Isaiah

Isaiah front

Introduction to Isaiah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Isaiah

1. Yahweh judges his people but gives them hope (chapters 1–12)
2. Isaiah prophesies against many nations (13–23)
3. Universal judgment and promise of redemption (24–27)
4. The people of Yahweh judged (28–31)
5. The righteous kingdom (32–33)
6. The nations judged; the ransomed will be restored (34–35)
7. Hezekiah and Sennacherib (36–39)
8. Yahweh comforts his people and will restore them (40–45)
9. Prophecies against Babylon (46–48)
10. The servant of Yahweh (49–55)
11. Ethics of Yahweh’s kingdom (56–59)
12. Restored Jerusalem (60–66)

What is the Book of Isaiah about?

The first part of the Book of Isaiah (chapters 1-39) contains many different prophecies. Some of Isaiah’s prophecies are about how God would send an army to destroy the southern kingdom of Judah. Some of the prophecies are about how God would punish other nations of the world. The end of the first part (chapters 36-39) tells how Isaiah helped King Hezekiah when the Assyrians were about to attack Jerusalem.

The second part of the Book of Isaiah (chapters 40-66) has prophecies about how God will comfort and restore his people. He will do this through his chosen servant. By the suffering of this servant, God will forgive his people (chapter 53). This servant will also cause Gentiles to worship Yahweh. The Book of Isaiah ends with a prophecy about God creating a new heavens and earth.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators can use the traditional title, “The Book of Isaiah” or just “Isaiah.” Or they may call it “The Book about Isaiah” or “The Sayings of Isaiah.” (See: How to Translate Names)

When was the Book of Isaiah written?

Isaiah prophesied around 740–700 B.C., when the Assyrian Empire was becoming more powerful. Isaiah spoke the prophecies from God to the people of Judah during the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The story of Isaiah helping King Hezekiah (chapters 36-39) is also found in 2 Kings 19–20.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What did Isaiah prophesy about the future Messiah of Israel?

Jews and Christians have interpreted many passages in Isaiah to be about the Messiah. In 9:1-7, Isaiah described a child being born who would rule over David’s kingdom. In chapter 11, Isaiah described a descendant of David who would have God’s spirit upon him. Several prophecies in chapters 40-66 are about “the servant.” This servant will comfort the people, rule righteously, and suffer so that God will forgive the people for sinning against him. The New Testament writers interpret these prophecies to be about Jesus Christ.

What did Isaiah mean by the “last days”?

Isaiah prophesied of the “last days” (2:2) as some later or final period of time. The New Testament writers understood the “last days” to be the church age (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2). The Book of Isaiah was one of the first books to include prophesies about the last days. Isaiah explained that in the last days there would be a future kingdom of Israel. Jerusalem would be its main city. And people from all over the world will go there to learn about Yahweh and worship him.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What is the meaning of the term “Israel”?

The name “Israel” is used in many different ways in the Bible. Jacob was the son of Isaac. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. The descendants of Jacob became a nation also called Israel. Eventually, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom was named Israel. The southern kingdom was named Judah. (See: Israel, Israelites)

What are some characteristics of prophetic literature in the Book of Isaiah?

Most of Isaiah’s prophecies are in poetic form. Many prophets in Israel used poetry when they spoke important messages that were meant to be remembered.

Sometimes Isaiah’s messages are hard to understand. He assumed his original hearers would know what he was talking about. But readers today do not always understand what he meant. However, Isaiah’s basic messages are still clear to us today. These messages are about how God’s people sinned against him, how he would punish them, and how he would eventually comfort and restore them.

Isaiah also speaks about the Servant of Yahweh, in four different poems that are today called the “Four Servant Songs.” Christians understand these very clearly as prophecies about Jesus Christ, the Messiah. These “songs” are in Isaiah 42:1-9; 49:1-7; 50:4-9; and 52:13-53:12. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and mercy, merciful and Christ, Messiah)

Isaiah 1

Isaiah 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 1:2-31, which is a vision Isaiah receives. These are the words of Yahweh.

Special concepts in this chapter

Woe

The prophecy of this chapter serves as a warning to the people of the kingdom of Judah. If they do not change their evil ways, Yahweh will punish them. (See: woe and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and evil, wicked, unpleasant)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

There are many vivid metaphors used to describe Judah’s sin. Their sin is described as a sickness that spreads. (See: Metaphor and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Rhetorical Questions

Yahweh uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these questions is to convince the people of Judah of their sin. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 1:1

Alternate translation: “This is the vision of Isaiah … that Yahweh showed him” or “This is what God showed Isaiah”

Amoz was the father of Isaiah. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Judah” refers to the southern kingdom of Israel. “Jerusalem” was its most important city. The names of the places represent the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “those living in Judah and Jerusalem” or “the people of Judah and Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

This is an idiom and refers to the time when each king reigned. They reigned one after the other, not all at the same time. Alternate translation: “when Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah were kings of Judah” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 1:2

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

Although these prophecies were meant for the people of Jerusalem and Judah to hear, Isaiah knows they will not listen. This could mean: (1) he speaks in apostrophe, as though the “heavens” and “earth” would be able to listen to what Yahweh said, or (2) the words “heavens” and “earth” are metonyms and a merism for all living beings everywhere. Alternate translation: “you who live in the heavens … you who live on the earth” (See: Apostrophe and Personification and Merism)

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Words that Yahweh spoke and which Isaiah is speaking to the Israelites for Yahweh.

Yahweh speaks as if his words were food and as if the Israelites were his children. Alternate translation: “I have taken care of the people living in Judah like they were my children” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 1:3

Words that Yahweh spoke and which Isaiah is speaking to the Israelites for Yahweh.

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “the donkey knows his master’s feeding trough” or “the donkey knows where his master gives him food” (See: Ellipsis)

This probably means “but the people of Israel do not know me, they do not understand that I am the one who cares for them.”

This is a metonym for the people of Israel. Judah is part of what had been the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 1:4

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

This could mean: (1) Isaiah is saying two different things about them. Alternate translation: “Nation of Israel, you sinners” or (2) he is saying only one thing about them. Alternate translation: “Nation of sinners”

Something very heavy that a person might carry is a metaphor for their many sins. Alternate translation: “their sin is like a heavy bag on their shoulders that makes it hard for them to walk” (See: Metaphor)

The word “offspring” is a metaphor for people who do what others have done. Alternate translation: “people who do the same evil they see others doing” (See: Metaphor)

do evil deeds

Alternate translation: “They have gone away from Yahweh”

Alternate translation: “have refused to obey” or “have refused to respect”

Judah is part of what had been the nation of Israel.

Though at one time they were friends, they now treat him as though they do not know him.

Isaiah 1:5

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah uses these questions to scold the people of Judah. The questions can be translated as statements. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You keep doing things that Yahweh has to punish you for. You continue to rebel against him.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

Here the word “you” refers to the people who live in Judah and so is plural. (See: Forms of You)

This metaphor compares the nation of Israel to a person who has been beaten. Alternate translation: “You are like someone whose head is wounded and whose heart is weak” or “You are like someone whose whole mind and heart are sick” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 1:6

This can be stated positively. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “every part of you has been harmed” or “someone has harmed every part of you” (See: Double Negatives)

This metaphor compares the punishment God has given Israel to physical wounds. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one has closed, cleansed, bandaged, or treated them with oil” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 1:7

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They have ruined your country” or “Your enemies have ruined your country” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they have burned your cities” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “people who are not from your own country steal the crops from your fields while you watch”

“empty and devastated.” This abstract noun phrase can be expressed as verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “they have destroyed the land and no one lives there” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “strangers have overthrown your country” or “a foreign army has completely conquered it” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 1:8

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have left the daughter of Zion” (See: Active or Passive)

The “daughter” of a city means the people of the city. Alternate translation: “The people of Zion” or “The people who live in Zion” (See: Idiom)

This could mean: (1) “has become as small as a hut in a vineyard or a shed in a garden of cucumbers” or (2) “is left the way a farmer leaves a hut in a vineyard or a shed in a garden of cucumbers when he is finished with them” (See: Simile and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Another possible meaning is “like … cucumbers. She is a besieged city”

Isaiah 1:9

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

This describes something that could have happened in the past but did not. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Alternate translation: “a few survivors”

Here these words refer to Isaiah and includes all the people of Judah and Jerusalem. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

How Judah would have been like Sodom and Gomorrah can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “God would have destroyed us, like he destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Simile)

Isaiah 1:10

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah is comparing the people of Judah to Sodom and Gomorrah to emphasize how sinful they have become. Alternate translation: “you rulers who are as sinful as the people of Sodom … you people who are as wicked as those who lived in Gomorrah” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 1:11

God is using a question to scold the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your many sacrifices mean nothing to me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 1:12

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

The word “trample” means to step on and crush with one’s feet. God is using a question to scold the people who live in Judah. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “no one told you to stomp around in my courtyards!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 1:13

Alternate translation: “Do not bring me any more of your worthless gifts”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abomination, you could express the same idea with the verb “hate.” Alternate translation: “I hate the incense the priests burn” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This could mean: (1) “I cannot allow you to gather together because of the wicked things you do” or (2) “I cannot allow myself to watch you gather together because of the wicked things you do.”

Isaiah 1:14

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

The words “new moons” are a metonym for the celebrations of the new moon. They are also a synecdoche for all regular celebrations. Alternate translation: “your celebrations of the new moon and your other regular feasts” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

A new moon is when the moon first shows light after having been dark.

