Isaiah 54:6

KJV

¶ For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} hath called {H7121} thee as a woman {H802} forsaken {H5800} and grieved {H6087} in spirit {H7307}, and a wife {H802} of youth {H5271}, when thou wast refused {H3988}, saith {H559} thy God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI has called you back like a wife abandoned and grief-stricken; "A wife married in her youth cannot be rejected," says your God.

Berean Standard Bible

For the LORD has called you back, like a wife deserted and wounded in spirit, like the rejected wife of one’s youth,” says your God.

American Standard Version

For Jehovah hath called thee as a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a wife of youth, when she is cast off, saith thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 54:6 delivers a profound message of divine compassion and enduring covenant love, addressing Israel, personified as a woman who feels abandoned and deeply grieved. Despite her perception of being forsaken and refused, the LORD affirms His unwavering commitment, likening His relationship with her to that of a husband with his cherished "wife of youth." This verse serves as a tender assurance of God's initiative to restore and comfort His people, underscoring His faithfulness even in their seasons of despair and perceived rejection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 54 stands as a glorious song of comfort and restoration, immediately following the profound prophecy of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). The atoning work of the Servant is the foundational premise upon which the promises of renewal in Chapter 54 are built. Chapter 54 begins with a command to a barren woman (representing Zion/Israel) to "sing" and "break forth into singing," promising her a multitude of children and a vast expansion of her dwelling, signifying a reversal of her desolate state ([Isaiah 54:1-3](/isaiah/54-1 "Isaiah 54:1-3 - The Barren Woman's Joy")). Verse 6 then deepens this imagery by directly addressing the emotional state of this "woman," acknowledging her past grief and sense of abandonment, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent promises of eternal kindness, peace, and security ([Isaiah 54:7-17](/isaiah/54-7 "Isaiah 54:7-17 - God's Everlasting Love and Protection")). This chapter is part of the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), which focuses on God's redemption and restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 54 is primarily directed toward Israel, particularly in the context of their exile and subsequent return. The nation had experienced periods of unfaithfulness, judgment, and the devastating reality of being scattered among the nations, leading to a profound sense of abandonment by God. Culturally, the imagery of a "woman forsaken and grieved in spirit" would resonate deeply with the shame and sorrow associated with barrenness, divorce, or rejection in ancient Near Eastern societies, where a woman's worth was often tied to her ability to bear children and maintain a stable marriage. The phrase "wife of youth" (Hebrew: *eshet ne'urim*) carries significant weight, referring to a bride married in one's early years, implying a foundational, cherished, and long-standing relationship. This metaphor highlights God's original, deep affection and covenantal commitment to Israel, a bond initiated in their "youth" as a nation, which He views as enduring despite their temporary estrangement or perceived "refusal."

