Devine Scripture

Isaiah 41:17

What does Isaiah 41:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 41:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 41:17 means

God observes the plight of the poor and needy, who earnestly seek water but find none, their tongues failing from thirst. In this desperate situation, the Lord, the God of Israel, unequivocally promises to answer them and not forsake them. This compassionate declaration highlights God's attentiveness to the suffering of His people and His commitment to provide for their most basic, life-sustaining needs, even in the direst circumstances, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The poor and crushed are looking for water where no water is, and their tongue is dry for need of it: I the Lord will give ear to their prayer, I the God of Israel will not give them up.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The poor and the needy are seeking water, And there is none, Their tongue with thirst hath failed, I, Jehovah do answer them, The God of Israel--I forsake them not.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The needy and the poor seek for waters, and there are none: their tongue hath been dry with thirst. I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The afflicted and the needy seek water, and there is none; their tongue faileth for thirst: I, Jehovah, will answer them, [I], theGod of Israel, will not forsake them.

Context

Moving from the theme of victory over enemies, this verse describes a different kind of extreme need—thirst in a desolate land. It immediately follows the promises of triumph and rejoicing in God, setting up a new demonstration of His power. This highlights God's comprehensive care, transitioning from protection against foes to miraculous provision for His people's physical well-being, preparing for the dramatic imagery of transformed landscapes.

v.16Thou 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.

v.17This passage

v.18I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 7:37

    Now on the last day, the greatdayof the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.

  • Psalms 42:2

    My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: When shall I come and appear before God?

  • Genesis 28:15

    And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee whithersoever thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

  • Revelation 22:17

    And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely.

  • Isaiah 42:16

    And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them.

  • Isaiah 66:2

    For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.

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