Isaiah 40:5
What does Isaiah 40:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 40:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 40:5 means
When all obstacles are removed and the way is prepared, the glory of Jehovah will be revealed for all humanity to witness. This is not a partial or hidden manifestation, but a universal revelation, seen by "all flesh together." The certainty of this event is affirmed by the declaration, "for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it." This verse highlights the absolute certainty and public nature of God's future manifestation, a glorious display of His power and presence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and the glory of Jehovah shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and the glory of Jehovah shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the glory of the Lord will be made clear, and all flesh will see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has said it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And revealed hath been the honour of Jehovah, And seen <FI>it<Fi> have all flesh together, For the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh together shall see, that the mouth of the Lord hath spoken.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the glory of Jehovah shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken.
Context
This verse presents the glorious outcome of the previously described preparations. It climaxes the section on preparing the way, revealing the ultimate purpose of making a highway in the desert: the universal manifestation of God's glory. This promise of widespread revelation stands in stark contrast to the transient nature of humanity, setting up the profound comparison in the verses that follow.
v.4Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain:
v.5This passage
v.6The voice of one saying, Cry. And one said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 2:13
Be silent, all flesh, before Jehovah; for he is waked up out of his holy habitation.
- Psalms 96:6
Honor and majesty are before him: Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
- John 17:2
even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life.
- Isaiah 66:23
And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith Jehovah.
- Psalms 72:19
And blessed be his glorious name for ever; And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen.
- Isaiah 49:6
yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
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