The phrase "hasty of heart" offers a deeper insight: it describes not just fear, but an impatient, perhaps even panicked, tendency to flee or draw negative conclusions prematurely. This isn't just about being scared; it's about a reactive spirit that needs to be stilled by the assurance that God himself is actively coming to bring justice and salvation.
Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah is speaking words of comfort and encouragement to a people who are anxious and fearful, likely facing imminent threats or ongoing hardship. This passage comes after descriptions of a transformed, flourishing wilderness, suggesting a future restoration and deliverance from their present distress. The promise is that God Himself will intervene with divine justice and salvation.
The verse speaks to those with an 'anxious heart.' What does this phrase really mean, and how does it describe our deepest fears?
The Hebrew word translated as 'anxious' or 'fearful' can also mean 'hasty.' This isn't just about a general feeling of unease, but a heart that's quick to panic, to jump to worst-case scenarios, or to flee from trouble. It describes a heart that's easily agitated and prone to despair.
This is a state of being easily shaken, a lack of inner stability. It's the feeling of being overwhelmed by circumstances, to the point where courage fails and hope seems lost. The message here is for those whose hearts are 'hasty' not necessarily in action, but in their fearful conclusions.
The verse promises God will come 'with vengeance' and 'recompense' to save. How can vengeance and salvation go hand-in-hand?
This powerful statement reveals a core truth about God's justice and His love. 'Vengeance' and 'recompense' here refer to God's decisive action against injustice, oppression, and evil. It's about setting things right.
When God comes with vengeance, it means He is confronting and defeating the forces that cause fear, anxiety, and suffering for His people. The 'recompense' is His just and full response to those who oppose Him and harm His chosen.
Crucially, this divine intervention is for the purpose of salvation. God's judgment on evil is the very act that secures the deliverance and well-being of His people. The destruction of His enemies is the pathway to His people's safety and restoration. It’s not vengeance for its own sake, but vengeance to save.
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Understand the original words
meharei lev · Hebrew Phrase
An intense, often emotional state of agitation or terror due to uncertainty, danger, or the presence of the holy. In the Bible, God's people are frequently commanded not to give in to this emotion because of His sovereign presence.
naqam · Hebrew Noun
The act of retribution or justice executed by God against His enemies and the oppressors of His people; it is an expression of His righteousness and holiness.
gemul · Hebrew Noun
A reward or repayment, often used in a forensic sense regarding God’s judicial acts to restore justice and vindicate His people.
yasha · Hebrew Verb
Deliverance from danger, oppression, sin, or death; fundamentally, it is God acting in history to rescue those who cannot save themselves.
pisseach · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The state of being physically impaired or unable to walk. In a prophetic context, it symbolizes the spiritual restoration and wholeness brought about by God's kingdom.
illem · Hebrew Adjective
One who is unable to speak. Metaphorically, it often refers to those who are unable to praise God or communicate spiritual truth until God touches their lives.
midbar · Hebrew Noun
A vast, uninhabited, or desolate region. In Scripture, it is often a place of testing, spiritual struggle, and a canvas for God’s miraculous provision and transformation.
This powerful word of comfort in Isaiah 35:4 was likely spoken during times of intense national crisis and fear, such as the Assyrian threat under Sennacherib or the Babylonian exile. It reassures a fearful people that God has not abandoned them and will act decisively to bring deliverance and vengeance against their enemies, ultimately leading to salvation.
c. 740 BC
Prophecy of Isaiah Issued
Isaiah delivers his prophecies during a time of political instability and looming Assyrian threat to the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and besiects Jerusalem, causing great fear and distress among the people.
586 BC
Babylonian Destruction of Jerusalem
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, and exile many of its people, marking a period of profound despair.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A Jewish revolt against Seleucid rule and religious persecution, leading to a period of conflict and a renewed sense of God's intervention.
This passage echoes the command to be strong and not fear, grounding that encouragement in God's presence, just as Isaiah 35:4 does.
2 Chronicles 32:7-8King Hezekiah used similar words of encouragement to his people, telling them to be strong and take heart because 'the LORD our God is with us,' mirroring the core message of Isaiah 35:4.
Hebrews 12:12-13The New Testament author directly references the 'strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees' imagery from Isaiah 35, applying it to the spiritual strengthening needed for perseverance in the Christian life.
Luke 21:22This verse speaks of 'days of vengeance' being fulfilled, connecting to the 'vengeance' and 'recompense' mentioned in Isaiah 35:4, particularly in the context of God's judgment on His people's enemies.
Revelation 19:11This passage describes Christ returning to execute judgment and wage war, reflecting the theme of God coming with vengeance and recompense to save His people as stated in Isaiah.
cambridgeIsaiah 35:4: "Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you."
4 . Cf. Isaiah 40:9-10 . them that are of a fearful heart ] Lit. “the hasty of heart.” The phrase occurs with a different sense in ch. Isaiah 32:4 . behold, your God … recompence ] Better (as R.V. marg.): behold your God! vengeance cometh, the recompence of God; He Himself , &c. 5, 6 a. The removal of bodily infirmities. H…
barnesIsaiah 35:4: "Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you."
Say to them - This is still an address to the ministers of religion, to make use of all the consolations which these truths and predictions furnish to confirm and strengthen the people of God. Of a fearful heart - Of a timid, pusillanimous heart; those who tremble before their enemies. The Hebrew is, as in the Margin, 'Of…
The phrase "hasty of heart" offers a deeper insight: it describes not just fear, but an impatient, perhaps even panicked, tendency to flee or draw negative conclusions prematurely. This isn't just about being scared; it's about a reactive spirit that needs to be stilled by the assurance that God himself is actively coming to bring justice and salvation.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking words of comfort and encouragement to a people who are anxious and fearful, likely facing imminent threats or ongoing hardship. This passage comes after descriptions of a transformed, flourishing wilderness, suggesting a future restoration and deliverance from their present distress. The promise is that God Himself will intervene with divine justice and salvation.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking words of comfort and encouragement to a people who are anxious and fearful, likely facing imminent threats or ongoing hardship. This passage comes after descriptions of a transformed, flourishing wilderness, suggesting a future restoration and deliverance from their present distress. The promise is that God Himself will intervene with divine justice and salvation.
"Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,…" — The phrase "hasty of heart" offers a deeper insight: it describes not just fear, but an impatient, perhaps even panicked, tendency to flee or draw negative conclusions prematurely. This isn't just ab…
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Last reviewed October 2026