This compares how God feels about the people’s celebrations to carrying a heavy object. Alternate translation: “they are a heavy load that I am tired of carrying” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 1:15

This idiom is a way of saying “I will not look at you” or “I will not pay attention to you” (See: Idiom)

This is the reason that God will not listen to their prayers. The blood likely refers to violence that they have done against people. Alternate translation: “because it is like your hands are covered with the blood of those you have harmed” or “because you are guilty of violence” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 1:16

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

Here God compares a person who stops sinning with one who washes his body. Alternate translation: “Repent and wash the sin from your heart like you wash the dirt from your body” (See: Metaphor)

God was not telling them to do their evil deeds somewhere else, but to stop doing them. Alternate translation: “stop doing the evil deeds that I see you doing” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 1:17

God speaks of people who oppress others as if they had made crooked something that should be straight, and he calls on them to make that object straight again. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word oppression, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “make sure that those helpless people you have harmed no longer suffer from the bad things you have done to them” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “be fair to the children who do not have fathers”

Alternate translation: “protect the women whose husbands have died”

Isaiah 1:18

Yahweh graciously and lovingly invites the people to listen to what he is about to say. “Please listen to me. Let” or “Pay attention; I want to help you. Let”

“let us think about this together” or “we need to discuss this” or “what are we going to do?” Yahweh invites the people to discuss the future. Here the word “us” refers to Yahweh and includes the people of Judah. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Isaiah is speaking of the people as if they were wearing clothes that were supposed to be white wool and of their sins as if they were red stains on the clothes. If Yahweh forgives their sins, it will be as if their clothes become white again. (See: Metaphor)

Scarlet is a bright red color. Alternate translation: “bright red” (See: Simile)

White is often a symbol for holiness or purity. “Snow” refers to something like frozen rain that is very white. Since this simply describes something as very white, you could replace it with something else that is white: “white as a seashell” or “white as a dove.” This means that their sins will be forgiven. (See: Simile)

Crimson is a dark red color. Alternate translation: “dark red” (See: Simile)

Wool is the hair of a sheep or goat. How they will be like wool can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “white like wool” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Simile)

Isaiah 1:19

Here, “willing” and “obedient” are used together to express one idea. Alternate translation: “If you willingly obey” (See: Hendiadys)

Alternate translation: “the land will produce good food for you to eat”

Isaiah 1:20

Alternate translation: “but if you refuse to listen and instead disobey me”

The word “sword” refers to Judah’s enemies. Also, the word “devour” compares Judah’s enemies coming to kill them to a wild animal that attacks and eats other animals. Alternate translation: “your enemies will kill you” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

The word “mouth” emphasizes that Yahweh has spoken and what he says will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has spoken” or “Yahweh has said that this will happen” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 1:21

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

This exclamation shows Isaiah’s anger and sadness about the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “See how the people of Jerusalem, who had been faithful to God” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah compared the people to a woman who is not loyal to her husband but who sleeps with other men for money. The people were no longer loyal to God but were worshiping false gods. Alternate translation: “acts like a prostitute” (See: Metaphor)

The word “she” refers to Jerusalem and its people. Those who wrote the Bible often refer to cities as women. Alternate translation: “but now the people of Jerusalem are murderers” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 1:22

Possible meanings are that Isaiah uses silver and wine as metaphors for: (1) the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “You are like silver that is no longer pure, and like wine that is mixed with water” or (2) the good deeds that the people formerly did. Alternate translation: “You used to do good deeds, but now your bad deeds make your good deeds worthless” (See: Metaphor)

Someone needs to clean silver often or it will no longer shine brightly.

Wine with water in it has little taste and so is no better than water.

Isaiah 1:23

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “Your leaders rebel against God”

Alternate translation: “they are friends with people who steal from others”

People give “bribes” as gifts to dishonest rulers so the rulers will then act unjustly. Rulers receive “payoffs” as gifts from those who make profits from unjust laws that the ruler has passed.

A person eagerly desiring for someone to give him a bribe is spoken of as if the payoff were running away and the person were running after it. Alternate translation: “everyone desires for someone to pay money to them to make dishonest decisions” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “they do not protect those who do not have fathers”

Alternate translation: “nor do they listen when widows go to them for help against those who break the law” or “and they do not help widows who go to them for help against those who break the law”

Isaiah 1:24

Isaiah begins to speak Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “For that reason”

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, the Mighty One of Israel, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. The words “take vengeance against my adversaries” speak more of Yahweh doing whatever he needs to do to those who work against him so he can be happy. The words “avenge myself against my enemies” speak more of Yahweh justly punishing his enemies. Alternate translation: “I will punish those who opposed me” or “I will do what pleases me to those who work against me, and I will justly punish my enemies” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 1:25

Here “hand” refers to God’s power which he would use to punish his people. Alternate translation: “I will begin to use all my power against you” (See: Metonymy)

Here the process in which God removes his people’s sin is spoken of as if her were separating metal from the bad things mixed with it. The words “as with lye” adds another metaphor, because lye is used in soap, not in refining metal. Alternate translation: “and like fire removing the dirt from silver, I will remove all the evil from among you” (See: Metaphor)

This is the dirt and other things that people remove from metals so the metal will be pure.

Isaiah 1:26

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

These are two ways of speaking of the first part or beginning of Israel’s history, when Israel first became a nation.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will call you” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “city” and “town” refer to the people living in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the city where the people are righteous and loyal to God” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 1:27

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. This could mean: (1) “Yahweh will redeem Zion because the people there do what is just, and he will redeem those who repent because they do what Yahweh says is right” or (2) “Yahweh will redeem Zion because he is just, and he will redeem those who repent because he is righteous” (See: Active or Passive and Ellipsis)

This is a metonym for the people who live on Mount Zion. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 1:28

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will destroy those who rebel and sin against him” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh will completely do away with those who turn away from him” or “and Yahweh will kill all who reject him” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 1:29

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

These phrases refer to places where the people of Judah worshiped idols.

Some versions read, “you will blush because of.” A person blushes when his face turns hot and red, often because he feels that he has done something wrong.

Isaiah 1:30

Water gives life to trees and gardens. The people have cut themselves off from Yahweh, who gives them life. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 1:31

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

“The strong person” or “Whoever is powerful.” This may refer to people who are important and who influence other people.

dry material that burns easily

This compares the person’s deeds or evil works to a spark that falls on tinder and sets it on fire. Alternate translation: “his work will be like a spark that starts a fire” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 2

Isaiah 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 2:2-22.

Special concepts in this chapter

Latter days

This is probably a reference to the “last days.” This makes parts of this prophecy reference events near the end of this world. Most scholars expect these prophecies to be fulfilled by Jesus. (See: last day, latter days and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Idolatry

While the first prophecy of Isaiah concerned the lack of justice in Judah, this chapter focuses on the presence of idolatry in Judah. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Isaiah 2:1

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

“Judah” and “Jerusalem” are metonyms for the people who live there. Alternate translation: “those living in Judah and Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 2:2

Alternate translation: “in the future”

This can be stated (1) as a description. Alternate translation: “The mountain of Yahweh’s house will stand” or (2) in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will establish the mountain on which his temple is built” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah speaks of importance as if it were physical height. Alternate translation: “the most important of the mountains” or “the most important place in the world” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah speaks of honor in metaphor as if it were physical height. This can be stated (1) in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will honor it more than any other hill” or (2) as a metonym for the people who worship there. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will honor the people who worship there more than he honors any other people” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Here “nations” is a metonym for the people of those nations. Alternate translation: “people from all the nations” (See: Metonymy)

The people around the world going to the mountain of Yahweh is compared to how a river flows. This emphasizes that many people will come, not just a few people. Alternate translation: “will flow like a river to it” or “will go to it” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 2:3

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

Another possible meaning is “Jacob. He will teach … and we will walk”

The words “ways” and “paths” are metaphors for the way a person lives. If your language has only one word for the ground on which people walk, you may combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “he may teach us his will so that we may obey him” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

These phrases mean the same thing. Isaiah was emphasizing that all nations will understand that the truth is found in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “People in Zion will teach God’s law, and people in Jerusalem will teach the word of Yahweh” (See: Parallelism)

“For the law will go out from Zion.” Isaiah speaks as if the law were something like a river that moves without people doing anything. Alternate translation: “Those to whom they teach the law will go out from Zion” or “Yahweh will proclaim his law from Zion” (See: Metaphor)

“the word of Yahweh will go out from Jerusalem.” Isaiah speaks as if the word of Yahweh were something like a river that moves without people doing anything. You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “Those to whom they teach the word of Yahweh will go out from Jerusalem” or “Yahweh will proclaim his word from Jerusalem” (See: Metaphor and Ellipsis)

Isaiah 2:4

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will judge”

Alternate translation: “will solve disputes”

The people of the nations will turn their weapons of war into tools for farming.

These words are synecdoches for weapons of any kind. (See: Synecdoche)

These words are synecdoches for tools of any kind that people use in peaceful activity. (See: Synecdoche)

“they will make their swords into tools for planting seeds.” A plowshare is a blade that people use to dig into soil so they can plant seeds there.

“they will hammer their spears into pruning hooks” or “they will make their spears into tools for caring for plants.” A pruning hook is a knife that people use to cut unwanted branches off of plants.

“no nation will lift up its sword against another nation.” The sword is a metonym for war. Alternate translation: “one nation will not fight wars against another nation” (See: Metonymy)

“nor will they even train to fight wars.” The writer expects his reader to believe that those who fight wars train before they fight and that some who train do not fight.

Isaiah 2:5

In 2:5 Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah, and in 2:6 he speaks to Yahweh. Both times he speaks in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

“You descendants of Jacob.” The word “house” is a metonym for the people who live in the house, the family. Here “Jacob” represents the nation of Judah, but it would be best to use “Jacob” here. (See: Metonymy)

a gentle encouragement to do what the speaker is about to tell the hearer to do

Isaiah speaks of people learning and then doing what Yahweh wants them to do as if they were walking at night with a lamp that Yahweh has provided so they can see the path. Alternate translation: “let us learn how Yahweh wants us to live and then live that way” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 2:6

“For you have left your people” and do not care what happens to them. Here the word “you” refers to Yahweh and so is singular. (See: Pronouns)

Isaiah speaks as if the people were containers who were full of something from the east. Possible meanings are that he speaks of: (1) the deeds that the eastern peoples do. Alternate translation: “they do all the time the evil things the people who live in lands east of Israel do” or (2) people, specifically those who claim to speak to dead people, who have come from the east to do evil deeds. Alternate translation: “many diviners have come from the east and now live there” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

they try to tell the future by looking at things like animal parts and leaves

Clasping hands together is the symbol of friendship and peace. Alternate translation: “they make peace and work together with people who are not from Israel” (See: Symbolic Action)

Isaiah 2:7

Isaiah speaks to Yahweh in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah speaks as if the land were a container in which someone had placed silver, horses, and idols. The word “land” is a metonym for the people themselves, and the words “is full of” is a metaphor for the people possessing these items. Alternate translation: “They possess much silver and gold … they also possess many horses” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Isaiah 2:8

Isaiah speaks as if the land were a container in which someone had placed silver, horses, and idols. The word “land” is a metonym for the people themselves, and the words “is full of” is a metaphor for the people possessing these items. Alternate translation: “They also possess many idols” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

These two phrases mean almost the same thing and emphasize that these are not real gods. If your language has no general word for something someone has made, you can combine these two phrases into one. Alternate translation: “things that they themselves have made” (See: Parallelism)

The word “hands” is a synecdoche for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “their own craftsmanship” or “their own work” or “things they have made with their hands” (See: Synecdoche)

The word “fingers” is a synecdoche for the people themselves. Alternate translation: “things that they have made with their own fingers” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 2:9

In 2:9 Isaiah finishes speaking to Yahweh. In 2:10-11 Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah. Both times he speaks in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

Here being low to the ground represents people who are completely humiliated because they realize all they trusted in is worthless, and they can do nothing to help themselves. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will make the people ashamed, and they will realize that all they trusted in is worthless” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

human beings, as opposed to animals

Alternate translation: “each person”

The words “raise them up” are a metaphor for Yahweh forgiving the people. Alternate translation: “do not forgive them” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 2:10

Possible meanings are the people should go into: (1) caves on steep hillsides or (2) places where there are many large rocks among which to hide.

Possible meanings are that the people should hide: (1) in natural holes in the ground or (2) in pits that they dig in the ground.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you could express the same idea with the verb “terrifying.” Alternate translation: “to get away from Yahweh’s terrifying presence” or “from Yahweh because you will be extremely afraid of him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

“the great beauty and power he has as king” or “his royal splendor.” See how you translated this in Isaiah 2:10.

Isaiah 2:11

“Yahweh will bring down the lofty gaze of man.” A man with a “lofty gaze” is looking above everyone to show them that he is better than they are. Here all people are guilty of thinking they are better than Yahweh, and the way they look at those who worship Yahweh, is a metonym for their pride. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make ashamed all people because they think they are better than he is” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

“The pride of men” here is a metonym for proud people, and being “brought down” is a metaphor for being humbled or ashamed. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bring down proud men” or “Yahweh will make proud people ashamed of themselves” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor and Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will praise only Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “on the day that Yahweh judges everyone” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 2:12

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem. (See: Parallelism)

One who is “raised up” is proud and considers himself better than other people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who is proud and who raises himself above other people” or “who is proud and thinks that he is better than other people” (See: Active or Passive and Metaphor)

Someone who is arrogant speaks and acts as if he is better than other people. These two phrases have similar meanings and are used together to emphasize that Yahweh will punish them. (See: Doublet)

“every proud person will be brought down.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will humble him” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 2:13

The “day of Yahweh of Hosts” will be against the cedars and oaks. This could mean: (1) these trees are a metaphor for the proud people whom God will judge or (2) God will actually destroy these mighty trees. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 2:14

In 2:14-16 Isaiah lists things that God will destroy. This could mean: (1) these refer to prideful people that God will humble or (2) God will actually destroy all these things in the list.

These words are metaphors for the pride of the Israelites. They also appear in Isaiah 2:2. (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that are very high” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 2:15

These refer to things people would build around their cities so they could defend themselves against their enemies. They are a metaphor for the Israelites’ pride and belief that they had no need for Yahweh and could stand against any punishment Yahweh would mete out to them for their sins. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “wall that nothing can break down or go through”

Isaiah 2:16

These refer to large boats that people used to travel far on the sea and bring back goods to the cities.

Alternate translation: “ships on which they go to Tarshish”

Isaiah 2:17

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He will bring low every proud man” or “He will humiliate every proud man” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word haughtiness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “those people who are haughty will stop being haughty” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this in Isaiah 2:11. Alternate translation: “people will praise only Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 2:18

Alternate translation: “All idols will disappear” or “There will be no more idols”

Isaiah 2:19

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Men will go … to hide from the terror” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“the caves in the rocks.” These are large rocks, not small stones that can be held in the hand.

See how you translated this in Isaiah 2:10.

because they are very afraid of Yahweh

Here the word “glory” describes “majesty.” Alternate translation: “the beauty he has as king” (See: Hendiadys)

Alternate translation: “when Yahweh takes action and causes the people of the earth to be terribly afraid of him”

Isaiah 2:20

Moles are small animals that dig and live underground. Bats are small flying animals that sometimes live in caves. Alternate translation: “to the animals” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Isaiah 2:21

If your language does not have two different words for “crevice” and “cleft,” the space that appears between the two parts of a rock when it splits, you can combine these two phrases into one.

because they are very afraid of Yahweh. See how you translated this in Isaiah 2:19.

“the great beauty and power he has as king” or “his royal majesty.” See how you translated this in Isaiah 2:10.

“when Yahweh takes action and causes the people of the earth to be terribly afraid of him.” See how you translated this in Isaiah 2:19.

Isaiah 2:22

This describes how man is human and weak by emphasizing that he needs to breath to live. Alternate translation: “who is weak and will die” or “who needs the breath in his nose to live” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

the holes in the nose through which people breathe

Isaiah uses a question to remind the people of something they should already know. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “for man amounts to nothing!” or “for man is not worth anything!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 3

Isaiah 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter. Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 3:1-26, which is a vision Isaiah receives. These are the words of Yahweh.

Judgment

This chapter is structured as a judgment against the Jews. God is acting as a judge reading the list of convictions against them and then he reads the judgment. (See: judge, judgment)

Special concepts in this chapter

Exile

While the previous part of the prophecy in chapter 2 discussed the last days, this part of the prophecy predicts the exile of Judah to Babylon. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and last day, latter days)

Isaiah 3:1

The word “see” here adds emphasis to what follows. It can also be translated as “Listen” or “Indeed.”

Both of these words refer to a walking stick, on which someone leans for support. This idea here stands for the things that people need the most in order to live: food and water. Alternate translation: “everything that supports you” or “everything that you depend on” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 3:2

This is a list of categories of people that others depend on. Since they do not refer to particular individuals, they can all be translated with plural nouns as in the UST. Alternate translation: “the mighty men … the warriors … the judges … the prophets … the ones who practices divination … the elders” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

This is a person who claims that he can tell the future by looking at things like animal parts and leaves. See how you translated similar words in Isaiah 2:6.

Isaiah 3:3

This is a list of categories of people that others depend on. Since they do not refer to particular individuals, they can all be translated with plural nouns as in the UST. Alternate translation: “the captains of fifty … the respected citizens … the counselors … the expert craftsmen … the skillful enchanters” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

This could mean: (1) the word “fifty” represents the exact amount of soldiers that the captain led. Alternate translation: “the captains of 50 soldiers” or (2) the word translated as “fifty” does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a small military unit. Alternate translation: “the captain of a small military unit” (See: Numbers)

“50” (See: Numbers)

Isaiah 3:4

These phrases mean basically the same thing. This could mean: (1) “I will place young people as their leaders, and those young people will rule over them” or (2) “youths” is a metaphor for simple and foolish men. Alternate translation: “I will place over them leaders who are immature, like young people, and those bad leaders will rule over them” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Here the word “I” refers to Yahweh. This can also be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh says, ‘I will place” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 3:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Everyone will be cruel to others and will mistreat his neighbor” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the people who are without honor” or “the people whom no one respects”

Alternate translation: “the people with honor” or “the people whom everyone respects”

Isaiah 3:6

Here “hands” represents authority. Alternate translation: “take charge of this ruin” or “rule over this ruin” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) many or most of the buildings in the city of Jerusalem were destroyed or (2) the people in Jerusalem have no more prosperity or leadership. Alternate translation: “this city, which is now ruined” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 3:7

Solving the people’s troubles is spoken of as if it were healing them. Alternate translation: “No, I cannot fix this problem” or “No, I cannot help you” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 3:8

The prophet begins to comment on this situation.

Disobeying God is spoken of as if it were stumbling and falling. (See: Metaphor)

Here “the eyes” stands for God himself, who is glorious. Alternate translation: “him who is glorious” or “Yahweh who is glorious” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 3:9

Expressions of arrogance on people’s faces are spoken of as if the expressions were persons who could testify against the proud people. Alternate translation: “The prideful looks on their faces show that they oppose Yahweh” (See: Personification)

Here the people of Judah are said to be like the people of Sodom, because they openly boasted about their sins. Alternate translation: “like the people of Sodom, they talk about their sins and let everyone know about them” (See: Simile)

The catastrophe is still coming, but the people have finished doing what will cause it to come. The catastrophe’s causes are spoken of here as if they were the catastrophe itself. Alternate translation: “For they have done everything that will cause a catastrophe to happen” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 3:10

Alternate translation: “Tell the one who is doing what is right that I will make things good for him”

This refers to righteous people in general. Alternate translation: “righteous people” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Deeds are spoken of as if they were trees giving fruit that can be eaten. The fruit stands for the reward for doing good deeds. Alternate translation: “for they will receive their reward for their good deeds” or “for they will receive their reward for the good things they have done” (See: Metaphor)

The Hebrew text has these plural pronouns here, but they refer to any righteous person. Translators can choose to translate them as singular: “he will eat the fruit of his deeds.”

