reality of God's salvation and righteousness, providing the essential theological foundation for the imperative not to fear.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 51 is the impending or ongoing period of Israel's exile in Babylon. During this profoundly challenging time, the Jewish exiles endured immense pressure, humiliation, and a profound sense of defeat. Living as captives among their conquerors, they were undoubtedly subjected to relentless mockery and scorn concerning their God, their covenant, and their perceived national failure. The "reproach of men" and "revilings" mentioned in the verse would have been tangible, daily experiences—ranging from taunts by their oppressors to ridicule for their distinct faith, and potentially even internal despair or the powerful temptation to assimilate into the dominant pagan culture. In such an oppressive environment, the inclination to compromise one's faith or to shrink from public identification with God's covenant people would have been overwhelming. This divine command directly confronts that vulnerability, issuing a clarion call for steadfastness and unwavering resolve in the face of a hostile and mocking world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of **Inner Righteousness and the Law of God in the Heart**. The audience is not merely those who possess intellectual knowledge of righteousness, but "ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law." This emphasizes a deep, internalized, and transformative commitment to God's character and His divine will, resonating with later prophetic promises of a new covenant where God's law would be supernaturally inscribed upon the heart, as vividly portrayed in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant and the Law on the Heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights the critical theme of **Courage in the Face of Opposition**. The repeated imperative, "fear ye not... neither be ye afraid," directly challenges the natural human tendency to succumb to the "fear of man," a spiritual snare frequently warned against in Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")). God calls His people to an unwavering resolve, firmly grounded in their internal conviction, rather than being swayed by external pressures or human opinions. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Enduring Sovereignty and Eternal Salvation**. The command to disregard human scorn is predicated on the profound understanding that human opposition is temporary, fleeting, and ultimately impotent against God's eternal purposes. God's righteousness and salvation are everlasting, standing in stark contrast to the transient nature of human life and the ephemeral power of oppressors, a truth further elaborated in [Isaiah 51:6](/isaiah/51-6 "Isaiah 51:6 - The Heavens Vanish, God's Salvation Endures").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** This term (H6664) denotes the right—whether natural, moral, or legal. It encompasses concepts of equity, justice, and rectitude. In the phrase "ye that know righteousness," it refers not merely to intellectual assent to a theological concept, but to a deep, experiential, and practical understanding of God's righteous character and His unchanging standards. It implies a moral alignment with God's own nature, which is to be embodied and lived out in the lives of His people.
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** This word (H8451) primarily signifies precept or statute, most famously referring to the Decalogue or the entire Pentateuch. The crucial phrase "in whose heart is my law" (H3820, _lêb_ for heart) indicates an internalized, deeply cherished, and governing principle. It is not merely an external code to be observed, but an inner guide that profoundly shapes one's affections, will, and intellect, making obedience a natural and willing outflow of a transformed inner being, rather than a burdensome external obligation.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_), Revilings (Hebrew, _giddûwph'_):** These two terms vividly describe the nature of the human opposition faced by God's people. `Cherpâh` (H2781) refers to contumely, disgrace, or shame, often implying a taunt, insult, or a cause for public humiliation. `Giddûwph` (H1421) denotes vilification, scornful insults, or even blasphemous and contemptuous words directed at God or His people. Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of severe verbal and emotional abuse, specifically designed to shame, intimidate, and undermine the faith and resolve of God's chosen ones. The pairing emphasizes the pervasive and multifaceted nature of these verbal attacks.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness":** This opening phrase constitutes a direct, imperative call from God Himself, demanding attentive listening and obedient response. The audience is precisely identified as those who possess an intimate, experiential, and transformative knowledge of God's righteous character and His divine ways. This knowledge is not abstract or theoretical, but deeply practical, profoundly shaping their worldview, conduct, and moral compass.
* **"the people in whose heart [is] my law":** This clause further specifies and qualifies the nature of the audience, underscoring their profound internal commitment to God's revealed will. The "law" (Torah) is presented not merely as an external set of rules or regulations, but as an internalized, living principle, deeply embedded within their innermost being (the heart, which in Hebrew anthropology encompasses the totality of intellect, emotion, and will). This inner possession of God's law serves as the foundational source for their spiritual stability and their capacity to stand firm.
* **"fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.":** This is the central, emphatic command of the verse, expressed as a double negative imperative that stresses absolute fearlessness and unwavering courage. The terms "reproach" and "revilings" denote the scorn, insults, verbal abuse, and public humiliation that God's faithful people are warned they might endure from those who oppose them. The command inherently implies that such opposition is an expected reality but should under no circumstances lead to dismay, compromise, or a deviation from their divine allegiance. Their ultimate security, identity, and vindication are rooted in God alone, not in the fleeting approval or disapproval of humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and impact. The most prominent device is **Direct Address**, where God speaks personally and intimately to "ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law." This direct engagement creates a compelling sense of personal appeal and underscores the weighty responsibility placed upon the audience, thereby enhancing the urgency and divine authority of the command. The verse also features clear **Parallelism** in its latter half: "fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings." This synonymous parallelism powerfully reinforces the central message of courage and steadfastness by reiterating the core idea using slightly varied but complementary terms, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the warning against human intimidation. Furthermore, the verse implicitly utilizes **Contrast** by setting the enduring and transformative reality of God's law inscribed in the heart against the temporary and ultimately impotent nature of human reproach, a contrast that is made explicitly clear and expanded upon in the surrounding verses of Isaiah 51. The overall tone is one of earnest **Exhortation**, urging the faithful remnant to maintain their spiritual fortitude and unwavering commitment despite external pressures and societal antagonism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 51:7 profoundly articulates the enduring biblical principle that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrably evidenced by an unwavering commitment to God's truth and character, even when confronted with intense societal opposition and scorn. It sharply delineates the crucial distinction between the reverential fear of God and the debilitating fear of man, unequivocally asserting that those whose hearts are truly aligned with God's eternal law will prioritize His approval and glory above all else. This verse underscores the profound truth that spiritual strength and resilience against external pressures flow directly from an internal transformation and an intimate, experiential knowledge of God's righteous character and His revealed will. It also serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the New Testament emphasis on suffering for righteousness' sake, affirming that such trials are an expected reality for those who bear God's name and live by His divine principles. The steadfastness commanded here is not born of mere human resilience or stoicism, but from a deep, abiding trust in God's ultimate vindication and the eternal nature of His salvation, which immeasurably outweighs any temporary human scorn or reviling.

