Isaiah 57 13

Isaiah 57:13 kjv

When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;

Isaiah 57:13 nkjv

When you cry out, Let your collection of idols deliver you. But the wind will carry them all away, A breath will take them. But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, And shall inherit My holy mountain."

Isaiah 57:13 niv

When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away. But whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain."

Isaiah 57:13 esv

When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them all off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and shall inherit my holy mountain.

Isaiah 57:13 nlt

Let's see if your idols can save you
when you cry to them for help.
Why, a puff of wind can knock them down!
If you just breathe on them, they fall over!
But whoever trusts in me will inherit the land
and possess my holy mountain."

Isaiah 57 verses

Isaiah 57 13 meaning

This verse sharply contrasts the futility of relying on idols or human-made security with the steadfast hope found in Yahweh. It prophetically challenges those who cling to false gods, asserting that in times of distress, their collection of idols will be utterly useless and easily dispersed like chaff in the wind. In stark opposition, it declares that those who sincerely seek refuge in God will receive an enduring inheritance, possessing His holy land and mountain, symbolizing covenant blessings and eternal security.

Isaiah 57 13 Context

Isaiah chapter 57 sharply condemns the prevalent idolatry, spiritual adultery, and moral corruption within Israel during Isaiah's prophetic ministry, likely during a period leading up to or during the Assyrian threat and Babylonian exile. The chapter details their practices of sacrificing children (v. 5), worshipping idols under every green tree and on high mountains (v. 5-7), and engaging in prostitution (v. 8). Their faithlessness and pursuit of foreign alliances (v. 9-10) are depicted as a perverse rebellion against Yahweh, their true God. Verse 13 stands as a direct challenge and contrast within this narrative of severe judgment, distinguishing the ultimate futility of these sinful paths from the lasting blessing and security offered by genuinely trusting in the Lord. It sets up the following verses (57:14-21), which pivot to God's comfort and healing for the contrite and humble.

Isaiah 57 13 Word analysis

• When you cry out (צַעֲקֵךְ - tsa'aqeq): Derived from צָעַק (tsa'aq), meaning to cry out, to call for help, especially in distress or alarm. The use of "When" (בְּ-) sets up a future scenario, implying an inevitable moment of crisis for the idolaters, where they will desperately seek aid. The pronoun suffix -ךְ (-k), "your," directly addresses unfaithful Israel. It highlights the irony: their cries will not be directed to God initially, but to their lifeless deities.
• let your collection of idols (קִבּוּצַיִךְ - qibbutsayikh): This noun, qibbutsayikh, means "your gathered things," "your collection," or "your assemblage." In this specific context, combined with the preceding verses describing idolatry, it is widely understood to refer to their collected idols, their numerous pagan objects, or perhaps even the company/allies they gathered instead of God. It highlights that these "gathered things" were their alternative source of trust and help. The challenge is rhetorical and sarcastic, mocking their efficacy.
• deliver you (יַצִּילוּךְ - yatsiluḵ): From נָצַל (natsal), "to deliver," "rescue," "save," "to tear away from." It emphasizes providing safety from danger. The verb here implies rescue from the very distress that prompts the "cry out." The question is inherently a declaration of impossibility.
• The wind (רוּחַ - ruach): Can mean physical "wind," "spirit," or "breath." Here, it primarily signifies a force that is insubstantial yet potent in dispersing. It suggests something intangible and easily dismissed, reflecting the impotence of idols against even the most ephemeral force.
• will carry them all away (יִשָּׂא - yissa'): From נָשָׂא (nasa), "to lift," "to carry," "to take away." The active verb shows a forceful removal, indicating their utter vulnerability and powerlessness to resist even a simple breeze.
• a mere breath (הֶבֶל - hevel): Means "breath," "vapor," "futility," "vanity," "emptiness." Used famously in Ecclesiastes. This phrase signifies an extreme level of insignificance and ephemeral nature. Idols are so insubstantial that not even a strong wind is needed; a mere puff or whisper is enough to sweep them away, illustrating their absolute nothingness.
• will take them (יִקַּח - yiqqach): From לָקַח (laqach), "to take," "to seize," "to carry off." This reinforces the complete removal and appropriation of the idols, signifying their ultimate disposal as worthless items.
• but whoever takes refuge in Me (חֹסֶה בִי - choseh bi): The word choseh (participle of חָסָה - chasah) means "to seek shelter," "to find protection," "to trust in." It describes an active posture of trust and reliance. The emphatic "Me" (בִי - bi, "in Me") refers to Yahweh Himself, standing in direct contrast to the idols. This highlights the sole source of true security.
• will inherit the land (יִירַשׁ־אָרֶץ - yirash-aretz): Yarash means "to inherit," "to possess," "to take possession of." "The land" (aretz) refers to the Promised Land, symbolizing covenant blessings, security, sustenance, and ultimately the fullness of God's Kingdom. It signifies an enduring, guaranteed possession given by God.
• and possess My holy mountain (וְיִנְחַל הַר קָדְשִׁי - wəyinchal har qadshi): Nachal means "to take as an inheritance," similar to yarash. "My holy mountain" refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, the site of the Temple, representing the center of God's presence, worship, and government. This signifies direct access to God, spiritual blessings, and a secure place in His Kingdom, with strong eschatological overtones pointing to the New Jerusalem.

