Isaiah 56:1 · Bible study
Isaiah 56:1 Commentary: Keep Justice, God's Salvation is Near
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Isaiah 56:1 calls God's people to maintain justice and righteousness because His salvation is near.
Research Summary
- Meaning: God commands a life of justice and righteousness because His saving action is imminent; the coming salvation demands present obedience.
- Key words: shamar (keep/guard), mishpat (justice/ordinance), tsedaqah (righteousness/ethical conduct), qarov (near in time), yeshu'ah (salvation/deliverance), tsidqati (my righteousness, often = salvation).
- Main debate: Whether “near” refers primarily to the first or second coming of Christ; most commentators see a double reference.
- Theological theme: The ethical response to grace: God’s redeeming work calls for a transformed life, not passive waiting.
- Best use: As an Advent text; in sermons on social justice; to teach the link between salvation and sanctification; to encourage inclusion of marginalized people.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
This is what the LORD says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for My salvation is coming soon, and My righteousness will be revealed.
WEB World English Bible 2000
Yahweh says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is near and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
KJV King James Version 1769
Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Thus saith Jehovah, Keep ye justice, and do righteousness; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
Thus said Jehovah: `Keep ye judgment, and do righteousness, For near is My salvation to come, And My righteousness to be revealed.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
Thus saith Jehovah: Keep ye judgment and do righteousness; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Thus saith the Lord: Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my justice to be revealed.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
ASÍ dijo Jehová: Guardad derecho, y haced justicia: porque cercana está mi salud para venir, y mi justicia para manifestarse.
Assim diz o SENHOR: Guardai o que é justo, e praticai a justiça; porque minha salvação já está perto de vir, e minha justiça de se manifestar.
Ainsi parle l’ Éternel:
So spricht der HERR: Haltet das Recht und tut Gerechtigkeit; denn mein Heil ist nahe, daß es komme, und meine Gerechtigkeit, daß sie offenbart werde.
Alzo zegt de HEERE: Bewaart het recht, en doet gerechtigheid; want Mijn heil is nabij om te komen, en Mijn gerechtigheid om geopenbaard te worden.
Così parla l’Eterno: Rispettate il diritto, e fate ciò ch’è giusto; poiché la mia salvezza sta per venire, e la mia giustizia sta per essere rivelata.
Tak mówi Pan: Strzeżcie sądu, a czyńcie sprawiedliwość; bo blisko tego, że zbawienie moje przyjdzie, a sprawiedliwość moja objawiona będzie.
Так говорит Господь: сохраняйте суд и делайте правду; ибо близко спасение Мое и откровение правды Моей.
耶和華 如此 說：你們當守 公平，行 公義；因 我的救恩 臨 近，我的公義 將要顯現。
The Lord says, Let your way of life be upright, and let your behaviour be rightly ordered: for my salvation is near, and my righteousness will quickly be seen.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Isaiah 56:1
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that this verse links ethical living to the imminent arrival of God's salvation. The imperative to "keep justice" and "do righteousness" (Hebrew mishpat and tsedaqah) is grounded in a near future event: God's salvation and righteousness are about to be revealed. Keil and Delitzsch explain that the covenant relationship demands that Israel's conduct match God's coming action. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown note that John the Baptist preached a similar return to righteousness to prepare for the Messiah's first coming, and the same call applies before the second coming. Matthew Henry captures the logic: when God comes toward us in mercy, we must go to meet Him in duty. The paired terms "salvation" and "righteousness" are often taken as parallel, Barnes, the Cambridge Bible, and Gill all argue that God's righteousness here means His saving righteousness, the vindication that brings deliverance. The verse thus sets the pattern for the rest of the chapter, where the blessings of salvation extend to foreigners and eunuchs who respond with covenant faithfulness.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: The verse commands a life of justice and righteousness as the appropriate response to God’s promised salvation, which is certain and imminent, regardless of the exact timing of its historical fulfillment.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| The timing of God's salvation being 'near' | All commentators recognize that the language points to an imminent act of God, whether the first coming of Christ, the return from exile, or the final judgment. | Some (Barnes, JFB) see a primary reference to the Messiah's first coming, while others (Cambridge Bible, Matthew Henry) include a continuing eschatological hope that was not exhausted in the first century. Both readings are considered valid within the prophetic genre. |
| The meaning of 'my righteousness' in the second line | God's righteousness in this context is closely tied to His saving activity. Most commentators agree it is not primarily ethical but refers to God's saving vindication (Keil, Cambridge, JFB). | A minority reading (more ethical) interprets God's righteousness as His moral character being revealed in judgment, but the parallel with 'salvation' and the usage in Isaiah 46:13 strongly favor a salvific meaning. |
