In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
In righteousness {H6666} shalt thou be established {H3559}: thou shalt be far {H7368} from oppression {H6233}; for thou shalt not fear {H3372}: and from terror {H4288}; for it shall not come near {H7126} thee.
In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, with nothing to fear; far from ruin, for it will not come near you.
In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, for you will have no fear. Terror will be far removed, for it will not come near you.
In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression, for thou shalt not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near thee.
-
Proverbs 3:25
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. -
Proverbs 3:26
For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. -
Jeremiah 30:10
¶ Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid. -
Zechariah 9:8
And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes. -
Zechariah 2:4
And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited [as] towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: -
Zechariah 2:5
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. -
Zechariah 8:3
Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
Isaiah 54:14 provides a powerful promise of security and stability for God's people, emphasizing that their foundation is in righteousness and that this foundation brings freedom from fear and oppression.
Context
This verse is part of a chapter in Isaiah that offers immense comfort and hope to Jerusalem, portraying her as a barren woman who will become fruitful and expand. Following prophecies of judgment and suffering, Isaiah 54 speaks of God's everlasting kindness and covenant of peace after a period of affliction. Verse 14 specifically addresses the security and peace that will characterize this restored state, contrasting it sharply with past troubles.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "established" (תִּכּוֹנָנִי, tikonani) comes from a root meaning to be firm, fixed, or prepared. It suggests a solid, unshakeable foundation. The word for "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) is foundational here, indicating that the firmness comes from a state of right relationship with God and His just order.
Reflection
Isaiah 54:14 offers timeless encouragement. For believers today, being "established in righteousness" means grounding our lives in Christ, who is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). This foundation provides true security, allowing us to live without being dominated by the anxiety and fear that the world often experiences. Trusting in God's promises and His righteous character enables us to face challenges knowing that ultimate oppression and terror have no power over those secured in Him.