Isaiah 40:2
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
Study Note
Study Note
The divine command to 'speak comfortably' (literally 'speak to the heart') to Jerusalem — announcing that her warfare is accomplished, her iniquity pardoned, and double payment received — opens the great consolation section of Isaiah. The 'double' (kiflayim) has generated debate: does it mean Israel received twice what she deserved, or is it a figure for full, complete payment? Either way, the verse marks a decisive turning point: the accusation tone of Isaiah 1-39 gives way to comfort and gospel-announcement. The same Hebrew root for 'comfort' (naham) underlies Jesus' beatitude 'blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted' (Matthew 5:4), and Paul's description of God as 'the Father of mercies and God of all comfort' (2 Corinthians 1:3).
Other Translations
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she hath received of Jehovah’s hand double for all her sins.
Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, and call to her, That her warfare hath been completed, That accepted hath been her punishment, That she hath received from the hand of Jehovah Double for all her sins.
Say kind words to the heart of Jerusalem, crying out to her that her time of trouble is ended, that her punishment is complete; that she has been rewarded by the Lord's hand twice over for all her sins.
Cross References
And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the …
And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the Lord: and they did eat …
And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice …
So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and …
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.
The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, …
And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine …