Isaiah 52:11

KJV

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean [thing]; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Depart {H5493} ye, depart {H5493} ye, go ye out {H3318} from thence, touch {H5060} no unclean {H2931} thing; go ye out {H3318} of the midst {H8432} of her; be ye clean {H1305}, that bear {H5375} the vessels {H3627} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Leave! Leave! Get out of there! Don't touch anything unclean! Get out from inside it, and be clean, you who carry ADONAI's temple equipment.

Berean Standard Bible

Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; cleanse yourselves, ye that bear the vessels of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 52:11 issues a powerful prophetic summons to the exiled people of God in Babylon, urging them to make a decisive and urgent departure from the city's defiling influences. This command extends beyond mere physical relocation to encompass a profound call for spiritual and moral purification, particularly for those entrusted with the sacred vessels of the Lord, thereby underscoring their solemn responsibility to maintain holiness in anticipation of the restoration of true worship in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Isaiah's "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-55), a section brimming with themes of divine comfort, redemption, and the imminent restoration of Israel from Babylonian captivity. Chapter 52 opens with a triumphant declaration of Zion's awakening and adornment, celebrating God's decisive victory over Babylon and the impending return of His people. Verses 7-10 vividly portray the joyful arrival of the messenger proclaiming peace and the Lord's glorious return to Zion, setting a jubilant tone. Against this backdrop of assured deliverance, verse 11 issues an imperative for the liberated to prepare themselves for their sacred journey and task. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) introduce the enigmatic figure of the Suffering Servant, whose redemptive work will ultimately secure the spiritual freedom and purity that this immediate command foreshadows, providing the ultimate means for the people to truly "be clean."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah 52:11 directly addresses the Jewish exiles who had endured decades of captivity in Babylon following the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC. Babylon was not merely a political oppressor but a vibrant hub of polytheism, idolatry, and moral practices fundamentally antithetical to the monotheistic worship of YHWH. The command to "depart" and "touch no unclean thing" resonated deeply with the Israelite understanding of ritual purity, a cornerstone of their covenant relationship with God and essential for participation in temple worship. The mention of "the vessels of the LORD" is highly significant, referring to the sacred implements from the Jerusalem Temple that Nebuchadnezzar had plundered and carried to Babylon, as recorded in accounts like [2 Kings 25:13-17](/2_kings/25-13-17 "2 Kings 25:13-17 - Plunder of Temple Vessels by Babylon"). The prophesied return of these vessels, later fulfilled under Cyrus's decree (e.g., [Ezra 1:7-11](/ezra/1-7-11 "Ezra 1:7-11 - Cyrus's Decree and Return of Temple Vessels")), symbolized the restoration of legitimate worship, and those entrusted with their transport were expected to uphold the highest standards of ceremonial and moral purity.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 52:11 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Redemption** are profoundly evident, as God, in His absolute power, orchestrates the release of His people from the clutches of a mighty empire, demonstrating His unmatched authority over all nations. Secondly, **Holiness and Purity** emerge as paramount, underscored by the repeated and urgent commands to separate from defilement and "be clean." This theme highlights God's unchanging character as a holy God who demands a corresponding holiness from His covenant people, particularly those engaged in His service. Thirdly, the **Responsibility of God's Servants** is sharply brought into focus by the specific mention of "those who bear the vessels of the LORD." This phrase signifies that individuals entrusted with sacred duties or objects must exemplify the highest standards of integrity, purity, and spiritual consecration. This overarching call for separation and purity is a recurring motif in biblical literature, preparing God's people for His presence and service, as seen in the call for Israel to be a holy nation in [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation") and echoed in the New Testament's imperative for believers to live set-apart lives, as articulated in [2 Corinthians 6:17-18](/2_corinthians/6-17-18 "2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - Call to Separation and Adoption").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Depart (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** A primitive root meaning "to turn off (literal or figurative); be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without." The emphatic repetition of this imperative ("Depart ye, depart ye") intensifies the urgency and decisiveness of the command, signifying not merely a physical relocation but a complete and irreversible turning away from Babylon's influence, its idolatry, and its entire system of defilement.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** From טָמֵא; "foul in a religious sense; defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean." This term encompasses both ritual impurity (e.g., touching a dead body, certain animals deemed unclean by Mosaic law) and, more broadly, moral and spiritual defilement (e.g., idolatry, association with pagan practices, sin). The injunction "touch no unclean thing" therefore demands a comprehensive purity—both ceremonial and ethical—from the returning exiles, ensuring they do not reintroduce the defilement of Babylon into the holy land or the restored worship.
