New International Version It pleased the LORD for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious. New Living Translation Because he is righteous, the LORD has exalted his glorious law. English Standard Version The LORD was pleased, for his righteousness’ sake, to magnify his law and make it glorious. Berean Standard Bible The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious. Berean Literal Bible YHWH delights on account of His righteousness, to magnify the law and make it glorious. King James Bible The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. New King James Version The LORD is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will exalt the law and make it honorable. New American Standard Bible The LORD was pleased for His righteousness’ sake To make the Law great and glorious. NASB 1995 The LORD was pleased for His righteousness’ sake To make the law great and glorious. NASB 1977 The LORD was pleased for His righteousness’ sake To make the law great and glorious. Legacy Standard Bible Yahweh was pleased for His righteousness’ sake That He make the law great and majestic. Amplified Bible The LORD was pleased for His righteousness’ sake To make the law great and prove to be glorious. Berean Annotated Bible The LORD {YHWH} was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious. Christian Standard Bible Because of his righteousness, the LORD was pleased to magnify his instruction and make it glorious. Holman Christian Standard Bible The LORD was pleased, because of His righteousness, to magnify His instruction and make it glorious. American Standard Version It pleased Jehovah, for his righteousness' sake, to magnify the law, and make it honorable. Contemporary English Version The LORD always does right, and so he wanted his Law to be greatly praised. English Revised Version It pleased the LORD, for his righteousness' sake, to magnify the law, and make it honourable. GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD is pleased because he does what is right. He praises the greatness of his teachings and makes them glorious. Good News Translation The LORD is a God who is eager to save, so he exalted his laws and teachings, and he wanted his people to honor them. International Standard Version The LORD was pleased, for the sake of his vindication, that he should magnify his Law and make it glorious. NET Bible The LORD wanted to exhibit his justice by magnifying his law and displaying it. New Heart English Bible It pleased the LORD, for his righteousness' sake, to magnify the law, and make it honorable. Webster's Bible Translation The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honorable. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious. World English Bible It pleased Yahweh, for his righteousness’ sake, to magnify the law and make it honorable. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionYHWH has delight for the sake of His righteousness, "" He magnifies law, and makes honorable. Berean Literal Bible YHWH delights on account of His righteousness, to magnify the law and make it glorious. Young's Literal Translation Jehovah hath delight for the sake of His righteousness, He magnifieth law, and maketh honourable. Smith's Literal Translation Jehovah was pleased for sake of his justice; he will magnify the law and make glorious. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord was willing to sanctify him, and to magnify the law, and exalt it. Catholic Public Domain Version And the Lord was willing to sanctify him, and to magnify the law, and to exalt him. New American Bible It was the LORD’s will for the sake of his justice to make his teaching great and glorious. New Revised Standard Version The LORD was pleased, for the sake of his righteousness, to magnify his teaching and make it glorious. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law and make it honorable. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated LORD JEHOVAH was pleased because of his righteousness, that he would magnify the Law and glorify it OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The LORD was pleased, for His righteousness' sake, To make the teaching great and glorious. Brenton Septuagint Translation The Lord God has taken counsel that he might be justified, and might magnify his praise. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Israel is Deaf and Blind…20Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear.” 21The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious. 22But this is a people plundered and looted, all trapped in caves or imprisoned in dungeons. They have become plunder with no one to rescue them, and loot with no one to say, “Send them back!”… Cross References The LORD was pleased, Isaiah 53:10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” Matthew 17:5 While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” for the sake of His righteousness, Romans 3:25-26 God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. / He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus. Isaiah 46:13 I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor. Psalm 98:2 The LORD has proclaimed His salvation and revealed His righteousness to the nations. to magnify His law Matthew 5:17-18 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Romans 3:31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law. Psalm 19:7-8 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. and make it glorious. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, / will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? / For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! … Exodus 34:29-35 And when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was unaware that his face had become radiant from speaking with the LORD. / Aaron and all the Israelites looked at Moses, and behold, his face was radiant. And they were afraid to approach him. / But Moses called out to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke to them. … Exodus 24:16-17 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. / And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites. Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes. Galatians 3:24 So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Hebrews 10:7-9 Then I said, ‘Here I am, it is written about Me in the scroll: I have come to do Your will, O God.’” / In the passage above He says, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor did You delight in them” (although they are offered according to the law). / Then He adds, “Here I am, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. Matthew 3:15 “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him. Treasury of Scripture The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honorable. well Isaiah 1:24-27 Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies: … Isaiah 46:12,13 Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: … Psalm 71:16,19 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only… he will Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. Matthew 5:17-20 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil… it. John 13:31,32 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him… John 17:4,5 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do… Jump to Previous Delight Glorious Great Honorable Honour Honourable Law Magnified Magnifieth Magnify Maketh Pleased Pleasure Righteousness Sake TeachingJump to Next Delight Glorious Great Honorable Honour Honourable Law Magnified Magnifieth Magnify Maketh Pleased Pleasure Righteousness Sake TeachingIsaiah 42 1. The office of Christ, graced with meekness and constancy.5. God's promise unto him. 10. An exhortation to praise God for his Gospel 13. God will manifest himself, and