Devine Scripture

Isaiah 55:9

What does Isaiah 55:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 55:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 55:9 means

Using a striking natural analogy, God illustrates the immense qualitative difference between His ways and thoughts and those of humanity. Just as the heavens are vastly higher and beyond the earth, so too are God's moral and intellectual standards, His plans, and His capacity for mercy. This imagery reinforces the idea that God operates on a totally different level, underscoring the wonder of His grace and the depth of His wisdom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For high have the heavens been above the earth, So high have been My ways above your ways, And My thoughts above your thoughts.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Context

This verse powerfully illustrates the abstract statement made in verse 8. The celestial analogy provides a concrete, understandable image for the vast difference between God's thoughts and human thoughts. This vivid comparison culminates the explanation of God's superior nature, which then serves as a springboard for understanding the unstoppable power of His word in the subsequent verses.

v.8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah.

v.9This passage

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;

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 103:11

    For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his lovingkindness toward them that fear him.

  • Psalms 36:5

    Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, is in the heavens; Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the skies.

  • Psalms 89:2

    For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever; Thy faithfulness wilt thou establish in the very heavens.

  • Romans 11:31

    even so have these also now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they also may now obtain mercy.

  • Psalms 77:19

    Thy way was in the sea, And thy paths in the great waters, And thy footsteps were not known.

  • Matthew 11:25

    At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:

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