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Compassion and Initiative**, showing God's profound empathy for His people's suffering and His active role in initiating their restoration. It is the LORD who "hath called thee," not Israel's own merit or effort. Secondly, it speaks to **Restoration from Despair**, acknowledging the deep sorrow and sense of rejection ("grieved in spirit," "when thou wast refused") experienced by the nation, and offering a divine promise to lift them out of this state. Thirdly, the metaphor of the "wife of youth" underscores **God's Enduring Covenant Love and Faithfulness**. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's commitment to His covenant remains steadfast, viewing His relationship with His people as an unbreakable, cherished bond, much like a husband's steadfast love for his first bride. This theme is further developed throughout [Isaiah 54](/isaiah/54 "Isaiah 54 - The Everlasting Covenant of Peace"), where God promises an "everlasting covenant of peace" ([Isaiah 54:10](/isaiah/54-10 "Isaiah 54:10 - God's Unfailing Love")). Finally, the verse offers profound **Hope for the Rejected**, assuring those who feel cast off or forgotten that God's personal affirmation, "saith thy God," remains a constant source of identity, belonging, and ultimate vindication.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, meaning "to call out to," "address by name," "invite," or "proclaim." In this context, it signifies God's active, intentional, and personal initiative to reach out to His people. It's not a passive observation but a deliberate act of summoning and re-engagement, highlighting His desire for reconciliation and restoration.
* **forsaken (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** From H5800, meaning "to loosen," "relinquish," "permit," "fail," or "leave destitute." This word captures the deep sense of abandonment and isolation experienced by the "woman," Israel. It conveys a feeling of being left alone, neglected, and without support, emphasizing the profound despair from which God promises to deliver her.
* **refused (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** From H3988, meaning "to spurn," "abhor," "cast away (off)," "despise," or "reject." This term intensifies the feeling of rejection and indignity. It suggests that the "woman" not only felt abandoned but also actively scorned or deemed unworthy, adding another layer to her grief and highlighting the depth of God's compassionate understanding of her perceived plight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD hath called thee":** This opening clause establishes the divine initiative. It is God, YHWH, the covenant-keeping God, who is actively reaching out. The verb "called" (qara') implies a summoning, an invitation, and a declaration of intent, signaling a turning point from perceived abandonment to divine engagement.
* **"as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit":** Here, the simile vividly portrays the emotional state of the addressed entity (Israel/Zion). She is likened to a woman who has been abandoned by her husband (forsaken) and whose inner being is deeply pained and sorrowful (grieved in spirit). This acknowledges the profound suffering, desolation, and emotional anguish experienced by God's people during their periods of judgment and exile.
* **"and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused":** This phrase further clarifies the nature of the relationship and the depth of the perceived rejection. "A wife of youth" refers to a bride taken in one's early years, signifying a foundational, cherished, and intimate bond. The subsequent "when thou wast refused" indicates that despite this deep, historical connection, she felt spurned or cast off, adding a layer of betrayal and undeserved rejection to her grief. This highlights the paradox of God's enduring love amidst Israel's perception of being rejected.
* **"saith thy God.":** This concluding declaration powerfully authenticates the message. It is not merely a human observation or wishful thinking, but a direct, authoritative word from "thy God" (Elohim), emphasizing the personal and covenantal relationship. This divine pronouncement provides ultimate assurance and comfort, cementing the truth of God's compassionate call and His unwavering commitment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 54:6 is rich in **Simile** and **Metaphor**, creating a vivid and emotionally resonant picture of God's relationship with Israel. The nation is portrayed "as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit," a **Simile** that allows the audience to immediately grasp the depth of despair and isolation being addressed. This then transitions into the **Metaphor** of "a wife of youth," which powerfully conveys the enduring, foundational, and cherished nature of God's covenantal bond with His people, despite their unfaithfulness or perceived abandonment. The entire passage employs **Personification**, presenting Israel/Zion as a female figure capable of experiencing deep emotional pain and longing for restoration. Furthermore, the phrase "saith thy God" acts as a **Divine Affirmation**, lending ultimate authority and certainty to the promises, reinforcing the personal and covenantal nature of the relationship between YHWH and His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 54:6 profoundly articulates the unwavering nature of God's covenant faithfulness, even when His people feel utterly abandoned due to their own unfaithfulness or the consequences of judgment. It reveals God not as a distant, punitive deity, but as a compassionate husband who understands the depth of His bride's grief and perceived rejection. The "wife of youth" metaphor underscores that the foundation of His relationship with Israel was one of deep love and commitment from the very beginning, a bond that time or tribulation cannot ultimately sever. This divine initiative to "call" the forsaken is a testament to His redemptive love, demonstrating that His grace precedes and enables any human response, ultimately leading to restoration and peace. It's a powerful declaration that God's character is defined by steadfast love and an unbreakable covenant, not by temporary human failures.

