Isaiah 51:8

KJV

For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the moth {H6211} shall eat them up {H398} like a garment {H899}, and the worm {H5580} shall eat {H398} them like wool {H6785}: but my righteousness {H6666} shall be for ever {H5769}, and my salvation {H3444} from generation {H1755} to generation {H1755}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the moth will eat them up like clothing, the worm will eat them like wool; but my justice will be forever, and my salvation for all generations."

Berean Standard Bible

For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations.”

American Standard Version

For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool; but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation unto all generations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:8 delivers a profound and comforting message, sharply contrasting the transient nature of human opposition and earthly decay with the eternal, immutable reality of God's righteousness and salvation. Through vivid, relatable imagery of natural destruction, the verse assures God's people that while all temporal powers and material things are subject to corruption and dissolution, the divine attributes of justice and deliverance endure perpetually, spanning all generations and providing an unshakeable foundation for hope and security amidst any trial or opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a significant prophetic section primarily addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Following powerful themes of divine comfort and restoration, Isaiah 51 specifically calls upon those who "follow after righteousness" and "seek the LORD" to remember God's past acts of deliverance and His covenant faithfulness as a basis for future hope, as seen in [Isaiah 51:1-3](/isaiah/51-1-3 "Isaiah 51:1-3 - Hearken to Me, You Who Pursue Righteousness"). The preceding verses, particularly [Isaiah 51:4-6](/isaiah/51-4-6 "Isaiah 51:4-6 - God's Law and Salvation for All Nations"), speak of God's universal justice and salvation, which will not diminish. Verse 8 reinforces this by contrasting the fleeting nature of human oppressors and their works with the eternal steadfastness of God's character and saving power, building on the exhortation not to fear the "reproach of men" or their "revilings" found in [Isaiah 51:7](/isaiah/51-7 "Isaiah 51:7 - Do Not Fear Man's Reproach"). The immediate context provides a powerful antidote to the despair of exile, shifting focus from human weakness to divine strength.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian Exile, a period of immense suffering, displacement, and spiritual despair for the Judean people. They were living as captives in a foreign land, surrounded by a powerful empire that seemed invincible and permanent. The imagery of moths and worms destroying garments and wool would have been highly relatable and impactful to an agrarian society where textiles were valuable commodities and susceptible to such natural decay. Clothing, often handmade and costly, represented a significant investment and was a common item passed down through generations. This common experience of material loss serves as a potent metaphor for the ultimate futility of human power and opposition when set against the divine. The message was designed to instill profound hope and resilience in a people facing apparent desolation, reminding them that their oppressors, despite their apparent might, were ultimately perishable and subject to a greater, eternal power.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is the radical **contrast between the temporary and the eternal**. The verse underscores the **perishability of human power and opposition**, vividly symbolized by the destructive work of moths and worms on garments. This stands in stark opposition to the **eternity and immutability of God's character and work**. Specifically, it highlights the **enduring nature of God's righteousness** (`tsᵉdâqâh`), which encompasses His justice, faithfulness, and moral rectitude, serving as the unchanging foundation of His covenant promises. Concurrently, it emphasizes the **everlasting efficacy of God's salvation** (`yᵉshûwʻâh`), assuring His people that His deliverance is not bound by time or generational shifts, but extends "from generation to generation," a concept also explored in [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Enduring Goodness and Faithfulness") and foundational to the covenant promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 17:7](/genesis/17-7 "Genesis 17:7 - Everlasting Covenant with Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** H398. A primitive root meaning "to eat" literally or figuratively. The Ground Truth Strong's data defines it as "to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite." In this context, it vividly portrays the destructive power of the moth and worm, emphasizing the complete and irreversible decay of that which is consumed. It highlights the vulnerability and impermanence of human constructs and power, which are ultimately consumed by time and natural forces, reducing them to nothingness.
* **righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** H6666. From the root meaning "to be right." The Ground Truth Strong's data defines it as "rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity); justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness)." This term encapsulates God's inherent character of perfect justice, His moral rectitude, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Unlike human righteousness, which is flawed and temporary, God's `tsᵉdâqâh` is eternal and unchangeable, forming the immutable basis of His promises and actions and serving as an unshakeable foundation for His people's hope.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** H3444. A feminine passive participle. The Ground Truth Strong's data defines it as "something saved, i.e. (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity; deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare." This word signifies God's active intervention to rescue, deliver, and bring welfare and victory to His people. Coupled with "righteousness," it underscores that God's saving acts flow directly from His just and faithful character, and like His righteousness, His `yᵉshûwʻâh` is an eternal reality, not subject to the passage of time or the decay that affects all earthly things.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool":** This opening clause employs a powerful simile to describe the certain fate of those who oppose God's people or any earthly power that seems formidable. The moth (`ʻâsh`, H6211) and worm (`çâç`, H5580, also a type of moth or grub), small and seemingly insignificant creatures, represent the natural, inevitable forces of decay and dissolution. "Them" refers to the "reproach of men" and "their revilings" mentioned in the preceding verse [Isaiah 51:7](/isaiah/51-7 "Isaiah 51:7 - Do Not Fear Man's Reproach"), symbolizing all human opposition, transient earthly powers, and anything that stands against God's eternal purposes. Just as a garment (`beged`, H899) or wool (`tsemer`, H6785), despite its initial strength or beauty, eventually succumbs to the insidious, destructive work of these pests, so too will all human-centered opposition and transient empires fade and disappear into nothingness. This imagery powerfully conveys the futility of trusting in or fearing anything perishable.
* **"but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.":** This clause introduces a stark and glorious contrast, shifting from the perishable nature of human things to the eternal attributes of God. The emphatic "but" (Hebrew: `wᵉ`) highlights this divine permanence. "My righteousness" refers to God's inherent justice, faithfulness, and moral integrity—His unchanging character that undergirds all His actions and promises. "My salvation" refers to His active deliverance and redemptive work. The phrase "for ever" (`ʻôwlâm`, H5769) denotes eternity, an unending duration, signifying that God's character and saving power are not bound by time. "From generation to generation" (`dôwr`, H1755) further emphasizes the enduring, perpetual nature of God's saving work across all ages and through all time, ensuring its availability and efficacy for all future generations of His people. This divine steadfastness provides ultimate security and hope, assuring God's people that His covenant promises are eternally secure.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Simile**, comparing the destruction of human opposition to the way a "moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool." This familiar, domestic imagery makes the abstract concept of decay tangible and relatable, emphasizing the complete and inevitable disintegration of what seems strong. The use of **Parallelism** in the first half ("moth shall eat... garment" and "worm shall eat... wool") reinforces the message of decay through repetition and slight variation, creating a sense of inevitability and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the destruction. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, juxtaposing the temporary and perishable nature of earthly things (moth, worm, garment, wool, human opposition) with the eternal and immutable reality of God's attributes (righteousness, salvation). This sharp contrast elevates God's character and work above all human limitations and transient powers, providing a foundation for enduring hope and comfort.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 51:8 stands as a bedrock declaration of God's immutable character and His unwavering commitment to His people's salvation. It teaches that true security is found not in fleeting human power or earthly institutions, but solely in the eternal God. The perishability of earthly opposition serves to magnify the everlasting nature of divine righteousness and deliverance, assuring believers that God's justice will ultimately prevail and His saving work will never cease. This truth encourages steadfast faith amidst trials, reminding us that our ultimate hope rests in an unchanging God whose purposes transcend all temporal decay and whose promises are eternally secure. It underscores God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His covenant people through all ages.

