Isaiah 54:4

KJV

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

KJV (with Strong's)

Fear {H3372} not; for thou shalt not be ashamed {H954}: neither be thou confounded {H3637}; for thou shalt not be put to shame {H2659}: for thou shalt forget {H7911} the shame {H1322} of thy youth {H5934}, and shalt not remember {H2142} the reproach {H2781} of thy widowhood {H491} any more.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be afraid, for you won't be ashamed; don't be discouraged, for you won't be disgraced. You will forget the shame of your youth, no longer remember the dishonor of being widowed.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; do not be intimidated, for you will not be humiliated. For you will forget the shame of your youth and will remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.

American Standard Version

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth; and the reproach of thy widowhood shalt thou remember no more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 54:4 delivers a profound divine assurance to Zion, personified as a desolate and humiliated barren woman and widow, promising a complete and irreversible reversal of her past shame and reproach. This verse declares that the era of national humiliation and perceived abandonment is definitively over, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to restore His people by not only removing their present suffering but also by eradicating the painful memory and societal stigma of their former disgrace, thereby ushering in an epoch of profound comfort, renewed dignity, and enduring peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 54:4 is situated within the profound prophetic song of comfort and restoration that comprises [Isaiah 40-55](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40-55 - The Book of Comfort"), often referred to as "Second Isaiah." This section immediately follows the climactic "Suffering Servant" passage in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), which details the redemptive work of God's chosen Servant. Chapter 54 opens with a dramatic command to "Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear" ([Isaiah 54:1](/isaiah/54-1 "Isaiah 54:1 - The Barren Woman Sings")), promising an unimaginable increase in descendants and territorial expansion, a stark contrast to Israel's perceived barrenness and desolation during the Babylonian exile. The preceding verses (54:1-3) establish the theme of abundant blessing and growth, setting the thematic stage for verse 4. This verse directly addresses the deep emotional and spiritual scars of past humiliation, assuring the people that their period of shame and abandonment is definitively over. It acts as a crucial psychological balm, preparing the way for further promises of God's everlasting covenant and peace in the subsequent verses of the chapter ([Isaiah 54:8-10](/isaiah/54-8-10 "Isaiah 54:8-10 - God's Everlasting Covenant of Peace")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 54 is primarily addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a people who had experienced profound national humiliation. Their capital, Jerusalem, had been destroyed, the Temple razed, and many of its inhabitants deported. This period was marked by deep collective shame and reproach, as their suffering was often interpreted as divine judgment for their unfaithfulness and idolatry. In ancient Near Eastern culture, barrenness was a significant source of shame for women, often seen as a divine curse or a sign of disfavor, and it threatened the continuation of the family line. Similarly, widowhood implied extreme vulnerability, lack of protection, and often severe social and economic marginalization. By personifying Zion as a barren, widowed woman, Isaiah vividly portrays Israel's perceived abandonment and disgrace. The promise to "forget the shame of thy youth" likely refers to Israel's early history of spiritual infidelity, particularly the idolatry and rebellion that led to the covenant curses and subsequent judgments. "The reproach of thy widowhood" powerfully symbolizes the nation's desolate and unprotected state during the Babylonian exile, a period where they felt forsaken by their divine "husband."

