Isaiah 55:13 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
Isaiah 55:13 kjv
Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Isaiah 55:13 nkjv
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the LORD for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."
Isaiah 55:13 niv
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever."
Isaiah 55:13 esv
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."
Isaiah 55:13 nlt
Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow.
Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up.
These events will bring great honor to the LORD's name;
they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love."
Isaiah 55 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 41:19 | I will put in the wilderness the cedar... fir and cypress... | God transforming deserts. |
| Isa 35:1-2 | The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad... flourish... | Joyful wilderness transformation. |
| Isa 32:15 | till the Spirit is poured upon us... wilderness becomes a fruitful | Spirit brings fruitfulness. |
| Isa 60:21 | Your people will all be righteous... planting for the display... | Righteousness, God's glory in His people. |
| Ez 36:35 | This land that was desolate has become like the Garden of Eden. | Desolation reversed, Eden restored. |
| Rev 21:1 | I saw a new heaven and a new earth... | Ultimate new creation. |
| Isa 54:10 | My covenant of peace will not be removed, says the LORD. | Everlasting covenant. |
| Isa 61:8 | I will make with them an everlasting covenant. | God's eternal covenant with His people. |
| Gen 9:16 | The rainbow will be in the clouds, and I will see it... | A sign of an everlasting covenant. |
| Gen 17:7 | I will establish my covenant between me and you... an everlasting. | God's everlasting covenant with Abraham. |
| Jer 31:36 | If these ordinances vanish... then the descendants of Israel... | Eternal continuation of Israel. |
| Isa 62:7 | ...until He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. | God's renown displayed in His city. |
| Ps 102:18 | This will be written for a future generation, and a people... | God's glory enduring for future generations. |
| Ps 106:8 | But He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His... | God's name as motive for salvation. |
| Hos 2:15 | There I will give her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor... | Hope and fruitfulness after trouble. |
| Amos 9:13 | The plowman will overtake the reaper... mountains will drip sweet. | Abundance and overflowing blessings. |
| Zech 8:12 | For there will be the seed of peace: the vine will give its fruit. | Fruitfulness, peace, divine favor. |
| Ps 96:12 | Let the field exult, and everything in it! Then all the trees... | Creation rejoicing in God's presence. |
| Ps 98:8 | Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains sing together. | Nature glorifying God. |
| 2 Cor 5:17 | Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. | Spiritual transformation in Christ. |
| Rom 8:19-23 | For the creation waits with eager longing... | Creation's hope for liberation from decay. |
| Phil 1:6 | He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. | God's faithful completion of His work. |
| Eph 2:10 | For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good... | New creation for good works. |
| Mt 3:10 | Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees... | Trees representing people, judgment/fruit. |
Isaiah 55 verses
Isaiah 55 13 meaning
Isaiah 55:13 encapsulates God's promise of a radical, restorative transformation, portraying a world remade from barrenness and desolation into lush fertility and beauty. This physical and spiritual renewal is not temporary but an everlasting testimony to the LORD's character and redemptive power, a perpetual sign of His faithfulness that will never cease.
Isaiah 55 13 Context
Isaiah 55 is part of the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), which prophesies restoration, hope, and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan following the Babylonian exile. Chapter 55 specifically extends an invitation to all to partake in God's gracious provision of salvation, emphasizing that His thoughts and ways are higher than humanity's, and His word will surely accomplish its purpose (vv. 8-11). Verse 13 serves as the concluding image and promise of this chapter, painting a vivid picture of the transformed creation and humanity that results from heeding God's invitation. It climaxes the theme of new beginnings and everlasting blessings that signify a complete reversal of the curse and desolation.
