Isaiah 52:5

KJV

Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day [is] blasphemed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore, what have I here, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that my people {H5971} is taken away {H3947} for nought {H2600}? they that rule {H4910} over them make them to howl {H3213}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; and my name {H8034} continually {H8548} every day {H3117} is blasphemed {H5006}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, what should I do here," asks ADONAI, "since my people were carried off for nothing? Their oppressors are howling," says ADONAI, "and my name is always being insulted, daily.

Berean Standard Bible

And now what have I here? declares the LORD. For My people have been taken without cause; those who rule them taunt, declares the LORD, and My name is blasphemed continually all day long.

American Standard Version

Now therefore, what do I here, saith Jehovah, seeing that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them do howl, saith Jehovah, and my name continually all the day is blasphemed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 52:5 captures the Lord's profound lament and indignation over the unjust suffering and captivity of His people in Babylon, emphasizing how their plight brought severe dishonor and blasphemy upon His holy name among the surrounding nations. This verse serves as a poignant expression of divine grief and a critical prelude to God's ensuing declaration of imminent deliverance and ultimate vindication, underscoring His zealous concern for both the welfare of His beloved covenant people and the glory of His own reputation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 52:5 is strategically positioned within the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-55), often referred to as Second Isaiah, which primarily addresses the Jewish exiles in Babylon. This verse immediately follows a powerful call for Zion to "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion" ([Isaiah 52:1](/isaiah/52-1 "Isaiah 52:1 - Call to Zion to Awake")) and to "shake thyself from the dust" ([Isaiah 52:2](/isaiah/52-2 "Isaiah 52:2 - Zion's Liberation")). It forms a bridge between the previous expressions of desolation and the glorious promises of restoration that follow, particularly the announcement of "good tidings" ([Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - The Feet of Him Who Brings Good News")) and the triumphant return of the Lord to Zion ([Isaiah 52:8](/isaiah/52-8 "Isaiah 52:8 - Watchmen See Eye to Eye")). The Lord's rhetorical question and lament in verse 5 explain the dire situation that necessitates such a dramatic divine intervention, setting the stage for the subsequent portrayal of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This passage is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian Exile, which began with the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC and the forced deportation of a significant portion of the Judean population to Babylon. For several decades, the exiles endured foreign rule, cultural assimilation pressures, and the humiliation of seeing their God's sanctuary destroyed and His people enslaved. In the ancient Near East, the defeat and subjugation of a people were often interpreted as the defeat of their gods by the gods of the conquering nation. Thus, Israel's captivity was perceived by surrounding pagan nations as evidence of Yahweh's weakness or inability to protect His chosen people. This geopolitical and spiritual crisis led to the widespread scorn and derision of God's name, making His reputation a byword among the Gentiles. The Lord's lament in this verse reflects His acute awareness of this profound dishonor and the suffering of His people.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 52:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **God's profound grief and indignation** over the unjust suffering of His covenant people. The rhetorical question, "what have I here... that my people is taken away for nought?" expresses a deep, personal anguish and divine sorrow over Israel's undeserved plight, demonstrating God's intimate connection to their pain. Secondly, the verse underscores the **unjust oppression** faced by the exiles; "taken away for nought" emphasizes the perceived lack of legitimate cause for their prolonged and cruel subjugation by their Babylonian rulers, who "make them to howl." This highlights the unprovoked nature of their suffering from God's perspective. Most critically, the verse addresses the theme of the **blasphemy of God's name**. The captivity of Israel, a nation uniquely identified with Yahweh, was interpreted by other nations as a sign of God's impotence, bringing immense dishonor and contempt upon His character and power. This profaning of God's name is a recurring concern for the Lord throughout Scripture, notably articulated in [Ezekiel 36:20-23](/ezekiel/36-20 "Ezekiel 36:20-23 - God's Name Profaned and Vindicated"). Finally, this verse sets the stage for the theme of **God's zealous concern for His own glory and vindication**. The Lord's subsequent actions in