Isaiah 52:1

KJV

¶ Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

KJV (with Strong's)

Awake {H5782}, awake {H5782}; put on {H3847} thy strength {H5797}, O Zion {H6726}; put on {H3847} thy beautiful {H8597} garments {H899}, O Jerusalem {H3389}, the holy {H6944} city {H5892}: for henceforth there shall no more {H3254} come {H935} into thee the uncircumcised {H6189} and the unclean {H2931}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Awake! Awake, Tziyon! Clothe yourself with your strength! Dress in your splendid garments, Yerushalayim, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean will enter you no more.

Berean Standard Bible

Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter you.

American Standard Version

Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 52:1 issues a powerful prophetic call for Jerusalem, personified as Zion, to awaken from its state of desolation and captivity. It is an urgent summons to embrace divine strength and don garments of glory, signifying a restoration of honor, purity, and sovereign dignity. This declaration promises a future where the holy city will be forever free from the defiling presence of foreign oppressors and all that is ritually or morally impure, heralding a new era of God's manifest presence and protection among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 52:1 stands as a pivotal turning point within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section primarily addressed to the exiles in Babylon, offering hope and promises of restoration. Following chapters that detail Israel's suffering, God's judgment, and the Servant songs (e.g., [Isaiah 50](/isaiah/50 "Isaiah 50 - The Servant's Obedience and Suffering")), this verse marks a dramatic shift from lament and despair to a vibrant call for renewal and celebration. It initiates a triumphant section, leading into the profound prophecy of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), and culminating in the vision of a new heavens and new earth in [Isaiah 65-66](/isaiah/65 "Isaiah 65 - New Heavens and a New Earth"). The imperative "Awake, awake" echoes similar calls for God's arm to "awake" in [Isaiah 51:9](/isaiah/51-9 "Isaiah 51:9 - Call for God's Arm to Awake"), creating a reciprocal relationship where God's action prompts His people's response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical backdrop for Isaiah 52:1 is the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national humiliation and spiritual despondency for the people of Judah. Jerusalem, the once-glorious capital and spiritual heartland, lay in ruins, its temple destroyed, and its inhabitants deported. The "uncircumcised and the unclean" refers specifically to foreign, pagan invaders and their defiling presence within the sacred city, a direct consequence of the exile. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a city's strength and honor were tied to its deity's power and protection. Thus, Jerusalem's desolation implied God's apparent absence or weakness. The call to "put on thy strength" and "beautiful garments" would have resonated deeply with a people stripped of their power, dignity, and sacred vestments, promising a reversal of their fortunes and a return to their divinely ordained status as a holy nation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major themes pervasive throughout Isaiah. Firstly, **Divine Restoration and Renewal** is central, promising not merely a return from exile but a complete spiritual and physical revitalization of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, moving from shame to glory. Secondly, the repeated command "Awake, awake" underscores a **Call to Spiritual Awakening and Action**, urging God's people to shed their lethargy, despair, and passive resignation, and to actively embrace the new reality God is bringing forth. Thirdly, the promise that "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" highlights the theme of **Purity and Holiness**. This signifies a future state of consecration for Jerusalem, free from all external defilement and internal impurity, reflecting God's desire for His dwelling place to be utterly sacred, a concept that finds its ultimate expression in the New Jerusalem (e.g., [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing Unclean Enters New Jerusalem")). Finally, the verse implies **Divine Protection and Security**, assuring that God will guard His restored city from future foreign incursions and defilement, establishing a secure and peaceful dwelling for His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Awake (Hebrew, _ʻûwr'_):** From H5782, this primitive root means "to wake (literally or figuratively)." The repetition "Awake, awake" is an emphatic imperative, urging Zion to rouse herself from a state of slumber, stupor, or desolation. It implies a call to spiritual vigilance, a breaking free from apathy, despair, or the spiritual lethargy brought on by prolonged suffering and exile. It is an urgent summons to perceive and respond to God's impending redemptive action.