* [Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19-20 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") - Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth "where moth and rust destroy," echoing the theme of earthly impermanence and contrasting it with heavenly treasures that endure.
* [Psalm 119:142](/psalms/119-142 "Psalm 119:142 - God's Righteousness Endures Forever") - "Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is truth," affirming the eternal nature of God's justice and its foundational role in His character and commands.
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever") - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever," emphasizing the unchanging nature of our Savior, through whom God's eternal salvation is realized across all ages and generations.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 51:8 offers profound comfort and a vital perspective for believers navigating a world filled with shifting powers, transient ideologies, and personal struggles. It calls us to lift our gaze beyond the immediate challenges and apparent strengths of those who oppose God's kingdom or our personal well-being. Just as a moth silently consumes a garment, so too will all human systems, oppressions, and even our own temporary anxieties eventually fade into nothingness. Our hope and security are not to be anchored in the fleeting promises or powers of this world, but firmly in the unchanging character of God. His righteousness, which is the very foundation of His being, and His salvation, which He extends through all time, are eternal and unassailable. This truth empowers us to face present difficulties with courage, knowing that God's purposes for us are secure and will endure "from generation to generation," long after all earthly decay has run its course. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in that which truly lasts—God's kingdom and His eternal purposes—rather than in the perishable things of this fleeting world, fostering a deep and abiding peace in His steadfastness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "garments" or "wool"—symbolizing temporary earthly strengths, sources of security, or even personal achievements—do I tend to trust in more than God's eternal righteousness and salvation?**
* **How does the promise that God's righteousness and salvation endure "for ever, and from generation to generation" impact my fears about the future, the stability of my faith, or the challenges facing the church today?**
* **In what specific ways can I intentionally shift my focus from the perishable things of this world to the eternal realities of God's character and His enduring work in my daily life, and how might this change my priorities?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Isaiah 51:8?**