Isaiah 52, promising intervention and deliverance, are motivated not only by compassion for Israel but also by a fervent desire to demonstrate His sovereignty and holiness to all nations, as further emphasized in [Isaiah 48:11](/isaiah/48-11 "Isaiah 48:11 - God's Jealousy for His Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nought (Hebrew, _chinnâm'_):** This word (H2600) signifies "gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason, or advantage; without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain)." In Isaiah 52:5, its use emphasizes the utter injustice and lack of legitimate provocation for Israel's captivity from God's perspective. It suggests that their suffering brought no benefit to God, nor was it a just consequence for *this particular* aspect of their current situation, highlighting the gratuitous cruelty of their oppressors and the profound indignity of their bondage.
* **howl (Hebrew, _yâlal'_):: This word (H3213) vividly portrays the deep anguish, sorrow, and lamentation of the oppressed Israelites. It describes not just quiet suffering but a public, desperate cry of pain and despair, indicative of the harsh and tyrannical rule imposed upon them by their captors.
* **blasphemed (Hebrew, _nâʼats'_):** This term (H5006) means "to scorn; abhor, (give occasion to) blaspheme, contemn, despise, provoke." Its application here is profoundly significant, indicating that the suffering and apparent abandonment of God's people led the pagan nations to openly mock, despise, and revile the name of Yahweh. It speaks to the severe dishonor and contempt brought upon God's character and power, turning His holy name into a subject of ridicule and scorn among those who witnessed Israel's subjugation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought?"**: This opening clause is a rhetorical question expressing the Lord's deep distress, indignation, and perplexity. It's a divine lament, highlighting God's personal anguish over the unjust and unprovoked captivity of His cherished people. The phrase "taken away for nought" underscores the senselessness and lack of justifiable cause for their suffering from God's perspective, emphasizing the gratuitous nature of the oppression.
* **"they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD;"**: This segment describes the direct cause of the people's suffering: the harsh and cruel dominion of their foreign rulers. The verb "howl" vividly conveys the intense pain, anguish, and lamentation experienced by the exiles under their oppressors, underscoring the severity of their bondage and the profound emotional distress it caused.
* **"and my name continually every day is blasphemed."**: This final, climactic clause reveals the most grievous consequence of Israel's captivity for God: the constant and widespread dishonor brought upon His holy name. The daily suffering of His people, who bore His name, caused the surrounding nations to scorn, despise, and revile the God of Israel, questioning His power, faithfulness, or even existence. This public profaning of God's name is the ultimate affront to His glory and character.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 52:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The opening phrase, **Rhetorical Question**, "what have I here... that my people is taken away for nought?", serves not to elicit an answer but to express the Lord's profound grief, indignation, and sense of injustice. It highlights the divine pathos and His personal involvement in Israel's plight. The phrase "they that rule over them make them to howl" utilizes vivid **Imagery** and a degree of **Hyperbole** to depict the extreme suffering and lamentation of the exiles under their harsh oppressors, evoking a strong emotional response. Finally, the culminating statement, "and my name continually every day is blasphemed," demonstrates a powerful use of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like concern for reputation and honor to God. This device emphasizes the profound dishonor brought upon God's character by the suffering of His people in the eyes of the nations, underscoring His zealous concern for His own glory and the vindication of His name.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 52:5 is a pivotal verse that articulates God's deep concern for His own name and glory, particularly in the face of His people's suffering and the world's perception of His power. It underscores the theological truth that God's reputation is inextricably linked to the welfare and witness of His covenant people. When Israel, the nation bearing God's name, was in captivity, it created a theological crisis for the nations, who interpreted it as a sign of Yahweh's weakness. This verse reveals God's indignation not merely for His people's suffering, but for the resulting profanation of His holy name. It sets the stage for God's redemptive action, demonstrating that His ultimate motivation for salvation is not solely for Israel's sake, but for the vindication of His own character and sovereignty before all the world. This divine zeal for His name is a foundational theme throughout Scripture, culminating in His ultimate plan for redemption.

