Isaiah 59:20

KJV

And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Redeemer {H1350} shall come {H935} to Zion {H6726}, and unto them that turn {H7725} from transgression {H6588} in Jacob {H3290}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Then a Redeemer will come to Tziyon, to those in Ya'akov who turn from rebellion." So says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And a Redeemer will come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 59:20 stands as a profound prophetic declaration, offering a vivid promise of divine intervention and salvation amidst a chapter that starkly details Israel's pervasive sin and separation from God. It heralds the certain arrival of a divine deliverer, the "Redeemer," who will come to Zion specifically for those within the house of Jacob who genuinely turn away from their transgressions. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, initiating a shift from the lament over human failure to a glorious anticipation of redemptive restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 59:20 marks a pivotal turning point within the broader prophetic discourse of Isaiah 59. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 59:1-15](/isaiah/59-1-15 "Isaiah 59:1-15 - Israel's Sin and Separation")) paint a bleak picture of Israel's moral and spiritual decay, detailing their widespread injustice, violence, and spiritual blindness. The prophet laments that "justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us" ([Isaiah 59:9](/isaiah/59-9 "Isaiah 59:9 - The Absence of Justice")). In response to this profound human failure and the absence of any human intercessor or champion for truth ([Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God's Intervention")), God Himself intervenes. He "saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor" ([Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "God's Observation of Human Failure")), leading Him to "put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head" ([Isaiah 59:17](/isaiah/59-17 "God's Arming for Salvation")). Thus, Isaiah 59:20 emerges as a divine initiative, a direct response to Israel's sin, shifting the narrative from judgment and lament to a concrete promise of salvation and covenant renewal, thereby setting the stage for the glorious future depicted in [Isaiah 60](/isaiah/60 "Isaiah 60 - The Future Glory of Zion").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah addresses a nation grappling with spiritual apostasy and geopolitical threats. While the immediate context of Isaiah 59 likely reflects the moral decline of Judah prior to the Babylonian exile, the prophetic vision extends beyond this period. The concept of a "Redeemer" (Go'el) was deeply embedded in Israelite law and culture, referring to the nearest male relative who had the right and responsibility to restore lost property, avenge a wrong, or free a relative from bondage (e.g., [Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "Leviticus 25:25 - The Law of Redemption"), [Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Avenger of Blood")). This cultural understanding emphasizes God's intimate relationship with Israel as their kinsman, committed to delivering them from their enslaved state due to sin. "Zion" (Jerusalem) was not merely a geographical location but the spiritual and political heart of Israel, the dwelling place of God, symbolizing His presence among His people. The "house of Jacob" refers to the entire nation of Israel, emphasizing the covenant people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah. The central promise of the "Redeemer's" coming underscores the theme of **Divine Redemption**, highlighting that salvation is God's sovereign act, not a human achievement. It emphasizes God's active, personal intervention to rescue His people from the bondage and consequences of sin. The phrase "unto them that turn from transgression" introduces the crucial theme of **Repentance and Transformation**, indicating that while God's grace is sovereign, it is received by those who genuinely turn from their sinful ways. This turning is not a work to earn salvation but a necessary posture of the heart. Furthermore, the verse carries profound **Messianic Hope**, pointing forward to a definitive deliverer. The New Testament explicitly links this promise to Jesus Christ, as seen in [Romans 11:26](/romans/11-26 "Romans 11:26 - The Redeemer from Zion"), identifying Him as the ultimate Redeemer who comes out of Zion to bring salvation. Finally, the verse affirms God's **Covenant Fidelity**, demonstrating that despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, God remains true to His promises, providing a path for restoration and renewal for His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeemer (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** This term (H1350) is a primitive root signifying "to redeem according to the Oriental law of kinship." It denotes the role of the next of kin who has the right and responsibility to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, or avenge a wrong. In this context, it powerfully portrays God as the divine Kinsman-Redeemer, who is intimately connected to Israel and committed to delivering them from their bondage to sin and its consequences. It highlights God's active and personal involvement in the salvation of His people, emphasizing His role as their rescuer and restorer.
* **turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This root (H7725) is highly significant, meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." It encompasses the idea of repentance, a decisive change of direction, attitude, and action. In Isaiah 59:20, it signifies a turning away from sin and towards God, indicating that the benefits of the Redeemer's coming are specifically for those who genuinely repent and abandon their transgressions. This is not merely a superficial change but a fundamental reorientation of life.
* **transgression (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to revolt," this word (H6588) denotes a rebellion, a deliberate breaking of a covenant or law. It signifies a willful act of defiance against God, rather than a mere mistake or error. The use of "transgression" here underscores the seriousness of Israel's sin, portraying it as an intentional act of rebellion from which they must turn. The Redeemer comes precisely to address and overcome this deep-seated rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Redeemer shall come to Zion":** This clause proclaims the certain and active arrival of the divine deliverer. The "Redeemer" is God Himself, acting on behalf of His people, fulfilling His covenant role as their kinsman. "Zion," representing Jerusalem and by extension God's people and holy dwelling, is the destination, signifying that God's redemptive work is centered on His chosen community and His established kingdom. This is a promise of God's personal and powerful intervention.
* **"and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob":** This specifies the recipients of the Redeemer's coming. The benefits are not universal but are directed "unto them that turn from transgression." This highlights the necessity of repentance—a genuine turning away from willful rebellion against God. "Jacob" refers to the nation of Israel, indicating that this promise is for the covenant people, but specifically for those within that nation who respond with a repentant heart.
* **"saith the LORD":** This concluding phrase (using H5002, _nᵉʼum'_ and H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_) serves as a divine affirmation, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophecy. It emphasizes that this is not merely a human prediction but a direct, authoritative declaration from Yahweh, the self-existent and eternal God, guaranteeing the fulfillment of the promise.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 59:20 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the "Redeemer" is depicted as an active agent who "shall come," embodying God's personal and dynamic intervention in human history. This gives a tangible sense to God's saving power. The use of **Metonymy** is evident in "Zion" and "Jacob." "Zion" stands not just for the physical city of Jerusalem but for God's holy dwelling place, His spiritual kingdom, and His covenant people. Similarly, "Jacob" represents the entire nation of Israel. These terms allow the prophet to refer to the collective entity through a significant part or symbol. The phrase "turn from transgression" is a powerful **Idiom** for repentance, emphasizing a decisive moral and spiritual reorientation. The declaration "saith the LORD" functions as a **Prophetic Formula**, serving as an authoritative stamp, underscoring the divine origin and infallible truthfulness of the promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 59:20 is a cornerstone prophecy that bridges the Old Testament's anticipation of salvation with its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in their deepest sin, by promising a divine Kinsman-Redeemer. This promise reveals that God's justice is not merely punitive but redemptive, providing a way for reconciliation for those who genuinely repent. The verse emphasizes that salvation is initiated by God, not earned by human effort, yet it requires a human response of turning from sin. It anticipates a comprehensive restoration that addresses both the spiritual brokenness of Israel and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom.

