Book of Isaiah — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 66 · Written by: Isaiah · Approximate date: c. 740–700 BC · Theme: Jehovah's Salvation & the Coming Messiah

Summary of the Book of Isaiah

Isaiah contains some of the most majestic prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures — judgment on unfaithful Judah, comfort for exiles, and vivid descriptions of the coming Messiah whose sacrifice would bring salvation and whose Kingdom would have no end.

The book of Isaiah is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 66 chapters. It was written by Isaiah approximately c. 740–700 BC. The central theme running throughout Isaiah is jehovah's salvation & the coming messiah — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Isaiah

  • Isa 9:6
  • Isa 40:31
  • Isa 53:5

Notable Passages in Isaiah

Isaiah 9:6

The Messianic titles 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace' reveal the extraordinary qualities Jehovah would give his appointed King.

Isaiah 40:31

The promise that those 'waiting on Jehovah' will renew their strength like eagles provides enduring comfort for his servants during prolonged hardships.

Isaiah 53:5

The Suffering Servant prophecy that 'he was pierced for our transgression' is one of the most precise Messianic predictions, fulfilled in Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Study Questions for Isaiah

As you read the book of Isaiah, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. How does Isaiah 9:6–7 describe the coming Messianic King, and how were these qualities fulfilled in Jesus Christ?
  2. What does Isaiah 40:28–31 teach about Jehovah's inexhaustible energy and his care for those who are weary?
  3. How do the four 'Servant Songs' in Isaiah (42:1–4; 49:1–6; 50:4–9; 52:13–53:12) describe the Messiah's suffering and ministry?
  4. What does Isaiah 65:17–25 describe about the coming new earth, and how does this vision sustain the hope of Jehovah's people?
  5. How does Isaiah's response to his vision in chapter 6 — 'Send me!' — reflect the willing spirit that Jehovah's Witnesses demonstrate in their ministry?

How to Study Isaiah with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 66 chapters of Isaiah in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Isaiah as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Isaiah

The book of Isaiah is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Major Prophets in 90 Days — Read Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel in 90 days. (90 days, 183 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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