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Isaiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Comfort and Assurance**, encapsulated by the recurring prophetic declaration "Fear not," which appears frequently throughout Isaiah, underscoring God's unwavering presence and protective care for His people, even in their darkest moments ([Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Sustaining Presence")). Another central theme is the **Removal of Shame and Reproach**, which speaks directly to the deep collective trauma and humiliation experienced by Israel. The repeated assurances that they "shalt not be ashamed" and "shalt not be put to shame" highlight God's commitment to vindicate His people and restore their honor and dignity. Finally, the theme of **Radical Restoration and New Beginnings** is prominent, promising a future so glorious and divinely secured that the painful memories of past suffering and disgrace will effectively be forgotten, no longer holding sway over their identity or future. This profound act of divine "forgetting" signifies a complete spiritual and national renewal, where the past no longer defines the present or future, but rather God's faithfulness establishes a new, glorious identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ_):** This primitive root means "to fear," but can also signify "to revere" or "to be afraid." In the context of the imperative "Fear not," it functions as a divine command to lay aside dread, anxiety, and apprehension. It calls the people to trust in God's protective presence and unwavering promises, rather than succumbing to the natural human response of fear in the face of overwhelming circumstances or the lingering trauma of past disgrace. It's an invitation to shift from a posture of terror to one of reverential awe and trust in the Lord.
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to pale," signifies "to be ashamed," "to be disappointed," or "to be delayed." It conveys a profound sense of embarrassment, humiliation, or public disgrace, often resulting from failure, unfulfilled expectations, or the exposure of inadequacy. The repetition of this concept throughout the verse, using various related Hebrew terms, underscores the severity of the past humiliation experienced by Zion and the absolute certainty of its complete removal by divine intervention, ensuring no future disappointment.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh_):** Derived from a root meaning "to strip bare" or "to expose," _cherpâh_ denotes "contumely," "disgrace," or "shame." It refers to the scorn, insult, or public discredit cast upon someone, often implying a loss of honor or status. "The reproach of thy widowhood" vividly paints a picture of the societal scorn, vulnerability, and marginalization associated with being a widow in ancient society, powerfully highlighting Israel's perceived abandonment and vulnerability during their time of judgment and exile. It signifies the public dishonor and the painful memory of being forsaken.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed:"** This opening clause delivers a potent divine command followed by an immediate, unconditional assurance. The imperative "Fear not" directly addresses the deep-seated anxiety, dread, and sense of abandonment felt by the exiled people. The subsequent promise, "for thou shalt not be ashamed," directly counteracts their profound sense of humiliation, public disgrace, and perceived failure. It signifies a complete reversal of their past dishonor and a divinely orchestrated restoration of their dignity and honor.
* **"neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame:"** This clause powerfully reinforces the preceding promise through emphatic parallelism and repetition. "Confounded" (from _kâlam_) speaks to being deeply humiliated, insulted, or made to blush in public. "Put to shame" (from _châphêr_) reiterates the idea of blushing, being disgraced, or disappointed. The double negation ("neither... nor") emphasizes the absolute certainty and comprehensiveness of God's promise to remove all forms of public and internal humiliation, ensuring no future experience of disgrace.
* **"for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth,"** This part of the verse extends the promise beyond mere cessation of shame to a profound psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing. "The shame of thy youth" metaphorically refers to Israel's early history of spiritual infidelity, idolatry, and rebellion against God's covenant, which ultimately led to divine judgment and national disgrace. The promise to "forget" implies a divine act of healing so complete that these painful memories will lose their power to inflict sorrow, guilt, or define their identity in the new era. It is a liberation from the lingering effects of past failures.
* **"and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more."** This final clause completes the picture of total and lasting restoration. "The reproach of thy widowhood" vividly symbolizes Israel's desolate, abandoned, and vulnerable state during the Babylonian exile, akin to a widow lacking a protector and provider in ancient patriarchal society. The promise "shalt not remember... any more" signifies a complete and lasting liberation from the societal scorn, the internal pain, and the vivid memories associated with this period of perceived abandonment. It ensures that their future will be defined by God's unwavering faithfulness and protection, not by the scars of past suffering or a sense of being forsaken.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 54:4 is rich in **Parallelism**, a foundational characteristic of Hebrew poetry, which enhances its poetic and rhetorical power. The verse primarily employs **Synonymous Parallelism** in phrases such as "Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame," where similar ideas are expressed using different but related terms, thereby intensifying the message of assured deliverance from humiliation. The repetition of "shalt not be ashamed" and "shalt not be put to shame" also exemplifies **Anaphora** and **Repetition**, serving to emphasize the certainty, completeness, and divine guarantee of God's promise. Furthermore, **Personification** is central to the entire chapter, as Zion is addressed as a barren woman and a widow, allowing the prophet to convey the profound emotional and social dimensions of Israel's suffering and God's subsequent restoration in vivid, relatable, and deeply empathetic terms. The imagery of "shame of thy youth" and "reproach of thy widowhood" are powerful **Metaphors** that encapsulate Israel's historical unfaithfulness and its subsequent desolate state, making the promise of forgetting these painful memories all the more impactful and profound.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 54:4 stands as a powerful testament to God's redemptive character, portraying Him not merely as a righteous judge but preeminently as a compassionate and active restorer who intervenes to heal the deepest wounds of His people. The promise to remove and even cause the "forgetting" of shame and reproach highlights God's commitment to a holistic restoration that encompasses not only outward circumstances but also inner emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. This divine act of "forgetting" past disgrace underscores the absolute completeness of God's forgiveness and the new identity He graciously bestows upon His redeemed. It speaks to a profound and liberating grace that frees individuals and communities from the lingering effects of past failures, perceived abandonment, and suffering, enabling them to embrace a future defined by hope, honor, and divine favor, rather than being perpetually bound by the shadows of their past.

