BibleWord.ai› Bible› Isaiah› Chapter 51› Verse 13

Isaiah 51:13

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 51:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and hast forgotten Jehovah thy Maker, that stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fearest continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he maketh ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and hast forgotten Jehovah thy Maker, that stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fearest continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he maketh ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
Isaiah 51:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 51

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10Is it not thou that driedst up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that madest the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed to pass over?
11And the ransomed of Jehovah shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
12I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou art afraid of man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass;
13and hast forgotten Jehovah thy Maker, that stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fearest continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he maketh ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
14The captive exile shall speedily be loosed; and he shall not die [and go down] into the pit, neither shall his bread fail.
15For I am Jehovah thy God, who stirreth up the sea, so that the waves thereof roar: Jehovah of hosts is his name.
16And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the shadow of my hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
← Isaiah 51:12Isaiah 51:14 →
← Full Chapter 51 Isaiah Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And forgettest the Lord thy Maker, &c.] That he is thy Maker, and therefore is able to protect and preserve thee; when the fear of man prevails God is forgotten, his power, his providence, his promises, and past instances of divine favour and goodness; were these more frequently recollected, considered, and thought of, they would prove an antidote against the fear of men; and especially when it is observed, that he that is our Maker is he that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; these are amazing works of his hands; and what is it that he cannot do that has made these? these he upholds and maintains in being, and does all things in them as he pleases, and…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Isa 40:12, Isa 40:26, Isa 40:28), the same argument of comfort drawn from the omnipotence of the Creator. as if . . . ready, &c.--literally, "when he directs," namely, his arrow, to destroy (Psa 21:12; Psa 7:13; Psa 11:2) [MAURER].”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And forgettest the Lord thy Maker - These verses are designed to rebuke that state of the mind - alas! too common, even among the people of God - where they are intimidated by the number and strength of their foes, and forget their dependence on God, and his promises of aid. In such circumstances God reproves them for their want of confidence in him, and calls on them to remember that he has made the heavens, and has all power to save them. That hath stretched forth the heavens - (See the notes at Isaiah 40:12, Isaiah 40:26). And hast feared continually every day - They had continually feared and trembled before their oppressors. Because of the fury of the oppressor - Those who had oppressed…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Where is the fury - Is it not all gone? He speaks of the thing as if it were already done, because it should certainly and suddenly be done. Isaiah 51:16”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“51:13 you have forgotten the Lord: The Lord will never forget Israel (see 44:21; 49:15), so they should not forget him. • The Creator of the world also created the nation Israel.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“forgettest: Isa 17:10; Deu 32:18; Jer 2:32 that hath: Isa 40:22, Isa 42:5, Isa 44:24, Isa 45:12; Job 9:8, Job 37:18; Psa 102:25, Psa 102:26, Psa 104:2; Jer 10:11, Jer 10:12, Jer 51:15; Heb 1:9-12 feared: Isa 8:12, Isa 8:13, Isa 57:11; Heb 11:15 were ready: or, made himself ready, Isa 10:29-32; Exo 14:10-13, Exo 15:9, Exo 15:10; Est 5:14; Dan 3:15, Dan 3:19; Rev 20:9 where is: Isa 10:33, Isa 10:34, Isa 14:16, Isa 14:17, Isa 16:4, Isa 33:18, Isa 33:19, Isa 37:36-38; Exo 14:13; Est 7:10; Job 20:5-9; Psa 9:6, Psa 9:7, Psa 37:35, Psa 37:36, Psa 76:10; Dan 4:32, Dan 4:33; Mat 2:16-20; Act 12:23; Co1 1:20, Co1 15:55; Rev 19:20 Isaiah 51:14”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Isaiah 51 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification