Isaiah 54:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, with nothing to fear; far from ruin, for it will not come near you.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 54:14 delivers a profound and comforting promise of security and stability to God's people, portraying a future state where they are immovably grounded in divine righteousness, completely liberated from the oppressive forces that once bound them, and entirely free from the paralyzing grip of fear and terror. This verse encapsulates the divine assurance of comprehensive peace and protection, highlighting that true establishment and unshakeable tranquility, both internal and external, flow directly from a right and covenantal relationship with the faithful God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 54 stands as a radiant chapter of hope and restoration within the larger prophetic tapestry of Isaiah, particularly following the profound suffering servant songs of [Isaiah 52:13-53:12](/isaiah/52-13-53-12 "Isaiah 52:13-53:12 - The Suffering Servant") and the preceding prophecies of judgment against Jerusalem. The chapter opens with a jubilant call for the barren woman, a poignant metaphor for exiled and seemingly desolate Jerusalem or Israel, to "break forth into singing," for she will miraculously bear more children than the married woman, symbolizing a dramatic and unexpected increase and restoration of God's people. The narrative then transitions to sweeping promises of an everlasting covenant of peace, boundless divine compassion, and the glorious rebuilding of Jerusalem with precious stones. Verse 14 specifically articulates the profound security and holistic peace that will unequivocally define this restored state, contrasting it sharply with the previous period of affliction, exile, and vulnerability. It builds powerfully upon the themes of God's unwavering faithfulness and the unchangeable nature of His steadfast love, assuring the people that their future will be characterized by absolute safety and complete freedom from their former woes, as emphatically promised in [Isaiah 54:7-10](/isaiah/54-7-10 "Isaiah 54:7-10 - God's Everlasting Kindness and Covenant of Peace").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies found in Isaiah, particularly those from chapter 40 onwards (often referred to as Second Isaiah), are primarily addressed to a people either enduring the traumatic experience of Babylonian exile or anticipating their imminent return to their homeland. For a nation that had suffered the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem, the sacred temple, and the devastating loss of their ancestral land, "oppression" (Hebrew, _ʻôsheq_, H6233) and "terror" (Hebrew, _mᵉchittâh_, H4288) were not abstract theological concepts but deeply lived and agonizing realities. They had faced relentless foreign domination, forced displacement from their homes, and the constant, palpable threat of violence and annihilation. The promise of being "established" (Hebrew, _kûwn_, H3559) in righteousness speaks directly to their profound longing for stability, justice, and a secure future in a world marked by relentless chaos and pervasive injustice. Culturally, "righteousness" (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh_, H6666) was understood not merely as individual moral rectitude but as adherence to God's covenant laws, which was believed to lead directly to communal well-being, national flourishing, and divine favor. The explicit promise of the absence of fear was, therefore, a profound and cherished blessing, as debilitating fear was a constant companion for those living under oppressive regimes or in a state of national vulnerability, a sentiment frequently echoed in the laments of the Psalms, such as [Psalm 55:4-5](/psalm/55-4-5 "Psalm 55:4-5 - Fear and Trembling Overwhelms Me").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly and profoundly to several overarching themes that permeate Isaiah 54 and the broader prophetic message of the book. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration and Comfort**, where God actively and mercifully intervenes to heal, rebuild, and bring solace to His people after a period of severe judgment and prolonged suffering. The promise of being "established in righteousness" powerfully underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, emphasizing that God's promises are immutably rooted in His unchanging character, His perfect justice, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It also highlights **Security through Righteousness**, presenting righteousness—both God's inherent attribute and, by extension, the people's alignment with His ways—as the unshakeable bedrock of true peace and stability, sharply contrasting with any reliance on fleeting human power or unstable political alliances. Furthermore, the explicit mention of freedom from "oppression" and "terror" speaks directly to the theme of **Liberation and Holistic Peace (Shalom)**, a comprehensive well-being that encompasses both external safety from enemies and internal tranquility of mind and spirit, a state of flourishing often longed for by God's people throughout their tumultuous history, as articulated in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - Plans for Welfare and a Future").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** (H6666) From the root meaning "to be right," this term signifies rightness in an abstract sense, encompassing rectitude, justice, and virtue. Figuratively, it can also denote prosperity. In this context, it refers primarily to God's inherent righteous character and His just, faithful actions on behalf of His people, establishing them in a proper and secure relationship with Him. It is the divine foundation upon which their promised security and flourishing rest.
* **Established (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** (H3559) A primitive root meaning, properly, "to be erect" or "stand perpendicular." Causatively, it means "to set up," "fix," "prepare," or "make sure/firm." It conveys the idea of a solid, unshakeable foundation, confirming the permanence and stability of the promised state. The people will not merely exist, but will be securely and immovably fixed, prepared, and rendered prosperous by divine decree.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** (H3372) A primitive root meaning "to fear," "dread," or "to be (made) afraid." While it can also mean "to revere" in a positive sense, in this negative construction ("shalt not fear"), it denotes the complete absence of debilitating terror, apprehension, or fright. It speaks to an inner state of profound peace and confidence that replaces anxiety and dread, a freedom from being "put in fear."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In righteousness shalt thou be established:"** This opening clause lays the foundational truth of the entire promise. The security, stability, and enduring well-being of God's people are not predicated upon their own strength, military prowess, or political alliances, but are entirely and exclusively based "in righteousness." This refers primarily to God's own righteous character, His perfect justice, and His unwavering, covenant-keeping actions. It implies that their restoration and future flourishing are divinely secured and immovably grounded in what is inherently right and true according to God's immutable nature.
* **"thou shalt be far from oppression;"** As a direct and certain consequence of being established in divine righteousness, the people will experience a profound and complete liberation from external forces of injustice, exploitation, and tyrannical rule. "Oppression" (H6233, _ʻôsheq_) speaks to unjust gain, cruel treatment, and systemic tyranny. The promise is not merely a reduction or mitigation of oppression, but a complete and definitive removal, signifying a significant and protective distance from its reach and influence.
* **"for thou shalt not fear:"** This clause directly addresses the internal, psychological, and emotional state of the people. The promised freedom from external oppression directly leads to an inner freedom from crippling anxiety, debilitating dread, and overwhelming apprehension. The promise is a direct and absolute negation of fear, assuring a state of profound mental and emotional peace. This represents an immense and transformative blessing for a people who had lived under constant threat and psychological duress.
* **"and from terror;"** This specifies another external threat that will be utterly absent. "Terror" (H4288, _mᵉchittâh_) denotes dismay, ruin, destruction, or the very thing that causes overwhelming dread. It refers to specific instances of terrifying events or threats that induce profound consternation. This reinforces the comprehensive nature of the promised security, covering both the general state of fear and the specific, devastating impact of terrifying circumstances.
* **"for it shall not come near thee."** This final clause powerfully reiterates and emphatically emphasizes the divine protection. The "terror" will not merely be lessened or mitigated, but it will be actively and divinely kept at a significant distance, utterly unable to approach, impact, or inflict harm upon the people. This highlights God's active, vigilant, and complete safeguarding of His people, ensuring their absolute safety and enduring peace.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 54:14 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of profound hope and unwavering security. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the balanced structure of the promises, creating a rhythmic and emphatic flow: "thou shalt be far from oppression" is paralleled with "for thou shalt not fear," and "and from terror" is paralleled with "for it shall not come near thee." This structural repetition reinforces the comprehensive and holistic nature of the promised peace and protection. The verse also utilizes powerful **Contrast**, setting the glorious promised future of establishment, complete freedom, and profound peace against the stark backdrop of the nation's recent and painful past experiences of oppression, fear, and terror. This sharp juxtaposition powerfully highlights the radical and transformative intervention God will bring about. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the absolute nature of the promises ("shalt not fear," "shall not come near thee"), which serves to underscore the divine certainty and the utter completeness of God's protective and redemptive work. The abstract concept of "terror" is subtly **Personified** as something that can "come near" or be kept at a distance, making the threat feel tangible and, consequently, making the promise of its absolute absence even more impactful and comforting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 54:14 stands as an enduring testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, a commitment rooted deeply in His own righteous character. The promise of being "established in righteousness" speaks to a foundational theological truth: true security, stability, and flourishing are not found in human endeavors, political machinations, or worldly powers, but solely and entirely in a right relationship with the sovereign, just, and faithful God. This "righteousness" is primarily God's own attribute, by which He acts justly and faithfully towards His covenant people, delivering them from their oppressors and establishing them in a state of profound peace. While primarily God's action, it also implicitly calls for the people to live righteously, as their ultimate flourishing is inextricably intertwined with their obedience and alignment with God's perfect ways. The promised freedom from fear and terror is a hallmark of God's shalom, a holistic, all-encompassing peace that transcends the mere absence of conflict to encompass well-being, wholeness, security, and prosperity in every dimension of life.

