“Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just for those who know righteousness, but specifically calls out "the people in whose heart is my law." This highlights that true understanding and obedience to God's commands are not just intellectual exercises, but deeply internalized principles that anchor us against the fear of human opinions.
“Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes amidst a broader message of comfort and restoration from God to His people, who are depicted as suffering and in exile. Following assurances of God's eternal power and promises of future renewal, God now directly addresses those who are faithful, urging them to stand firm amidst the scorn they face from others.
What does it truly mean to 'know' righteousness? It's more than just intellectual understanding; it’s about a deep, internal embrace of God's ways.
Isaiah distinguishes between those who merely 'follow after righteousness' (Isaiah 51:1) and those who 'know righteousness' and have God's law written on their hearts.
More Than Knowledge
This internal disposition is what equips them to face external opposition.
When insults and mockery come, where do we find the strength to stand firm without crumbling?
The verse directly addresses the fear of human opinion. It contrasts the fleeting nature of human reproach with the eternal nature of God's righteousness and salvation.
God's Strength for the Faithful
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Understand the original words
torah · Hebrew Noun
A general term for the authoritative instruction, teaching, or divine will of God, often specifically referring to the Mosaic law or the Torah, which reveals God's character and requirements for His people.
cherpah · Hebrew Noun
A sense of dread, shame, or disgrace cast upon someone by others; in a biblical context, it often refers to the hostility or mockery directed at the faithful because of their allegiance to God.
These words of comfort are spoken to a people enduring the trauma of the Babylonian exile, who have seen their homeland devastated and their Temple destroyed. They are called to trust in God's eternal salvation and righteousness, not the fleeting power of their oppressors, and to find strength in their inward knowledge of God's law, a stark contrast to the external failures they have experienced.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Ascendancy and Northern Kingdom's Fall
Isaiah prophesies during a period of rising Assyrian power, which would later lead to the fall of the northern Kingdom of Israel (722 BC). This context of regional instability and foreign threat would have made the promise of God's enduring salvation particularly poignant.
701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event, during which Jerusalem was miraculously spared, would have reinforced the themes of God's protection and salvation against overwhelming enemies.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar II, deports King Jehoiachin and many Judean leaders and artisans to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a period of great distress and national humiliation for Judah.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, further exacerbating the exile and the sense of God's abandonment for many Judeans. The prophet's words offer comfort and hope for restoration amidst this devastation.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, paving the way for the return of exiled peoples, including the Jews. This event directly precedes and enables the fulfillment of prophecies concerning restoration.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return to Jerusalem
Cyrus issues an edict allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the return and restoration period, fulfilling Isaiah's promises of comfort and vindication.
This passage echoes the idea of treasuring God's word in the heart, which is a foundational element for those who 'know righteousness' and are called to fearlessly face reproach.
Matthew 5:10-12Jesus' words here directly parallel Isaiah's message, assuring His followers that they will face persecution and reproach for righteousness' sake, but encouraging them to rejoice and be glad because of their heavenly reward.
Romans 8:31This powerful declaration of God's support for believers directly addresses the fear of human opposition, echoing Isaiah's call not to be dismayed by the reproach of men when God is for them.
Philippians 3:9Paul's emphasis on having a righteousness that comes from God, not from his own efforts, aligns with Isaiah's call to 'know righteousness' and to not be swayed by external opinions or revilings.
1 Peter 4:12-14This passage speaks directly to believers facing fiery trials and reproach, encouraging them to see such suffering for Christ as a sign of God's Spirit resting upon them, much like Isaiah's assurance to those who know righteousness.
barnesIsaiah 51:7: "Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness - My people who are acquainted with my law, and who are to be saved. This is addressed to the pious parlor the Jewish nation. Fear ye not the reproach of men - If we have the promise of God, and the assurance of his favor, we shall have no occasion to dread the reproaches and the sco…
bensonIsaiah 51:7: "Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."
Isaiah 51:7-8 . Hearken, ye that know righteousness — Who not only understand, but love and practise it; whose persons are justified, whose nature is renewed, and whose lives are subject to my laws. These seem to be distinguished from those who are spoken of ( Isaiah 51:1 ) as following after righteousness. These had attained…
This verse isn't just for those who know righteousness, but specifically calls out "the people in whose heart is my law." This highlights that true understanding and obedience to God's commands are not just intellectual exercises, but deeply internalized principles that anchor us against the fear of human opinions.
This passage comes amidst a broader message of comfort and restoration from God to His people, who are depicted as suffering and in exile. Following assurances of God's eternal power and promises of future renewal, God now directly addresses those who are faithful, urging them to stand firm amidst the scorn they face from others.
This passage comes amidst a broader message of comfort and restoration from God to His people, who are depicted as suffering and in exile. Following assurances of God's eternal power and promises of future renewal, God now directly addresses those who are faithful, urging them to stand firm amidst the scorn they face from others.
"“Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings." — This verse isn't just for those who know righteousness, but specifically calls out "the people in whose heart is my law." This highlights that true understanding and obedience to God's commands are…
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Last reviewed October 2026