Isaiah 52:6

KJV

Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore [they shall know] in that day that I [am] he that doth speak: behold, [it is] I.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore my people {H5971} shall know {H3045} my name {H8034}: therefore they shall know in that day {H3117} that I am he that doth speak {H1696}: behold, it is I.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore my people will know my name; therefore on that day they will know that I, the one speaking - here I am!"

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore My people will know My name; therefore they will know on that day that I am He who speaks. Here I am!”

American Standard Version

Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak; behold, it is I.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 52:6 stands as a profound divine declaration, promising an experiential and intimate revelation of God's character and active presence to His people. This verse marks a pivotal moment of understanding, asserting that the long-awaited day of salvation and restoration will be accompanied by an undeniable recognition of Yahweh as the sovereign, speaking God who personally orchestrates their deliverance. It underscores the Lord's unique identity and His unwavering commitment to be known by those He has redeemed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 52:6 is nestled within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section of the prophetic book that shifts dramatically from pronouncements of judgment to messages of hope, restoration, and ultimate salvation for Israel. Specifically, chapter 52 initiates with a vibrant call for Jerusalem to "awake, awake!" and shake off the dust of its desolation, symbolizing the end of its captivity and the dawn of a glorious future. The preceding verses (Isaiah 52:1-5) vividly portray the city's liberation and the shame of its oppressors, culminating in the triumphant announcement of God's reign (Isaiah 52:7). Verse 6 serves as the divine assurance that this external, historical deliverance will lead to a profound internal, spiritual recognition of God's identity and power, making explicit the reason for the celebration and the source of the good tidings. It solidifies the promise that the God who acts is the God who reveals Himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical backdrop for Isaiah 52, and indeed the entire "Book of Comfort," is the Babylonian exile. The people of Judah had endured decades of captivity, their temple destroyed, their land desolate, and their identity as God's chosen people severely challenged. They were living under foreign dominion, feeling abandoned by their God. In this context, the promises of return, restoration, and divine intervention were revolutionary. The concept of "knowing God's name" (Hebrew: _shem_) in ancient Near Eastern thought was far more than intellectual assent; it implied an intimate, covenantal relationship, a deep understanding of one's character, authority, and reputation. For Israel, to "know God's name" was to experience His faithfulness, power, and redemptive acts in a way that affirmed His unique deity over all other gods. The declaration "I am he" (Hebrew: _ani hu_) would have resonated powerfully, distinguishing Yahweh from the impotent idols of Babylon and asserting His absolute sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 52:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central is the theme of **Divine Self-Revelation**, where God actively chooses to make Himself known to His people, not merely through abstract concepts but through concrete acts of salvation. This revelation leads to a deeper, experiential knowledge of His character and attributes, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to a relational intimacy. Another crucial theme is **God's Sovereignty and Authority**, emphasized by the emphatic "I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I." This declaration underscores God's unique identity, His ultimate control over history, and His direct involvement in orchestrating the deliverance of His people. It distinguishes Him as the sole source of salvation and the one who speaks and brings His word to pass. Furthermore, the phrase "in that day" points to the **Eschatological Hope and Consummation of God's Plan**, a recurring motif in Isaiah. This "day" signifies a specific, future time of ultimate salvation and enlightenment, often associated with the Messianic era, when God's redemptive acts will be so clear that His people will unequivocally recognize His hand and His identity. This profound knowledge fosters a renewed covenantal relationship, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - All Shall Know the Lord"), where knowing the Lord is a hallmark of the new covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** This term refers to a congregated unit, specifically a tribe, and by extension, a nation. In Isaiah 52:6, "my people" (`ʻam`) emphasizes the covenantal relationship between Yahweh and Israel. It highlights God's particular affection and commitment to those He has chosen and redeemed, underscoring that the promised revelation is not for all humanity indiscriminately, but for His specific, covenanted community. This word reinforces the idea of a familial or tribal bond, signifying a unique belonging and divine ownership.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual acquaintance. It implies knowing by seeing, by observation, by care, and by recognition. In a biblical context, `yâdaʻ` often denotes an intimate, covenantal relationship, as in a husband "knowing" his wife (e.g., [Genesis 4:1](/genesis/4-1 "Genesis 4:1 - Cain's Birth")). Here, for God's people to "know" His name means to understand His essence, His attributes, His faithfulness, and His active presence through direct experience of His redemptive acts. It is a transformative, saving knowledge that shapes one's identity and trust.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root means to arrange, but figuratively, it refers to speaking, commanding, declaring, or uttering. In the context of God, `dâbar` emphasizes His active, authoritative, and creative word. It is through His word that creation came into being (e.g., [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Creation")), and through His word that His purposes are declared and brought to pass. In Isaiah 52:6, "I am he that doth speak" underscores God's sovereignty and the efficacy of His pronouncements. His words are not empty but carry divine power and guarantee fulfillment, especially concerning the deliverance and restoration of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore my people shall know my name:"** This opening clause establishes a direct consequence ("Therefore") of the preceding promises of liberation and God's reign. The core promise is that God's chosen people (`ʻam`) will come to "know" (`yâdaʻ`) His "name" (`shêm`). As analyzed above, this is an intimate, experiential, and saving knowledge of His character, attributes, and reputation, revealed through His redemptive actions. It signifies a renewed and deepened covenantal relationship, where Israel truly grasps who Yahweh is in His essence and power.
* **"therefore [they shall know] in that day that I [am] he that doth speak:"** The repetition of "therefore they shall know" reinforces the certainty and profound nature of this revelation. "In that day" points to a specific, divinely appointed time of salvation and enlightenment, often referring to the Messianic era or the consummation of God's redemptive plan. Crucially, what they will know is the identity of the one who "doth speak" (`dâbar`). This emphasizes God's active, authoritative, and self-revealing word. It means His people will recognize that the promises of restoration are not mere human hopes but the certain declarations of the sovereign God who speaks and brings His word to pass.
* **"behold, [it is] I."** This emphatic declaration, "Behold, it is I" (Hebrew: `hinnēh ʾānōḵî`), serves as a powerful divine self-identification. It is a statement of absolute presence, authority, and unique identity. Echoing phrases like "I am" (e.g., [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God Reveals Himself as 'I AM'")), it distinguishes Yahweh from all other deities and asserts His singular sovereignty. It is a personal, undeniable affirmation from God Himself that He is the one actively involved in the deliverance and revelation, leaving no doubt as to the source and certainty of the promised salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 52:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated phrase "therefore... shall know," which intensifies the certainty and significance of the promised revelation. This rhetorical device emphasizes that the understanding of God's name is a guaranteed outcome of His redemptive work. **Divine Self-Identification** is central, particularly in the emphatic "I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I." This echoes the divine "I AM" statements found throughout the Old Testament, asserting God's absolute being, eternality, and unique sovereignty. It functions as a powerful affirmation of His identity and authority, distinguishing Him from all other gods. The phrase "in that day" serves as **Foreshadowing** or **Prophetic Indicator**, pointing to a future, divinely appointed time of fulfillment. It builds anticipation for a decisive moment in salvation history when God's presence and power will be undeniably manifest. Finally, the concept of "knowing my name" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entirety of God's character, attributes, and reputation. To know His name is to know Him intimately and experientially, not just intellectually.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 52:6 encapsulates a core theological truth: God's desire and commitment to reveal Himself intimately to His people. This self-revelation is not merely a passive act but an active, sovereign declaration that culminates in an experiential knowledge of His character and faithfulness. The "knowing" promised here is transformative, establishing a deep, covenantal relationship rooted in God's initiative and His powerful word. This prophetic insight into God's nature and His plan for His people finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where the full revelation of God's name and character is embodied in Jesus Christ.