* [Jeremiah 3:14](/jeremiah/3-14 "Jeremiah 3:14 - Return, O faithless children") - "Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD, for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion."
* [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19 "Hosea 2:19-20 - Betrothal to God") - "And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you shall know the LORD."
* [Romans 11:1-2](/romans/11-1 "Romans 11:1-2 - God has not rejected Israel") - "I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 54:6 offers immense comfort and hope to all who have experienced feelings of abandonment, rejection, or deep sorrow. In a world where relationships can break, trust can be betrayed, and circumstances can leave us feeling desolate, this verse reminds us that God sees our pain, understands our grief, and actively reaches out to us. Even when we feel like a "woman forsaken" or "refused," God's unchanging love and covenant faithfulness remain steadfast. His "call" is an invitation to return, to be restored, and to remember that our identity is rooted in His unwavering commitment to us, not in our past failures or current circumstances. It encourages us to trust in God's character, knowing that His love is not dependent on our perfection but on His eternal, redemptive nature. This passage serves as a profound assurance that even in our deepest despair, we are cherished by "thy God," who desires to bring us back into a place of intimacy and security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you felt "forsaken" or "refused," and how does God's compassionate call in this verse speak to those feelings?**
* **What does the imagery of God as a husband to a "wife of youth" reveal about the enduring nature of His commitment to you?**
* **How does understanding God's initiative in "calling" the grieved and abandoned change your perspective on your relationship with Him?**
* **How can you extend God's compassionate "call" to others in your community who may be feeling rejected or despairing?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "woman" being addressed in Isaiah 54:6?**

Answer: The "woman" being addressed in Isaiah 54:6 is a personification of Israel, or more specifically, Zion/Jerusalem. This imagery is consistent throughout Isaiah, where Israel is often depicted as a wife to the LORD, and her barrenness or desolation represents her captivity and spiritual state. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 54:1-3](/isaiah/54-1 "Isaiah 54:1-3 - The Barren Woman's Joy") explicitly call for the "barren one who bore no child" to "break forth into singing," promising her a multitude of descendants and expansion, clearly identifying her with the nation of Israel, particularly in its post-exilic restoration.

**What does the phrase "wife of youth" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "wife of youth" (Hebrew: *eshet ne'urim*) signifies a bride married in one's early years, representing a foundational, cherished, and long-standing relationship. In the context of God and Israel, it speaks to the deep, original covenant bond established by God with His people at the very beginning of their national existence, such as at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai")). Despite Israel's unfaithfulness and subsequent periods of perceived abandonment or judgment, God views this initial relationship as enduring and precious, emphasizing His unwavering commitment and the unbreakable nature of His covenant love, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - God's Everlasting Love").

**How does Isaiah 54:6 relate to the preceding chapter, Isaiah 53?**

Answer: Isaiah 54:6 is deeply connected to [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), which describes the atoning work of the Suffering Servant. The Servant's sacrifice for the sins of the people is the theological bedrock upon which the promises of restoration and comfort in Isaiah 54 are built. It is because the Servant "bore our griefs and carried our sorrows" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant's Burden")) and made "his soul an offering for guilt" ([Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - The Servant's Guilt Offering")) that the "woman forsaken and grieved in spirit" can now be "called" back by the LORD. The Servant's redemptive work provides the basis for God's renewed covenant with His people, transforming their desolation into joy and their perceived rejection into an everlasting bond of peace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 54:6, with its tender portrayal of God calling a "woman forsaken and grieved in spirit" back as a "wife of youth," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the divine Bridegroom who comes not for the righteous, but for the broken, the outcast, and those who feel utterly rejected by the world and even by God. Just as Israel felt forsaken due to her sins and exile, humanity, alienated from God by sin, is truly "grieved in spirit" and "refused" by a holy God. Yet, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, bridges this chasm. He is the one who, by His suffering and death on the cross, makes it possible for God to "call" us back into an intimate, everlasting covenant relationship. The Church, composed of all believers, becomes the "bride" of Christ ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")), whom He loves and for whom He gave Himself up, cleansing her to present her as a glorious, spotless bride. His "call" is an invitation to all who are weary and heavy-laden ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), offering a new covenant of grace where there is no longer any condemnation for those who are in Him ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Through Christ, the perceived rejection is transformed into eternal acceptance, and the grief of separation is replaced by the joy of an unbreakable union with God, foreshadowing the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Ecclesiastes 9:9

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in [this] life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

Hosea 2:14

¶ Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.

Hosea 2:15

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Hosea 2:1

¶ Say ye unto your brethren, Ammi; and to your sisters, Ruhamah.

Hosea 2:2

Plead with your mother, plead: for she [is] not my wife, neither [am] I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts;

Proverbs 5:18

Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.