Version: King James Version (public domain)
Isaiah
The first of the Major Prophets, with 66 chapters.
Isaiah gathers prophecies of judgment, comfort and hope for the people of Israel, from the 8th century BC to the end of the exile in Babylon.
In this section
Historical context
Isaiah was active in Jerusalem in the 8th century BC. Many scholars divide the book into three parts: chapters 1–39 (the prophet), 40–55 (the Babylonian exile) and 56–66 (the return).
Explanation
Best-known passages
- The vision of the throne (ch. 6)
- “A virgin shall conceive” (ch. 7)
- “Unto us a child is born” (ch. 9)
- “Fear thou not; for I am with thee” (ch. 41)
- The suffering servant (ch. 53)