Isaiah 41:16
What does Isaiah 41:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 41:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 41:16 means
God states that Israel will winnow their adversaries, making them so insubstantial that the wind will carry them away and a whirlwind will scatter them. This imagery emphasizes the absolute and complete dispersal of all who oppose Israel, leaving no trace behind. In the midst of this profound victory, Israel will find their joy and glory in the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, recognizing that their triumph comes solely from Him, redirecting all praise to their divine Helper.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thou shalt winnow them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them; and thou shalt rejoice in Jehovah, thou shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thou shalt winnow them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them; and thou shalt rejoice in Jehovah, thou shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You will send the wind over them, and it will take them away; they will go in all directions before the storm-wind: you will have joy in the Lord, and be glad in the Holy One of Israel.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Thou winnowest them, and a wind lifteth them up, And a whirlwind scattereth them, And thou--thou rejoicest in Jehovah, In the Holy One of Israel dost boast thyself.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, in the Holy One of Israel thou shalt be joyful.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them; and thou shalt rejoice in Jehovah, thou shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.
Context
Expanding on the powerful imagery of Israel as a threshing instrument, this verse completes the picture of victory by describing the utter dispersal of their enemies. It follows directly upon the promise of enablement in verse 15, showing the full extent of their triumph. The redirection of Israel's joy and glory to the Lord prepares the reader for the subsequent promises of divine provision and restoration in the wilderness, further demonstrating God's faithfulness.
v.15Behold, I have made thee to be a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth; thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.
v.16This passage
v.17The poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst; I, Jehovah, will answer them, I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 1:4
The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
- Romans 5:11
and not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
- 1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
- Jeremiah 51:2
And I will send unto Babylon strangers, that shall winnow her; and they shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about.
- Isaiah 25:1
O Jehovah, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things, even counsels of old, in faithfulness and truth.
- Isaiah 12:6
Cry aloud and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great in the midst of thee is the Holy One of Israel.
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