Isaiah 57:19

My Notes

What Does Isaiah 57:19 Mean?

Isaiah 57:19 contains a promise that covers every possible distance between a person and God. "Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near" — shalom shalom, doubled for emphasis and certainty. The repetition isn't redundant. It's a guarantee: peace upon peace, complete peace, peace that keeps coming. And it extends in both directions — to those who are far from God and those who are already close.

"I create the fruit of the lips" — God is the source of the praise that will come from healed lips. The word "create" (bore') is the same verb used in Genesis 1:1. God doesn't just enable worship — He creates it. The praise that comes from a redeemed heart is itself a divine creation, something that didn't exist before God spoke it into being.

Paul quotes this verse in Ephesians 2:17, applying it to Christ's work: "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh." The "far off" became the Gentiles; the "near" became the Jews. But the original scope is even broader — anyone, regardless of how far they've wandered or how close they've stayed, is within range of God's double peace. And the final phrase seals it: "and I will heal him." Not might. Will.

Reflection Questions

• 1.Do you feel 'near' or 'far off' from God right now? How does this verse speak into whichever place you're in?
• 2.What does it mean that God 'creates' the fruit of your lips — that even your worship is something He initiates?
• 3.Have you ever experienced God's peace reaching you in a season when you felt too far gone to deserve it?
• 4.Who in your life needs to hear that peace is offered to those who are far off, not just those who are near?

Devotional

Peace, peace. The doubling matters. This isn't a half-hearted offer or a conditional truce. It's the full, settled, permanent shalom of God — and it's extended to everyone. Those who are far off and those who are near.

Maybe you feel near to God right now. Maybe your faith is solid, your rhythms are steady, your connection feels real. Peace to you. Not because you've earned it, but because God is creating it in you. Or maybe you feel far off — distant, disconnected, aware of the gap between where you are and where you should be. Peace to you too. The same peace. The same God. The same offer. Your distance doesn't disqualify you. It's specifically addressed.

And then that final line: "I will heal him." No qualifications. No "if you clean up first" or "once you've proven you're serious." I will heal him. God creates the fruit of lips that couldn't praise before. He generates worship in hearts that were broken. He speaks peace over distances that seemed unbridgeable. Whether you're near or far, the prescription is the same: peace. And the prognosis is the same: healing. You don't have to close the gap before God will meet you. He's already speaking peace into it.

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture