Isaiah 30 21

Isaiah 30:21 kjv

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Isaiah 30:21 nkjv

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.

Isaiah 30:21 niv

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Isaiah 30:21 esv

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.

Isaiah 30:21 nlt

Your own ears will hear him.
Right behind you a voice will say,
"This is the way you should go,"
whether to the right or to the left.

Isaiah 30 verses

Isaiah 30 21 Meaning

This verse speaks of a spiritual discernment, where the hearer’s ears perceive the true voice of God amidst surrounding confusion, leading them to turn away from error and embrace His way.

Isaiah 30 21 Context

Chapter 30 of Isaiah addresses the people of Judah, particularly their misguided reliance on alliances with Egypt for military protection rather than trusting in the LORD. God, through Isaiah, pronounces judgment upon this disobedience and points them to the folly of their chosen path. Verse 21 appears as a glimmer of hope and promise amidst the warnings. It foretells a future where, despite their past errors and the prevailing deception, God will grant them an inner spiritual ear to discern His true guidance, distinguishing His voice from falsehood. This is a prophetic glimpse of a redeemed people in a future time of restoration, characterized by a direct and clear connection to God's word and leading.

Isaiah 30 21 Word Analysis

• And: Conjunction connecting the promise of divine guidance to the consequences of rejecting it.

• your: Possessive pronoun, indicating a personal and direct experience for the hearers.

• ears: (Hebrew: אזנים, 'oznayim) Refers to physical hearing organs but symbolically represents spiritual perception and understanding.

• shall hear: Future tense verb, signifying a promised event.

• a voice: (Hebrew: קול, qol) The sound of speaking, here signifying God's message or instruction.

• behind you: Indicates guidance that follows them, possibly recalling past experiences or as a confirmation of their present walk, distinct from external counsel. Some interpretations suggest it implies a direct, personal word from God.

• saying: Introduces the content of the voice.

• This: Demonstrative pronoun pointing to something specific.

• is: Verb of being.

• the way: (Hebrew: הדרך, ha'derekh) The path, the right course of action, the truth.

• turn: (Hebrew: שוב, shuv) A command to return, repent, or go in a different direction.

• to: Preposition indicating direction.

• the right: (Hebrew: ימין, yamin) Literally "the right hand," often symbolizing strength, correctness, or prosperity; here meaning the correct or righteous way.

• and: Conjunction.

• to the left: (Hebrew: ושמאול, us'mol) Literally "and the left," symbolizing weakness or error; here meaning the incorrect or erroneous way.

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "your ears shall hear a voice behind you": This phrase highlights a subtle but powerful form of divine guidance. It suggests an internal impression, a leading of the Spirit, or a direct word that corrects or confirms from an unexpected source (behind them, as opposed to spoken publicly in front). This points to the personal relationship God desires with His people, where His voice is recognizable and distinguishable.
  • "saying, 'This is the way, turn right, and turn to the left'": This signifies a clear discernment between right and wrong, truth and error. The repetition of "turn" emphasizes a choice, an action that follows upon hearing and understanding. The directional words ("right" and "left") represent absolute moral and spiritual guidance provided by God, enabling the individual to navigate life's choices according to His will.

Isaiah 30 21 Bonus Section

This verse foreshadows the New Covenant promise where God writes His laws on their inward parts and on their hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). It also reflects Jesus' promise that the Holy Spirit would guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). The ability to discern the "way" speaks to the importance of holiness and adherence to God's revealed will, distinguishing true spirituality from apostasy or deceptive practices. The emphasis on hearing God's voice aligns with the disciples' recognition of Jesus' voice (John 10:4).

Isaiah 30 21 Commentary

Isaiah 30:21 is a profound assurance of God's intimate care for His people, especially in a time of confusion or misdirection. It emphasizes that even when people stray or are surrounded by conflicting messages, God promises to speak to them. This isn't necessarily a booming audible voice from the heavens for everyone, but often a quiet, internal confirmation of His will, recognized by those whose hearts are attuned to Him through faith and the Holy Spirit. It’s about the Holy Spirit illuminating Scripture, confirming truth in our spirit, and guiding our conscience. This internal guidance leads to active obedience, turning from wrong paths to the right way that God ordains. It speaks to the renewing work of God in the hearts of His people, enabling them to perceive truth even when the external environment is misleading, reflecting a salvific and sanctifying work. This inward witness is crucial for spiritual maturity and navigating the complexities of life while staying aligned with God’s purposes.