* [Romans 11:26](/romans/11-26 "Romans 11:26 - The Deliverer from Zion")
* [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant")
* [Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ's Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 59:20 offers enduring hope and a profound challenge for all generations. It reminds us that no matter how pervasive sin may be, or how deeply entrenched unrighteousness, God's redemptive power is infinitely greater and His commitment to His people unwavering. The promise of the Redeemer, fully realized in Jesus Christ, signifies that forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life are always available to anyone who genuinely repents and turns to Him. This verse calls us to a sober acknowledgment of our own sin and a humble embrace of the saving grace offered by God. It assures us that God always makes a way for those who seek Him with a contrite heart, providing not just an escape from judgment but a transformative relationship with the living God. It challenges us to examine our lives: are we truly turning from transgression, or are we merely seeking comfort without true repentance?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to genuinely "turn from transgression" and embrace God's redemptive work?**
* **How does the concept of God as the "Redeemer" (Go'el) deepen my understanding of His love and commitment to me?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live out the repentance called for in this verse, demonstrating a true turning towards God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "Redeemer" coming "to Zion"?**

Answer: The coming of the "Redeemer" to "Zion" signifies God's direct and personal intervention in the heart of His covenant people. Zion, representing Jerusalem, is not just a geographical location but a theological symbol of God's holy dwelling place and the center of His redemptive activity. It means that God's salvation is not abstract or distant, but concretely manifested among His people, fulfilling His promises to restore and dwell with them. This points to a tangible, historical event where God's presence and power are revealed, ultimately foreshadowing the incarnation of Christ who came to dwell among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")).

**Is the "turning from transgression" a condition for salvation, or a result of it?**

Answer: This verse presents "turning from transgression" as a necessary posture for receiving the benefits of the Redeemer's coming. While salvation is entirely God's initiative and grace, it is appropriated by those who respond with genuine repentance. It's not a work that earns salvation, but rather the essential human response to God's gracious invitation. True repentance involves a change of heart and direction, a turning away from sin and towards God, which is itself enabled by God's grace. This aligns with the New Testament understanding that repentance is integral to receiving the forgiveness and new life offered through Christ ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Be Converted")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 59:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Redeemer" (H1350, _gâʼal'_), the divine Kinsman who took on human flesh to buy back humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Just as the ancient Go'el had the right and responsibility to redeem, so Christ, by His incarnation, became our true kinsman, perfectly qualified to redeem us through His atoning sacrifice. He came "to Zion," not merely to a physical city, but to His people, establishing His kingdom and dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His first advent was precisely for "them that turn from transgression" (H7725, _shûwb'_ from H6588, _peshaʻ'_), calling sinners to repentance ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe")), offering forgiveness and new life to all who genuinely turn from their rebellion against God. Paul explicitly quotes this verse in [Romans 11:26](/romans/11-26 "Romans 11:26 - The Deliverer from Zion") to speak of the future salvation of Israel, identifying Jesus as the "Deliverer [Redeemer] who will come from Zion." Thus, Isaiah 59:20 is a powerful prophetic anticipation of Christ's redemptive mission, His sacrificial death on the cross to atone for our "transgressions" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Work")), and His ongoing call for humanity to "turn" from sin and embrace the abundant life found only in Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). He is the one who "redeemed us from all lawlessness and purified for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ's Redemption")).

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

Romans 11:26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Romans 11:27

For this [is] my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Ezekiel 18:30

¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Ezekiel 18:31

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;