* **Put on (Hebrew, _lâbash'_):** From H3847, this primitive root means "properly, wrap around, i.e. (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively." This command is also an imperative, indicating an intentional act of donning strength and beautiful garments. It signifies an active appropriation of divine empowerment and a restoration of dignity, honor, and perhaps even a priestly or regal status, implying a change from a state of humiliation to one of glory.
* **Uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** From H6189, this term refers to those "properly, exposed, i.e. projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e. still having the prepuce uncurtailed)." In this context, it denotes Gentiles, particularly those hostile and pagan, who are outside the covenant relationship with God. Their exclusion from the holy city signifies the cessation of foreign domination and the preservation of Jerusalem's sacred integrity.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** From H2931, this word means "foul in a religious sense; defiled, infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean." This term refers to anything ritually, morally, or spiritually impure according to Mosaic law. Its exclusion alongside the "uncircumcised" emphasizes the complete purification and consecration of Jerusalem, ensuring that no defiling influence, whether external (pagan) or internal (sinful), will mar its holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion;":** This is a double imperative, an urgent and forceful command for Zion (representing Jerusalem and its people) to rouse itself from its current state of weakness, despair, and desolation. "Put on thy strength" implies not a self-generated power, but the appropriation of God-given might and resilience, enabling Zion to rise to its divinely appointed destiny. It is a call to shake off the dust of captivity and embrace renewed vigor.
* **"put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city:":** This second imperative continues the theme of restoration and transformation. "Beautiful garments" symbolize a return to dignity, honor, and glory, replacing the rags of mourning and humiliation worn during exile. For Jerusalem, the "holy city," this signifies its re-consecration and renewed status as God's chosen dwelling place, adorned with the splendor of His presence and righteousness.
* **"for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.":** This clause provides the divine rationale and promise for Zion's awakening and transformation. "Henceforth there shall no more come" signifies a permanent and irreversible change. The "uncircumcised" refers to pagan foreigners and oppressors, while the "unclean" denotes all that is ritually, morally, or spiritually defiling. This promise assures Jerusalem's future security, purity, and sanctity, free from external threats and internal corruption, establishing it as a truly holy sanctuary for God.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 52:1 is rich with powerful **Literary Devices** that amplify its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where Zion and Jerusalem are addressed as a person, capable of waking, putting on strength, and donning garments. This imbues the city with agency and emotional depth, making the prophetic call more immediate and relatable. The repeated "Awake, awake" is an example of **Repetition** and **Anaphora**, creating an urgent, emphatic tone that underscores the critical nature of the command. The phrase "put on thy strength" is a **Metaphor** for spiritual and physical empowerment, while "put on thy beautiful garments" is another **Metaphor** symbolizing restoration of dignity, honor, and glory, perhaps even righteousness. The pairing of "Zion" and "Jerusalem" is a form of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where two different terms refer to the same entity, reinforcing the identity of the recipient of the prophecy. The contrast between the past state of defilement by the "uncircumcised and the unclean" and the promised future of purity highlights **Antithesis**, emphasizing the radical transformation God will bring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 52:1 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His holy city, Jerusalem. It speaks to the divine initiative in restoration, moving beyond human capability or expectation. The call to "awake" and "put on" strength and beauty is a divine empowerment, transforming a humiliated people into a glorious testimony of God's faithfulness. This verse establishes a foundational truth: God's ultimate purpose is to dwell in a holy place among a holy people, free from all defilement. It points to a future reality where divine presence ensures absolute purity and security, a theme that resonates throughout biblical eschatology, particularly in the vision of the New Jerusalem. The exclusion of the "uncircumcised and the unclean" foreshadows the ultimate separation of light from darkness, holiness from impurity, in God's eternal kingdom.