* [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - Knowing the Lord in the New Covenant")
* [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' 'I Am' Declaration")
* [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God and Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 52:6 offers immense encouragement and a profound challenge to believers today. It reminds us that God actively desires to be known, not just intellectually, but personally and experientially. Our spiritual journey is a continuous deepening of our knowledge of God's character, His unwavering faithfulness, and His sovereign plan. In a world filled with uncertainty and competing voices, this verse assures us that God is actively speaking and working, and He will ultimately reveal His purposes with undeniable clarity. It calls us to cultivate a posture of attentive listening to His Word, to discern His hand in the unfolding events of history and in our personal lives, and to recognize that the very one who speaks is the sovereign Lord who brings His promises to pass. This deep knowledge fosters trust, resilience, and a profound sense of security in His unfailing presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I experienced God revealing His "name" (His character and nature) to me personally?**
* **How does the assurance that God is "he that doth speak" impact my trust in His promises, especially during times of uncertainty?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my experiential knowledge of God, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "know God's name" in biblical terms?**

Answer: In biblical thought, "knowing God's name" (Hebrew: `shêm`) is far more profound than simply knowing a label or a word. It signifies an intimate, experiential, and relational understanding of God's entire being, His character, His attributes, His power, His reputation, and His covenant faithfulness. It implies a deep, personal acquaintance with who God truly is, demonstrated through His actions in history and in the lives of His people. It's a knowledge that transforms and leads to trust, obedience, and worship, as seen in passages like [Psalm 9:10](/psalms/9-10 "Psalm 9:10 - Those Who Know Your Name Trust You").

**How does "in that day" relate to the timing of God's revelation?**

Answer: The phrase "in that day" (Hebrew: `yôwm`) is a common prophetic idiom used to refer to a specific, divinely appointed time in the future. It often points to a decisive moment of God's intervention in history, whether for judgment or, as in Isaiah 52:6, for salvation and revelation. While it can have immediate historical fulfillments (like the return from Babylonian exile), it often carries an eschatological dimension, pointing forward to the ultimate consummation of God's redemptive plan, particularly the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. It signifies a time when God's presence and purposes will be undeniably clear to His people, leaving no doubt that "it is I" who speaks and acts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 52:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise that God's people "shall know my name" and recognize "I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I" is fully realized in the Incarnation. Jesus, as the Word made flesh, is the perfect embodiment and revelation of God's name and character. He declared, "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world" ([John 17:6](/john/17-6 "John 17:6 - Jesus Manifests the Father's Name")), signifying that through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, the Father's essence was fully unveiled. Jesus' repeated "I AM" statements in the Gospel of John (e.g., "I am the bread of life" [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life"), "I am the light of the world" [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus the Light of the World"), "I am the resurrection and the life" [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus the Resurrection and the Life")) are direct echoes of the divine self-identification in Isaiah 52:6 and [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name 'I AM'"). Through Christ, the speaking God is made visible and tangible, and the "day" of ultimate understanding has dawned for all who believe. Eternal life itself is defined as knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life Through Knowing God and Jesus")). Thus, the prophetic longing for a deeper knowledge of God's name is perfectly satisfied in Christ, who is the full and final revelation of the "I AM."

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

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Hebrews 8:11

And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

Ezekiel 37:13

And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,

Ezekiel 37:14

And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD.

Zechariah 10:9

And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.

Zechariah 10:12

And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 20:44

And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.