Isaiah 41:6
“They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In fear, the nations encourage one another and band together for strength.
Context
The nations' collective response to the threat of Persian expansion, attempting to organize mutual defense.
What Does Isaiah 41:6 Mean?
See how fear works in human hearts. Rather than freeze, people turn to their neighbors. They strengthen one another's hands. There is something noble here: facing the unknown power of Persia, they do not despair alone but rise together.
Yet the irony is gentle. They are trying to stand against the current of God's purpose. Their mutual encouragement is real, but it cannot prevail against the Lord who 'raises up the righteous man.' Sometimes our human solidarity is not wrong—it is simply insufficient.
Application
We too look for strength in community, and rightly so. But if our courage rests only on human reassurance, it will fail in the darkest hour. True courage is built on trust in God, which we then share with one another.