Isaiah 3:11

Here “hands” stands for the deeds that the person has done. Alternate translation: “for what the wicked person has done to others will be done to him” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 3:12

This could mean: (1) Isaiah is talking and “My” refers to Isaiah, or (2) Yahweh is talking and “My” refers to Yahweh.

This could mean: (1) “young people have become their leaders and they oppress the people” or (2) “their leaders are immature like children and oppress the people.” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “women rule over the people” or (2) “their leaders are weak like women.”

It was common in the Ancient Middle East to speak of a nation’s leaders as if they were shepherds. As shepherds lead the sheep along good paths to safety, leaders should teach the people the truth and help them do what is right. Judah’s leaders were not doing this. Alternate translation: “your leaders are like bad shepherds who lead you away from good paths and do not show you where to go” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 3:13

Isaiah speaks of Yahweh’s decision to harm the people as if Yahweh were bringing a legal accusation in a courtroom against the people of Israel. The second part of this line means the same thing as the first part, but it says it a little more completely. Alternate translation: “It is as though Yahweh had taken his place in a courtroom and were ready to accuse the people” (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

Isaiah 3:14

Judgment is spoken of as if it were an object that one could bring to another person. Alternate translation: “will announce his judgment” or “will declare his judgment” (See: Metaphor)

Here “you” refers to the elders and rulers. Yahweh is speaking of his people as if they were a vineyard. Like someone who fails to care for a vineyard so that the vines give no more grapes, the elders and leaders are discouraging the Israelites from serving God. Alternate translation: “My people are like a vineyard, and you have ruined it” (See: Forms of You and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “the things you have taken from the poor are in your houses”

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “those who are poor” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 3:15

Yahweh asks this question in order to accuse the leaders of the people. This accusation can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am angry with you evil men because you are crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Making people suffer is spoken of as if it were crushing them with a very heavy weight. Alternate translation: “cruelly harm my people” (See: Metaphor)

Making people suffer is spoken of as if it were rubbing their faces into the ground. Alternate translation: “harm the poor and make them suffer” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh of hosts has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh of hosts, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 3:16

Zion, meaning here the city of Jerusalem, is spoken of as if it were a woman with her daughters. Alternate translation: “the women of Zion” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “in an arrogant way””

Looking at men in a way that makes the men think the women want sexual relations.

This is how they would walk to attract men, possibly because the bracelets on their ankles were connected by chains decorated with bells so they could not take normal steps.

Isaiah 3:18

Here what the Lord causes others to do is spoken of as the Lord doing it himself. Alternate translation: “the Lord will cause others to remove” (See: Metonymy)

a decoration that women wear on the ankle, just above the foot

a decoration that women wear over the head and hair

moon-shaped ornaments that people wear in the belief that they will protect the person from evil

Isaiah 3:19

jewelry that hangs from the ear or over the ear

a decoration that women wear on the arm near the hands

a very thin material used to cover a woman’s head and face

Isaiah 3:20

long, thin pieces of cloth that women tie around the head or hair

These are decorations that women wear near the feet. Often the chains hang down to make a gentle noise.

a piece of cloth that people wear around the waist or across the chest

a small box or bag containing perfume that women wore on chains or strings around their necks so they smelled good

jewelry that people wear in the belief that it will bring good luck

Isaiah 3:21

a decoration worn around the finger

a decoration worn in or through the nose

Isaiah 3:22

a long, loose garment with decorations that was worn over other clothes for everyone to see

a cloth worn over the shoulders on the outside of the clothes

See how you translated this in Isaiah 3:19.

a bag to used to carry small things

Isaiah 3:23

a small surface, held in one’s hand and used to see oneself

a soft cloth worn by rich people

a cloth or small hat worn over the hair

a decorative cloth that a woman would wrap around herself to make her beautiful

Isaiah 3:24

a piece of cloth that people wear around the waist or across the chest. See how you translated this in Isaiah 3:20.

This may refer to a rope that enemies would tie on the people of Judah when they captured them. Or it might mean that Jerusalem’s women would have nothing to wear but rough clothing secured with ropes.

Alternate translation: “pretty hair, their heads will be bald”

Isaiah 3:25

Falling represents being killed, and the sword represents battle. Alternate translation: “Your men will be killed in battle, and your strong men will be killed in war” or “Enemies will kill your soldiers in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 3:26

Here the city gates represent the people who sit at the public places near the city gates. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem will sit at the city gates and cry and mourn” (See:- Metonymy)

Isaiah speaks of the people of Jerusalem, whom no one will save from their enemies, as if they were the city itself and as if they were a woman who sits on the ground because all her friends have deserted her. (See: Personification and Metonymy)

Isaiah 4

Isaiah 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

More women than men

This chapter describes a time when there will be many more women than men in Judah. This is because so many of Judah’s fighting men will have died before the exile. Those who come through this difficult time will be a holy remnant. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and remnant)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Branch of Yahweh

Scholars are divided over the possible meaning of this metaphor. Some believe it is a reference to the Messiah, while others believe it is a reference to the faithful remnant. (See: Metaphor and Christ, Messiah and faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Isaiah 4:1

This phrase means “let us marry you.” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 4:2

This could mean: (1) “branch” is a synecdoche that represents the crops Yahweh will cause to grow in the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause the crops in Israel to be beautiful” or (2) “branch” is a metaphor that refers to the Messiah. (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will be full of beauty and glory”

“Fruit” sometimes simply represents food produced in the land, and sometimes it represents spiritual blessings. This could mean: (1) God will cause the land to produce good food again. Alternate translation: “the people who are still in Israel will enjoy the best food from the land” or (2) the future Messiah will bring spiritual blessings to the people in the land. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 4:3

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Here “the one who” does not refer to a specific person but to people in general who are still alive in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “everyone who remains in Jerusalem” (See: Parallelism and Generic Noun Phrases)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Lord will call them holy” or “will belong to the Lord” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everyone whose name is on the list of the people who live in Jerusalem” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 4:4

This expression speaks of sin as if it were physical dirt. Alternate translation: “after the Lord removes the sins of the daughters of Zion as someone washes away filth” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) the women of Jerusalem or (2) the people of Jerusalem.

“Blood stains” here represents violence and murder. Alternate translation: “will have taken away those in Jerusalem who harm innocent people” (See: Metonymy)

This is how God would remove the sin from Jerusalem. Here “spirit” probably represents the activity of judging and burning. Alternate translation: “by judgment and flaming fire” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) Yahweh will punish the people or (2) Yahweh will declare the people guilty.

This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor that means Yahweh will remove sinners from Zion like a fire removes impurities or (2) “flaming fire” is a metonym that represents the destruction in general of all the sinners. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Isaiah 4:5

This could mean: (1) a canopy for protecting the glorious city, or (2) a canopy consisting of God’s glory that will protect the city. If the first meaning is followed, then it may further mean that the city is glorious because Yahweh is present in it.

This is a cloth that is hung over something to cover it for protecton.

Isaiah 5

Isaiah 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Woe

This chapter presents a series of woes, or judgments against those who are spoken against. Most of these judgements are due to the lack of justice in Judah. (See: woe and judge, judgment and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Allegory

This chapter begins as an allegory. An allegory is a story with a symbolic meaning. This allegory is meant to teach the Jews that they sinned against Yahweh and that there was nothing more he could have done for them. (See: spirit, wind, breath and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Animals being present where people once lived

Verse 17 (“Then the sheep will feed as in their own pasture, and in the ruins of the rich people, lambs will graze”) is an example of the Old Testament’s prophets’ habit of describing complete ruin and desolation in terms of a picture of animals--usually wild animals, but here sheep and lambs--living in or feeding in those places. Whether the picture is of flocks or wild animals, the purpose is to say that the human habitation has gone back to wild nature, and that this has happened because of God’s punishment on the people.

Isaiah 5:1

Isaiah tells a parable about a farmer and his vineyard. The farmer represents God and the vineyard represents the people of Judah, the southern kingdom of the Israelites. (See: Parables)

Alternate translation: “my dear friend”

Alternate translation: “on a hill where very good crops could grow”

Isaiah 5:2

“He prepared the soil.” This expresson refers to using a tool to dig into the ground to prepare it for planting.

“He made a tall building in the middle of the vineyard to watch over it.” Someone would stand at the top of the tower to watch the vineyard and make sure that no animals or people went into it. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“dug a pit to squeeze out the grape juice.” A winepress is a low place carved out of rock in the ground where workers step on the grapes to crush them with their feet, in order to remove the grape juice.

Alternate translation: “worthless grapes” or “bad tasting grapes”

Isaiah 5:3

In Isaiah’s parable of the vineyard, the owner of the vineyard, who represents God, speaks to the people of Jerusalem and Judah about his vineyard. (See: Parables)

These expressions refer in general to all people living in Jerusalem and Judah, so they can be translated with plural nouns. Alternate translation: “all of you who live in Jerusalem and Judah” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

“Judah” was the name of the southern kingdom of Israelites, and Jerusalem was the capital city.

The idea of a space separating two things is often used to express the idea of choosing one or the other of those things. Alternate translation: “decide who has acted right, I or my vineyard” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 5:4

The owner uses this question to make a statement about his vineyard. This rhetorical questions can be translated as a stataement. Alternate translation: “I have done all that I could do for my vineyard!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The owner uses a question to say that his vineyard should have produced good grapes. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I wanted it to make good grapes, but it only produced worthless grapes” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 5:5

“take away the border of bushes.” A hedge is a row of bushes or small trees that have been planted in order to protect a garden or some other kind of area. Here “hedge” probably refers to the thorn bushes that were planted to grow on the stone wall surrounding the vineyard.

“I will allow animals to go there and eat.” This is a grassy place where animals feed.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “animals will trample it down” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 5:6

Alternate translation: “I will destroy it”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will prune it or hoe it” or “no one will cut off the branches that are not needed, and no one will take care of the soil” (See: Active or Passive)

Briers and thorns are often used as symbols of ruined cities and land. (See: Symbolic Language)

Isaiah 5:7

Isaiah explains the parable of the vineyard.

