The verse calls out to those who not only understand but practice righteousness, emphasizing that God's law isn't just an external code but is deeply embedded within their hearts. This internal adherence is presented as the key to overcoming the fear of human criticism, as their true security lies in their relationship with the eternal God, not the fleeting opinions of 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. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool, but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to a remnant of God's people who are discouraged by their current hardships and the scoffs of their enemies. Just before this, God reminded them of their origin from Abraham and promised to restore and comfort Zion. He also declared His eternal salvation and righteousness, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of the world.
What does it mean to 'know righteousness' and have God's law in your heart? It's more than just intellectual understanding; it's a deep, life-altering reality.
The verse calls out to those who 'know righteousness' and have God's law 'in their heart.' This isn't just about having correct theological beliefs or understanding moral principles.
Why does Isaiah tell God's people not to fear human reproach? Because their security is found in something far greater and more enduring than any human opinion.
The call to 'fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings' comes immediately after the description of those with God's law in their hearts.
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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.
Isaiah 51:7 speaks to the people of God during a time of immense pressure and potential despair, likely the Assyrian or Babylonian periods of conquest and exile. The prophet encourages those who truly know and cherish God's law to stand firm against the mockery and fear stirred up by oppressors, assuring them that human power is fleeting while God's salvation is eternal.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Empire Dominates
The Assyrian Empire is a major world power, exerting significant military and political pressure on the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This era of foreign domination and threat shapes much of Isaiah's prophetic message.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrians conquer the northern Kingdom of Israel, destroying its capital Samaria and deporting a large portion of its population. This event serves as a stark warning to Judah about the consequences of disobedience.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, capturing many fortified cities and besieking Jerusalem. While Jerusalem is miraculously spared, the devastation is immense, highlighting Judah's vulnerability.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
The Babylonian Empire rises to power and begins deporting Judean elites to Babylon, including the prophet Daniel. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population. This catastrophic event marks the end of the southern kingdom and the full realization of the exilic judgment.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest and Edict of Cyrus
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquers Babylon. Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
This verse echoes the same encouragement to wait for the Lord and be courageous, emphasizing that strength comes from Him when facing adversity.
Jeremiah 31:33This passage directly relates to the idea of God's law being written on the heart, a concept highlighted in Isaiah 51:7 as a mark of His people.
Matthew 10:28This New Testament passage provides a parallel command not to fear those who can kill the body, but rather to fear God, directly mirroring the instruction in Isaiah 51:7.
Romans 8:31This verse powerfully asserts that if God is for us, no one can be against us, offering a profound theological foundation for the courage called for in Isaiah 51:7.
1 Peter 3:14This verse offers a similar exhortation to not fear or be troubled by the reproaches of others, highlighting that believers are blessed when they suffer for righteousness' sake.
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…
The verse calls out to those who not only understand but practice righteousness, emphasizing that God's law isn't just an external code but is deeply embedded within their hearts. This internal adherence is presented as the key to overcoming the fear of human criticism, as their true security lies in their relationship with the eternal God, not the fleeting opinions of others.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to a remnant of God's people who are discouraged by their current hardships and the scoffs of their enemies. Just before this, God reminded them of their origin from Abraham and promised to restore and comfort Zion. He also declared His eternal salvation and righteousness, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of the world.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to a remnant of God's people who are discouraged by their current hardships and the scoffs of their enemies. Just before this, God reminded them of their origin from Abraham and promised to restore and comfort Zion. He also declared His eternal salvation and righteousness, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of the world.
"“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. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will e…" — The verse calls out to those who not only understand but practice righteousness, emphasizing that God's law isn't just an external code but is deeply embedded within their hearts. This internal adh…
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Last reviewed October 2026