| The basis for ethical conduct | The imperative to do justice and righteousness is motivated by the nearness of God's salvation, not as a means to earn it but as a fitting response. | Some traditions emphasize the role of human action in preparing for salvation (Arminian/Wesleyan), while others stress that the command itself is part of the grace that enables obedience (Reformed). Both affirm that genuine faith produces works. |
| Inclusion of foreigners and eunuchs | The passage clearly opens the covenant community to those previously excluded, on the basis of covenant faithfulness (keeping Sabbath, holding fast to the covenant). | There is discussion about how this relates to the Old Testament law forbidding eunuchs from the assembly (Deuteronomy 23:1). Some see an abrogation; others see a new stage of salvation history where the law's ceremonial restrictions give way to a more inclusive ethic. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Isaiah 56:1 stands at a hinge in the book. Barnes observes that this chapter continues the subject from Isaiah 52-55, which climaxes with the suffering servant and the offer of salvation to all. The prophet addresses a community that has experienced judgment and now lives in hope of restoration. The nearness of salvation is a recurring theme in the later chapters of Isaiah; Cambridge Bible notes it is equally prominent in post-exilic prophecies like Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Though the return from Babylon had not fully realized the glorious predictions of chapters 40-55, the conviction remained firm that God's final act of redemption was at hand, delayed only by the people's sin.
The specific call to "keep justice and do righteousness" echoes the covenant demands of the Torah and the earlier prophets (e.g., Isaiah 1:16-17). The surrounding verses make clear that this ethical summons is not limited to ethnic Israelites. Verses 3-8 explicitly include foreigners and eunuchs, traditionally excluded from full participation in the community, promising them a place in God's house if they keep the Sabbath and hold fast to the covenant. This radical inclusion was part of Isaiah's vision for the restored people of God. The Sabbath command in verse 2 functions as a sign of covenant loyalty (Exodus 31:13-17), and it is paired with a general prohibition of evil. The nearness of salvation thus becomes the basis for a comprehensive ethical response that opens the doors of the community to the marginalized.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for Isaiah 56:1. The Hebrew text is stable across manuscripts. The variation in English translations (e.g., KJV “Keep ye judgment, and do justice” vs WEB “Maintain justice and do what is right”) reflects differing renderings of the same Hebrew words mishpat (justice) and tsedaqah (righteousness), not a textual issue. The Cambridge Bible notes that the same word tsedaqah appears in both halves of the verse but with a slightly different sense, human righteousness in the command, God’s saving righteousness in the promise.
Reception History
Isaiah 56:1 has been read across Christian traditions as a call to ethical preparation for the coming of the Lord. In the early church, it was used to teach that faith in the promised salvation must be accompanied by a changed life. The Reformers, particularly Calvin and Luther, appealed to the verse to argue that good works do not earn salvation but flow from it, the nearness of the gospel calls for repentance. In Wesleyan traditions, the verse has been employed to stress the necessity of holiness in response to God’s grace. The chapter’s open inclusion of foreigners and eunuchs has been a favorite text for those advocating for the full welcome of marginalized peoples in the church. In modern liturgical use, Isaiah 56:1 often appears in Advent readings, since its message of waiting for salvation and preparing the way fits the season’s themes.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God's salvation is near. The promise of deliverance is not distant; it is imminent. This shapes how we live now, with urgency and hope.
- Our response is ethical. “Maintain justice and do what is right” is not optional. God’s approaching salvation calls for concrete obedience in relationships and society.
- The scope is universal. The next verses open the door to foreigners and eunuchs. God’s salvation is for all who respond in faith and faithfulness, regardless of background.
Five-point outline
- The divine summons: “Thus says Yahweh”, this is not human opinion but divine command.
- The twin duties: “Keep justice” and “do righteousness”, both social fairness and personal integrity are required.
- The basis for action: God’s salvation is near, the gospel promise fuels the ethical life, not the reverse.
- The content of hope: God’s righteousness will be revealed, His saving action in history gives confidence.
- The inclusive invitation: The rest of the chapter shows that even those once excluded can be part of God’s people.
Illustration hooks
- The anticipation of a homecoming: a family cleans the house, prepares a meal, and sets aside grievances because the one they love is coming soon. The nearness of the guest changes the household’s behavior.
- A community awaiting emergency relief after a disaster. The notice that supplies are hours away does not lead to passivity; it prompts organizing distribution, clearing roads, and preparing shelter.
