Isaiah 56:2

KJV

Blessed [is] the man [that] doeth this, and the son of man [that] layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H835} is the man {H582} that doeth {H6213} this, and the son {H1121} of man {H120} that layeth hold {H2388} on it; that keepeth {H8104} the sabbath {H7676} from polluting {H2490} it, and keepeth {H8104} his hand {H3027} from doing {H6213} any evil {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Happy is the person who does this, anyone who grasps it firmly, who keeps Shabbat and does not profane it, and keeps himself from doing any evil.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”

American Standard Version

Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that holdeth it fast; that keepeth the sabbath from profaning it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 56:2 pronounces a profound divine blessing upon any individual who demonstrates unwavering commitment to God's covenant, specifically by diligently observing the Sabbath with reverence and abstaining from all forms of moral evil. This verse underscores that true happiness and divine favor are not merely inherited but are actively experienced by those who consistently align their lives with God's ceremonial and ethical commands, thereby extending the promise of salvation and flourishing to all who embrace righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial introductory statement to Isaiah chapters 56-66, a section often identified as "Third Isaiah." This segment of the prophetic book marks a significant shift in focus from earlier prophecies primarily concerned with judgment and restoration for the nation of Israel to a broader, more inclusive vision of God's universal salvation. Chapters 56-57, in particular, directly address the controversial inclusion of foreigners and eunuchs into God's covenant community, challenging the traditional, often exclusive, understanding of who could truly belong to Israel. Verse 2 functions as a foundational declaration, outlining the righteous conduct that qualifies anyone—regardless of their previous social or ethnic status—to receive God's blessing and participate in His redemptive plan. It powerfully sets the stage for the subsequent invitation to "foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord" and "eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths" to be brought to God's "holy mountain" and made joyful in His house of prayer, which is explicitly declared to be "a house of prayer for all nations" in [Isaiah 56:6-7](/isaiah/56-6-7 "Isaiah 56:6-7 - God's House for All Nations").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period following the Babylonian exile, during which this portion of Isaiah was likely composed, was a time of intense rebuilding and re-establishment of both national and religious identity in Judah. The return from exile brought forth pressing questions regarding who genuinely belonged to the covenant community and how to maintain purity and faithfulness to God's law in a post-exilic world. Sabbath observance was not merely a ritual but a critical marker of Jewish identity and an undeniable sign of covenant loyalty, distinguishing Israel from the surrounding pagan nations. The concept of "polluting" the Sabbath (H2490, _châlal_) carried profound theological weight, signifying the profaning or defiling of something sacred, which was considered a grave offense against God's explicit commands. Similarly, the directive to keep one's hand from "doing any evil" (H7451, _raʻ_) reflected the broader ethical demands of the Mosaic Law, which encompassed principles of justice, honesty, and compassion in every facet of daily life, as powerfully emphasized in passages like [Deuteronomy 5:32-33](/deuteronomy/5-32-33 "Deuteronomy 5:32-33 - Walk in All the Way the Lord Has Commanded").
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 56:2 significantly contributes to several pervasive themes found throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. The theme of **Divine Blessing** is paramount, unequivocally stating that God's favor, happiness, and flourishing are directly and intimately linked to obedience. This blessing is not arbitrary or unearned but is contingent upon a specific, righteous way of life. **Covenant Faithfulness** is prominently highlighted through the explicit mention of Sabbath keeping, which was a central and enduring sign of the Mosaic covenant, alongside the implicit commitment to the broader ethical demands of the Law. The verse also subtly but powerfully introduces the theme of **Inclusivity**, as it speaks of "the man" and "the son of man" without specifying Israelite lineage, thereby foreshadowing the universal scope of God's salvation that becomes more explicitly articulated later in the chapter. Finally, the verse powerfully integrates the concept of **Holistic Obedience**, demonstrating that God requires both ceremonial adherence (Sabbath observance) and profound moral integrity (avoiding evil), indicating that true righteousness encompasses all aspects of life, a principle beautifully echoed in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _ʼesher_):** This word (H835) conveys a state of deep happiness, profound good fortune, or a highly favorable condition. It describes the fortunate and flourishing state of those who are in right relationship with God and whose lives are aligned with His divine will. It is often used as an interjection, "how happy!", emphasizing the profound joy, well-being, and divine favor that results from such a life of obedience.
* **Layeth hold (Hebrew, _châzaq_):** From H2388, this primitive root means "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." In this context, "layeth hold on it" signifies a firm, tenacious, and courageous grip on the principles and practices mentioned. It implies not a casual or half-hearted adherence but a resolute, determined, and unwavering commitment to upholding God's commands, requiring both strength and perseverance against opposition.
* **Polluting (Hebrew, _châlal_):** From H2490, this word means "to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin (as if by an 'opening wedge'); to play (the flute)." When applied to the Sabbath, it means to profane, defile, or violate its sacredness. It underscores the extreme seriousness of desecrating what God has set apart as holy, implying a breaking of covenant trust and a wounding of the divine-human relationship through irreverent or disobedient actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed is the man that doeth this":** This opening declaration pronounces a state of profound happiness, flourishing, and divine favor upon individuals who actively engage in the subsequent actions. The phrase "doeth this" creates an immediate forward reference, building anticipation for the specific behaviors that lead to this blessed state, emphasizing that blessing is contingent upon intentional, consistent, and obedient action, not merely passive reception or inherited status.
* **"and the son of man that layeth hold on it":** This clause powerfully reinforces the preceding declaration, using parallel language to broaden and intensify the description of the blessed individual. "Son of man" (from H1121, _bên_ and H120, _ʼâdâm_) refers to a human being in general, emphasizing the universal applicability of this blessing beyond any specific ethnic or social group. "Layeth hold on it" (from H2388, _châzaq_) signifies a firm, determined, and unwavering grasp of the principles, indicating a deep, tenacious commitment and perseverance in obedience.
* **"that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it":** This is the first specific action required for the blessed life. "Keepeth" (H8104, _shâmar_) implies guarding, preserving, and diligently observing with care. The command to keep the Sabbath "from polluting it" (H2490, _châlal_) highlights the sacredness and sanctity of this divinely appointed day. It means to prevent any act that would desecrate its holiness, such as engaging in ordinary labor, commerce, or anything that violates its intended purpose as a day of rest, worship, and remembrance of God's creative and redemptive work.
* **"and keepeth his hand from doing any evil":** This second specific action broadens the scope from ceremonial observance to comprehensive moral conduct. "Keepeth his hand" (H3027, _yâd_) is a powerful metonymy for one's actions, power, and influence, emphasizing active restraint and diligent control over one's behavior. "Doing any evil" (from H6213, _ʻâsâh_ and H7451, _raʻ_) encompasses all forms of moral wrongdoing, injustice, and harmful actions. This clause demonstrates that true righteousness is holistic, encompassing both devout religious practice and unwavering ethical integrity in daily life.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 56:2 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message with clarity and impact. The opening phrase, "Blessed is the man," is a classic example of a **beatitude**, a solemn declaration of happiness or good fortune pronounced upon those who exhibit specific qualities or actions. This structure is prevalent in wisdom literature, such as [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man") and [Proverbs 3:13](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13 - Blessed is the Man Who Finds Wisdom"), and it powerfully highlights the desirable outcome of righteous living. The verse also prominently utilizes **parallelism**, particularly in the pairing of "the man that doeth this" and "the son of man that layeth hold on it." This synonymous parallelism serves to reinforce the central idea of active obedience while simultaneously expanding its scope to encompass all humanity. Furthermore, the two specific commands—keeping the Sabbath and refraining from evil—demonstrate **merism**, a literary technique where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a complete whole. Here, ceremonial law (Sabbath observance) and moral law (avoiding evil) together represent the entirety of God's will and the comprehensive nature of true obedience. Finally, the phrase "keepeth his hand from doing any evil" contains a **metonymy**, where "hand" stands for one's actions, power, or agency, effectively emphasizing the active choice, volitional control, and personal responsibility required to abstain from wrongdoing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 56:2 powerfully articulates the enduring Old Testament principle that blessing, flourishing, and true happiness are intrinsically linked to active obedience to God's covenant. It emphasizes that God's favor is not merely an inherited status or an arbitrary gift but a dynamic reality experienced by those who actively choose to live righteously in both their worship and their daily conduct. This verse foreshadows the New Covenant's emphasis on a transformed heart that produces genuine righteous living, demonstrating that God has always desired a people who reflect His character. The deliberate inclusion of "the son of man" (a general term for humanity) in this blessing also subtly points towards the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, which would ultimately be fully revealed in Christ, inviting all nations to participate in His covenant blessings.

* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1-3 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1-2 "Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 56:2 offers enduring wisdom for believers today, inviting us to consider the profound and inseparable connection between our actions and our experience of God's blessing. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of faith to embrace a holistic obedience that touches every area of our lives. The call to "keep the Sabbath from polluting it" reminds us of the vital and often overlooked need for intentional rest, spiritual renewal, and dedicated time for worship in a world that constantly pressures us towards relentless activity and productivity. This rest is not merely an absence of work but an active turning towards God, allowing Him to refresh our souls, reorient our priorities, and deepen our dependence on Him. Simultaneously, the command to "keep his hand from doing any evil" serves as a powerful ethical imperative, urging us to live with unwavering integrity, justice, and compassion in all our interactions. This means actively choosing righteousness, resisting temptation, and diligently ensuring that our words, deeds, and even our thoughts reflect the holy and loving character of Christ. A truly blessed life, as revealed in this verse, is one marked by both devout spiritual practice and unwavering moral integrity, leading to a deep, abiding, and comprehensive joy that comes from walking faithfully in God's ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "keep the Sabbath from polluting it" in my modern context, ensuring it remains a day of spiritual refreshment, worship, and focus on God?**
* **How does my daily conduct, specifically in my interactions with others and my choices regarding honesty and integrity, reflect the command to "keep my hand from doing any evil"?**
* **What specific areas of my life might need greater alignment with God's will to experience the holistic blessing described in this verse, and what steps can I take towards that alignment?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Sabbath observance" in this verse for Christians today?**

Answer: While New Testament believers understand that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")), Isaiah 56:2's emphasis on "keeping the Sabbath from polluting it" still carries profound spiritual significance. It underscores the timeless principle of setting aside dedicated time for rest, worship, and spiritual renewal. For Christians, this translates into prioritizing regular corporate worship, personal devotion, and intentional cessation from the anxieties and labors of the world. It is an act of trust in God's provision and an acknowledgment that our identity and well-being are found in Him, not in ceaseless activity. It also reminds us to honor God with our time, making sacred space for Him to work in our lives and re-center our focus on His sovereignty.

**How does "keeping his hand from doing any evil" relate to the concept of grace?**

Answer: The command to "keep his hand from doing any evil" highlights God's consistent expectation for righteous living, which is not negated but powerfully empowered by grace. In the Old Testament, this was a command to be obeyed through human effort, albeit with divine assistance. Under the New Covenant, grace, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, provides the power and desire to fulfill this command ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God at Work Within You")). It is not about earning salvation through good works, but about demonstrating a transformed heart that genuinely desires to please God and live in accordance with His moral will. Grace enables us to turn from evil and pursue righteousness, making obedience a joyful response to God's boundless love, rather than a burdensome obligation or a means to achieve merit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 56:2, with its declaration of blessing upon those who faithfully observe the Sabbath and abstain from evil, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "man" and "son of man" who perfectly "doeth this" and "layeth hold on it." Jesus perfectly kept the Sabbath, not through rigid legalism, but by fulfilling its true, compassionate purpose of bringing healing, liberation, and spiritual rest to humanity ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Lord of the Sabbath")). He never polluted it but rather demonstrated its divine intent. More significantly, Jesus lived a life utterly free from "doing any evil," being the only truly righteous and sinless human being who ever walked the earth ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless")). His perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, is the ultimate "doing this" that secures blessing for all who place their faith in Him. Through Christ, believers are not only imputed with His perfect righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")) but are also empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to genuinely "lay hold" on a life of progressive obedience, not to earn salvation, but as a fruit of their new identity and union with Him. The blessing promised in Isaiah 56:2 is therefore not just a reward for human effort, but a gracious gift received through intimate union with the One who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, inviting all to enter into His eternal rest and abundant life ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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

Exodus 31:13

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you.

Exodus 31:16

Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, [for] a perpetual covenant.

Isaiah 58:13

¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words:

Psalms 112:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Ezekiel 20:12

Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them.

Ezekiel 20:20

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I [am] the LORD your God.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.