Isaiah 55 1

Isaiah 55:1 kjv

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:1 nkjv

"Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:1 niv

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

Isaiah 55:1 esv

"Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:1 nlt

"Is anyone thirsty?
Come and drink ?
even if you have no money!
Come, take your choice of wine or milk ?
it's all free!

Isaiah 55 verses

Isaiah 55 1 Meaning

This verse is an invitation from God to all people, specifically addressing those who are poor or lacking spiritual nourishment. It emphasizes that God freely offers sustenance – depicted as water, milk, and wine – which satisfies true thirst and hunger. This provision is without cost, highlighting God's abundant grace and provision for all who seek Him.

Isaiah 55 1 Context

This chapter, Isaiah 55, comes after a period of judgment on Israel and foretells a future restoration and salvation that extends to all nations. The immediate context for this verse is the exiles' return to Jerusalem. It’s a message of hope and divine generosity, painting a picture of God as the ultimate provider, satisfying the deepest needs of His people. Historically, Israel often struggled with finding sustenance, both physically and spiritually. They turned to idols and empty rituals instead of the true source of life, God. This verse calls them back to this true source, offering abundant provision that transcends mere physical needs.

Isaiah 55 1 Word analysis

• Ho (הוֹ – HO): An interjection calling attention, similar to "Hey!" or "Listen!". It signifies a direct and urgent invitation.
• every (כָּל – KOL): Universal in scope, meaning "all" or "every." Emphasizes that this invitation is not exclusive.
• one (אִישׁ – ISH): A person, a man, an individual. This reinforces the personal and individual nature of the call.
• that (אֲשֶׁר – ASHER): A relative pronoun, indicating "who" or "which."
• thirsteth (צוֹמֵא – TZOME'): From the root צָמֵא (tzameh), meaning "to be thirsty." It describes a profound lack, a deep longing, not just physical thirst but also spiritual need and craving.
• come (לְכוּ – LEKHU): Imperative plural form of the verb לָלַכְתּ (lalakhet), meaning "to go" or "to walk." It’s an invitation to draw near.
• ye (אַתֶּם – ATTEM): Second person plural pronoun, addressing the listeners directly.
• to the waters (אֶל־מַיִם – EL-MAYYIM): "To water." Water is a vital resource, symbolizing life, refreshment, purity, and sustenance. The definite article is omitted here, making it more general— "to waters," meaning to any source of water or any form of God’s provision.
• and (וְ – VE): A conjunction linking phrases or clauses.
• he (הוּא – HU): Third person masculine singular pronoun, referring to any person.
• that (אֲשֶׁר – ASHER): Relative pronoun, "who."
• hath (יֶשׁ־לוֹ – YESH-LO): "There is to him," implying possession or lack. In this context, "hath no money" means "is without money" or "lacks money."
• no (אֵין – EIN): "There is not."
• money (כֶּסֶף – KESEF): Refers to literal currency but also symbolically represents value, worth, or the ability to pay.
• come (לְכוּ – LEKHU): Again, the imperative to come.
• buy (קְנוּ – QENU): Imperative plural of קָנָה (qanah), meaning "to buy," "to acquire," or "to possess." Here it's used paradoxically, as what is being offered is free.
• and (וְ – VE): Conjunction.
• eat (אִכְלוּ – IKHLU): Imperative plural of אָכַל (akhal), meaning "to eat." Symbolizes receiving and internalizing nourishment and sustenance.
• yea (כִּי – KI): Often translated as "yea," "for," or "indeed." It adds emphasis, like saying "Yes, indeed!"
• come (בֹּאוּ – BO'U): Another imperative plural of the verb בּוֹא (bo), meaning "to come." Stronger than "lekhu," emphasizing arrival.
• buy (קְנוּ – QENU): Repeated for emphasis.
• wine (יַיִן – YAYIN): Wine symbolizes joy, celebration, abundance, and richness.
• and (וְ – VE): Conjunction.
• milk (חָלָב – KHALAV): Milk represents basic, nourishing sustenance, especially for the young and weak. It suggests something easily digestible and essential for growth.
• without (בְּ־ – BE): A preposition meaning "in," "with," or "without."
• money (כֶּסֶף – KESEF): Reiteration that payment is not required.
• and (וְ – VE): Conjunction.
• without (בְּ־ – BE): Preposition.
• price (מְחִיר – MEKHIR): A cost, a price to be paid. Again, emphasizing the freeness.

Word Groups:

• "every one that thirsteth": This phrase defines the intended audience—not just the literally thirsty but all who feel a spiritual emptiness or lack.
• "he that hath no money": This highlights those who are spiritually impoverished and recognize their inability to pay for salvation or fulfillment.
• "come, buy, and eat": This is a repeated, urgent call to action. The paradox of "buying without money" is central to God's gracious offer. It implies accepting what is freely given.
• "buy wine and milk without money and without price": This reinforces the complete freeness of God's provisions, which are of the highest quality (wine) and fundamental necessity (milk).

Isaiah 55 1 Bonus Section

The imagery of water, wine, and milk points to the comprehensive nature of God’s provision for the human condition. Water addresses ultimate thirst and spiritual life; milk is for essential growth and sustenance; and wine speaks of richness, celebration, and the overflowing joy of fellowship with God. The iterative use of "come" and "buy" underscores the urgency and importance of accepting this free offer. This verse is a powerful prefiguration of Jesus Christ's invitation in the New Testament to come to Him for living water and eternal life, made possible through His atoning sacrifice, not human works or wealth. The Hebrew terms used have rich connotations: tzome' (thirst) denotes a deep longing, and kesef (money) represents earthly wealth and security that cannot truly satisfy.

Isaiah 55 1 Commentary

This verse is a profound invitation from God to a spiritually parched humanity. It contrasts God's lavish, unconditional provision with human emptiness and inability to pay. The "waters," "wine," and "milk" represent the fullness of God's salvation, spiritual life, joy, and nourishment available through Him. The emphasis on "without money and without price" underscores that salvation is a gift of grace, received by faith, not earned by merit. This invitation extends to all who recognize their need and turn to God. It speaks to the unmerited favor that forms the core of the Christian message.