Answer: The primary message of [Isaiah 51:8](/isaiah/51-8 "Isaiah 51:8 - The Eternity of God's Righteousness and Salvation") is a powerful contrast between the transient, perishable nature of all human opposition and earthly things, and the eternal, unchanging reality of God's righteousness and salvation. It assures God's people that while their enemies and all temporal powers will inevitably decay, God's character and His saving work will endure forever, across all generations. This provides profound comfort and an unshakeable foundation for hope.

**How does the imagery of moths and worms relate to the broader context of Isaiah?**

Answer: The imagery of moths and worms destroying garments and wool serves as a vivid metaphor for the ultimate futility and impermanence of human power and opposition. In the context of [Isaiah 40-55](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40-55 - The Book of Comfort"), which addresses the exiles in Babylon, this imagery would have been particularly comforting. It reassured a people oppressed by a seemingly invincible empire that their oppressors, despite their might, were ultimately subject to decay and would pass away, just as a garment is consumed by pests. This reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and His promise of ultimate deliverance for His people, emphasizing that no human force can thwart His eternal plan. It also serves as a call to trust in God alone, rather than in the fleeting strength of human alliances or institutions.

**What does "my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation" signify for believers today?**

Answer: This phrase signifies the absolute reliability and eternal nature of God's character and His redemptive plan. "My righteousness" refers to God's perfect justice, faithfulness, and moral integrity, which is the unwavering foundation of His actions. "My salvation" refers to His deliverance and redemptive work. For believers today, this means that God's justice will always prevail, and His saving grace, offered through Christ, is not limited by time, cultural shifts, or human failures. It is an eternal reality that extends to every generation, providing an unshakeable hope and security regardless of present circumstances or future uncertainties. This truth encourages us to trust in God's enduring faithfulness and to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that His promises are secure for all time, and His saving work will never cease for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The perishable nature of "moth" and "worm" consuming earthly garments foreshadows the transient nature of all human systems, laws, and even the Old Covenant itself, which, though divinely ordained, was temporary in its ceremonial aspects, pointing to a greater reality. Christ, however, embodies God's eternal righteousness and salvation in a way that transcends all decay. He is the very manifestation of God's [righteousness revealed](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21 - The Righteousness of God Through Faith"), not as an external standard, but as an inherent quality and a gift to those who believe. His sacrifice on the cross provides an [eternal salvation](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption Through Christ"), not subject to the limitations of time or the decay of human efforts. The promise that God's salvation endures "from generation to generation" is realized in Christ, who is the [same yesterday, today, and forever](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same"), establishing a new covenant that is everlasting and accessible to all peoples throughout history, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). Through Him, believers are clothed not in perishable garments, but in the [righteousness of God](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness"), securing an eternal hope that far surpasses any earthly opposition or decay, truly enduring "for ever, and from generation to generation."

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 50:9

Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who [is] he [that] shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.

Isaiah 51:6

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.

Isaiah 66:24

And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

Luke 1:50

And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Hosea 5:12

Therefore [will] I [be] unto Ephraim as a moth, and to the house of Judah as rottenness.

Job 4:19

How much less [in] them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation [is] in the dust, [which] are crushed before the moth?

Job 13:28

And he, as a rotten thing, consumeth, as a garment that is moth eaten.