Isaiah 54 2

Isaiah 54:2 kjv

Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

Isaiah 54:2 nkjv

"Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes.

Isaiah 54:2 niv

"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.

Isaiah 54:2 esv

"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.

Isaiah 54:2 nlt

"Enlarge your house; build an addition.
Spread out your home, and spare no expense!

Isaiah 54 verses

Isaiah 54 2 Meaning

This verse is a prophetic declaration of restoration and expansion for the people of God. It speaks of a future where their physical and spiritual dwelling places will become larger and more robust, extending their influence and presence. This is not just about material increase but also about God's blessing and protection over His people, enabling them to thrive and multiply.

Isaiah 54 2 Context

This verse is found in the latter half of Isaiah, a section often referred to as "Second Isaiah," which focuses on themes of comfort, restoration, and the future glory of Israel after their Babylonian exile. Chapter 54 specifically addresses Jerusalem, personified as a barren woman who will be re-established and populated. The immediate context speaks to the physical rebuilding and expansion of Jerusalem and its people, but it also carries profound spiritual implications for God's covenant people throughout history, extending to the New Testament church. The message is one of God's unfailing love and His power to bring life and fruitfulness out of desolation.

Isaiah 54 2 Word Analysis

• "Enlarge" (Hebrew: harchi'vi): From the root rachab, meaning to make broad, wide, or spacious. It implies expanding outwards and increasing in size or territory.
• "the place" (Hebrew: meqom): Refers to a specific location, area, or dwelling.
• "of your tent" (Hebrew: 'ohelah): Refers to the nomadic dwelling, a symbol of temporary or mobile habitation. However, in this prophetic context, it signifies a dwelling that is meant to grow and become permanent, much like the Tabernacle which was God's dwelling among His people.
• "stretch out" (Hebrew: )--(shortened form, referring to stretching, elongating): Implies extending the curtains or coverings of the tent.
• "the curtains" (Hebrew: yere'otheych): The sides or coverings of the tent, made of fabric. This speaks to the need for more space as the inhabitants increase.
• "of your dwelling" (Hebrew: shikneh): Refers to the act of dwelling or habitation. It reinforces the idea of increasing occupancy.
• "spare not" (Hebrew: lo'-chemesy): Means do not withhold, do not hold back, do not be stingy. It conveys a sense of generous and unrestrained action.
• "lengthen" (Hebrew: )--(shortened form, meaning to lengthen): To make longer, to extend the duration or reach.
• "your cords" (Hebrew: mesurotheych): Ropes or ties that secure the tent. Lengthening the cords means being able to anchor a larger structure.
• "and strengthen" (Hebrew: )--(shortened form, meaning to strengthen, make firm): To reinforce, make firm, and stable.
• "your stakes" (Hebrew: yetheg:): Pegs or stakes that hold the tent firm in the ground. Strengthening these indicates a more permanent and resilient foundation.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwelling": This is a powerful metaphor of growth and expansion. It speaks to the idea that God's people should anticipate and prepare for increased blessings, presence, and influence. The imagery is drawn from the nomadic life of Abraham, whose family and possessions grew.
• "Spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes": This reinforces the command to prepare for growth with a sense of confidence and without reservation. It speaks to investing in infrastructure and foundations that can support increased capacity and withstand greater pressures, indicating a move towards permanence and greater strength.

Isaiah 54 2 Bonus Section

The imagery of the tent can be seen as representing the church throughout history. As the Gospel message spread, the "tent" of God's dwelling expanded to include Gentiles. The stretching of curtains and strengthening of stakes speaks to the institutional growth and theological maturation of the church. Furthermore, in a future eschatological sense, the "New Jerusalem" is depicted with immense dimensions and radiance (Rev. 21), reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of this prophetic promise of expansion for God's people. The act of stretching out speaks to overcoming limitations, both internal and external, in trusting God's power to build.

Isaiah 54 2 Commentary

Isaiah 54:2 is a foundational promise of divine enablement for expansion and resilience. It assures believers that God intends for His people to grow and that He will provide the means for this growth. The command to "enlarge," "stretch," "lengthen," and "strengthen" is not merely about physical dimensions but represents a call to faith—to believe in God's ability to bring about greater works and to prepare for them. This expansion involves not just numerical increase but also a deepening of spiritual capacity, outreach, and established security in God's promises. It moves from a temporary, tent-like existence to one that is more spacious, firmly established, and capable of accommodating abundant life and presence.