* **Clean (Hebrew, _bârar'_):** A primitive root; "to clarify (i.e. brighten), examine, select; make bright, choice, chosen, cleanse (be clean), clearly, polished, (shew self) pure(-ify), purge (out)." This word stands in stark contrast to "unclean" and signifies an active, deliberate process of purification, refinement, and selection. It implies a conscious choice to be pure, to be set apart, and to be purged of impurities for a specific, holy purpose. For those bearing the sacred vessels, it was a direct call to personal and corporate sanctification, making them fit for their sacred duty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence":** This triple imperative functions as a powerful and absolute command, underscoring the non-negotiable necessity and extreme urgency of leaving Babylon. The repetition amplifies the seriousness of the divine injunction, demanding a decisive and immediate break from the place of captivity and its pervasive defiling influences. It is a call not for gradual withdrawal but for a swift and complete exodus.
* **"touch no unclean [thing];":** This injunction extends the command beyond mere physical departure to a stringent demand for spiritual and moral purity. It explicitly prohibits any contact, association, or assimilation with the defilement inherent in Babylon's idolatry, pagan practices, and general ungodliness. This was a crucial safeguard for maintaining the distinct holiness required of God's covenant people as they prepared to return to their land and re-establish pure worship.
* **"go ye out of the midst of her;":** This phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and intensification of the command to depart, emphasizing a complete extraction from the very core and essence of Babylonian society. It implies not merely leaving the city's periphery but severing all deep-seated ties and influences from within its heart, ensuring no lingering contamination or compromise of their spiritual integrity.
* **"be ye clean,":** This is the positive, prescriptive command that complements the preceding negative prohibition. It calls for an active, intentional state of ritual, moral, and spiritual purity. It implies a process of purification and sanctification, where the exiles are to make themselves fit and holy for God's presence and service. This cleanliness was absolutely essential for their return to the holy land and the re-establishment of undefiled worship in Jerusalem.
* **"that bear the vessels of the LORD.":** This specific designation highlights the particular group to whom the command for purity is most acutely directed, though its implications extend to all. These were the individuals uniquely responsible for transporting the sacred Temple implements that Nebuchadnezzar had plundered. Their role was uniquely sacred and symbolic, making their purity paramount as they handled objects consecrated directly to YHWH. This phrase also functions as a powerful metonymy for all who serve God in any capacity, emphasizing the universal requirement for holiness in all forms of divine service.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 52:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message. The most striking is **Repetition**, particularly evident in the triple imperative "Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence," which creates an overwhelming sense of urgency and underscores the absolute, non-negotiable nature of the divine command. This is further reinforced by the pervasive **Imperative Mood** used throughout the verse ("touch no," "be ye clean," "go ye out"), which demands immediate, decisive, and obedient action from the exiles. **Symbolism** is central to the verse's meaning, with "Babylon" representing not merely a geographical city but a spiritual system of idolatry, moral corruption, and defilement from which God's people must unequivocally separate. Conversely, "the vessels of the LORD" symbolize the sacredness of God's worship, the purity required of those who minister in His name, and the holy calling inherent in their identity as God's chosen people. The verse also utilizes sharp **Contrast** between "unclean" and "clean," highlighting the stark moral and spiritual choice presented to the returning exiles: either remain defiled by the world's impurities or embrace the holiness required for God's service and presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 52:11 stands as a foundational text for understanding the pervasive biblical imperative for separation and holiness. It profoundly articulates that God's redemptive acts are not merely about physical liberation from oppression but, more significantly, about spiritual purification, preparing a people who are fit to dwell in His holy presence and serve His divine purposes. This call to depart from defilement and actively embrace purity is a consistent and unwavering theme throughout the entire sweep of Scripture, culminating in the New Testament's clear mandate for believers to live set-apart lives in Christ. The concept of bearing "vessels of the LORD" extends far beyond the literal temple implements; it encompasses the spiritual stewardship of God's truth, the sacredness of the believer's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and the responsibility of every Christian to live a life that honors the One they serve.

* [2 Corinthians 6:17-18](/2_corinthians/6-17-18 "2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - Call to Separation and Adoption")
* [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice and Transformed Minds")
* [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 52:11 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant call to every believer today: to embark on a spiritual exodus from the "Babylon" of the world's pervasive values, seductive systems, and defiling temptations. Just as the ancient Israelites were commanded to physically and spiritually separate themselves from the defilement of their pagan captors, so too are we called to "touch no unclean thing" in our thoughts, words, actions, and associations. This demands an active and intentional disengagement from anything that compromises our unwavering devotion to God or pollutes our spiritual integrity. The specific emphasis on "those who bear the vessels of the LORD" serves as a powerful reminder that all believers, by virtue of their inclusion in Christ's royal priesthood, are entrusted with the sacred calling of representing God and carrying His divine message to a fallen world. Our very lives are the vessels, and our conduct must consistently reflect the holiness and purity of the One we serve. True freedom in Christ is not merely freedom *from* the bondage of sin, but a glorious freedom *for* the pursuit of holiness and dedicated service to our King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "unclean things" or "Babylonian influences" in my life or culture do I need to decisively depart from or actively avoid touching?**
* **In what tangible ways am I "bearing the vessels of the LORD" in my daily life, and how does this sacred calling profoundly impact my personal pursuit of holiness and purity?**
* **How can I more intentionally and practically cultivate a posture of spiritual cleanliness and radical separation from worldly defilement in my thoughts, words, and deeds?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "bearing the vessels of the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "that bear the vessels of the LORD" refers literally to the sacred implements and utensils that belonged to the Jerusalem Temple, which Nebuchadnezzar had plundered and carried off to Babylon. These items, such as those mentioned in [Daniel 5:2](/daniel/5-2 "Daniel 5:2 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Temple Vessels"), were consecrated for holy worship and were considered supremely sacred, representing the very presence and holiness of God. The command for those entrusted with transporting them to "be clean" underscored the paramount importance of ritual, moral, and spiritual purity for anyone handling holy objects or serving in a sacred capacity. Theologically, this signifies that those entrusted with God's work—whether literally transporting temple items, spiritually carrying His truth, or representing His name—must maintain the highest standard of integrity and holiness. It implies that the messenger must be as pure and consecrated as the message or the sacred objects they bear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 52:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical exodus of Israel from Babylon powerfully foreshadows the spiritual exodus from the dominion of sin and death, which Christ definitively accomplished through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. He is the one who truly enables His people to "depart" from the "unclean thing" of sin, not by mere physical relocation, but by a radical spiritual transformation of the heart and life. Through His perfect sacrifice, Christ became the ultimate purifier, cleansing us from all unrighteousness by His precious blood, as proclaimed in [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus"). He makes us "clean" and holy, enabling us to approach a holy God without condemnation. Furthermore, in the New Covenant established through Christ, believers are no longer merely carrying physical temple vessels; rather, they *are* the vessels themselves, the very temples of the Holy Spirit, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_cors/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit"). We are called to be "vessels for honor, sanctified and useful to the Master, prepared for every good work" (e.g., [2 Timothy 2:21](/2_timothy/2-21 "2 Timothy 2:21 - Vessels for Noble Use")). Thus, Christ not only commands us to be clean but also provides the divine means for that cleansing and empowers us by His Spirit to live as pure, consecrated vessels, bearing His name and truth to a defiled world, thereby fulfilling the deepest spiritual longing and prophetic vision of this ancient command.

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

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

Zechariah 2:6

¶ Ho, ho, [come forth], and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

Zechariah 2:7

Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest [with] the daughter of Babylon.

Isaiah 48:20

Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

Isaiah 1:16

¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Leviticus 10:3

¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.