Isaiah 1:26 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellours as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After refining, God will restore righteous leadership, and Jerusalem will be known by its original name of righteousness and faithfulness.
The Context of Isaiah 1:26
Promise of restored righteous leadership and renewed identity for Jerusalem.
What Does Isaiah 1:26 Mean?
The promise of restoration follows the refining judgment. 'I will restore thy judges as at the first' looks back to an idealized past—a time when Jerusalem's leadership was just. 'Counsellors as at the beginning' suggests a return to the way things were meant to be from the start. This is not merely returning to the status quo but restoring the ideal: judges who judge justly, counsellors who counsel wisely. The restoration of proper leadership is essential to the restoration of the city.
The renaming—'The city of righteousness, the faithful city'—echoes the lament of verse 21 ('How is the faithful city become an harlot'). By verse 26, that name is restored. This represents complete transformation: from a city of murderers and corrupt judges to a city known for righteousness and faithfulness. The promise is not merely individual salvation but the reconstitution of a just community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 1:26
What does Isaiah 1:26 mean?
After refining, God will restore righteous leadership, and Jerusalem will be known by its original name of righteousness and faithfulness.
What is the context of Isaiah 1:26?
Promise of restored righteous leadership and renewed identity for Jerusalem.