Isaiah 51:16

English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young

And I put My words in thy mouth, And with the shadow of My hand have covered thee, To plant the heavens, and to found earth, And to say to Zion, `My people [art] thou.`

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God is speaking to His people and says that He has put His words in their mouth and protected them. He will continue to care for the world and His people, especially Zion, who He calls His own.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who gives you a special message to share with others and always keeps you safe under their big umbrella. God does that for His people and especially for a place called Zion, saying they are His special friends.

Historical Background

Isaiah 51:16 is part of the book of Isaiah, written by the prophet Isaiah around 700 BCE. It was written to encourage the people of Israel, who were facing difficult times, to trust in God's promises and presence.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, a person facing a challenging situation can find comfort in knowing that God has given them His words to share and protect them. This can inspire confidence in facing hardships and sharing their faith.

Topics

protectionwords of Godsalvationpromiseidentitytrust

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in Isaiah 51:16?

God is speaking in Isaiah 51:16, addressing His people and specifically mentioning Zion.

What does it mean to be covered in the shadow of God's hand?

It means to be protected and cared for by God, as if under a large, protective hand that shields and guards from harm.

How can we apply Isaiah 51:16 to our lives today?

We can apply this verse by trusting in God's words and protection, especially when facing challenges, and by remembering our identity as God's people.

What is the significance of Zion in this verse?

Zion represents a special place or people group that God has chosen and calls His own, highlighting God's intimate relationship with His people.

Compare Isaiah 51:16 →