Isaiah 43 20

Isaiah 43:20 kjv

The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

Isaiah 43:20 nkjv

The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen.

Isaiah 43:20 niv

The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen,

Isaiah 43:20 esv

The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,

Isaiah 43:20 nlt

The wild animals in the fields will thank me,
the jackals and owls, too,
for giving them water in the desert.
Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland
so my chosen people can be refreshed.

Isaiah 43 verses

Isaiah 43 20 Meaning

This verse, Isaiah 43:20, vividly depicts God's promise of redemption and renewal for His people, even in the desolate circumstances of their exile. It signifies that God will provide for His chosen, enabling life and sustenance to flourish even in the most barren of environments, symbolizing His ultimate power over creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Isaiah 43 20 Context

Isaiah 43 is situated within the broader message of hope and restoration for Israel. The preceding verses speak of God's past faithfulness, His creative power, and His promise to protect His people from future judgments, especially during their exile in Babylon. This chapter assures them that their exile is not an abandonment but a part of God's plan, and He will bring them back to their land. Verse 20 is a powerful statement within this assurance, illustrating the supernatural provision God will extend to them, even transforming their desolate surroundings. This promise would have resonated deeply with an audience enduring hardship and longing for God's deliverance and the return to a fertile homeland.

Isaiah 43 20 Word Analysis

• הִנֵּה (hinneh): Behold, Lo, Indeed. This interjection emphasizes the certainty and imminent reality of what follows, drawing immediate attention to God's miraculous action.

• נָתַתִּי (natati): I will give, I have given. The perfect tense here can denote a completed action with future certainty or a simple future action. It underscores God's active role and intentional provision.

• מַיִם (mayim): Waters. Refers to water in general, but in this context, it symbolizes life, refreshment, and abundance.

• בַּדֶּרֶךְ (baderech): In the way, In the path. Indicates that this provision occurs along the journey or within the context of their ongoing experience, not necessarily an immediate magical appearance in the midst of dryness, but a sustenance provided as they travel.

• נְהָרֹת (neharoth): Rivers. A plural form, signifying substantial, flowing bodies of water, contrasting sharply with a desolate land. It suggests more than just drops of water; it means a significant abundance.

• בַּצָּיוֹ (batsiyyow): In its dryness, in its aridness. A strong term for parched, lifeless land, highlighting the severity of the desolation being overcome.

• Group analysis:

  • "Waters in the way" (מַיִם בַּדֶּרֶךְ) – This pairing suggests divine sustenance appearing along the path of life's journey, especially through challenging or seemingly impossible circumstances. It's provision integrated into the ongoing experience, not just a one-time miraculous event removed from their reality.
  • "Rivers in its dryness" (נְהָרֹת בַּצָּיוֹ) – This juxtaposition creates a powerful paradox. Rivers, representing abundance and flow, are given in or to a land characterized by utter dryness and lifelessness. This emphasizes the supernatural transformation God brings about, making life spring forth from death.

Isaiah 43 20 Bonus Section

This verse speaks of God not just causing water to be present, but giving "rivers" where there is "dryness." This is not mere survival but abundance and flourishing in opposition to the prevailing conditions. This promise transcends the physical, pointing to the spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, particularly after Pentecost (Acts 2), is the ultimate manifestation of God "pouring out rivers on the dry ground" of humanity, making believers sources of living water (John 7:38). The transformative power shown here mirrors the renewal of creation promised in Romans 8, where even the earth groans in anticipation of its liberation from corruption and its restoration to paradise.

Isaiah 43 20 Commentary

Isaiah 43:20 is a powerful metaphor for God's ability to bring life and sustenance even in the most dire and lifeless situations. For the Israelites returning from exile, this meant provision for their physical journey and the renewal of their land. In a broader spiritual sense, it signifies God's capacity to quench our spiritual thirst and to enable life and growth within us, even when we feel barren or spiritually dry. Jesus Himself identified with this concept, promising "living water" (John 4:10-14, John 7:37-39) to those who believe in Him, signifying the life-giving power of His Spirit that overcomes all spiritual barrenness.

• Practical usage:
  • When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, remember God can provide the "waters" needed to get through.
  • In times of spiritual dryness, turn to God through prayer and scripture to receive His renewing "rivers."
  • Recognize that God's provision often meets us on the way through difficulties, sustaining us as we progress.