Isaiah 55:1
What does Isaiah 55:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 55:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 55:1 means
This verse is a wide-reaching invitation to anyone experiencing spiritual thirst—a longing for something more. God calls these individuals, even those without resources, to come and freely receive spiritual sustenance. The imagery of water, food, wine, and milk speaks to the essential needs for life, joy, and nourishment that God provides without cost. It emphasizes that the most profound spiritual blessings are not earned through human effort or wealth, but are freely given by God's grace to those who respond to His call for satisfaction.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Ho! everyone in need, come to the waters, and he who has no strength, let him get food: come, get bread without money; wine and milk without price.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Ho, every thirsty one, come ye to the waters, And he who hath no money, Come ye, buy and eat, yea, come, buy Without money and without price, wine and milk.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All you that thirst, come to the waters: and you that have no money make haste, buy, and eat: come ye, buy wine and milk without money, and without any price.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come ye, buy, and eat: yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price!
Context
This verse opens Isaiah 55 with an urgent, widespread invitation, immediately establishing the chapter's theme of God's free offer of spiritual sustenance. It sets the stage for the contrast between satisfying spiritual needs with God's provision versus human efforts. This verse introduces the 'who' of the invitation, preparing the reader for the 'why' and 'how' in the verses that follow.
v.1This passage
v.2Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and streams upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
- Psalms 143:6
I spread forth my hands unto thee: My soulthirstethafter thee, as a weary land. [Selah
- Joel 3:18
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah shall flow with waters; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of Jehovah, and shall water the valley of Shittim.
- Proverbs 8:4
Unto you, O men, I call; And my voice is to the sons of men.
- Proverbs 1:21
She crieth in the chief place of concourse; At the entrance of the gates, In the city, she uttereth her words:
- Matthew 26:29
But I say unto you, I shall not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Isaiah 55
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Isaiah 55.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Memorizing Scripture
Memorizing Scripture is a vital spiritual discipline that offers profound benefits for faith and daily life, anchoring believers in God's truth and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Promises of God
God’s promises are a source of comfort and assurance, revealing His unchanging character and faithfulness to His people
Topic
Bible Verses About Atonement
Atonement, a central doctrine of Christianity, describes how humanity is reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.