* [Psalm 85:10](/psalm/85-10 "Psalm 85:10 - Righteousness and Peace Kiss Each Other")
* [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by Faith, We Have Peace with God")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - The Peace of God Guards Our Hearts and Minds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 54:14 offers profound and enduring encouragement for believers navigating a world that is frequently characterized by instability, pervasive injustice, and crippling fear. To be "established in righteousness" means recognizing that our ultimate security, our deepest identity, and our truest foundation are not found in fleeting circumstances, personal achievements, or the unstable systems of this world, but in our unshakeable standing with God through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This divine foundation provides an unshakeable anchor for the soul, enabling us to face life's inevitable challenges with a peace that truly transcends all human understanding. When we are deeply grounded in God's righteous character and His immutable covenant promises, the external pressures of oppression and the internal anxieties of fear begin to lose their debilitating grip over our lives. This verse powerfully calls us to trust implicitly in God's protective hand, knowing with certainty that He is faithful to deliver us from all that seeks to harm or terrorize us, both physically and spiritually. It serves as a vital reminder that our ultimate security is not defined by the absence of trials, but by the constant, indwelling presence of God in the very midst of them, upholding us by His righteous and omnipotent power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel the most vulnerable to "oppression" or "terror," and how might deeply trusting in God's righteousness bring establishment and profound peace to those very areas?**
* **How does understanding that your establishment is "in righteousness"—specifically, God's righteousness—fundamentally change your perspective on personal security, well-being, and your future?**
* **What practical, tangible steps can you intentionally take to cultivate a deeper and more consistent sense of being "far from fear" in your daily life, relying steadfastly on God's unwavering promise rather than your own anxieties?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "established in righteousness"?**