Isaiah states that the vineyard in the parable represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “For the vineyard of Yahweh of hosts represents the house of Israel” or “The people of Israel are like the vineyard of Yahweh, Lord of the angel armies” (See: Parables)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. In this case it refers to the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “Israel” or “the kingdom of Israel” or “the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

The people of Judah are spoken of as if they are a vine that Yahweh planted. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah are like a vine that Yahweh planted for Yahweh’s pleasure” (See: Metaphor and Simile)

Here “man” represents all the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with the verb “do what is fair.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word killing, you could express the same idea with “killed one another.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh waited for the people to do what is fair, but instead they killed one another” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The phrase “he waited” is understood from earlier in the verse. It can be repeated to make the meaning clear. Alternate translation: “He waited for righteousness” or “He waited for them to do what is right” (See: Ellipsis)

The words “there was” are understood from earlier in the verse. They can be repeated to make the meaning clear. The reason people shouted out for help can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “instead, there was a shout for help” or “instead, those who were weak shouted out for someone to help them because others were attacking them” (See: Ellipsis and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This expression probably stands for many shouts. (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Isaiah 5:8

Isaiah announces God’s judgment.

“to those who take more and more houses, and who take more and more fields.” Isaiah assumes that his audience knows that the law forbids someone from taking land from a family permanently. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 5:9

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Alternate translation: “without anyone living in it”

Isaiah 5:10

The size of the vineyard is represented by the number of pairs of oxen that could plow it in one day. Each pair of oxen would be connected by a yoke. Alternate translation: “a vineyard that is large enough for ten pairs of oxen to plow it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“one bath of wine” or “22 liters of wine” (See: Biblical Volume)

“220 liters of seed will produce only 22 liters of grain.” One homer equals ten ephahs. (See: Biblical Volume)

Isaiah 5:11

This refers to people who do nothing all day but drink alcoholic drinks. (See: Merism)

Here the power of wine to make its drinkers drunk is spoken of as if it were inflaming them, that is, setting them on fire. Alternate translation: “until they are drunk with wine” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 5:12

These musical instruments and the wine imply that the people enjoying these things are celebrating very much.

A musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be beaten with the hand. It probably had pieces of metal around the side that sounded when the player shook it. The tambourine was small enough for the player to hold it and shake it with one hand. (See: Translate Unknowns)

thought seriously about

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word doings, you could express the same idea with the verb “done” or “created.” Alternate translation: “what he has done” or “what he has created” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here the metonym “hands” represents the person who has done something. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh has done” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 5:13

These verses tell what will happen to the people because they have disobeyed God.

In prophecy things that will happen in the future are often referred to as if they had already happened. This emphasizes that the prophecy will certainly come true. Alternate translation: “enemies from other countries will take my people, Israel, as slaves” (See: Predictive Past)

What they do not understand can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because they do not understand Yahweh or his law” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 5:14

This phrase speaks of Sheol, which stands here for the grave, to an animal that is ready to eat other animals. It implies that many, many people will die. Alternate translation: “death is like a hungry animal that has opened its mouth wide to eat up many people” (See: Metaphor)

The prophet speaks of the future as if it were happening now. Alternate translation: “Many people of Israel, their important people and common people, their leaders and those who enjoy wild parties, will go into Sheol” (See: Predictive Past)

Isaiah 5:15

The phrases used together mean the same thing and are used together for emphasis. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated similar words in Isaiah 2:9. Alternate translation: “God will make every person bow down and be humble” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

Future events are spoken of as if they have already happened. (See: Predictive Past)

Bending down often symbolizes being humiliated. (See: Symbolic Action)

Looking down is often a sign of being ashamed. See how you translated similar words in Isaiah 2:11. Alternate translation: “the eyes of proud people will look down in shame” or “people who were proud are now ashamed” (See: Metonymy)

Here proud, arrogant people are spoken of as if they are high above other people. Alternate translation: “proud” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 5:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will praise Yahweh of hosts because he is just” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Being honored is spoken of as if it were being lifted high. Alternate translation: “will be greatly honored” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 5:17

Yahweh will destroy the city of Jerusalem, which was called a “vineyard” in Isaiah 5:1. It will become good for nothing except for sheep to eat grass there.

eat grass

That is, the lambs will graze there. The land will be worthless for any other use. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 5:18

These phrases mean basically the same thing. They speak of people who continue to sin on purpose as if they were using all their strength to pull a heavy cart along. God will punish them for their sin. Alternate translation: “Woe to those who work hard to sin as a person who drags a cart by a rope” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 5:19

This refers to those who continue to sin (verse 18) and then mockingly challenge God to stop them. Alternate translation: “those mockers who say” (See: Irony)

God’s plans are spoken of as if they were objects that could come by themselves. Alternate translation: “let the Holy One of Israel accomplish his plans” (See: Metaphor)

Translate “the Holy One” as in Isaiah 5:16.

Isaiah 5:20

Those who do these things are the same as those “who call evil good, and good evil.” These things are opposites and people know the difference between them, but some people lie and say that bad things are good. Alternate translation: “They are like people who call darkness light and light darkness. They are like people who call bitter things sweet and sweet things bitter” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 5:21

Here the metonym “eyes” refers to their thoughts. Alternate translation: “to those who consider themselves to be wise” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “think they understand everything”

Isaiah 5:23

This passage is speaking about corrupt judges in courts of law.

Alternate translation: “declare guilty people innocent”

Alternate translation: “do not treat innocent people fairly”

Isaiah 5:24

Alternate translation: “flame of fire” or “flame”

These phrases mean basically the same thing. God will punish the people described in Isaiah 5:18-23. Alternate translation: “as a fire burns up stubble and grass” (See: Parallelism and Simile)

The dry pieces of plants that are left in the ground after the stalks have been cut.

Isaiah speaks of these people as if they were a dying plant. Alternate translation: “they will die like a plant whose roots have rotted and whose blossom has dried up and blown away in the wind” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 5:25

Isaiah speaks of Yahweh’s anger as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is very angry” (See: Metaphor)

The prophet speaks of the future as if it had already happened. He does this to insist that the prophecy certainly will come about. Alternate translation: “he will punish them with his powerful hand” (See: Predictive Past)

Here “hand” refers to God’s power and control. Alternate translation: “has shown his power against them” (See: Metonymy)

dead bodies

The dead bodies are allowed to lie in the streets as if they were garbage. This implies that many will die but that no one will be there to bury them. The word “garbage” can also be translated as “refuse” or “manure.” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “Even though all these things have happened, he is still angry, and his hand”

Here “hand” represents God’s power and control. Isaiah speaks as if Yahweh were a person about to hit another person with his fist. This is a metaphor for Yahweh punishing Israel. Alternate translation: “he will still be ready to punish them” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Isaiah 5:26

Isaiah says the same thing in two different ways. God causing the armies of nations that are far away from Judah to come and attack is spoken of as if he would raise a flag and whistle to call them to Judah Alternate translation: “He will call for the armies of nations that are far away from Judah and tell them to come” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

a loud, high pitched noise a person makes with their mouth to call a person or animal that is far away

Alternate translation: “the enemy army will come”

These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how quickly they will come. Alternate translation: “very quickly” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 5:27

These four words progress from being tired from work to being unable to walk well, to being unable to stay awake, to full sleep, so all four should appear in the translation.

The soldiers kept their clothes tight so it would easier to move and fight.

Alternate translation: “the straps of their sandals”

Isaiah 5:28

“their hooves are like hard stone.” Isaiah compares the hard part of a horse’s foot to flint, which is a hard stone that can cause sparks when struck. This could mean: (1) Isaiah compares their hooves to flint so to describe the frightening image of their feet causing sparks as they run or (2) Isaiah compares their hooves to flint to emphasize how strong their hooves are which enables the horse to do whatever their master want them to do. (See: Simile)

Isaiah compares the chariot wheels to storms in order to imply that they will destroy everything in their path. Alternate translation: “the wheels of the chariots will spin like a windstorm” (See: Simile)

These wheels often had sharp blades attached to them that would cut to pieces anyone the chariot passed close to.

Isaiah 5:29

A young age is a metonym for strength. Alternate translation: “the strongest lions” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah compares the enemy killing the people of Judah to a lion killing a weaker animal. This could mean: (1) lions make a sound not as loud as a roar just before they strike, or (2) the writer is using two words to mean the same thing. (See: Metaphor and Doublet)

animals that another animal wants to catch and kill

Alternate translation: “and no one will be able to save them”

Isaiah 5:30

The word “roar” here is translated “growl” in verse 29. Use your language’s word for the sound of waves in a storm or heavy rain or some other frightening natural sound.

Here darkness represents suffering and disaster. This metaphor can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the dark clouds will completely block the light of the sun” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 6

Isaiah 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 6:3-4,7, 9-13.

Special concepts in this chapter

Heaven

This vision described in this chapter is probably a scene in heaven. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly)

Isaiah’s call

This chapter record Isaiah’s call to prophetic ministry. It recognizes the holiness of God and Isaiah recognizes his need for holiness. (See: call, call out and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Inevitability

The way Yahweh speaks in this chapter shows the inevitability of the punishment of Yahweh against the people of Judah. The punishment must now come. It is too late for repentance. (See: repent, repentance)

Isaiah 6:1

The words “high” and “elevated” emphasize that the throne was very high and above everything around it. The height of the throne represents how great and powerful the Lord is. (See: Doublet)

“filled the palace.” The word used for temple here is often used to refer to the palace of kings.

Isaiah 6:2

The word “seraphim” is the plural of seraph. This means the Lord was seated on the throne and the seraphim were standing or flying near the Lord ready to serve him.

