Isaiah 51:12
New International Version
“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass,

New Living Translation
“I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?

English Standard Version
“I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass,

Berean Standard Bible
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?

King James Bible
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

New King James Version
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid Of a man who will die, And of the son of a man who will be made like grass?

New American Standard Bible
“I, I Myself, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of mortal man, And of a son of man who is made like grass,

NASB 1995
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies And of the son of man who is made like grass,

NASB 1977
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, And of the son of man who is made like grass;

Legacy Standard Bible
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies And of the son of man who is made like grass,

Amplified Bible
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies And of a son of man who is made [as destructible] as grass,

Christian Standard Bible
I—I am the one who comforts you. Who are you that you should fear humans who die, or a son of man who is given up like grass?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I—I am the One who comforts you. Who are you that you should fear man who dies, or a son of man who is given up like grass?

American Standard Version
I, 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;

Contemporary English Version
I am the LORD, the one who encourages you. Why are you afraid of mere humans? They dry up and die like grass.

English Revised Version
I, 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 which shall be made as grass;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I alone am the one who comforts you. Why, then, are you afraid of mortals, who must die, of humans, who are like grass?

Good News Translation
The LORD says, "I am the one who strengthens you. Why should you fear mortals, who are no more enduring than grass?

International Standard Version
"I—yes, I—am the one who comforts you. Who are you, that you are so afraid of humans who will die, descendants of mere men, who have been made like grass?

Majority Standard Bible
?I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?

NET Bible
"I, I am the one who consoles you. Why are you afraid of mortal men, of mere human beings who are as short-lived as grass?

New Heart English Bible
"I, even I, am he who comforts you: who are you, that you are afraid of man who shall die, and of the son of man who shall be made as grass;

Webster's Bible Translation
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man who shall be made as grass;

World English Bible
“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you, that you are afraid of man who shall die, and of the son of man who will be made as grass?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“I [am] He who comforts you, "" Who [are] you—and you are afraid of man? He dies! And of the son of man—he is made [like] grass!

Young's Literal Translation
I -- I am He -- your comforter, Who art thou -- and thou art afraid of man? he dieth! And of the son of man -- grass he is made!

Smith's Literal Translation
I, I am he comforting you: who thou? and shalt thou be afraid of man he shall die, and of the son of man shall be given for grass?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I, I myself will comfort you: who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of a mortal man, and of the son of man, who shall wither away like grass?

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is I, I myself, who will console you. Who are you that you would be afraid of a mortal man, and of a son of man, who will wither like the grass?

New American Bible
I, it is I who comfort you. Can you then fear mortals who die, human beings who are just grass,

New Revised Standard Version
I, I am he who comforts you; why then are you afraid of a mere mortal who must die, a human being who fades like grass?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I, even I, am he that comforts you, says the LORD; who are you, that you should be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man that dries up like grass;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I AM THE LIVING GOD comforting you, says LORD JEHOVAH. Who are you that you are afraid of mortal man and of a son of man who dries up like grass?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I, 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;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I, even I, am he that comforts thee: consider who thou art, that thou wast afraid of mortal man, and of the son of man, who are withered as grass.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Salvation for Zion
11So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. 12“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? 13But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor?…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Psalm 56:4
In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Psalm 46:1-2
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,

Jeremiah 1:8
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”


Treasury of Scripture

I, even I, am he that comforts you: who are you, that you should be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

I, am he

Isaiah 51:3
For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Isaiah 57:15-18
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones…

that thou

Isaiah 51:7,8
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings…

Isaiah 2:22
Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

man which

Isaiah 40:6
The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:

Psalm 90:5,6
Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up…

Psalm 92:7
When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:

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Isaiah 51
1. An exhortation after the pattern of Abraham, to trust in Christ
3. By reason of his comfortable promises,
4. Of his righteous salvation
7. And man's mortality
9. Christ by his sanctified arm defends his from the fear of man
17. He bewails the afflictions of Jerusalem
21. And promises deliverance














I, even I, am He who comforts you.
This phrase emphasizes the divine source of comfort, underscoring God's unique ability to provide solace and reassurance. The repetition of "I, even I" highlights God's personal involvement and commitment to His people. This echoes earlier assurances found in Isaiah 40:1, where God promises comfort to His people. The comfort offered by God is not just emotional but also spiritual, providing strength and hope in times of distress. This reflects God's covenant relationship with Israel, where He consistently acts as their protector and provider. The comfort here can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate comforter, the Holy Spirit, promised in the New Testament (John 14:16).

Why should you be afraid of mortal man,
This rhetorical question challenges the fear of human opposition, reminding the audience of the transient nature of human power. In the historical context, Israel often faced threats from powerful nations like Assyria and Babylon. However, God reassures them that these threats are insignificant compared to His eternal power. This theme is consistent throughout scripture, as seen in Psalm 118:6, which states, "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" It encourages believers to place their trust in God rather than fearing human adversaries.

of a son of man who withers like grass?
The phrase "son of man" is a Hebrew idiom for humanity, emphasizing human frailty and mortality. The imagery of grass, which withers and fades, is a common biblical metaphor for the fleeting nature of human life (Isaiah 40:6-8). This serves as a reminder of the impermanence of human strength and the futility of relying on it. In contrast, God's word and promises endure forever, offering a stark contrast to the temporary nature of human existence. This also points to the ultimate victory of God's kingdom, where human powers will fade, but God's reign will be everlasting.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God (Yahweh)
The speaker in this verse, emphasizing His role as the ultimate comforter and the eternal, sovereign Lord.

2. Isaiah
The prophet through whom God delivers this message to the people of Israel.

3. Israelites
The original audience of this message, who were experiencing fear and uncertainty.

4. Mortal Man
Represents humanity, emphasizing their transient and fragile nature compared to God's eternal power.

5. Grass
A metaphor for the fleeting and temporary nature of human life.
Teaching Points
God as the Ultimate Comforter
Recognize that true comfort comes from God, who is eternal and unchanging, unlike the temporary comforts of the world.

The Transience of Human Life
Understand the metaphor of grass to remind us of the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of focusing on eternal matters.

Misplaced Fear
Reflect on where we place our fear and trust. Are we fearing man, who is temporary, or God, who is eternal?

Divine Perspective
Adopt a divine perspective that sees beyond the immediate and temporary challenges, focusing on God's eternal promises.

Encouragement in Trials
In times of fear and uncertainty, remember that God is with us, offering comfort and strength to face any situation.(12) I, even I.--The iterated pronoun emphasises the true grounds of confidence. If God be with us, what matter is it who may be against us? The enemies are mortal and weak; the Protector is the Eternal and the Strong.

Verses 12-16. - AN ADDRESS OF GOD TO HIS CAPTIVE PEOPLE. There is no very clear connection between this passage and the preceding, to which it is certainly not an answer. God comforts the captives under the oppression which they are suffering

(1) by reminding them of their oppressors' weakness and short-livedness;

(2) by assuring them of speedy deliverance (ver. 14); and

(3) by impressing upon them his own power as shown in the past, which is a guarantee that he will protect them in the future (vers. 15, 16). Ver. 12. - I am he that comforteth you (comp. ver. 3, and the comment ad loc). Who art thou? Art thou a poor, weak, powerless, unprotected people, which might well tremble at the powerful Babylonians: or art thou not rather a people under the special protection of Jehovah, bound, therefore, to fear no one? As grass (comp. Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 11:6-8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I,
אָנֹכִ֧י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

even I,
אָנֹכִ֛י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

am He
ה֖וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

who comforts you.
מְנַחֶמְכֶ֑ם (mə·na·ḥem·ḵem)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

Who
מִֽי־ (mî-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

are you
אַ֤תְּ (’at)
Pronoun - second person feminine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

that you fear
וַתִּֽירְאִי֙ (wat·tî·rə·’î)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

mortal
יָמ֔וּת (yā·mūṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

man,
מֵאֱנ֣וֹשׁ (mê·’ĕ·nō·wōš)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 582: Man, mankind

or a son
וּמִבֶּן־ (ū·mib·ben-)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of man
אָדָ֖ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

who withers
יִנָּתֵֽן׃ (yin·nā·ṯên)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

like grass?
חָצִ֥יר (ḥā·ṣîr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2682: Green grass, herbage


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 51:12 I even I am he who comforts (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 51:11
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