* [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "God Forgets Their Sins and Iniquities")
* [Micah 7:18-19](/micah/7-18-19 "God's Compassion and Forgiveness")
* [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Hope Does Not Put Us to Shame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 54:4 offers profound solace and enduring hope for individuals and communities grappling with past failures, perceived disgrace, or periods of desolation and abandonment. It serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate identity is not defined by our past mistakes, the shame we've experienced, or the reproaches unjustly cast upon us, but rather by God's unfailing grace and His transformative power to restore. Just as God promised to transform Zion's barrenness and widowhood into abundant fruitfulness and honor, He is profoundly capable of healing our deepest wounds, redeeming our most painful memories, and ushering us into a future free from the lingering shadow of past shame. This verse encourages us to release the heavy burden of self-condemnation and the oppressive weight of others' judgments, trusting implicitly in God's complete forgiveness and His divine ability to make all things new. It calls us to courageously embrace the liberating truth that in Christ, our past does not dictate our future, and our shame is gloriously replaced by His righteousness and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "shame of your youth" or "reproach of your widowhood" (metaphorically speaking) might God be inviting you to release and allow Him to heal in your life?**
* **How does the promise of God causing you to "forget" past shame impact your understanding and experience of His forgiveness and comprehensive restoration?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to "fear not" and actively trust in God's sovereign promise to remove shame and bring about a new, unburdened beginning?**

### FAQ

**Does "forget the shame" mean God literally erases our memories?**

Answer: No, the phrase "thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more" does not imply a literal erasure of memory in a neurological sense for the individual or nation. Instead, it speaks to a profound spiritual and emotional healing where the *power* of those painful memories to inflict shame, sorrow, or define one's identity is completely broken. It means the shame and reproach will no longer hold sway over the individual or the nation, nor will they be held against them by God. God's restorative work is so complete that the past suffering becomes irrelevant to the present experience of joy, honor, and freedom. It's a promise of liberation from the psychological and spiritual bondage of past disgrace, allowing for a new, unburdened future. This echoes God's covenant promise to [remember sins no more](/jeremiah/31-34 "God Forgets Their Sins and Iniquities"), implying He will not hold them against His people, and they will no longer be defined by them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 54:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "barren woman" and "widow" of Zion, representing humanity alienated from God and burdened by the deep shame of sin, finds her true husband and redeemer in Christ. He is the one who took upon Himself the ultimate "reproach" and "shame" of humanity, enduring the cross, "despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")), so that we, His people, might never be put to shame. Through His atoning sacrifice, the "shame of our youth"—our inherited sin and personal transgressions—is not merely forgotten by us, but truly removed from God's sight, as He remembers our sins and lawless deeds no more ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "The New Covenant of Grace")). The desolation of our "widowhood," our spiritual abandonment and vulnerability apart from God, is transformed into a glorious and eternal union with Christ, the Bridegroom, who gave Himself up for His Church to make her holy and blameless ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ and the Church as Bride")). In Him, we are given a new identity, clothed in His perfect righteousness, and promised a future where there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away and all things are made new ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Tears or Pain in the New Creation")). Thus, the prophetic comfort of Isaiah 54:4 becomes a living reality for all who are in Christ, who are truly set free from the power and memory of shame and reproach, and welcomed into an everlasting covenant of peace and honor.

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

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

1 Peter 2:6

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Isaiah 61:7

For your shame [ye shall have] double; and [for] confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Jeremiah 31:19

Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon [my] thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

Isaiah 45:16

They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together [that are] makers of idols.

Isaiah 45:17

[But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

Isaiah 51:7

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart [is] my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.