Comfortably
Speaking to the Heart
In older English Bible translations, the word "comfortably" appears in several passages where the underlying Hebrew phrase is 'al lev, literally meaning "to the heart." This expression goes far beyond casual encouragement — it describes speech that reaches deep into another person's inner being, calming fears, restoring confidence, and conveying genuine compassion. Modern translations often render it as "spoke kindly" or "spoke tenderly."
Human Examples of Speaking Comfortably
Several Old Testament narratives illustrate this heart-level communication between people. When Joseph revealed himself to his terrified brothers in Egypt, he "spoke kindly" to them, assuring them he held no grudge despite their betrayal (Genesis 50:21). Boaz spoke "to the heart" of Ruth, a vulnerable foreign widow gleaning in his fields, offering her protection and provision (Ruth 2:13). In the political realm, David was urged to "speak comfortably" to his troops after Absalom's rebellion, winning back the hearts of those who felt alienated (2 Samuel 19:7). King Hezekiah similarly spoke encouragingly to the Levites during the Passover restoration (2 Chronicles 30:22) and strengthened his military commanders with reassuring words before facing the Assyrian siege (2 Chronicles 32:6).
God Speaking Comfortably to His People
The most theologically rich uses of this expression describe God's own tender address to His people. In one of the most beloved passages in Isaiah, God commands His messengers: "Comfort, comfort my people... speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned" (Isaiah 40:1-2). Here the phrase carries the full weight of divine forgiveness and restoration after the devastating exile in Babylon.
The prophet Hosea uses the same language in describing God's future restoration of unfaithful Israel. Despite the nation's spiritual adultery, God promises to "allure her" and "speak tenderly to her" in the wilderness (Hosea 2:14). Zechariah also records that God spoke "comforting words" to His angel (Zechariah 1:13), expressing divine compassion for Jerusalem during the post-exilic rebuilding period.
The Language of Covenant Love
The Hebrew phrase behind "comfortably" is notably the same expression used for courtship and wooing in ancient Israel. This is not coincidental. Scripture consistently portrays God's relationship with His people using the language of intimate love. When God speaks "to the heart" of Jerusalem, He is acting as a faithful husband pursuing and restoring His beloved. This marriage metaphor runs from the prophets through the New Testament, where the church is described as the bride of Christ.
A Pattern of Divine Tenderness
The biblical use of this term reveals a God who does not merely command or judge but who draws near with words of tender reassurance. From Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers to God's promise of pardon to exiled Israel, speaking comfortably is consistently tied to moments of restoration, forgiveness, and renewed relationship.
Biblical Context
The expression appears in Genesis 50:21 (Joseph to his brothers), Ruth 2:13 (Boaz to Ruth), 2 Samuel 19:7 (David to his troops), 2 Chronicles 30:22 and 32:6 (Hezekiah to Levites and captains), Isaiah 40:1-2 (God to Jerusalem), Hosea 2:14 (God to Israel), and Zechariah 1:13 (God to His angel).
Theological Significance
This expression reveals that God's communication with His people is characterized by tender, heart-level compassion rather than cold authority. It connects divine forgiveness with intimate love, using courtship language to describe God's pursuit of His wayward people. Isaiah 40:1-2 is especially significant as it introduces the message of comfort that defines the second half of Isaiah's prophecy.
Historical Background
The Hebrew idiom 'to speak to the heart' reflects ancient Near Eastern concepts of the heart as the center of thought, will, and emotion. In courtship customs, speaking to the heart was part of winning affection and trust. This cultural context enriches the theological portrait of God as one who woos and tenderly restores His people rather than merely issuing decrees.