Isaiah 30:15
What does Isaiah 30:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 30:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 30:15 means
Isaiah 30:15 reveals God's pathway to salvation and strength for Israel. The core message emphasizes that true deliverance ("saved") comes not through human effort or political alliances, but through "returning," signifying repentance and turning back to God. This repentance is linked with "rest," indicating a cessation from anxious striving and reliance on divine provision. Similarly, enduring "strength" is found in "quietness" and "confidence" in the Lord, contrasting with a restless pursuit of worldly solutions. The poignant close, "You would not," highlights Israel's stubborn refusal to embrace this divine counsel, choosing their own ways over God's wisdom and peace. It underscores God's desire for their well-being, met by their resistance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For thus said the Lord Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. And ye would not:
KJV
King James Version · 1611For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For thus said the Lord Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. And ye would not:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, said, In quiet and rest is your salvation: peace and hope are your strength: but you would not have it so.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For thus said the Lord Jehovah, The Holy One of Israel: `In returning and rest ye are saved, In keeping quiet and in confidence is your might, And ye have not been willing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For thus saith the Lord God the Holy One of Israel: If you return and be quiet, you shall be saved: in silence and in hope shall your strength be. And you would not:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For thus saith the Lord Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest shall ye be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be your strength; but ye would not.
Context
Isaiah 30 presents a stark contrast between God's faithful provision and Israel's rebellious self-reliance. Immediately preceding verse 15, God condemns Israel for seeking help from Egypt rather than trusting in Him, describing their flight on horses as a sign of their misplaced confidence. Following this verse, God warns of impending judgment and destruction due to their disobedience, yet also promises a future restoration and blessing for those who do return to Him. The Lord, the Holy One of Israel, speaks directly to His people, pleading for their trust and offering a path of rest and strength, which they defiantly reject.
v.14And he shall break it as a potter’s vessel is broken, breaking it in pieces without sparing; so that there shall not be found among the pieces thereof a sherd wherewith to take fire from the hearth, or to dip up water out of the cistern.
v.15This passage
v.16but ye said, No, for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 13:34
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her own brood under her wings, and ye would not!
- Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
- Jeremiah 3:22
Return, ye backsliding children, I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we are come unto thee; for thou art Jehovah our God.
- John 5:40
and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life.
- Jeremiah 23:36
And the burden of Jehovah shall ye mention no more: for every man’s own word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of Jehovah of hosts our God.
- Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.
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