Isaiah 66:13As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem."
The setting
Jerusalem, Israel, ~700 BC. Isaiah concludes his prophecy with the most tender image possible - God as comforting mother in the very city that will be destroyed and rebuilt...
The emotion here: tearful with tender love while prophesying both judgment and restoration to his people
The original word
nacham (נָחַם) — to comfort, console; same root as Noah's name, meaning 'rest' or 'relief'
Why it matters
This is one of only a few places in the Old Testament where God uses explicitly maternal imagery for Himself
Read with care
What most readers miss in Isaiah 66:13
God promises to comfort IN Jerusalem - the same city that will be destroyed for their sins
Common misconceptionSome avoid this verse because they think it feminizes God, but Isaiah is saying God's comfort exceeds even the most intimate human comfort we know - a mother's love.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Isaiah 66:13
Bible Genome reading
Isaiah 66:13 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Isaiah 66:13 comes from the book of Isaiah, written during the Divided Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Yahweh. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 95% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the prophecy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include divine comfort, maternal imagery. Notable phrases: as one whom his mother comforts. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains prophecy.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Isaiah 66:13 mean to you, today?
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