Isaiah 55 10

Isaiah 55:10 kjv

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

Isaiah 55:10 nkjv

"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,

Isaiah 55:10 niv

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

Isaiah 55:10 esv

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

Isaiah 55:10 nlt

"The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.

Isaiah 55 verses

Isaiah 55 10 meaning

Isaiah 55:10 offers a profound analogy likening the dependable and purposeful action of rain and snow to the unfailing nature of God's word. Just as heavenly precipitation descends with a divine intent, never returning to its origin unused, but actively irrigates the earth, causing it to blossom and yield, so too does it provide for both immediate sustenance through "bread to the eater" and future provision through "seed to the sower." This verse, therefore, signifies God's absolute sovereignty, the assured efficacy of His divine pronouncements, and His generous provision for all of creation, both physically and spiritually.

Isaiah 55 10 Context

Isaiah chapter 55 is a passionate invitation from God to His people, likely addressed to the exiles in Babylon or those returning to a desolate homeland, urging them to return to Him for salvation and abundant life. The preceding verses (Isa 55:1-7) beckon those who are thirsty and hungry to come, buy wine and milk without money, and seek the Lord while He may be found. This speaks to the availability of spiritual nourishment and forgiveness, emphasizing God's mercy. Verse 8 and 9 declare the supremacy of God's thoughts and ways over human understanding ("For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts"). Isaiah 55:10 then acts as a foundational analogy, grounding the transcendent reality of God's superior ways in the tangible, reliable process of nature. It prepares the reader for the grand pronouncement in the very next verse (Isa 55:11), which explicitly states that God's word will operate with the same unfailing effectiveness and purposeful outcome as the rain and snow described. The historical context reflects a people dependent on agriculture, where rain was a direct sign of God's blessing and a stark contrast to the futile reliance on idols that could not bring rain or sustenance (e.g., Jer 14:22). This verse serves as a polemic against the impotence of false gods by asserting YHWH's exclusive control over natural phenomena and, by extension, His divine promises.

Isaiah 55 10 Word analysis

• For as: This conjunction establishes a direct comparison and logical connection to the preceding declaration (v.9). It signifies that the following natural process serves as an illustrative parable or analogy for God's actions.
• the rain (גֶּשֶׁם, geshem) and the snow (שֶׁלֶג, sheleg): These are heavenly precipitation. Geshem refers to heavy, beneficial rain crucial for agriculture, symbolizing life, refreshment, and blessing. Sheleg is snow, which, while cold, contributes to water supply upon melting, enriching the soil for future growth. Together, they represent comprehensive, divine provision of moisture essential for all life on earth.
• comes down, and... from heaven (מִן־הַשָּׁמַיִם, min-hashshamayim): This highlights the divine origin of these life-giving elements. They do not originate from human effort or natural coincidence, but are a direct act of God from His exalted abode, emphasizing His sovereignty and benevolence as the ultimate provider.
• and returns not thither: This signifies the unceasing and purposeful nature of the precipitation. The rain and snow accomplish their mission without fail; they do not go back unused or without impact. This phrase emphasizes an absolute certainty of outcome.
• but waters (וְהִרְוָה, v'hirvah): From the Hiphil imperfect of the verb רָוָה (ravah), meaning "to drink deeply," "to saturate," "to irrigate." It implies a thorough and effective watering, ensuring the earth receives ample nourishment. It is an active, life-giving process initiated by God.
• the earth (הָאָרֶץ, ha'aretz): Refers to the physical ground, the recipient of God's blessings. It implies the universal scope of this provision, encompassing all lands and peoples.
• and makes it bring forth (וְהוֹלִידָה, v'holidah) and bud (וְהִצְמִיחָה, v'hitztzmihah): Both Hiphil imperfect verbs, holidah (from יָלַד, yalad, to give birth, bring forth) and hitztzmihah (from צָמַח, tzamah, to sprout, spring up) convey God's active role as the cause of generation and growth. "Bring forth" suggests creation and fruitfulness at a fundamental level, while "bud" speaks to new, visible growth and blossoming, illustrating complete productivity.
• that it may give (לָתֶת, latet): An infinitive construct denoting the ultimate purpose and intended result of this entire natural process. It frames the entire sequence with a clear, beneficial end goal.
• seed to the sower (זֶרַע לַזֹּרֵעַ, zera lazorea): Refers to grain for future planting, ensuring the continuity of life and provision. It speaks to foresight, sustainability, and the perpetuation of the life cycle.
• and bread to the eater (וְלֶחֶם לָאֹכֵל, v'lechem la'okhel): Refers to harvested grain for immediate consumption, fulfilling present needs. This highlights instant nourishment and survival. Together with "seed to the sower," it portrays comprehensive and continuous provision.

Words-group analysis

• "rain comes down...from heaven...and returns not thither": This phrase establishes the divine origin, active intervention, and purposeful, non-wasteful nature of God's physical and spiritual provisions. It underscores the infallibility and intentionality of God's actions; nothing sent from Him is idle or comes back without achieving its set objective.
• "but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud": This segment vividly describes the transformative and generative power of God's gifts. The earth, inherently reliant on these heavenly elements, is activated by them to move from barrenness to productivity, signifying the life-giving and flourishing effect of divine interaction with creation, be it physical land or human souls.
• "that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater": This outlines the dual outcome and comprehensive nature of God's provision. "Seed for the sower" represents a provision for future continuity, ensuring future growth and sustainability, while "bread to the eater" signifies immediate and direct sustenance for current needs. Together, they illustrate God's complete care for both the present moment and the unfolding future.

Isaiah 55 10 Bonus section

This verse can be seen as reflecting the inherent trustworthiness woven into the very fabric of God's creation, demonstrating that the natural order is an eloquent testament to God's predictable and benevolent governance. It prefigures the consistent operation of His redemptive plan, assuring that every word uttered for the purpose of salvation or transformation will likewise complete its mission. The dual outcome of "seed to the sower" and "bread to the eater" is significant; it indicates that God's provisions are not merely for immediate gratification but also for the perpetuation and growth of His work through others. It underpins the principle that engaging with God's word (sowing) ensures both current nourishment and future spiritual harvests. The comparison here contrasts sharply with the uncertainty of human endeavors and promises, elevating God's word to an unparalleled level of certainty and power.

Isaiah 55 10 Commentary

Isaiah 55:10 functions as a powerful, divinely-crafted analogy that underpins the reliability of God's character and His promises. By observing the natural, observable world, we see a perfect illustration of God's unswerving commitment. Just as the rain and snow from heaven unfailingly achieve their life-sustaining mission, never dissipating into the atmosphere unused, but rather drenching the soil to initiate and foster growth, so too does God's word fulfill its divine purpose. This passage directly combats any human doubt regarding God's ability or willingness to perform His word (as mentioned in v.11), showcasing His sovereign power over both the natural and spiritual realms. It guarantees that His word will never be spoken in vain; it will always yield spiritual "seed" and "bread"—nourishment for growth, salvation, righteousness, and continuous fruitfulness. It speaks to divine causality, purpose, and abundant grace. Practically, it encourages unwavering faith in His declarations, promises, and the Gospel, knowing that when His word is proclaimed, it inherently carries His power to transform, sustain, and produce lasting fruit, providing for both the immediate spiritual hunger and the eternal propagation of truth.