* [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness' sake")
* [1 Peter 3:13-17](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13-13 - Suffering for Doing Good and Christ's Example")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is for Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers navigating the complexities of the 21st century, Isaiah 51:7 serves as a powerful and timeless anchor in an increasingly secular and often overtly hostile world. We are unequivocally called not only to embody God's righteousness in our private devotion but also to courageously manifest it in our public witness, a commitment that inevitably invites scrutiny, criticism, and even outright scorn. This verse profoundly reminds us that our primary allegiance is to God and His eternal law, not to the shifting tides of popular opinion, cultural norms, or prevailing ideologies. Cultivating a heart where God's law is deeply inscribed—through consistent and diligent engagement with His inspired Word, fervent prayer, and Spirit-led obedience—is absolutely paramount. This profound inner strength is the indispensable wellspring of courage needed to stand firm when our deepest convictions are mocked, reviled, or dismissed. When confronted with the "reproach of men," we are powerfully encouraged to remember that our ultimate vindication and eternal security come solely from God, whose judgment is perfectly righteous and whose salvation is everlasting. Our steadfastness in the face of opposition becomes a compelling testimony to the unchanging truth and sovereign power of God, demonstrating unequivocally that His approval is the only one that truly matters for eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I find myself most susceptible to the "reproach of men" or the debilitating "fear of man"?**
* **How deeply is God's law truly "in my heart," actively guiding my thoughts, emotions, and decisions, rather than merely being an external code or intellectual concept?**
* **What practical and spiritual steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more experiential knowledge of God's righteousness and to strengthen my resolve against worldly pressures and ridicule?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "know righteousness" in this context?**

Answer: To "know righteousness" (H6664, _tsedeq_) in Isaiah 51:7 goes far beyond a mere intellectual understanding or theoretical assent. It signifies an intimate, experiential, and practical knowledge of God's character and His immutable moral standards. It implies that the individuals addressed not only comprehend what is inherently right in God's eyes but also actively embody, live out, and demonstrate that righteousness in their daily lives and conduct. They are people whose actions, attitudes, and choices consistently reflect God's justice, moral rectitude, and covenant faithfulness, making their very lives a living testament to His divine nature. This deep, transformative knowing is foundational to their ability to stand firm in the face of opposition.

**Why is "the law in whose heart" so important for not fearing reproach?**

Answer: The phrase "the people in whose heart is my law" (H8451, _tôwrâh_ for law; H3820, _lêb_ for heart) is profoundly crucial because it points to a radical internal transformation and an unwavering personal commitment. When God's law is supernaturally written on the heart, it means His will, precepts, and principles are no longer just external rules or a burdensome legal code, but have become an intrinsic, cherished, and governing part of one's identity, deepest desires, and core motivations. This internalized law provides an unshakeable inner compass, a profound sense of conviction, and an unyielding moral fortitude. It signifies that one's obedience, identity, and sense of worth are rooted in God's eternal truth, rather than being dependent on external validation, human approval, or the paralyzing fear of human opinion. This deep, personal, and Spirit-wrought conviction empowers them to disregard the taunts, scorn, and ridicule of others, knowing that their ultimate standard, judge, and vindicator is God Himself. This concept finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant promise of [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the one whose heart was entirely consumed by God's law and righteousness, and who faced the absolute zenith of "reproach of men" without fear or compromise. Jesus Himself was the [righteous one](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ the Righteous") who perfectly knew and flawlessly lived out God's law, not merely externally but from the deepest core of His being, demonstrating in His every action what it truly means to have God's law intrinsically inscribed in one's heart. He consistently prioritized His Father's will and glory, even when it meant enduring intense scorn, relentless mockery, and cruel reviling from religious leaders, political authorities, and the very crowds He came to save, culminating in the ultimate reproach and humiliation of the cross (e.g., [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mockery at the Cross")). Yet, He "endured the cross, despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")), demonstrating absolute and unwavering fearlessness in the face of human opposition because His focus was entirely on God's eternal purpose and the glory that awaited Him. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, Christ not only flawlessly exemplified the command of Isaiah 51:7 but also sovereignly empowered His followers to live it out. By His indwelling Spirit, He supernaturally writes God's law on the hearts of believers, enabling them to [not be conformed to this world](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind") but to stand firm in righteousness, knowing with absolute certainty that their ultimate vindication and eternal salvation are secured in Him, the one who triumphed over all reproach, reviling, and the power of sin and death.

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 37:31

The law of his God [is] in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Matthew 5:11

Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Ezekiel 2:6

¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Isaiah 51:1

¶ Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock [whence] ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit [whence] ye are digged.

Acts 5:41

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

1 Peter 4:4

¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]: