Devine Scripture

Isaiah 55:11

What does Isaiah 55:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 55:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 55:11 means

This verse directly states the unfailing power and efficacy of God's spoken word. It explicitly declares that God's word, which proceeds from His mouth, will not return to Him empty or without effect. Instead, it will infallibly accomplish His purpose and prosper in whatever task He sends it to do. This emphasizes the certainty of God's promises and His absolute control over their fulfillment, assuring the reader of the reliability of His covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So will my word be which goes out of my mouth: it will not come back to me with nothing done, but it will give effect to my purpose, and do that for which I have sent it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

So is My word that goeth out of My mouth, It turneth not back unto Me empty, But hath done that which I desired, And prosperously effected that <FI>for<Fi> which I sent it.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So shall my word be, which shall go forth from my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall do whatsoever I please, and shall prosper in the things for which I sent it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall do that which I please, and it shall accomplish that for which I send it.

Context

Building directly on the natural illustration in verse 10, this verse makes an explicit theological statement about the power of God's word. It is the core message about divine authority and certainty, concluding the explanation of why God's invitation and promises are utterly trustworthy. This declaration of the word's effectiveness paves the way for the prophetic vision of restoration and joy that follows.

v.10For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

v.11This passage

v.12For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing; and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 54:9

    For this isasthe waters of Noah unto me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

  • Hebrews 6:7

    For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God:

  • Isaiah 46:10

    declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18

    For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.

  • Luke 8:11

    Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

  • Deuteronomy 32:2

    My doctrine shall drop as the rain; My speech shall distil as the dew, As the small rain upon the tender grass, And as the showers upon the herb.

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