Isaiah 49 9

Isaiah 49:9 kjv

That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.

Isaiah 49:9 nkjv

That You may say to the prisoners, 'Go forth,' To those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves.' "They shall feed along the roads, And their pastures shall be on all desolate heights.

Isaiah 49:9 niv

to say to the captives, 'Come out,' and to those in darkness, 'Be free!' "They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.

Isaiah 49:9 esv

saying to the prisoners, 'Come out,' to those who are in darkness, 'Appear.' They shall feed along the ways; on all bare heights shall be their pasture;

Isaiah 49:9 nlt

I will say to the prisoners, 'Come out in freedom,'
and to those in darkness, 'Come into the light.'
They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures
and on hills that were previously bare.

Isaiah 49 verses

Isaiah 49 9 Meaning

This verse speaks of God's restorative power and guidance for His people, likening His actions to those of a shepherd leading his flock. It emphasizes divine protection and sustenance, promising a future free from hunger and thirst.

Isaiah 49 9 Context

Isaiah chapter 49 presents the servant of the Lord speaking. In the preceding verses (49:1-7), the servant recounts his commission and assurance of God's presence, being a light to nations and a redeemer. Verse 8 is a direct declaration from God, setting the time of favor and assistance for the servant and the people. This verse (49:9) elaborates on the nature of this divine favor, emphasizing provision and guidance. Historically, this message would have resonated deeply with the exiled Israelites, offering hope for restoration and return. It speaks to a future time when God would lead His dispersed people back from captivity, caring for them as a shepherd.

Isaiah 49 9 Word Analysis

• "Yet" (transliteration: 'owlam, meaning: continuing, always): Indicates a state of ongoing provision, transcending current hardship.
• "shall" (transliteration: hu'-qaha-yaq; common conjugation for future): Denotes a divine promise and certainty.
• "have" (transliteration: ye-ree-foo, meaning: to feed, to pasture): Directly relates to nourishment and sustenance.
• "hunger" (transliteration: Ra-ab, meaning: famine, extreme hunger): Highlights the overcoming of a fundamental need.
• "nor" (transliteration: wə-loo', meaning: and not): Conjoins two negative conditions, emphasizing complete deliverance.
• "thirst" (transliteration: Tsā-ma, meaning: thirst, desire for water): Similar to hunger, signifies the removal of deprivation.
• "but" (transliteration: Kî, meaning: for, because, that): Introduces the reason or the means by which the hunger and thirst are met.
• "they" (transliteration: Heh-mah, meaning: they, them): Refers back to the dispersed people being addressed.
• "the" (transliteration: ha-')
• "light" (transliteration: 'owr, meaning: light, brightness, illumination): God's presence or leading.
• "shall" (transliteration: hu'-qaha-yaq): Future certainty.
• "spring" (transliteration: 'ey-naam, meaning: fountain, spring of water): Source of living water, symbolizing refreshment and life.
• "by" (transliteration: Mêy, meaning: from): Indicates origin.
• "them" (transliteration: Heh-mah): Refers to the people.
• "spring" (transliteration: 'ey-naam): Source.
• "also" (transliteration: Gam, meaning: also, even, again): Addition, emphasizing comprehensive provision.
• "the" (transliteration: ha-')
• "way" (transliteration: Dērēk, meaning: road, path, way): The path of life or journey.
• "unto" (transliteration: 'el, meaning: to, towards): Direction.
• "Zion" (transliteration: Tsî-yown, meaning: Zion, a poetic name for Jerusalem): The destination or place of refuge.
• "and" (transliteration: wə-)
• "make" (transliteration: yə-ru-dê-phoo, meaning: to cast, to send forth): Causing something to go out.
• "them" (transliteration: Heh-mah): The people.
• "rivers" (transliteration: Nā-har, meaning: river, stream): Flowing water, abundance.
• "of" (transliteration: mē-ê-)
• "water" (transliteration: Ma-yim, meaning: water): Life-giving substance.

Grouped Analysis:

• "shall not have hunger ... nor thirst": This idiom represents complete sustenance and the absence of want, signifying a state of well-being and divine satisfaction.
• "spring up upon the high places": This suggests divine provision appearing unexpectedly or in places where one might expect barrenness or difficulty.
• "cause them to come": Highlights God's active role in guiding His people.
• "make rivers ... rivers of water": This powerful metaphor conveys an overflowing abundance of God's provision, not just mere sustenance but an ample supply.
• "all my highways shall be desolate": This contrasts with God's action for His people, implying that the routes of the enemies or the path of suffering will be void. This portion may refer to the paths of their exile being vacated or rendered useless as God re-opens direct routes of return.

Isaiah 49 9 Bonus Section

The imagery of God making rivers of water on bare heights speaks to a miraculous intervention that transforms impossible situations. This resonates with New Testament accounts of Jesus’ miracles, such as turning water into wine or feeding multitudes with little. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is seen in Christ, who is the source of living water, satisfying the deepest spiritual thirst. The restoration described here is also eschatological, pointing to the heavenly state where there will be no more hunger or thirst, and the river of the water of life will flow freely from the throne of God (Revelation 22:1-2).

Isaiah 49 9 Commentary

This verse is a profound assurance of God's dedicated care and unfailing provision for His redeemed people. It moves beyond mere survival to a state of flourishing, depicted by the absence of hunger and thirst and the provision of water sources and flowing rivers. The imagery suggests God actively guiding His people back from difficult circumstances, preparing safe and abundant paths for them. The "high places" that will spring with water indicates God's ability to bring relief and blessing even in unexpected or challenging terrains. It foreshadows a future spiritual and physical restoration where all needs are met by God's constant presence and His provision.