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)
The verse highlights that this grand revelation isn't just for Israel, but for "all flesh" — every single person. It also closes with a powerful, almost exclusive prophetic stamp: "the mouth of the LORD has spoken," underscoring that God's Word itself is the ultimate guarantee of this future glory.
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 verse bursts forth after God has declared He will comfort His people, who have endured a long and costly exile. The immediate context is the stunning announcement that a voice cries out in the wilderness, preparing a way for the LORD's return. This divine arrival isn't just for Israel, but a revelation so grand that all humanity will witness it because God Himself has promised it.
What does it mean for God's 'glory' to be 'revealed'? It's more than just a dazzling light show!
This verse speaks of a grand unveiling of God's presence, power, and character. It's not just a fleeting vision, but a profound manifestation that makes His nature unmistakably known.
A Covenant-Keeping God
Initially, this refers to God demonstrating His faithfulness by delivering Israel from Babylonian exile. This dramatic rescue would show His might and His commitment to His people.
The Messiah's Arrival
But the prophecy points to an even greater revelation: the coming of Jesus Christ. His life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection are the ultimate display of God's glory, wisdom, holiness, and love to all humanity.
Who gets to see this glorious revelation? Everyone!
The phrase 'all flesh' is incredibly significant here. It means this isn't a revelation exclusive to one nation or group, but a global event.
Beyond Borders
This speaks to the inclusivity of God's plan. The glory revealed isn't just for Israel, but for Jew and Gentile alike. It breaks down all barriers, proclaiming that God's salvation and majesty are for the entire human family.
Shared Witness
'Together' suggests a shared experience, a unified recognition of God's hand at work. Whether in the exodus from Babylon or in the advent of Christ, all people are invited to witness and acknowledge the Lord's power.
Ask a follow-up
What's the ultimate guarantee that this glorious revelation will happen?
The verse concludes with an unshakeable anchor: 'for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.' This isn't a wish or a possibility; it's a divine declaration.
Divine Certainty
When God speaks, it carries absolute authority and certainty. His Word is His bond. This phrase emphasizes that the revelation of His glory is not a matter of human speculation but a divinely guaranteed event.
Foundation for Faith
This declaration serves as a powerful encouragement. Despite potential disbelief or the seeming impossibility of the circumstances, God's spoken word is the ultimate foundation for faith. It assures us that what He promises, He will surely bring to pass.
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 resonates with the profound exilic and post-exilic period of Israel's history, speaking first of God's power to restore His people from Babylon, but also pointing forward to the ultimate revelation of His glory and salvation through the Messiah to all humanity.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar II destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, marking the beginning of the Judahite exile.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
Persian King Cyrus the Great overthrows the Babylonian Empire, creating a new world power and setting the stage for the return of exiles.
538 BC— this verse
Cyrus' Edict allowing return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish people to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple, fulfilling prophecies of restoration.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Completed
The rebuilt Jerusalem Temple is dedicated, symbolizing the end of the Babylonian exile and the return of a remnant of God's people.
c. 1st Century AD
Advent of Jesus Christ
The promised Messiah, Jesus, is born, marking a profound revelation of God's glory and salvation to all nations.
This passage directly quotes Isaiah 40:5 (or a very similar wording from the Septuagint translation), applying the revelation of God's glory to the coming of John the Baptist and the ministry of Jesus.
John 1:14This verse speaks of 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.' It beautifully fulfills Isaiah's prophecy by showing how God's glory was revealed in the person of Jesus, visible to all humanity.
Isaiah 52:10This verse is closely linked, stating 'The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.' It highlights the 'salvation' aspect of God's revealed glory.
Matthew 24:30This passage describes the visible return of the Son of Man in power and great glory, which will be seen by all peoples, echoing the comprehensive revelation of God's glory promised 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 verse highlights that this grand revelation isn't just for Israel, but for "all flesh" — every single person. It also closes with a powerful, almost exclusive prophetic stamp: "the mouth of the LORD has spoken," underscoring that God's Word itself is the ultimate guarantee of this future glory.
This verse bursts forth after God has declared He will comfort His people, who have endured a long and costly exile. The immediate context is the stunning announcement that a voice cries out in the wilderness, preparing a way for the LORD's return. This divine arrival isn't just for Israel, but a revelation so grand that all humanity will witness it because God Himself has promised it.
This verse bursts forth after God has declared He will comfort His people, who have endured a long and costly exile. The immediate context is the stunning announcement that a voice cries out in the wilderness, preparing a way for the LORD's return. This divine arrival isn't just for Israel, but a revelation so grand that all humanity will witness it because God Himself has promised it.
"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 verse highlights that this grand revelation isn't just for Israel, but for "all flesh" — every single person. It also closes with a powerful, almost exclusive prophetic stamp: "the mouth of the L…
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Last reviewed October 2026