Isaiah 40:5
And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "all flesh shall see it together" isn't just about everyone witnessing an event; it emphasizes a shared, universal experience of God's revealed glory, a stark contrast to the isolation many felt. This profound revelation is so certain because it's guaranteed by the very words spoken from God's mouth, leaving no room for doubt.
This verse bursts forth after God has been presented as a mighty King, whose power contrasts sharply with the weakness of idols. It's a promise that this same glorious power will be actively demonstrated, first in the liberation of His people from exile and then, in a far grander way, through the coming of the Messiah. The prophet emphasizes that this isn't just wishful thinking, but a divine certainty, because God Himself has spoken it.
What does it mean for God's 'glory' to be 'revealed'? It's more than just a light show; it's about God making Himself known in powerful, life-changing ways.
The prophecy in Isaiah 40:5 speaks of a revelation of God's majesty, power, and faithfulness. This wasn't a one-time event, but an unfolding story.
Initial Revelation
Initially, this glory was seen in God's mighty deliverance of His people from Babylonian captivity. He proved Himself a covenant-keeping God, demonstrating His power to rescue and restore.
Greater Revelation
But the prophecy reaches its zenith in the coming of the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the ultimate manifestation of God's glory, revealing His wisdom, holiness, and love in ways humanity had never before fully grasped. His life, death, and resurrection are the most profound displays of God's character and power.
The verse boldly declares that 'all flesh shall see it together.' Who is included in this grand vision, and what does it say about God's heart?
This isn't a private revelation for a select few. The phrase 'all flesh' signifies all of humanity, transcending national and ethnic boundaries.
Beyond Israel
While the initial fulfillment involved Israel's return from exile, the prophecy's scope is far wider. It points to a time when God's glory, made visible through Christ, would be accessible to Jews and Gentiles alike. God's plan of salvation is inherently inclusive.
A Shared Witness
The phrase 'together' suggests a unified experience. As God's glory is revealed, people from all walks of life will witness it, acknowledging God's supreme power and love. This points to a future where all creation will ultimately recognize and ascribe glory to God.
Understand the original words
kabod · Hebrew Noun
A term representing the weight, significance, and visible manifestation of God’s character, presence, and majesty; it is the outward expression of His inward divine essence.
basar · Hebrew Noun
A biblical term for humanity in its entirety; it emphasizes the temporary, mortal, and fragile nature of human beings compared to the eternal and sovereign God.
This prophecy was uttered during a time of impending judgment, pointing beyond the immediate relief of the Babylonian exile to a far greater future revelation of God's glory through the Messiah, a revelation intended for all humanity.
c. 740 BC
Prophecy of Isaiah
Isaiah delivers prophecies concerning the coming judgment on Judah and the eventual restoration, including foretelling the Babylonian exile and a future, greater deliverance.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Jehoiakim of Judah is taken captive to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile. This event began to fulfill prophecies of judgment.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, intensifying the exile and scattering of God's people.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, paving the way for the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
c. 538 BC
This New Testament passage directly quotes Isaiah 40:5 (with a slight variation found in some ancient manuscripts), explicitly linking the revealed glory of the Lord to the salvation seen through Jesus, showing how the prophecy points to Christ.
John 1:14This verse describes the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, full of grace and truth, which directly illuminates the 'glory of the Lord' being revealed to all flesh, particularly as it speaks of God's glory seen in Jesus.
Isaiah 52:10This passage immediately preceding the mention of the messenger in Isaiah 40-55 speaks of the Lord showing his arm and all the ends of the earth seeing the salvation of God, echoing the 'all flesh shall see' theme of Isaiah 40:5.
Matthew 24:30Jesus himself speaks of his second coming with power and great glory, and states that 'all the tribes of the earth shall mourn' and 'see the Son of Man coming,' paralleling the universal visibility of God's glory mentioned in Isaiah.
barnesIsaiah 40:5: "And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
And the glory of the Lord - The phrase here means evidently the majesty, power, or honor of Yahweh. He would display his power, and show himself to be a covenant-keeping God, by delivering his people from their bondage, and reconducting them to their own land. This glory and faithfulness would be shown in his delivering them from their captivity in Babylon;…
bensonIsaiah 40:5: "And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
Isaiah 40:5 . And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed — It was revealed in some sort when God brought his people out of Babylon: for that was a glorious work of God, in which he displayed his power, and love, and faithfulness in fulfilling his promises. But his glory was much more eminently revealed when Christ, the Lord of glory, was manifested in the f…
The phrase "all flesh shall see it together" isn't just about everyone witnessing an event; it emphasizes a shared, universal experience of God's revealed glory, a stark contrast to the isolation many felt. This profound revelation is so certain because it's guaranteed by the very words spoken from God's mouth, leaving no room for doubt.
This verse bursts forth after God has been presented as a mighty King, whose power contrasts sharply with the weakness of idols. It's a promise that this same glorious power will be actively demonstrated, first in the liberation of His people from exile and then, in a far grander way, through the coming of the Messiah. The prophet emphasizes that this isn't just wishful thinking, but a divine certainty, because God Himself has spoken it.
This verse bursts forth after God has been presented as a mighty King, whose power contrasts sharply with the weakness of idols. It's a promise that this same glorious power will be actively demonstrated, first in the liberation of His people from exile and then, in a far grander way, through the coming of the Messiah. The prophet emphasizes that this isn't just wishful thinking, but a divine certainty, because God Himself has spoken it.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Isaiah 40:5 is available in the Sola app.
Why does the Bible add the powerful reassurance, 'for the mouth of the LORD has spoken'?
This concluding phrase is not a mere footnote; it's the bedrock of the prophecy's certainty. It anchors the incredible promise of revealed glory in the absolute authority and trustworthiness of God Himself.
The Source of Truth
When God speaks, His words carry divine authority. They are not suggestions or possibilities, but declarations of His will and intent. The mouth of the LORD represents His spoken decree, which is inherently powerful and unchangeable.
Guarantee of Fulfillment
This statement serves as an ultimate guarantee. Regardless of how improbable or immense the event might seem, the fact that God has declared it means it will come to pass. It underscores that His promises are utterly reliable, built on His character and His sovereign will. We can trust that His plans will be accomplished.
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple, initiating the period of Return.
c. 530 BC
Temple Reconstruction Begins
The foundations of the Second Temple are laid in Jerusalem, signifying the physical restoration of God's people and a partial fulfillment of prophetic promises.
c. 20 BC - AD 30s— this verse
Ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus
John the Baptist prepares the way, and Jesus Christ's ministry reveals God's glory in a way that transcends national boundaries, fulfilling the prophecy in its ultimate sense.
"And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”" — The phrase "all flesh shall see it together" isn't just about everyone witnessing an event; it emphasizes a shared, universal experience of God's revealed glory, a stark contrast to the isolation m…
