Isaiah 5:16 Meaning and Explanation
“But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Through judgment, the Lord alone is exalted and shown to be holy and righteous.
The Context of Isaiah 5:16
The reversal: God's exaltation through righteous judgment.
What Does Isaiah 5:16 Mean?
This verse marks a pivot: when human pride falls, God rises. The parallel structure connects the Lord's exaltation with His execution of justice and His holiness with His righteousness. God's nature is revealed in judgment—not in capricious destruction, but in the restoration of what is right.
'Sanctified' means set apart, hallowed, recognized as holy. The Lord's sanctification occurs through righteousness (right judgment). This connects Israel's covenant with God's character: His demand for justice flows from His essence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 5:16
What does Isaiah 5:16 mean?
Through judgment, the Lord alone is exalted and shown to be holy and righteous.
What is the context of Isaiah 5:16?
The reversal: God's exaltation through righteous judgment.