Questions your congregation is asking
- If God’s salvation is near, why does the world still feel so broken?
- Are good works required for salvation, or are they simply the response to it?
- How does the promise of inclusion for foreigners and eunuchs speak to our church’s attitude toward outsiders today?
Leading a Discussion
Isaiah 56:1 presents a straightforward call with deep implications. God announces that His salvation and righteousness are near, and He commands His people to maintain justice and do what is right. The connection between God’s coming action and our present conduct is the heart of this passage. As you discuss, keep in mind that the surrounding verses expand the promise to include foreigners and eunuchs, people who were often excluded from Israel’s worship. This challenges us to think about who is included in our own communities.
Discussion questions
- What does it mean that God’s salvation is “near”? How would that have been heard by the original audience? How do we understand that nearness today?
- The verse uses two Hebrew words for “justice” (mishpat) and “righteousness” (tsedaqah). How are they similar? How might they differ in emphasis?
- In the second line, God’s “righteousness” is parallel to “salvation.” Why do you think the prophet uses the same word group (righteousness) for both human conduct and God’s action? What does that tell us about the relationship between our behavior and God’s salvation?
- The call to “keep justice and do righteousness” comes before the promise of salvation is realized. How does this order shape our understanding of grace and works?
- Verses 2-8 specify keeping the Sabbath and avoiding evil as examples of what this looks like. Why might the Sabbath be singled out? What does it mean to “keep” it without profaning it?
- The inclusion of foreigners and eunuchs was radical in its context. How does this challenge our assumptions about who belongs in God’s family?
- In what specific area of your life is God asking you to “maintain justice” or “do what is right” as you await the full revelation of His salvation?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Psalms 24:4 | He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully. |
| Psalms 24:6 | This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face—even Jacob. Selah. |
| Psalms 50:23 | Whoever offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies me, and prepares his way so that I will show God’s salvation to him.” |
| Psalms 85:9 | Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. |
| Isaiah 1:16 | Wash yourselves. Make yourself clean. Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil. |
| Isaiah 1:19 | If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land; |
| Isaiah 26:7 | The way of the just is uprightness. You who are upright make the path of the righteous level. |
| Isaiah 26:8 | Yes, in the way of your judgments, Yahweh, we have waited for you. Your name and your renown are the desire of our soul. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke distinguishes two sections in the chapter: the first offers Gospel blessings to all people without favor, requiring holiness. The second turns sharply into judgment, where enemies like the Chaldeans or Romans are called beasts of prey against the Jews because of the sins of their rulers and teachers.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes reads this chapter as the prophet's declaration that the coming Messiah's work opens salvation to everyone, with no one excluded. The kingdom's nearness demands holiness, and even strangers, foreigners, and eunuchs receive equal privileges in God's house. This universal offer contrasts sharply with the judgment that follows against unfaithful leaders.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
Cambridge Bible Schools points out that this verse uses the word "righteousness" in
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note stresses that the call to keep judgment and do justice is urgent because God's salvation is not distant but already at hand. Right conduct is demanded precisely because righteousness is about to be revealed. The ethical command and the promise of salvation are inseparably linked.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill argues that the nearness of God’s salvation and the revelation of Christ’s righteousness are not excuses for loose living but powerful motives for doing justice. Right doctrine, far from encouraging lawlessness, actually commands careful obedience to God’s ordinances and fair dealing with others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB links the call to practice justice and righteousness with the nearness of God's kingdom, drawing a direct parallel to John the Baptist's message before Christ's first coming and the same urgency before the second coming. The commentator specifies that "righteousness" here means the kind that brings salvation, not merely moral behavior.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch read this passage through the lens of the covenant, where both God and Israel share an objective standard. The nearness of God's salvation and righteousness demands from Israel a corresponding practice of right and Sabbath keeping that matches their covenant bond. The closer God's fulfillment comes, the more faithful Israel must be in every duty required by their relation to Him.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange interprets the call for wild beasts to devour as the final stage of gathering in the new covenant—the brute creation itself is invited to partake in the renewed order. For him, this
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry emphasizes that when God's salvation draws near, believers must actively meet Him with obedience. For him, the Old Testament saints already saw this salvation approaching long before Christ, and their duty—keeping justice and the Sabbath—remains the proper response. The gospel reveals a righteousness that acquits believers, not condemns them.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley treats "my salvation" and "my righteousness" as the same thing: the great salvation brought by the Messiah, without which no one has any share. He observes that Scripture speaks of this distant event as if it is near, a common way of speaking about things sure to come.