Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

For thus saith {H559} the high {H7311} and lofty One {H5375} that inhabiteth {H7931} eternity {H5703}, whose name {H8034} is Holy {H6918}; I dwell {H7931} in the high {H4791} and holy {H6918} place, with him also that is of a contrite {H1793} and humble {H8217} spirit {H7307}, to revive {H2421} the spirit {H7307} of the humble {H8217}, and to revive {H2421} the heart {H3820} of the contrite ones {H1792}.

For thus says the High, Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy: "I live in the high and holy place but also with the broken and humble, in order to revive the spirit of the humble and revive the hearts of the broken ones.

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 57:15 (KJV): "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

Context

Isaiah 57 is a chapter that contrasts the spiritual decay and idolatry of Israel with God's enduring character and His promise of restoration. Prior verses detail God's judgment on those who have abandoned Him for false worship and worldly pursuits. Amidst this backdrop of divine displeasure, verse 15 emerges as a profound declaration of God's nature and His compassionate heart towards those who genuinely seek Him. It serves as a beacon of hope, revealing that despite humanity's failings, God remains accessible to the repentant and brokenhearted, offering renewal and comfort.

Key Themes

  • God's Transcendence and Immanence: This verse beautifully portrays the paradox of God's nature. He is the "high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity," emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, majesty, and timelessness. Yet, this same exalted God declares, "I dwell... with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." This highlights God's willingness to condescend and draw near to humanity, demonstrating His incredible immanence and desire for intimate relationship.
  • God's Holiness: His name "is Holy," reinforcing His separation from sin, His moral perfection, and His divine purity. This holiness is not a barrier but a foundation for His righteous character and His just dealings with humanity. It is His holiness that demands justice yet also enables His compassion.
  • The Contrite and Humble Spirit: God's dwelling place is not merely in the heavens but also with those who possess a specific spiritual posture: a "contrite and humble spirit." A contrite spirit is one that is broken, repentant, and deeply grieved over sin, recognizing one's own spiritual bankruptcy. A humble spirit is one that is lowly, meek, and dependent on God, free from pride and self-sufficiency. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 51:17.
  • Divine Revival and Restoration: The ultimate purpose of God's dwelling with the humble and contrite is "to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." This speaks of spiritual renewal, restoration, and the impartation of new life and strength. God does not just acknowledge their state but actively works to heal and uplift them, offering comfort and hope to those who feel crushed or disheartened. This restorative work is a hallmark of His grace, as seen in Psalm 23:3.

Linguistic Insights

  • "High and lofty One" (Hebrew: Ram v'Nissa - רָם וְנִשָּׂא): This phrase emphasizes God's supreme elevation and exalted status, conveying His majesty and power.
  • "Inhabiteth eternity" (Hebrew: Shoken Ad - שׁוֹכֵן עַד): This highlights God's timelessness and eternal existence, meaning He dwells in and is master of all time, beyond human comprehension.
  • "Holy" (Hebrew: Kadosh - קָדוֹשׁ): Signifies that God is utterly set apart, unique, and pure, distinct from all creation and morally perfect.
  • "Contrite" (Hebrew: Dakka - דַּכָּא): Literally means 'crushed' or 'broken,' indicating a spirit that has been humbled and brought low by a recognition of sin or suffering.
  • "Humble" (Hebrew: Shefal Ruach - שְׁפַל רוּחַ): Means 'low of spirit' or 'lowly,' signifying a lack of pride and a disposition of meekness and dependence on God.
  • "Revive" (Hebrew: Lehachayot - לְהַחֲיוֹת): To give life, restore, make alive again, indicating God's power to renew and invigorate.

Practical Application

Isaiah 57:15 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It assures us that despite God's infinite greatness and holiness, He is not distant or unreachable. Instead, He actively seeks out and draws near to those who recognize their spiritual need and approach Him with humility and repentance. This verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of humility, acknowledging our dependence on God rather than relying on our own strength or accomplishments. When we come to Him with a truly contrite heart, admitting our shortcomings and seeking His mercy, we can experience His promised revival and restoration. It reminds us that spiritual renewal often begins with a brokenness that leads to true humility, opening the way for God's life-giving presence to transform our spirits and hearts.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 34:18

    The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

  • Isaiah 66:1

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?

  • Isaiah 66:2

    For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

  • Psalms 138:6

    ¶ Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

  • Psalms 147:3

    He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

  • Exodus 15:11

    Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

  • Daniel 4:34

    ¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:

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