Answer: To be "established in righteousness" (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh_, H6666) means that one's foundation, stability, and security are immutably rooted in God's righteous character and His just, faithful dealings. It implies that God Himself, in His perfect justice, moral rectitude, and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, is the one who sets His people firmly and securely in place. This establishment is not primarily about human moral perfection or earning a right standing, but about being in a right relationship with God, who then acts righteously on their behalf, ensuring their well-being, permanence, and flourishing. This divine establishment inherently brings about a state of profound peace and freedom from both external and internal threats.

**How does this verse relate to the experiences of fear and anxiety in modern life?**

Answer: Isaiah 54:14 speaks directly and powerfully to the universal human condition of fear and anxiety, promising a divinely secured freedom from their debilitating effects. In modern life, where anxieties about economic instability, social injustice, health crises, environmental concerns, and global conflicts are increasingly prevalent, this verse offers a profound counter-narrative of hope and assurance. It reassures believers that their ultimate security and peace are not dependent on fluctuating worldly circumstances or human efforts, but on God's unchanging character and His immutable promises. Being "far from oppression" and having "terror" not come near speaks to a spiritual and often practical protection that allows for deep inner peace even amidst outward turmoil, echoing the words of Jesus in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Peace I Leave with You").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 54:14 finds its ultimate, most profound, and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant. The "righteousness" in which God's people are established is perfectly and definitively realized in Christ. For believers, righteousness is no longer merely an external legal standard or a status based on their own flawed and insufficient obedience, but an imputed righteousness, a divine gift received through saving faith in Jesus, who "became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ has secured a perfect, unshakeable, and eternal standing for His people before God, establishing them in a covenant of grace that is truly "everlasting" ([Isaiah 54:8](/isaiah/54-8 "Isaiah 54:8 - God's Everlasting Kindness")). This divine establishment in Christ means that the ultimate oppression of sin and death has been decisively overcome by His triumphant victory ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and the terror of God's righteous judgment has been fully absorbed and appeased by the sacrificial Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Consequently, those who are "in Christ" are truly and eternally "far from oppression" and "terror," experiencing the profound peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God Guards Our Hearts")) and living without the fear of condemnation, for "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). The church, as the spiritual New Jerusalem, is the blessed recipient of these glorious promises, established securely and eternally in the perfect righteousness of her Lord.

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

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.