Isaiah 57:19

KJV

I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.

KJV (with Strong's)

I create {H1254} the fruit {H5108} of the lips {H8193}; Peace {H7965}, peace {H7965} to him that is far off {H7350}, and to him that is near {H7138}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; and I will heal {H7495} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will create the right words: 'Shalom shalom to those far off and to those nearby!' says ADONAI; 'I will heal them!'"

Berean Standard Bible

bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.”

American Standard Version

I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him that is far off and to him that is near, saith Jehovah; and I will heal him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 57:19 powerfully declares the Lord's sovereign act of creating "the fruit of the lips," signifying a divine enablement for genuine praise and confession. This verse then extends a profound and comprehensive promise of peace and healing, reaching universally to those who are spiritually distant and those who are near. It underscores God's boundless grace and redemptive power, revealing His compassionate character and unwavering commitment to restoration and reconciliation for all who respond to His call.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 57:19 serves as a climactic declaration within a chapter that starkly contrasts the spiritual apostasy and idolatry of Israel with the Lord's profound compassion and enduring desire for restoration. The preceding verses (Isaiah 57:15-18) establish God's unique character: though dwelling in the high and holy place, He also condescends to dwell with the humble and contrite in spirit, specifically "to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones" ([Isaiah 57:15](/isaiah/57-15 "Isaiah 57:15 - God Dwells with the Contrite")). This divine condescension is motivated by His promise not to contend forever or be perpetually wroth (Isaiah 57:16), for such unending wrath would cause the spirits He has made to fail. Instead, despite having seen their wayward ways (Isaiah 57:17), God promises to heal them (Isaiah 57:18). Thus, verse 19 functions as the culmination of this divine promise of restoration, specifying the means ("fruit of the lips") and the universal recipients ("far off" and "near") of this profound peace and healing, bringing the chapter to a hopeful, restorative close that anticipates God's redemptive work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah addresses Judah during a tumultuous period, spanning from the Assyrian threat through the Babylonian exile and beyond. Chapter 57 specifically critiques the pervasive idolatrous practices and spiritual unfaithfulness within the covenant community, who had turned away from the Lord to pursue foreign gods and alliances. In this context, "him that is far off" could refer to the Gentiles, geographically and spiritually separated from Jerusalem and the Mosaic covenant, or to those in exile, physically distant from the promised land. "Him that is near" would represent the covenant people, Israel, who, despite their proximity to God's revelation and covenant promises, had also strayed into spiritual brokenness. Culturally, "peace" (Hebrew: *shalom*) in the ancient Near East was a rich, holistic concept, encompassing not merely the absence of conflict but also wholeness, well-being, prosperity, safety, and right relationships with God and humanity. The "fruit of the lips" would have been understood within the framework of Temple worship, prophetic utterance, and personal devotion, where words of praise, confession, and repentance were vital expressions of faith and covenant faithfulness, signifying a transformed heart.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Creative Power**, emphasizing that even the capacity for genuine worship and confession is a gift from God, as He "creates the fruit of the lips." This resonates with the biblical truth that all good things, including our spiritual responses and renewal, originate from Him, as seen in the broader scope of [God's creative work](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Universal Grace and Inclusivity**, extending peace to both the "far off" and the "near." This prophetic declaration remarkably foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God's redemptive plan for all humanity, breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile, as profoundly articulated in [Ephesians 2:13-17](/ephesians/2-13-17 "Ephesians 2:13-17 - Christ Our Peace for Far and Near"). Finally, the promise "and I will heal him" emphasizes **Divine Restoration and Wholeness**, not merely physically but spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. This theme of God as the Great Healer is pervasive throughout Scripture, from His self-revelation as "the Lord who heals you" in [Exodus 15:26](/exodus/15-26 "Exodus 15:26 - The Lord Who Heals You") to the promise of ultimate healing and the eradication of all suffering in the eschatological future, as depicted in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Pain or Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Create (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** From H1254, this primitive root signifies "to create" in an absolute sense, often implying a divine act of bringing something into existence from nothing (ex nihilo) or shaping something entirely new and unique. In Isaiah 57:19, God "creates" the "fruit of the lips," indicating that genuine praise, confession, and thanksgiving are not merely human endeavors but are divinely initiated and enabled. It highlights God's sovereign power to transform hearts and empower speech for His glory, making possible what was previously impossible due to human sinfulness.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, this word is exceptionally rich in meaning, extending far beyond the mere absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, well-being, health, prosperity, safety, harmony, and right relationships. Its repetition ("Peace, peace") serves as an intensifier, emphasizing the absolute, complete, and abundant nature of the peace God bestows. This is a comprehensive peace that addresses spiritual, emotional, and relational brokenness, restoring a right relationship with God and others, and bringing a state of profound flourishing.
* **Heal (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** From H7495, this primitive root primarily means "to mend (by stitching)" or "to cure." Figuratively, it denotes spiritual, emotional, and relational restoration. In this context, God's promise to "heal him" signifies His commitment to mend the deep brokenness caused by sin, rebellion, and separation from Him. It speaks to bringing spiritual wholeness, forgiveness, reconciliation, and complete renewal to those who respond to His call and receive His peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I create the fruit of the lips":** This opening clause asserts God's divine authorship over genuine spiritual expression. The "fruit of the lips" refers to words of praise, thanksgiving, confession, and repentance that are pleasing to God. It implies that true worship and acknowledgement of God do not originate solely from human effort or natural ability but are a supernatural work of God within the individual, enabling them to speak words that are truly honoring to Him. This highlights God's grace in empowering His people to respond in faith and adoration, transforming their hearts to produce such spiritual fruit.
* **"Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD;":** This central declaration reveals the universal and comprehensive scope of God's offer of peace. The repetition of "peace" (Hebrew: *shalom*) emphasizes its abundance, completeness, and profound nature. "Him that is far off" typically refers to the Gentiles or those spiritually estranged from God due to their sin and idolatry, while "him that is near" refers to Israel, God's covenant people, who, despite their privileged position, had also fallen into spiritual brokenness. The phrase "saith the LORD" authenticates this promise as a direct, authoritative, and unchangeable declaration from Yahweh, the self-existent God of the covenant, underscoring its certainty and divine origin.
* **"and I will heal him.":** This concluding promise underscores God's compassionate commitment to holistic restoration. The "healing" extends beyond physical ailments to encompass spiritual, emotional, and relational wholeness. It signifies God's intention to mend the deep wounds of sin, rebellion, and separation from Him, bringing profound reconciliation, forgiveness, and complete renewal to all who receive His peace. This healing is the natural and promised outcome of accepting the comprehensive peace offered by the Lord, leading to a state of *shalom* in its fullest sense.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 57:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of divine grace and restoration. **Metaphor** is prominently featured in "the fruit of the lips," which serves as a beautiful and organic image for words of praise, confession, and thanksgiving that are divinely inspired. Just as fruit is the natural, healthy product of a thriving tree, so too are genuine expressions of worship the natural outflow of a heart transformed and enabled by God. The **repetition** of "Peace, peace" (Hebrew: *shalom, shalom*) is a powerful form of **intensification**, emphasizing the absolute, complete, and abundant nature of the peace God offers. This doubling of the word serves to underscore its profound significance and comprehensive scope, highlighting that God's peace is not partial but all-encompassing. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **antithesis** by juxtaposing "him that is far off" and "him that is near," highlighting the universal reach of God's grace and His desire to reconcile all people to Himself, regardless of their prior spiritual or ethnic standing. This contrast effectively broadens the audience for God's redemptive work, demonstrating His indiscriminate love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 57:19 is a profound declaration of God's redemptive initiative, revealing His character as both the sovereign Creator and the compassionate Healer. The divine creation of the "fruit of the lips" signifies that true worship and confession are not mere human efforts but are divinely enabled, a grace that allows humanity to respond to God's goodness. The universal offer of "peace, peace" to both the "far off" and the "near" speaks to God's boundless inclusivity, breaking down all barriers of separation—whether spiritual, ethnic, or geographical—and inviting all into a relationship of wholeness and reconciliation. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a comprehensive state of well-being, reflecting God's desire for humanity's complete restoration. The promise "and I will heal him" encapsulates God's commitment to mend the brokenness of sin, bringing spiritual and relational wholeness.

* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering the Sacrifice of Praise Continually")
* [Ephesians 2:13-17](/ephesians/2-13-17 "Ephesians 2:13-17 - Christ Our Peace for Jew and Gentile")
* [Psalm 103:2-3](/psalms/103-2-3 "Psalm 103:2-3 - Bless the Lord, Who Forgives and Heals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 57:19 offers immense encouragement and a clear call to response for believers today. It reminds us that our ability to genuinely praise, confess, and give thanks to God is itself a divine gift, a "fruit of the lips" that He creates within us. This truth should humble us and inspire a deeper sense of gratitude for the grace that enables our worship, transforming mere words into heartfelt adoration. More profoundly, the verse assures us of God's boundless and indiscriminate peace and healing. No matter how "far off" we may feel due to past sins, failures, or spiritual distance, or how "near" we are as part of God's covenant people, His comprehensive peace (*shalom*) and restorative healing are freely offered. This calls us to embrace God's invitation to reconciliation, to confess our need for His transformative power, and to receive the spiritual wholeness that only He can provide. It's a powerful reminder that God's grace extends to all who turn to Him, promising not just forgiveness, but complete restoration and a profound sense of peace in His presence, enabling us to live in alignment with His will and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize God's active role in enabling my praise and confession, making it the "fruit of my lips" rather than solely my own effort?**
* **How does the promise of "peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near" challenge or expand my understanding of God's grace and inclusivity towards all people?**
* **What specific areas of my life—spiritual, emotional, relational, or even physical—am I currently seeking God's healing and wholeness for, in light of His promise "I will heal him"?**
* **How can I personally embody and extend this divine peace and healing in my own sphere of influence, reaching out to those who may feel "far off" or "near" in my community or relationships?**