This word suggests that the creatures might have a fiery appearance or resemble snakes. Because we do not know exactly what “seraphim” means, you could translate this as “winged creatures” or “winged living things.” Or, you can borrow the word and use it in your language. (See: Translate Unknowns and Copy or Borrow Words)

Alternate translation: “each seraph had six wings” or “each creature had six wings”

The words “wings” and “seraph” are understood. Alternate translation: “with two wings each seraph covered his face, and with two wings he covered his feet, and with two wings he flew” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 6:3

Alternate translation: “The seraphim called out to one another and said” or “The winged creatures proclaimed to one another”

Repeating the word “holy” three times indicates God is completely holy. Alternate translation: “Yahweh of hosts is holy beyond all else” or “Yahweh of hosts is completely holy”

This speaks of the earth as if it were a container and glory were the contents in the container. Alternate translation: “Everything on the earth is evidence of God’s glory” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 6:4

Alternate translation: “When the seraphim called out, their voices shook the doorways and their foundations”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “smoke filled the temple” or “smoke filled the palace” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 6:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I am in great trouble! Terrible things will happen to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “lips” represent what a person speaks. And, people saying things that are unacceptable to God is spoken of as if their lips were physically unclean. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Yahweh, the ruler of the angel armies”

Here “eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I have seen” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 6:6

This word suggests that the creatures might have a fiery appearance or resemble snakes. Because we do not know exactly what “seraphim” means, you could translate these as “creatures” or “living things” or “beings.” Or you can borrow the word and use it in your language. See how you translated this word in Isaiah 6:2. (See: Translate Unknowns and Copy or Borrow Words)

a tool used for grabbing or holding objects

Isaiah 6:7

These two phrases say basically the same thing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has taken away your guilt and has forgiven your sins” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

Yahweh no longer considering a person to be guilty is spoken of as if “guilt” were an object that someone could take away from someone else. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 6:8

Here “voice” represents the Lord himself. Alternate translation: “the Lord say” (See: Synecdoche)

It is implied that Yahweh will send someone to speak his message to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Whom shall I send to be a messenger to my people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

It seems “us” refers to Yahweh and the members of his heavenly council to whom he is speaking. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Isaiah 6:9

Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

This could mean: (1) the imperatives “do not understand” and “do not perceive” express what God is causing to happen. Alternate translation: “You will listen, but Yahweh will not let you understand; you will look carefully, but Yahweh will not allow you to understand” or (2) the imperatives “Listen” and “see” express the idea of “if.” Alternate translation: “Even if you listen you will not understand; even if you look carefully, you will not understand” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: “Listen to Yahweh’s message, but do not understand what it means; look at what Yahweh is doing, but do not realize what it means” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 6:10

Here “heart” represents a person’s mind. A person who does not think clearly and is unable to understand and care about what is happening is spoken of as if his heart were insensitive. Alternate translation: “Make these people unable to understand” or “Make the minds of these people dull” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

It may be more natural to translate “heart” and “this” as plurals. Alternate translation: “Make the hearts of these people”

This command means that Yahweh will use Isaiah’s message to cause the people to understand even less and to make them less sensitive to what Yahweh is doing.

“make it so that they cannot hear, and make it so that they cannot see.” Isaiah making people to not understand Yahweh’s message or what he is doing is spoken of as if Isaiah were making them deaf and blind. (See: Metaphor)

People being able to understand Yahweh’s message and what he is doing is spoken of as if the people were able physically to see and hear. (See: Metaphor)

Here “heart” represents as person’s mind. Truly understanding something and caring about what is happening is spoken of as if the people were to understand with their hearts. (See: Metonymy)

Repenting and starting to obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the people were physically to turn towards him. Alternate translation: “follow me again” or “then start trusting in me again” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I would heal them” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 6:11

Alternate translation: “Until all the cities and houses are ruined and no one lives there”

Here “falls into” is an idiom that means to become something worse. Alternate translation: “the land becomes a desolate waste” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 6:12

Here Yahweh speaks about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “until I, Yahweh, have sent all the people far away from their land, so that no one is left” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 6:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “armies will again destroy the land of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

This simile means that even after Yahweh destroys Israel, he will still set apart people from among the Israelites to serve him. (See: Simile)

a kind of oak tree (See: Translate Unknowns)

A trunk is the thick main stem of a tree. A stump is the part of a tree that remains in the ground after the tree is cut down.

The people who will serve Yahweh after armies destroy Israel are spoken of as if they were set apart as a holy seed. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 7

Isaiah 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 7:7-9, 18-25.

Special concepts in this chapter

“Young woman”

Some translations choose to translate this as “virgin” and believe it is a reference to the Messiah being born of a virgin woman. This is only one possible translation, therefore most translations have avoided forcing this specific connotation into the meaning of the term. (See: Christ, Messiah)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Israel

In this chapter, Israel is a reference to the northern kingdom of Israel and not the nation as a whole. They are also called Ephraim in this chapter after its most prominent tribe.

Isaiah 7:1

“When Ahaz … was king of Judah” This was when the events happened. (See: Idiom)

men’s names (See: How to Translate Names)

The author speaks as if the kings were the armies they led. Alternate translation: “Rezin … and Pekah … led their armies up” (See: Synecdoche)

The author speaks as if the city itself were the people who live in it. Alternate translation: “to war against the people of Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 7:2

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the house of David heard the report” or “someone reported to the house of David” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “house” is a metonym for the family living in the house. Alternate translation: “King Ahaz and his counselors” (See: Metonymy)

Here “Aram” and “Ephraim” refer to their kings. Here “Ephraim” represents the whole northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “that Rezin, the king of Aram was helping Pekah, the king of Israel” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

The trembling of their hearts at this news is compared to the way trees shake when the wind blows through them. Alternate translation: “Ahaz and his people were very afraid” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 7:3

Isaiah writes about what happened to him as if it had happened to someone else.

Translators may also add a footnote that says, “The name Shear-Jashub means ‘a remnant will return.’” The meaning may have given hope to Ahaz. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “where the water flows out of the tunnel and enters the upper pool”

man-made ditch or tunnel through which water flows

If your language has a word for a road or path that people have made smooth by filling in the low places and lowering the high places, you can use it here.

This could mean: (1) this is the proper name by which the people called the field or (2) this is the common noun that the people used to talk about the field, “the launderer’s field” or “the field where men wash wool” or “the field where women wash clothes.” (See: How to Translate Names)

A launderer is either: (1) a man who washes wool that someone has cut from the sheep, “Wool Washer Field,” or (2) a woman who washes dirty clothes, “Clothes Washer Field.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 7:4

Alternate translation: “Tell Ahaz”

God compares Rezin and Pekah to burning sticks whose fire has gone out and are making smoke now. God is emphasizing that they are not real threats to Judah. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “do not let Rezin and Pekah make you afraid; their fierce anger is like a burning stick whose fire has gone out and there is only smoke” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

The words “afraid” and “intimidated” mean the same thing and can be translated as one word. Alternate translation: “afraid” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 7:5

The words “Aram” and “Ephraim” refer to the kings of these lands. Also, “Ephraim” represents the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “Rezin the king of Aram and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

This is the name of a man. Translate his name as in Isaiah 7:1.

Here “you” is singular and refers to Ahaz. (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 7:6

It is unknown who this man is. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 7:8

Here “head” is a metonym for the most important part. It is implied that Rezin is only a man, and therefore cannot stop Yahweh’s plan. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “the king of Damascus is Rezin, who is only a man” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“65 years” (See: Numbers)

Here “Ephraim” refers to all of the northern kingdom of Israel. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “an army will destroy Ephraim, and there will no longer be a people of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 7:9

This means Pekah is the king of Samaria and all of Israel. Alternate translation: “the king of Samaria is Pekah, who is a weak man” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “If you continue to believe in me, you will certainly remain safe” (See: Double Negatives)

Alternate translation: “Unless you remain”

Isaiah 7:11

Yahweh uses the word “depths” and “height” to mean Ahaz could ask him for anything. (See: Merism)

The abstract nouns “depths” and “height” can be translated with prepositions. “places far below you … places far above you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 7:12

Alternate translation: “will not ask Yahweh for a sign”

Isaiah 7:13

The word “house” is a metonym for the family living in the house. See how you translated this in Isaiah 7:2. Alternate translation: “King Ahaz, you and your counselors” (See: Metonymy)

These questions emphasize that the king has sinned greatly. Alternate translation: “You test the patience of people! Now you even test the patience of my God!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 7:14

Some ancient versions and some contemporary versions translate, “the virgin will conceive,” while others translate “the young woman will conceive.”

Translators may add a footnote that says: “The name Immanuel means ‘God with us.’” (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 7:15

This could mean: (1) “By the time that child is old enough to eat curds and honey, he will be able to reject what is evil and choose what is good.” This emphasizes that the child will be very young when he knows to choose what is right instead of wrong or (2) “By the time the child is old enough to reject what is evil and choose what is good, he will be eating curds and honey.” The people of Judah considered a child to be responsible for doing what is right when he was 12 years old. This emphasizes that within twelve years the people will be able to eat much curds and honey because most of the people of Israel will be killed or taken as captives. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

milk that people have treated to make it into a soft solid

Here “the evil” and “the good” refer to evil and good things in general. Alternate translation: “refuse to do evil deeds and choose to do good deeds” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 7:16

Here “the evil” and “the good” refer to evil and good things in general. See how you translated this in Isaiah 7:15. Alternate translation: “refuse to do evil deeds and choose to do good deeds” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

“you fear.” Here “you” is singular and refers to Ahaz. (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 7:17

This refers to the people of Judah.

Isaiah 7:18

before the child knows to refuse the evil and choose the good (Isaiah 7:15)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will call” or “Yahweh will summon”

Here the armies of Egypt and Assyria are spoken of as if they are insects that will invade the land of Israel. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “for the armies of Egypt and Assyria, and their soldiers will be everywhere like flies and bees” (See: Metaphorand Simile)

Isaiah 7:20

The word “razor” is a metaphor for the king of Assyria and his army, and Yahweh speaks of the king as if the king were a man who would do Yahweh’s work and then receive money from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the Lord will call the king of Assyria from beyond the Euphrates River to work for him to shave you” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that he bought” (See: Active or Passive)

It was bad to have someone shave the top of the head; it was worse to have someone shave “the hair of the legs”; it was worst of all to have someone shave the beard.

