Old Testament
Isaiah 51:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Wake up, wake up! Clothe yourself in strength, O arm of the LORD! Rise up as you did in ancient days, in generations long past. Wasn't it you who cut Rahab to pieces and wounded the dragon?
Compare translations
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?
What Isaiah 51:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 51:9, the speaker calls on the 'arm of the LORD' to awaken and show strength, reminiscent of God's powerful acts in history. The reference to cutting Rahab and wounding the dragon symbolizes God's victory over chaos and evil forces. Rahab is often interpreted as a representation of Egypt or a chaotic sea, while the dragon signifies powerful adversaries. This verse serves as a reminder of God's past deliverance and strength, encouraging the people to trust in His ability to act again. The repetition of 'wake up' emphasizes urgency and the need for divine intervention in their current struggles. The imagery evokes a sense of hope and expectation that God will rise up to protect and save His people, just as He has done before. It reassures believers that the same God who acted in the past is still capable of delivering them from their present challenges.
How to apply Isaiah 51:9 to your life
In times of struggle, remember that God has the power to intervene in your life. Call upon Him with faith, trusting that He can bring strength and deliverance just as He has in the past. Stay hopeful and expectant of His help.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 51:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 51:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 51:9 mean by 'arm of the LORD'?
The 'arm of the LORD' symbolizes God's power and strength in action. In Isaiah 51:9, it represents God's ability to deliver and protect His people, reminding them of His past interventions and victories over chaos and evil.
Who or what does 'Rahab' refer to in Isaiah 51:9?
In Isaiah 51:9, 'Rahab' is often interpreted as a symbol of chaos or a representation of Egypt. It signifies God's triumph over powerful adversaries and chaotic forces, illustrating His sovereignty and ability to bring order from disorder.
What is the significance of the phrase 'wake up' in this verse?
The repetition of 'wake up' in Isaiah 51:9 emphasizes urgency and a call for divine intervention. It reflects the speaker's plea for God to act decisively as He has in the past, encouraging believers to seek His strength in their current struggles.
How can I apply Isaiah 51:9 to my life today?
You can apply Isaiah 51:9 by calling upon God in your times of struggle, trusting in His power to intervene and provide strength. This verse encourages you to remain hopeful and expectant of God's help, reminding you that He is capable of delivering you from challenges.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.