* [Ezekiel 36:20-23](/ezekiel/36-20 "Ezekiel 36:20-23 - God's Name Profaned Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 48:11](/isaiah/48-11 "Isaiah 48:11 - God's Glory Will Not Be Given to Another")
* [Psalm 74:10](/psalm/74-10 "Psalm 74:10 - How Long Will the Enemy Revile Your Name?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 52:5 offers profound spiritual insights for believers navigating a complex world. Firstly, it assures us of God's deep empathy and personal indignation in the face of injustice and suffering. Our God is not a distant, unfeeling deity but one who sees, hears, and feels the anguish of His people, particularly when they are oppressed "for nought." This should bring immense comfort and confidence in prayer during times of hardship. Secondly, the verse serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact our lives, especially our suffering, can have on God's reputation in the world. When we, as God's people, endure trials with faith, integrity, and hope, even in the midst of injustice, we can paradoxically bring glory to His name. Conversely, despair, compromise, or bitterness can inadvertently lead others to question God's goodness or power. Therefore, our conduct in suffering becomes a vital witness. Finally, this passage instills hope by revealing God's unwavering commitment to His own glory. He will ultimately act to vindicate His name and deliver His people, ensuring that His character is upheld and His sovereignty recognized by all. This promise encourages us to trust in His ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem to undermine His presence or power, knowing that He is working all things for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's personal indignation over the blasphemy of His name change your perspective on suffering and injustice in the world today?**
* **In what ways might your own life, particularly during challenging times, either honor or inadvertently dishonor God's name in the eyes of those around you?**
* **How can you actively pray for and participate in God's vindication of His name in a world that often scorns or ignores Him?**
* **What specific steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's ultimate plan and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem bleak or His justice delayed?**

### FAQ
**Why is God so concerned about His name being "blasphemed"?**

Answer: God's name (Hebrew: *shem*) in the Bible represents His entire character, reputation, authority, and essence. When His name is "blasphemed" (Hebrew: *nâʼats*), it means He is scorned, despised, and reviled. In the ancient world, the defeat of a nation's people was seen as the defeat of their god. Thus, Israel's captivity in Babylon led the pagan nations to conclude that Yahweh was weak or unable to protect His people, bringing immense dishonor to His holy character. God's concern is not about His ego, but about the world accurately understanding His true nature as the sovereign, faithful, and powerful God. His zeal for His name is intrinsically linked to His desire for all nations to know Him and worship Him alone, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Holy Name Vindicated").

**What does "taken away for nought" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "taken away for nought" (Hebrew: *lâqach chinnâm*) uses the word *chinnâm* (H2600), which means "without cause," "for nothing," or "gratuitously." In this context, it emphasizes the injustice and lack of legitimate reason from God's perspective for Israel's prolonged and harsh captivity in Babylon. While Israel had certainly sinned and faced divine judgment, this particular phase of their suffering, especially under the cruel rule that made them "howl," was seen by God as an unprovoked and undeserved act by their oppressors. It highlights the gratuitous cruelty of Babylon and underscores God's indignation over the senseless suffering of His people, which also brought dishonor to His name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 52:5, with its poignant lament over the blasphemy of God's name due to His people's suffering, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Israel's suffering brought dishonor to God's name, Christ's suffering, particularly His crucifixion, became the very means by which God's name and character were supremely vindicated and glorified. On the cross, Jesus, the perfect Servant of the Lord (foreshadowed in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")), bore the ultimate "blasphemy" and scorn of humanity, being "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")). Yet, through His obedient sacrifice, He perfectly revealed God's justice, mercy, and love, demonstrating that God is both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). The "howling" of the exiles finds its echo in Christ's agonizing cry on the cross, but unlike Israel's shame, Christ's suffering led to His glorious exaltation, where God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, what was a source of daily blasphemy for God's name in Isaiah's time became, through Christ's redemptive work, the eternal means by which God's name is hallowed, glorified, and proclaimed among all nations, for "there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")).

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

Romans 2:24

For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

Zephaniah 1:10

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, [that there shall be] the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills.

Psalms 74:10

O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

Judges 18:3

When they [were] by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned in thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what makest thou in this [place]? and what hast thou here?

Isaiah 51:23

But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.

Isaiah 22:16

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, [as] he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, [and] that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?

Isaiah 37:28

But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.