Isaiah does not say whose head, hair, and beard the Lord is going to shave, but Ahaz and the reader would understand that this is a man; the man is a metaphor for the people living in the land of Judah. (See: Metaphor)

Here “the head” represents the hair that grows on it. Alternate translation: “the hair on the head” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) this is a polite way to speak of the hair on the lower body or (2) this speaks of the hair on the legs. (See: Euphemism)

If your language requires a person to be the subject of “will … sweep,” you can say, “the Lord will also sweep.” Alternate translation: “the razor will also sweep”

Isaiah 7:22

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abundance, you could express the same idea with a clause. Alternate translation: “because they will give so much milk” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 7:23

“there were 1,000 vines.” That is, when Isaiah wrote, there were vineyards, in some of which were 1,000 vines or more each. He says that these vineyards will become full of briers and thorns. (See: Numbers)

“1,000 silver shekels.” A shekel is a silver coin worth 4 days wage. Alternate translation: “1,000 silver coins” (See: Numbers and Biblical Money)

The words “briers” and “thorns” both refer to useless, thorny plants. It is not necessary to translate both words. Alternate translation: “thorn bushes” or “brier bushes” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 7:24

Why the hunters come to these lands can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because there will be nothing in these lands but briers, thorns, and wild animals” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 7:25

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will stay away from the hills where they once prepared the soil to plant crops” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 8

Isaiah 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 8:6-18, 21-22.

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust in Yahweh

Israel will not trust in Yahweh. Instead, they will trust in their own power, their Gentile allies and the power of false gods. They will be punished because the power of Yahweh is greater than all of these. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness and god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Isaiah 8:1

Here the word “me” refers to Isaiah.

Isaiah 8:2

This could mean: (1) Yahweh is speaking: “I will call honest men to be witnesses” or (2) Isaiah is speaking: “I called honest men to be witnesses” or (3) Yahweh is commanding Isaiah: “Call honest men to be witnesses.”

Isaiah 8:3

It can be stated explicitly that Isaiah is married to the prophetess. Alternate translation: “I slept with my wife, the prophetess” (See: Euphemism and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 8:4

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the king of Assyria will carry away all the treasures of Damascus and Samaria” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 8:6

The words “gentle waters” are a metaphor for the law of the Lord. Alternate translation: “Because this people has rejected Yahweh’s law, which is like the gentle waters of Shiloah” (See: Metaphor and How to Translate Names)

If your language needs a plural here, you can translate this phrase and the following verbs as “these people have refused … are happy.” Alternate translation: “this people group”

The full meaning can be made explicit. See how you translated these men’s names in Isaiah 7:1. Alternate translation: “is happy that the armies of Assyria have defeated Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, Remaliah’s son, king of Israel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 8:7

Yahweh speaks of himself as if he were someone else to remind the people of who he is. Alternate translation: “therefore I, the Lord, am” (See: Pronouns)

The verb is “bring up”; the adverb is “on them.”

Alternate translation: “on the people of Judah”

The river symbolizes the army of Assyria. Alternate translation: “the army from Assyria, which is powerful like a mighty river” (See: Metaphor)

the Euphrates River in Assyria

Isaiah 8:8

The army of Assyria is like a flood of water. Alternate translation: “More and more soldiers will come like a river rising up to your neck” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the Euphrates River in Assyria. This is a metonym for the Assyrian soldiers, who will come from their homes by the Euphrates River (Isaiah 8:7). (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) as “the River” in the metaphor rises, its “wings” flow over and cover what had been dry land or (2) Isaiah changes metaphors and now speaks of Yahweh as a bird who is protecting the land, “But his outstretched wings will cover.” (See: Metaphor)

Translators may add a footnote that says: “The name Immanuel means ‘God with us.’” See how you translated this in Isaiah 7:14.

Isaiah 8:9

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will break your armies to pieces” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah speaks as if people in other countries can hear him. Alternate translation: “Listen, all you people in far away places” (See: Apostrophe)

This is basically the same thing, stated twice for emphasis. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you can prepare yourselves for battle, but I will defeat you” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 8:10

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You can prepare to attack Judah, but you will not succeed” (See: Active or Passive)

To “carry out” a plan or command is to do what the person who makes the plan or command wants the hearer to do. These clauses can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you will not be able to do what you plan to do … your soldiers will not be able to do what their commanders tell them to do” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 8:11

Here “his strong hand upon me” is an idiom that refers to Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke to me in a very powerful way” (See: Idiom)

This is an indirect quote that ends in 8:17. Alternate translation: “warned me and said, ‘Do not act like this people.’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Isaiah 8:12

The people imagine there are conspiracies, and it makes them anxious. Alternate translation: “Do not worry like this people who think someone is always trying to harm them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 8:13

If you translate this as a direct quote, you can also translate it with Yahweh speaking in the first person: “But you will consider me, Yahweh of Hosts, as holy. And you will fear and be in awe of me” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations and Pronouns)

Isaiah 8:14

The word “sanctuary” is a metaphor for Yahweh keeping his people safe and protecting them. Alternate translation: “He will protect them when they go to him” (See: Metaphor)

The words “trap” and “snare” mean almost the same thing and emphasize that when Yahweh decides to punish the people of Jerusalem they will not be able to escape. Alternate translation: “he will trap the people of Jerusalem so they cannot escape him” (See: Doublet)

a device that catches a bird in a net or basket

a trap that catches and holds an animal’s leg or nose

Isaiah 8:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Many people will stumble over the stone, and when they fall they will not get up. And many people will step into the trap, and they will not be able to get out” (See: Active or Passive)

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that they will be caught in the trap. (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 8:16

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “Close up tightly the scroll with this message written on it” (See: Parallelism)

It is unclear to whom the word “my” refers. It could be Isaiah or Yahweh. It is best to leave the pronouns ambiguous if your language will allow it.

Isaiah 8:17

Here “I” refers to Isaiah.

Yahweh’s “face” is a metonym for his blessing or favor. Alternate translation: “who has taken away his blessing from the house of Jacob” or “who no longer looks with favor on the house of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

people of Israel

Isaiah 8:18

“I and the sons Yahweh has given me are like signs to warn the people of Israel.” The sons are Shear-Jashub and Maher-shalal-hash-baz, whose names are a message to the people of Israel. (See: Isaiah 7:3 and Isaiah 8:1)

Isaiah 8:19

Isaiah is speaking.

Other This could mean: (1) “They will say to you, ‘Consult with the mediums and spiritists, those who chirp and mutter incantations. Should a people not consult their gods? They should consult the dead on behalf of the living for teaching and for testimony.’” or (2) “When they say to you, ‘Consult with the mediums and spiritists, those who chirp and mutter incantations,’ should a people not consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony!”

The word “they” refers to those who do not trust Yahweh. The word “you” is plural and refers to those who trust Yahweh. (See: Forms of You)

The words “chirp” and “mutter” refer to the sounds mediums and spiritists made when trying to speak to dead people. Alternate translation: “they people who whisper and mutter their magic words to try and speak to dead people”

make sounds like birds

These questions are to show that people should consult God instead of foolishly trying to talk to dead people. Alternate translation: “But people should ask Yahweh to guide them. They should not seek answers from those who have died.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 8:20

This could mean: (1) “Pay attention to God’s instructions and teaching” or (2) “Then you must remember the teaching and testimony I gave.” (Isaiah 8:16).

This is the same word translated “official record” in Isaiah 8:16.

See how you translated this in Isaiah 8:16.

Alternate translation: “If they do not speak of the law and the testimony”

Isaiah speaks of people who do not know God as if they were people walking in darkness without any light. Alternate translation: “it is because they are like a person lost in the dark” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 8:22

Alternate translation: “terrible sadness”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will drive them out into complete darkness” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 9

Isaiah 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins with a prophecy that is a continuation of the prophecy concluding the previous chapter. Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 9:1-21. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Special concepts in this chapter

Messiah

The prophecy in 9:1-7 is about the coming Messiah. Parts of this prophecy were fulfilled when he first came to earth. Other parts are to be fulfilled when he will return in glory to earth. (See: Christ, Messiah and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Fulfillment of prophecies

Some of the prophecies in this chapter were fulfilled in Isaiah’s lifetime while others are fulfilled in the distant future. Some scholars believe that there can be multiple fulfillments of each of these prophecies, while others see only one complete fulfillment.

Isaiah 9:1

Isaiah speaks of people who are spiritually lost as if they were walking around in total darkness. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will remove the darkness from her who was in anguish” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

This word means “partial or total darkness.” Translate as you translated “gloom” in Isaiah 8:22.

“her who was suffering great pain and sadness.” This is probably a metaphor for the people of Judah. (See: Metaphor)

“Land” refers to the people who live in an area. Alternate translation: “In the past, the Lord humbled those living in Zebulun and Naphtali” (See: Metonymy)

Here “it” refers to Galilee which represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “but in the future, the Lord will honor the people of Galilee of the nations, which is on the road between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River” (See: Metonymy)

Here “nations” represents the people from other nations that live in Galilee. Alternate translation: “Galilee, where many foreigners live” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 9:2

Isaiah speaks of the people living sinful lives and suffering because of it as if they had been walking in a dark or living in a land of shadow of death. (See: Metaphor)

Here “light” represents hope and deliverance. (See: Metaphor)

The phrase “shadow of death” is an idiom that means absolute darkness. Alternate translation: “the land of deepest darkness” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 9:3

The word “you” refers to Yahweh. The word “their” refers to the people of Israel, but Isaiah includes himself as part of Israel. Alternate translation: “Lord, you will greatly increase our people and our joy” (See: Forms of You)

The joy that Yahweh will give Israel is described as the same kind of joy people have when they bring in a harvest or divide valuable plunder. Alternate translation: “They will rejoice before you as people rejoice when they gather their crops or when a battle is over and soldiers divide what they took” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 9:4

Isaiah speaks of the Israelites, who are the Assyrians’ slaves, as if they were an ox wearing a yoke. This will happen in the future, but he speaks as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: “For as on the day of Midian you will set the people of Israel free from being slaves to their oppressors like a person removes a yoke from the shoulders of an animal” (See: Metaphor and Predictive Past)

Isaiah speaks of the people of Israel as if they were one man. Alternate translation: “For the yoke of their burden … their shoulders … their oppressor” (See: Metaphor)

The beam is the part of the yoke that goes over the shoulders of the ox.