* [Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Rise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come") - "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee."
* [Zechariah 2:5](/zechariah/2-5 "Zechariah 2:5 - God as a Wall of Fire") - "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her."
* [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing Unclean Enters New Jerusalem") - "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 52:1 is a timeless call to spiritual awakening for every believer and for the Church as a whole. Just as ancient Zion was called to shake off the dust of despair and captivity, we are urged to "awake" from spiritual slumber, apathy, or complacency that can settle in amidst life's challenges or cultural pressures. This awakening is not merely an intellectual understanding but a vibrant, active embrace of the strength and dignity that are ours in Christ. We are called to "put on" our spiritual strength, which is derived from God's empowering Spirit, and to adorn ourselves with the "beautiful garments" of righteousness, holiness, and the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting the glory of God in our lives. This means living intentionally as God's holy people, pursuing purity in thought, word, and deed, and recognizing our identity as citizens of a heavenly Jerusalem where defilement has no place. The promise of freedom from the "uncircumcised and the unclean" reminds us that God's ultimate plan is for a pure and secure dwelling, inspiring us to live in hopeful anticipation of His coming kingdom, even as we strive for holiness in the present moment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "awake" from spiritual slumber or apathy?**
* **How can I actively "put on" the strength that God offers me daily through His Spirit?**
* **What "beautiful garments" of Christ-like character and righteousness should I strive to wear more consistently?**
* **What "unclean" influences or habits do I need to ask God to help me remove from my life to live more fully as a "holy city" for Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Zion" and "Jerusalem" in this verse?**

Answer: In Isaiah 52:1, "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are used synonymously, representing not only the physical city but also the people of God, the community of faith. Zion often refers to the fortified hill in Jerusalem, symbolizing its strength and divine election, while Jerusalem is the broader city, the capital, and the spiritual center. By addressing both, the prophet emphasizes that the call to awaken and be restored applies to the entire covenant community, both its physical dwelling and its spiritual essence. This dual reference underscores the intimate connection between God's people and the place where His presence dwells, a theme that echoes throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 87:2](/psalm/87-2 "Psalm 87:2 - The Lord Loves the Gates of Zion")).

**How does the promise "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" relate to the New Testament?**

Answer: This promise in Isaiah 52:1, while immediately relevant to the post-exilic return, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in the New Testament. In the Old Covenant, "uncircumcised" referred to Gentiles outside the covenant, and "unclean" to ritual impurity. However, the New Testament reveals that true circumcision is of the heart (e.g., [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - Circumcision of the Heart")), and spiritual cleanness comes through Christ's atoning work (e.g., [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The promise of no more "uncircumcised and unclean" entering the holy city foreshadows the ultimate purity of the New Jerusalem, where only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter, and nothing defiling will be present (e.g., [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing Unclean Enters New Jerusalem")). It signifies a spiritual reality of complete sanctification and separation from sin and ungodliness in God's eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 52:1, with its urgent call for Zion to "Awake, awake; put on thy strength... put on thy beautiful garments," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Church. The strength and beautiful garments that Jerusalem is commanded to don are ultimately realized in the spiritual empowerment and righteousness that Christ bestows upon His people. He is the true strength of God, through whom believers are enabled to "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (e.g., [Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - Put on the New Self")). The promise that "henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean" is fulfilled not by the physical exclusion of Gentiles, but by their inclusion through faith in Christ, who broke down the dividing wall of hostility (e.g., [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus purifies His Church, making it a "holy nation, a peculiar people" (e.g., [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), cleansed from all spiritual uncleanness and sin. The ultimate vision of a perfectly pure and secure city, free from all defilement, is realized in the New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, where only those washed by the blood of the Lamb may enter (e.g., [Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends"), [Revelation 22:14](/revelation/22-14 "Revelation 22:14 - Blessed Are Those Who Wash Their Robes")). Thus, Isaiah 52:1 is a prophetic anticipation of the glorious spiritual reality inaugurated by Christ and consummated in His eternal kingdom.

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

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Isaiah 51:17

¶ Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, [and] wrung [them] out.

Zechariah 3:4

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Revelation 21:2

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Isaiah 51:9

¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?

Isaiah 35:8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].

Isaiah 48:2

For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts [is] his name.