Isaiah 55 13 Word analysis
Instead of the thornbush (נַעֲצוּץ, na'atsuts): Refers to a thorny, prickly, desolate plant, symbolizing the curse (Gen 3:18), the wilderness, human sin, or the state of spiritual and physical barrenness. It evokes difficulty and unwelcomeness.
will grow the juniper (בְּרוֹשׁ, brosh): Often translated as cypress or fir tree. A majestic, tall, valuable evergreen, used for building (e.g., in the temple). It symbolizes beauty, abundance, strength, fruitfulness, and the thriving of God's planted people.
instead of briers (סִרְפַּד, sirpad): Another type of stinging or nettle-like plant, suggesting irritation, pain, or the results of neglect and wilderness. It signifies discomfort and an uncultivated state.
the myrtle (הָדָס, hadas): An evergreen, fragrant shrub, highly valued in ancient Israel. Associated with festivities (Neh 8:15) and beauty, even Esther's Hebrew name (Hadassah) means "myrtle." It symbolizes joy, peace, prosperity, and God's presence.
This will be for the LORD’s renown (לַיהוָה לְשֵׁם, laYahweh l'shem): "Renown" here is
shem, meaning name, reputation, character, or fame. The transformation is ultimately for God's glory, demonstrating His power, faithfulness, and grace to the world. It proves who He is.for an everlasting sign (לְאוֹת עוֹלָם, l'ot 'olam):
'Ot(sign) signifies a visible, tangible symbol, a covenant token, or a memorial.'Olam(everlasting) denotes perpetuity, eternity, an unceasing reality. The transformed creation serves as an enduring testimony to God's unfailing promise and enduring covenant.that will endure forever (לֹא יִכָּרֵת, lo yikkaret): Literally, "it will not be cut off." This phrase reinforces the idea of "everlasting," stressing its unshakeable, indestructible, and permanent nature. The promise of God's redemptive work is irreversible.
"Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle.": This vivid parallel imagery represents a complete reversal of a curse-laden landscape into one of blessing and abundance. It's a metaphor for spiritual regeneration, transforming the spiritually barren and sinful heart or society into one bearing righteousness and life. This speaks of God's capacity to bring life where there was death, beauty where there was ugliness, and order where there was chaos.
"This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.": This phrase highlights the purpose and lasting nature of God's transformative work. The ultimate aim is the glorification of God's name, His character, and His faithfulness. It establishes that this promised transformation is not transient but eternally guaranteed by God, serving as an immutable testament to His power and His covenant promises.
Isaiah 55 13 Bonus section
The imagery of trees throughout Scripture often symbolizes people or nations, either flourishing in righteousness (Ps 1:3) or barren due to sin. Here, the transformation of flora implicitly suggests a corresponding transformation in God's people. The juniper (fir/cypress) and myrtle were used in festive and sacred contexts, indicating joy and restoration, echoing the theme of Nehemiah 8:15. This verse also contains echoes of Genesis 3:18, where thorns and thistles emerged as a consequence of the curse; thus, Isaiah 55:13 represents a profound reversal of that curse, pointing forward to the restoration of Edenic conditions, and ultimately fulfilled in the new heavens and new earth. The permanence described in "everlasting sign" and "not be cut off" underscores God's unyielding commitment to His covenant with His people and the unchangeable nature of His kingdom.
Isaiah 55 13 Commentary
Isaiah 55:13 offers a powerful prophetic vision of creation's and humanity's redemption. It beautifully contrasts the thorns and briers, representing the desolate, cursed, or sin-afflicted state, with the flourishing juniper and myrtle, signifying life, beauty, and blessing. This transformation is entirely God's doing and serves as an irrefutable testament to His character and His everlasting covenant. It's a promise of ultimate restoration, whether for Israel after exile, the individual believer, or the new creation at the end of time. The eternal nature of this sign ensures that God's faithful work will never be undone or forgotten, forever reflecting His glory and power to transform the most barren landscapes and hearts into gardens of His delight. For practical usage, this verse assures believers that God can bring beauty and fruitfulness out of any personal wilderness, whether it is past regret, present struggle, or future challenge, and that His transformative work in our lives ultimately points to Him.