### FAQ

**What does "the fruit of the lips" mean in this verse?**

Answer: "The fruit of the lips" is a profound metaphor referring to words of praise, thanksgiving, confession, and worship that originate from a heart transformed by God. It signifies that true spiritual expression is not merely a human effort but is divinely enabled and inspired. God "creates" this fruit, meaning He empowers and enables His people to offer genuine and acceptable worship that is pleasing to Him. This concept is beautifully echoed in the New Testament, where [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering the Sacrifice of Praise") speaks of offering "the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."

**Who are "him that is far off, and to him that is near"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the universal scope of God's offer of peace and healing, demonstrating His boundless grace. "Him that is far off" generally refers to the Gentiles, those outside the covenant community of Israel, or individuals who are spiritually estranged from God due to sin and idolatry. "Him that is near" refers to the covenant people of Israel, who, despite their privileged proximity to God's revelation and promises, had also strayed into spiritual brokenness. The juxtaposition emphasizes that God's grace, comprehensive peace (*shalom*), and restorative healing are extended indiscriminately to all humanity, regardless of their past spiritual condition or ethnic background. This prophetic declaration finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who brought peace to both groups, as detailed in [Ephesians 2:17](/ephesians/2-17 "Ephesians 2:17 - Christ Preached Peace to Far and Near").

**What kind of healing is promised in "and I will heal him"?**

Answer: The healing promised in Isaiah 57:19 is comprehensive and holistic, extending far beyond mere physical recovery. While God certainly has the power to heal physically, in this context, "healing" primarily refers to spiritual, emotional, and relational restoration. It addresses the deep wounds caused by sin, rebellion, and separation from God. It signifies God's commitment to mend broken spirits, forgive iniquities, and restore individuals to a right and whole relationship with Himself and with others. This divine healing brings wholeness, reconciliation, and profound peace (*shalom*) to the contrite heart. The Psalms often speak of God's healing in this broader sense, such as in [Psalm 103:3](/psalms/103-3 "Psalm 103:3 - Heals All Your Diseases"), which declares that God "forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 57:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the Lord's promises. The Lord's pledge to "create the fruit of the lips" is realized as Christ, through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, enables believers to offer genuine praise and confession. It is by His grace that our lips can declare His goodness, as He transforms hearts and empowers us to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The declaration of "Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near" is a powerful prophecy of the gospel's universal reach. Jesus Himself is our peace, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile through His crucifixion, making "both one" and creating a new humanity ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls")). He "came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh" ([Ephesians 2:17](/ephesians/2-17 "Ephesians 2:17 - Christ Preached Peace to All")), fulfilling Isaiah's vision of universal reconciliation. Furthermore, the promise "and I will heal him" is perfectly embodied in Christ, the Great Physician. He came not only to heal physical ailments but, more significantly, to heal the deepest spiritual brokenness caused by sin, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus provides the ultimate healing for our souls, bringing us into a state of *shalom*—wholeness and peace—with God, a peace that surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Him ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God That Surpasses Understanding")).

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

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Acts 2:39

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 10:36

The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Ephesians 6:19

¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Matthew 10:13

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.