check idolatry 18. He reproves the people of incredulity. The LORD was pleased, God’s saving work proceeds according to His sovereign will and holy purpose. Even amid Israel’s blindness and disobedience, He had not abandoned His covenant plan. Isa 53:10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him… for the sake of His righteousness, The Lord acts consistently with His own perfect character, faithfulness, and justice. He upholds His name and fulfills His promises to bring righteousness and salvation to His people. Rom 3:25-26 God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice… to magnify His law God exalted His instruction as the true standard of holiness, exposing sin and directing His people toward obedient faith. The Servant announced in this chapter would faithfully establish justice and embody obedience to the Father. Mat 5:17-18 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law…… and make it glorious. The law reveals the beauty of God’s righteous will, yet Israel’s failure showed the need for a Redeemer. Jesus fulfilled the law completely and, through the New Covenant, writes God’s will upon the hearts of those who belong to Him. 2Co 3:7-11 Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved on stone…… Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is righteous and just. He is the central figure in this passage, emphasizing His desire to uphold His law. 2. Isaiah The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Israel. He is the author of the book and serves as a mouthpiece for God's revelations. 3. Israel The nation chosen by God to be His people, often addressed in Isaiah's prophecies. They are the recipients of God's law and His promises. 4. The Law (Torah) Refers to God's commandments and instructions given to Israel. In this context, it is something God desires to magnify and make glorious. 5. Righteousness A key attribute of God, reflecting His moral perfection and justice. It is for the sake of His righteousness that God acts to magnify His law. Teaching Points God's Righteousness and His LawGod's actions are always aligned with His righteousness. His desire to magnify the law is rooted in His perfect nature. The Glory of God's Law The law is not just a set of rules but a reflection of God's character. It is glorious because it reveals His holiness and justice. Fulfillment in Christ Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the law, embodying its principles and magnifying its glory through His life and sacrifice. Living Out God's Law As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects the glory of God's law, not through legalism but through the Spirit's empowerment. The Role of the Law Today While we are not under the law as a means of salvation, it still serves as a guide to understanding God's will and character. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 42:21?2. How does Isaiah 42:21 reveal God's commitment to His law's greatness? 3. What actions can we take to uphold God's law in our lives? 4. How does Isaiah 42:21 connect to Jesus fulfilling the law in Matthew 5:17? 5. In what ways can we delight in God's law as Isaiah 42:21 suggests? 6. How can Isaiah 42:21 inspire us to promote justice in our communities? 7. How does Isaiah 42:21 reflect God's commitment to His law and righteousness? 8. Why is the Lord pleased to magnify His law according to Isaiah 42:21? 9. What does Isaiah 42:21 reveal about God's character and His expectations for humanity? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 42? What Does Isaiah 42:21 Mean The LORD was pleased- Isaiah states that God’s actions flow from His own delight, not human prompting. Psalm 115:3 declares, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.” - That pleasure is rooted in holy purpose, as seen when “it pleased the LORD to crush Him” (Isaiah 53:10), foreshadowing Christ’s atoning work. - God’s pleasure assures us that His plan is never reluctant or half-hearted; it is carried out with joyful determination. For the sake of His righteousness - Every divine action safeguards the moral perfection of God’s character. Psalm 23:3 reminds us that He “guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” - Romans 3:26 explains that through the gospel God “demonstrates His righteousness,” upholding justice while extending mercy. - Because His righteousness is unchanging (Malachi 3:6), we can trust that His dealings with Israel in Isaiah’s day—and with us now—are always right, pure, and fair. To magnify His law - “Law” (Torah) means God’s revealed instruction. Psalm 19:7 celebrates, “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” - In the Servant songs, the Messiah fulfills this mission: “He will establish justice on the earth” (Isaiah 42:4). Jesus echoed that aim: “I have not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it” (Matthew 5:17). - By lifting the law into full view—exposing its depth, demands, and beauty—God shows that His standards are not negotiable but worthy of honor. And make it glorious - Glory speaks of visible splendor. God wants His law to shine, not lie dormant. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 contrasts the fading glory of stone tablets with the surpassing glory brought by the Spirit through Christ. - When the law is written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33), its glory is seen in transformed lives—“so that the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us” (Romans 8:4). - The end goal is worship: “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all day long” (Psalm 119:97). A life shaped by Scripture puts God’s brilliance on display. summary Isaiah 42:21 teaches that God joyfully acts to uphold His own flawless righteousness by elevating His revealed word to a place of honor. In doing so, He showcases the majesty of His standards and prepares hearts for their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah. When we submit to that glorious law, we participate in God’s pleasure and reflect His righteousness to the world. (21) The Lord is well pleased . . .—The tenses require a change: The Lord was well pleased . . . He made His law great and glorious. This had been His purpose, and he had not failed in it. He had done all that it was possible to do. (Comp. Isaiah 5:4; Romans 9:4.)Verse 21. - The Lord is well pleased; rather, the Lord was pleased, or it pleased the Lord. For his righteousness' sake; "because of his own perfect righteousness." He will magnify the Law; rather, to magnify the Law - to set it forth in its greatness and its glory before his people. It is not the original giving of the Law at Sinai only that is meant, but also its constant inculcation by a long series of prophets. Israel's experience (ver. 29) had included all this; but they had not profited by the instruction addressed to them.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The LORDיְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel was pleased חָפֵ֖ץ (ḥā·p̄êṣ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire for the sake of לְמַ֣עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Preposition Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent His righteousness, צִדְק֑וֹ (ṣiḏ·qōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity to magnify יַגְדִּ֥יל (yaḡ·dîl) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great His law תּוֹרָ֖ה (tō·w·rāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law and make it glorious. וְיַאְדִּֽיר׃ (wə·ya’·dîr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 142: To expand, be great, magnificent Additonal Resources Isaiah 42:21 Blue Letter BibleIsaiah 42:21 Bible Gateway Isaiah 42:21 Bible.com Isaiah 42:21 NIV |
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