For thus says the LORD: “You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "sold for nothing" isn't just a statement of the people's misfortune; it implies they were valuable enough to be sold, but the "sale" yielded no actual profit or justification for their captors. This highlights their inherent worth and the injustice of their enslavement, setting the stage for a redemption that is equally gratuitous and divinely initiated.
For thus says the LORD: “You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah is calling on Zion to awaken from her despair and put on her beautiful garments, announcing that her exile is over and she will no longer be defiled by enemies. This verse directly follows this call to rejoice, explaining why they can anticipate freedom: their captivity was essentially meaningless to their captors, who paid nothing for them, and therefore, God will reclaim them without requiring any payment from them. This sets the stage for the magnificent declaration of God's powerful, unbought redemption that will be visible to all nations.
Ever feel like you've made a bad deal in life? This verse points to a profound spiritual transaction that went terribly wrong.
The people of Israel, through their sins, effectively 'sold' themselves into captivity. But the crucial point is that this 'sale' was worthless.
What does it mean to be 'redeemed without money'? This verse reveals a rescue plan that defies all human economics.
The astonishing flip side of their worthless sale is their redemption. God declares they will be bought back not with silver, silver coins, or any earthly payment.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenant name of God in the Old Testament, revealed to Moses at the burning bush. It denotes His eternal existence, faithfulness to His promises, and His active presence in the history of His people.
ga'al · Hebrew Verb
To buy back or recover that which was lost or enslaved, usually by the payment of a price. In theology, it refers to God's act of delivering His people from bondage, sin, or death, often pointing forward to the ultimate ransom paid by Christ.
This verse speaks directly to the people of Judah during their exile in Babylon, highlighting the injustice of their enslavement and promising a redemption that God alone will enact, not based on any payment, but on His sovereign power and faithfulness.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrians, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the scattering of the population.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports skilled workers and a portion of the Judean nobility, including Daniel, to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Jerusalem falls to Nebuchadnezzar, and King Jehoiachin along with thousands more Judeans are deported to Babylon. This event is a direct precursor to the fall of Jerusalem.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus the Great, conquers Babylon.
538 BC
Cyrus's Edict
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, effectively ending the Babylonian Captivity.
This passage echoes the theme of redemption without cost, specifically mentioning Cyrus as an instrument of liberation, foreshadowing a greater, gratuitous redemption.
Romans 7:14It highlights the state of being 'sold under sin,' which resonates with the idea of being sold for nothing, emphasizing the spiritual bondage from which redemption is needed.
1 Corinthians 6:20This verse directly states that believers have been bought with a price, but in the context of Isaiah 52:3, it underscores that the ultimate redemption is not based on human payment but on Christ's sacrifice.
1 Peter 1:18-19It contrasts the corruptible things (like silver and gold) with the precious blood of Christ, reinforcing the idea that redemption is valuable but not obtained with earthly currency.
wesleyIsaiah 52:3: "For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money."
52:3 Sold yourselves - By your sins, without any valuable consideration paid by them either to you, or to your Lord and owner. Without money - Without paying any ransom.
jfbIsaiah 52:3: "For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money."
- As you became your foes' servants, without their paying any price for you (Jer 15:13), so they shall release you without demanding any price or reward (Isa 45:13), (where Cyrus is represented as doing so: a type of their final restoration gratuitously in like manner). So the spiritual Israel, "sold under sin," gratuitously (Ro 7:14), shall be redeemed also gratuitously (Isa 55:…
The phrase "sold for nothing" isn't just a statement of the people's misfortune; it implies they were valuable enough to be sold, but the "sale" yielded no actual profit or justification for their captors. This highlights their inherent worth and the injustice of their enslavement, setting the stage for a redemption that is equally gratuitous and divinely initiated.
The prophet Isaiah is calling on Zion to awaken from her despair and put on her beautiful garments, announcing that her exile is over and she will no longer be defiled by enemies. This verse directly follows this call to rejoice, explaining why they can anticipate freedom: their captivity was essentially meaningless to their captors, who paid nothing for them, and therefore, God will reclaim them without requiring any payment from them. This sets the stage for the magnificent declaration of God's powerful, unbought redemption that will be visible to all nations.
The prophet Isaiah is calling on Zion to awaken from her despair and put on her beautiful garments, announcing that her exile is over and she will no longer be defiled by enemies. This verse directly follows this call to rejoice, explaining why they can anticipate freedom: their captivity was essentially meaningless to their captors, who paid nothing for them, and therefore, God will reclaim them without requiring any payment from them. This sets the stage for the magnificent declaration of God's powerful, unbought redemption that will be visible to all nations.
"For thus says the LORD: “You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.”" — The phrase "sold for nothing" isn't just a statement of the people's misfortune; it implies they were valuable enough to be sold, but the "sale" yielded no actual profit or justification for their…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026