Isaiah
The Messianic ProphetThe greatest of the writing prophets, known for his vivid prophecies of the coming Messiah and the suffering servant
Isaiah is considered the greatest of the Old Testament prophets due to the scope, beauty, and theological depth of his prophecies. His book contains more direct Messianic prophecies than any other, including the virgin birth (7:14), the divine child (9:6-7), and the suffering servant passages (chapters 52-53) that describe Christ's atoning death in extraordinary detail. Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period spanning four kings of Judah, warning of coming judgment while also offering hope of future restoration. His name means 'Yahweh is salvation,' and his book has been called 'the fifth Gospel' for its Christ-centered message. Isaiah's prophecies span from his own time to the end of days, including the new heavens and new earth.
Original Name
יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yeshayahu)
Meaning
Yahweh is salvation
Etymology
The name Isaiah is a compound of 'Yasha' (to save, deliver) and 'Yah' (shortened form of YHWH). His very name encapsulates the central message of his prophecy: that salvation comes from the LORD alone. This name became increasingly significant as Isaiah prophesied the coming Messiah who would bring ultimate salvation.
Linguistic Insights
Isaiah's Hebrew is considered the pinnacle of classical Hebrew prose and poetry. His vocabulary is the largest of any biblical author, using over 2,000 unique Hebrew words. The book's literary structure is remarkable: 66 chapters that mirror the 66 books of the Bible, with chapters 1-39 (like the Old Testament's 39 books) focusing on judgment and chapters 40-66 (like the New Testament's 27 books) emphasizing comfort and salvation. Isaiah 53 uses the Hebrew word 'asham' (guilt offering), the same sacrificial term from Leviticus, to describe the Messiah's atoning work. The 'Suffering Servant' passages use 'Ebed YHWH' (Servant of the LORD), a title that perfectly describes Christ's mission.
Translation Notes
- •Greek Septuagint renders as 'Esaias' (Ἠσαΐας)
- •Latin Vulgate uses 'Isaias'
- •The Dead Sea Scrolls contain a complete Isaiah scroll (1QIsaa), the oldest complete biblical book ever found
- •Isaiah is quoted or alluded to over 400 times in the New Testament
- •Jesus began His public ministry by reading from Isaiah 61 in the Nazareth synagogue
Related Terms
Called to prophetic ministry in the year King Uzziah died
Isaiah 6:1-13Vision of the Lord in the temple with seraphim
Isaiah 6:1-8Lips cleansed with burning coal
Isaiah 6:6-7Prophesied the virgin birth of Immanuel
Isaiah 7:14Named his son Shear-Jashub as a prophetic sign
Isaiah 7:3Prophesied the birth of the divine child who would rule forever
Isaiah 9:6-7Foretold the Branch from Jesse's stump
Isaiah 11:1-10Confronted King Ahaz during Syro-Ephraimite crisis
Isaiah 7:1-17Advised King Hezekiah during Assyrian siege
Isaiah 36-37Prophesied Hezekiah's recovery and 15 additional years
Isaiah 38:1-8Warned Hezekiah about showing treasures to Babylon
Isaiah 39:1-8Delivered the 'Comfort ye' prophecies
Isaiah 40:1-31Wrote the Suffering Servant songs
Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52-53Prophesied Cyrus by name 150 years before his birth
Isaiah 44:28-45:1Described the new heavens and new earth
Isaiah 65:17-25, 66:22Tradition: Martyred by being sawn in two under Manasseh
Hebrews 11:37 (implied)Isaiah 6:8
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
Isaiah 7:14
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
Isaiah 9:6
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 40:31
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 53:5
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Isaiah 53:6
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Isaiah 55:11
"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
Born
c. 760 BC
Died
c. 681 BC (tradition says martyred under Manasseh)
Lifespan
Approximately 79 years
Father
Amoz
Mother
Unknown
Spouse
The Prophetess (unnamed)
Children