Isaiah 43:16 kjv
Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;
Isaiah 43:16 nkjv
Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters,
Isaiah 43:16 niv
This is what the LORD says? he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters,
Isaiah 43:16 esv
Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,
Isaiah 43:16 nlt
I am the LORD, who opened a way through the waters,
making a dry path through the sea.
Isaiah 43 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 43:1 | "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, and he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.”" | God as creator and redeemer |
| Isaiah 43:2 | "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame cauterize you." | Passing through trials |
| Isaiah 44:2 | "Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,”" | God's creative power |
| Isaiah 45:11 | "Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel and therequireNonNull God of Israel: “Ask me of things to come; provide for my sons and concerning the work of my hands command me.”" | God's foreknowledge and providence |
| Isaiah 45:2 | "“I will go before you and level the peaks; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron." | God preparing the way |
| Jeremiah 32:17 | "“Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." | Nothing is too hard for God |
| Psalm 23:4 | "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." | God's presence in difficult times |
| Romans 8:31 | "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" | God's active support |
| 1 Corinthians 10:13 | "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." | God providing a way of escape |
| Philippians 4:13 | "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." | Strength through Christ |
| Ephesians 3:20 | "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us," | God's abundant power |
| John 14:6 | "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”" | Jesus as the way |
| Hebrews 13:8 | "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." | God's unchanging nature |
| Joshua 1:9 | "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”" | God's command to be courageous |
| Nehemiah 9:6 | "You alone are the Lord. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you." | God as Creator and Preserver |
| Psalm 77:19 | "Your way was in the sea, and your paths in the great waters, yet your footprints made no trace." | God's mysterious ways |
| Isaiah 55:8 | "“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." | God's ways are higher |
| Proverbs 3:5-6 | "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." | Trusting God for direction |
| Matthew 11:28 | "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." | Jesus offering rest |
| Galatians 5:22-23 | "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." | God's empowering Spirit |
Isaiah 43 verses
Isaiah 43 16 Meaning
This verse beautifully describes God as the creator of pathways through challenging circumstances, even when those circumstances seem impassable. It signifies God's active intervention, His power to overcome what seems impossible, and His guidance for His people. It speaks of hope, redemption, and God's sovereign control.
Isaiah 43 16 Context
This verse is part of the larger section in Isaiah that speaks of Israel's impending exile and subsequent return to their land. God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah, comforting His people by reminding them of His power and faithfulness. Chapter 43 itself begins with a strong affirmation of God's ownership of Israel and His redemptive love for them. The immediate context sets the stage for God's unfailing care amidst judgment and restoration. The historical backdrop is critical, as Israel was facing severe trials and dispersions, making the assurance of God creating a way through the seemingly impossible incredibly pertinent.
Isaiah 43 16 Word Analysis
- “I am”: (Hebrew: אֲנִי, 'ani) This is a declarative statement of God's self-existence and identity, mirroring the divine name revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14). It asserts His absolute being and authority.
- “the Lord”: (Hebrew: יְהוָה, Yahweh) The personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His relational nature with His people.
- “who made”: (Hebrew: עָשָׂה, 'asah) Means to do, make, accomplish. It refers to God as the active creator and doer of all things.
- “a way”: (Hebrew: דֶּרֶךְ, derekh) Literally "path" or "road." In this context, it signifies a method, course, or plan, especially for overcoming obstacles.
- “in the sea”: (Hebrew: בַּיָּם, bayyam) Refers to the sea as a symbol of chaos, impossibility, and insurmountable barriers. God created a path through the sea, most famously the parting of the Red Sea.
- “and a path”: (Hebrew: וְנָתִיב, wenativ) From the root נָתַב (natav) meaning to mark out, to pave. It implies a deliberately prepared or charted route.
- “in the mighty waters”: (Hebrew: בְּמַיִם עֲזוּזִים, bemayim 'azzuwim) Refers to powerful, overwhelming currents or floods, emphasizing the magnitude of the difficulty. "Mighty" (עֲזוּזִים, 'azzuwim) implies strength, power, or fierceness.
Group analysis:
- “I am the Lord who made a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters”: This entire phrase powerfully encapsulates God's redemptive historical acts and His ongoing power to save. It directly recalls the Exodus event where God led Israel through the Red Sea (Exodus 14). It asserts that the same God who accomplished such a miraculous feat is the one speaking and promising future deliverance. The creation of a "path" implies intentionality and divine design in overcoming barriers.
Isaiah 43 16 Bonus Section
The imagery of God creating a way "in the sea" and "in the mighty waters" is potent. The sea in the ancient Near East often represented chaos and the primal forces that God subdued at creation. By making a path through the sea, God demonstrates His dominion over chaos and His ability to bring order and salvation. This connects to God's initial creative act (Genesis 1:9-10) where He separated the waters. The Exodus event, powerfully evoked here, was a redemptive act that reenacted the cosmic creation on a historical scale, securing Israel's freedom. The repetition of "way" and "path" emphasizes not just a single instance, but God's sustained provision and guidance. The use of the term Yahweh ('the Lord') further links this act of salvation to His covenantal identity and faithfulness to His chosen people. This passage reinforces the idea that God's power is not abstract but demonstrated in concrete, salvific actions.
Isaiah 43 16 Commentary
This verse is a profound declaration of God's power over impossible situations. It's not merely a statement of what God has done, but what He is—the one who continually makes a way. It echoes the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea during the Exodus, serving as a divine "calling card" of His salvific ability. When His people faced what seemed to be an insurmountable barrier of water and pursued by an enemy, God literally created a dry path. This act of divine intervention established a precedent for His relationship with Israel and a promise for future generations facing their own "seas." The verse highlights God's proactive role; He doesn't wait for a path to appear, He makes one. It assures His people that no matter how dire the circumstances—whether a vast ocean or turbulent rivers—He will be the one to guide them through, using His might to ensure their passage.
- Practical application: When faced with overwhelming obstacles, remember God's demonstrated power to make a way where no way exists. Trust His promise to be with you in the trials.