• "When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you!": This whole clause is a severe rhetorical challenge and a cutting rebuke. It highlights the desperation of idolaters when true crisis strikes, revealing the utter inadequacy and mockery of their chosen objects of trust. It underscores their folly in placing their hope anywhere other than God.
• "The wind will carry them all away, a mere breath will take them": This vivid imagery emphasizes the extreme fragility and nothingness of idols. They are less than substantial, having no intrinsic power or existence that can withstand even the lightest "breath," contrasting sharply with the mighty God. This portrays their complete eradication and impotence.
• "but whoever takes refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain": This climactic clause presents a radical, clear-cut alternative and a divine promise. The "but" acts as a powerful disjunction, shifting from judgment to promise. It contrasts the perishable with the eternal, human vanity with divine steadfastness, and serves as an invitation to choose Yahweh, assuring profound, lasting covenant blessings of spiritual security, presence with God, and an eternal dwelling.

Isaiah 57 13 Bonus section

The concept of "taking refuge" (חָסָה - chasah) is a fundamental theme in the Psalms and prophetic books, emphasizing a deep trust, dependence, and seeking shelter under God's protective wings (Ps 36:7, 57:1). It implies active turning away from all other sources of hope and placing complete confidence in the Lord. Furthermore, the promise of "inheriting the land" and "possessing My holy mountain" holds both literal fulfillment for Israel (post-exilic return and spiritual restoration) and significant spiritual and eschatological implications for believers across all dispensations. "My holy mountain" evolves in biblical prophecy to encompass not just physical Zion, but the spiritual Mount Zion—God's heavenly dwelling, the New Jerusalem (Rev 21), where believers experience full fellowship and eternal communion with God. This verse ultimately portrays a timeless truth about ultimate allegiances and the radical difference between the perishable nature of man-made trust and the eternal reliability of divine trust.

Isaiah 57 13 Commentary

Isaiah 57:13 offers a stark, prophetic challenge, exposing the catastrophic folly of idolatry and the incomparable security found in God. It pictures a future crisis for those who depend on their "collection of idols"—a term encompassing not only carved images but perhaps also the accumulated worldly resources, human alliances, or self-reliant schemes that people elevate to divine status. In that hour of desperation, these false hopes will prove utterly powerless, disappearing with even "a mere breath," signifying their ultimate worthlessness and fleeting nature in the face of true adversity. This highlights the inherent insubstantiality of anything not God, demonstrating how easily human constructs crumble. In direct and compassionate contrast, the verse offers an unbreakable promise: "whoever takes refuge in Me" – those who turn to Yahweh in sincere trust and dependency – will not only endure but thrive. They are guaranteed to "inherit the land" and "possess My holy mountain," which signify the enduring covenant blessings, a secure and abundant life under God’s rule, His intimate presence, and a share in His eternal kingdom. This passage functions as both a warning against the deceptiveness of false security and an urgent invitation to embrace the unfailing faithfulness and provision of the Almighty God. It teaches that true deliverance and lasting blessing come only from Him.