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 beautifully illustrates God's Word as an active, purposeful force that will not return void but will accomplish His will, bringing forth spiritual fruit and growth. It is a promise of the efficacy of God's divine communication, whether it be through prophecy, the Law, or ultimately, His Son.

Isaiah 55 10 Context

This verse is part of the latter half of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as "Second Isaiah" or "Deutero-Isaiah." This section of prophecy, delivered during or near the Babylonian exile, shifts its focus from judgment to restoration and hope for Israel. God is presented as the ultimate sovereign, whose plans and purposes are certain to be fulfilled. In chapter 55, the prophet issues a gracious invitation to the exiles, calling them to return to God, to seek Him while He may be found, and to listen to His life-giving words. This invitation is followed by assurance that God’s thoughts and ways are far higher than human thoughts and ways, and that His word is inherently powerful and effective. The specific context of verse 10, preceding verse 11, reinforces the divine origin and unstoppable nature of God’s pronouncements.

Isaiah 55 10 Word Analysis

• וְכֵן (və·ḵên): "and so" or "and thus." This connects what follows as a consequence or a demonstration of the previous statements about God's exalted thoughts and ways. It emphasizes the predictable and certain outcome of God's declaration.
• יִֽהְיֶה (yih·yeh): "will be." A future tense verb indicating certainty and the assured coming to pass of the subject.
• דְּבָרִי (də·ḇā·rî): "my word." The subject of the verse. "Davar" in Hebrew signifies more than just spoken words; it includes thoughts, commands, promises, and actions. It points to God's communication in its entirety, originating from His essence. The possessive suffix "-i" ("my") highlights the personal and divine authority behind the word.
• אֲשֶׁר (ʾă·šer): "which" or "that." A relative pronoun introducing a descriptive clause about "my word."
• יֹצֵא (yō·ṣē): "goes out" or "comes forth." Present participle, implying continuous action. This word suggests active mission and outgoing purpose. It's not passive; it is sent out.
• מִפִּי (mip·pî): "from my mouth." Emphasizes the direct, personal origination of the word from God Himself. Similar to "my lips" (v. 8) and linked to God's speech.
• לֹא־יָשׁוּב (lō’-yā·šūḇ): "shall not return." A strong negative command/statement of certainty. The word’s journey has a destination and a purpose that guarantees its return after fulfillment, not in failure.
• אֵלַי (’ê·lî): "to me." Indicates the word's origin and ultimate accountability to God.
• רֵיקָ֔ם (rê·qām): "empty" or "in vain." Denotes futility or lack of accomplishment. God's word is never ineffective.

Words-group analysis:

• "word... goes out from my mouth": This imagery connects God's speech to life-giving acts, like creation (Genesis 1) and sustenance. It portrays God’s word as an emissary, divinely empowered and sent with specific intent.
• "shall not return to me empty": This powerfully assures that every utterance from God has a design and will inevitably achieve it. It's a guarantee of divine success and purpose.

Isaiah 55 10 Bonus Section

The concept of God's word having inherent power is deeply embedded in Jewish thought and practice, particularly in the understanding of prayer and Torah study. The active nature of the word, compared to a seed that bears fruit, echoes the agricultural society in which these prophecies were delivered. The fruit symbolizes transformation, growth, and the fulfillment of potential – precisely what God’s word does in the lives of individuals and in His broader redemptive plan. The entire context of Isaiah 55 emphasizes a new covenant, a spiritual harvest, and the abundant overflow of God's grace, all initiated and sustained by His sure and active word. This is powerfully reflected in how Jesus is presented as the embodiment of God’s Word who brings life and fulfillment to God's promises.

Isaiah 55 10 Commentary

This verse serves as a profound declaration of the inherent power and guaranteed efficacy of God's spoken word. It is not a mere suggestion or an impotent declaration, but an active agent divinely commissioned to fulfill a specific purpose. Just as a seed, when planted, is designed to grow and bear fruit, so God's word, when it goes forth, is imbued with His creative and sustaining power to achieve His intended outcome. This assurance is foundational to faith, promising that God's promises and declarations are reliable and will not fail. This concept is exemplified in creation, fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ (the Word made flesh), and continues in the church’s mission. The word’s purpose could be judgment or salvation, prophecy or covenant, but its return to God will always be marked by the successful completion of its task.