Isaiah 59:21
As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
Isaiah 59:21 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Isaiah reaffirms God's promise of His everlasting covenant with His people. The covenant mentioned here is one of divine protection and guidance. God promises that His Spirit will be upon His followers and His words will be in their mouths, being passed down from generation to generation. This signifies the enduring nature of God's relationship with His people, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and the transmission of His teachings to future generations. By ensuring that His Spirit and His words remain with His people forever, God establishes a bond that will never be broken, demonstrating His love, mercy, and faithfulness towards those who follow Him. This verse serves as a reminder of God's unfailing presence in the lives of believers and the responsibility to uphold His teachings throughout the ages.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse highlights the unchanging nature of God's covenant with His people throughout generations. The mention of the Spirit of the Lord and His words being placed in the mouths of the Israelites signifies a divine connection and guidance that will never be severed. This covenant is not limited to a single individual but extends to future generations, emphasizing the continuity and faithfulness of God's promises. The presence of the Spirit and the word of God within the mouths of the people symbolize a deep-rooted relationship with the Lord that is intended to be passed down from one generation to the next, ensuring a lasting legacy of faith. This verse underscores the eternal nature of the covenant between God and His people, providing comfort and assurance of His unending presence and provision.
Isaiah 59:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
And as for me, this is my covenant with them, saith Jehovah: my Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith Jehovah, from henceforth and for ever.
World English Bible
“As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says Yahweh. “My Spirit who is on you, and my words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of your seed’s seed,” says Yahweh, “from henceforth and forever.”
Douay-Rheims
This is my covenant with them, saith the Lord: My spirit that is in thee, and my words that I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I will make this my couenant with them, saith the Lord. My Spirit that is vpon thee, and my wordes, which I haue put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seede, nor out of the mouth of the seede of thy seede, saith the Lord, from hencefoorth euen for euer.