Another possible meaning is “staff,” a long piece of wood that a person uses to beat the oxen so they will work and a symbol of one person’s power to rule other people.

Isaiah speaks of the power the oppressor has over the people of Judah as if it were the piece of wood used by a person to beat oxen so they will work. (See: Metaphor)

The word “day” is an idiom that can refer to an event that takes more than one day to happen. Alternate translation: “as when you defeated the Midianites” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 9:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will burn the boots of the soldiers and their clothes, which are covered with blood” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be made more explicit by translating it as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “burned. You will make the boots and the garments fuel for the fire” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 9:6

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The word “us” refers to both the speaker and the hearer and so is inclusive. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For the Lord will give to us a child” (See: Parallelism and Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Active or Passive)

His authority to rule is spoken of as if it were the robe that is a symbol of his authority. Alternate translation: “he will wear his royal robe on his shoulder” or “he will have authority to rule as king.” (See: Metaphor)

one who advises kings

Isaiah 9:7

Alternate translation: “As time passes he will rule over more and more people and enable them to live more and more peacefully”

Sitting on the “throne of David” is a metonym for having the right to rule; only David’s descendants could be king over Israel. Alternate translation: “has the right to rule as David’s descendant” (See: Metonymy)

This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “his kingdom. He will establish and protect his kingdom, and he will do what is fair and just”

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 9:8

“Send a word” means to speak. Alternate translation: “The Lord has spoken against the people of Israel” (See: Idiom)

These names refer to the people of the northern kingdom of Israel.

Isaiah 9:9

These names all refer to the people of the northern kingdom of Israel.

What they will know can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “All the people will know that the Lord has judged them, even those in Ephraim and Samaria” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 9:10

The full meaning can be made explicit. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We will replace the common bricks of our destroyed cities with expensive cut stone, and we will plant great cedar trees where ordinary sycamore trees grew” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 9:11

Here “Rezin” represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “Therefore, Yahweh will bring Rezin and his army against the people of Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated Rezin in Isaiah 7:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

The phrase “stir up” is an idiom that means to incite them to attack. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause Israel’s enemies to attack” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 9:12

“Devour” is how wild animals eat their prey. Alternate translation: “Like a wild beast eating its prey, the army of the enemy will destroy the people of Israel” (See: Metaphor)

“Even though all these things have happened, he is still angry, and his hand.” See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:25.

Isaiah speaks as if Yahweh were a person about to hit another person with his fist. This is a metaphor for Yahweh punishing Israel. See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:25. Alternate translation: “he will still be ready to punish them” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 9:13

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 9:14

Isaiah explains this metaphor in verse 15. The “head,” the part of an animal a person would want to be, is “the leader and the noble man,” and the “tail,” the dirty part of the animal, is “the prophet who teaches lies.” (See: Metaphor)

The “palm branch” grows high on the tree and is a metaphor for people who are important and rule others. The “reed” grows in shallow water and is a metaphor for people who are poor and unimportant and are ruled by others. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 9:16

The leaders causing people to disobey is spoken of as if the leaders led them on the wrong path. Alternate translation: “The leaders of Israel have caused the people to disobey God” (See: Metaphor)

This is a metaphor that can be stated in active form. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “those that they lead become confused” or (2) Alternate translation: “Yahweh destroys those that they lead” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 9:17

The word “mouth” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “every person speaks foolish things” (See: Synecdoche)

“Even though all these things have happened, he is still angry, and his hand.” See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:25.

Isaiah speaks as if Yahweh were a person about to hit another person with his fist. This is a metaphor for Yahweh punishing Israel. See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:25. Alternate translation: “he will still be ready to punish them” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 9:18

The people’s evil deeds are spoken of as if they were a very destructive fire. This fire burns even the briers and thorns, plants that grow in places where people no longer live, and “the thickets of the forest” where no one has ever lived, because it has already destroyed the places where people were living. (See: Metaphor)

The words “briers” and “thorns” both refer to useless, thorny plants; they can be translated using one word. See how you translated these words in Isaiah 7:23. Alternate translation: “thorn bushes” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 9:19

Translate “Yahweh of hosts” as in Isaiah 1:9. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Like fire that scorches the land, the Lord’s intense anger will destroy the people of Israel” (See: Active or Passive and Metaphor)

To “spare” someone means to save them from harm. Alternate translation: “No one does anything to help his own brother escape” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 9:20

This expression means that the people will grab food wherever they can find it. (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) people will be so hungry that they will want to eat or will actually eat their own arms or (2) the word “arm” is a metaphor for the person’s neighbor. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 9:21

“Even though all these things have happened, he is still angry, and his hand.” See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:25.

Isaiah speaks as if Yahweh were a person about to hit another person with his fist. This is a metaphor for Yahweh punishing Israel. See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:25. Alternate translation: “he will still be ready to punish them” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 10

Isaiah 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins with a prophecy that is a continuation of the prophecy beginning in 8:21. Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 10:1-11, 13-14, 15-19, 27-34. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s sovereignty

Yahweh has so much power and authority that he controls all of the nations. He even controls the nations who do not worship him. He uses Assyria to punish the kingdom of Israel.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

There are many rhetorical questions in this chapter. Yahweh uses rhetorical questions to make statements about Israel’s sin. The Assyrians use rhetorical questions in order to boast in their pride. (See: Rhetorical Question and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Isaiah 10:1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “to those who make laws and decrees that are not fair to everyone” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 10:2

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “They are unjust to the poor and needy among my people” (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “poor people”

Alternate translation: “take everything from women whose husbands have died”

Isaiah compares orphans to animals that other animals hunt and eat. This emphasizes that orphans are powerless and judges can easily harm them. Alternate translation: “harm children who do not have parents like an animal that goes after its prey” (See: Metaphor)

Translated “prey” as in Isaiah 5:29.

Isaiah 10:3

Isaiah uses a question to scold those in Judah who harm the poor and weak people. Alternate translation: “You will be able to do nothing on judgment day … away!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “the day when Yahweh comes to judge you” or “the day when Yahweh punishes you”

Isaiah uses a question to scold those in Judah who harm the poor and weak people. Alternate translation: “You have nowhere to run for help, and you will have nowhere to hide your riches!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 10:4

This could mean: (1) “None of your wealth remains as you crouch” or (2) “You can do nothing else but crouch.”

Alternate translation: “your enemies will either take you as a prisoner or will kill you”

“Even though all these things have happened, he is still angry.” See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:25.

Isaiah speaks as if Yahweh were a person about to hit another person with his fist. This is a metaphor for Yahweh punishing Israel. See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:25. Alternate translation: “he will still be ready to punish them” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 10:5

This word marks the beginning of God’s announcement about a severe punishment against Assyria.

This refers to the king of Assyria.

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. Yahweh compares the king of Assyria to a weapon a person holds in his hand and hits other people with. It emphasizes that the king of Assyria and his army are a tool that Yahweh uses to punish Israel. Alternate translation: “who will be like a weapon in my hands that I will use to show my anger” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 10:6

The word “him” here also refers to the king of Assyria. But it does not mean God is only sending the king; he is sending with him the army of Assyria. Alternate translation: “I send the army of Assyria … I order them” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “to attack a nation full of proud people who have made me very angry”

Yahweh speaks of his wrath as if it were more liquid than a container could hold; “the people” are trying to carry this container, but it is heavy, and Yahweh keeps pouring liquid in even after it starts to spill out. Alternate translation: “at whom I continue to be angry even after I have punished them” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “to take everything they have”

to take the people like prey. See how you translated “prey” in Isaiah 5:29.

This could mean: (1) Yahweh compares the army of Assyria attacking Israel to people stomping through mud who do not care what happens to the mud. Alternate translation: “trample them until they become like mud” or (2) the people are stomping on other people so they are lying in the mud and unable to rise. This is a metaphor for completely defeating them. Alternate translation: “completely defeat them” (See: Simile and Metaphor)

Isaiah 10:7

The meaning of “this” and “this way” can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “But the king of Assyria does not intend to do what I tell him, nor does he think that I am using him as my weapon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The words “destroy” and “eliminate” mean basically the same thing. They are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “He wants to completely destroy many nations” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 10:8

The king of Assyria uses a question to emphasize what he believes everyone should already know. Alternate translation: “I have made captains of my army kings over lands I have conquered!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 10:9

The king of Assyria uses these questions for emphasis. Alternate translation: “Kalno is no different from Carchemish. Hamath is no different from Arpad. Samaria is no different from Damascus. I have conquered them all!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These are all names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 10:10

“Hand” here is a reference to military strength. Alternate translation: “As my powerful army has defeated” or “As I have conquered” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the king of Assyria.

During this time people believed that the greatness of an idol showed how powerful the kingdom that had built it was. The king of Assyria is saying that because the idols in Jerusalem are not as great as the idols of the kingdoms he has defeated, Jerusalem would be less able to defeat him than they were.

Isaiah 10:11

The word “Samaria” refers to the people who lived there, and “her” refers to the city of Samaria. Cities and nations were often spoken of as if they were women. Alternate translation: “just as I did to the people of Samaria and their worthless idols” (See: Metonymy)

The king of Assyria used this question to emphasize the certainty that he will conquer the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “I will certainly do the same to Jerusalem and her idols!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 10:12

Yahweh speaks of himself as if he were someone else. “When I, the Lord, have finished my work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish”

his work of punishing. “punishing … and punishing”

Alternate translation: “I will punish the king of Assyria for the arrogant things he said and the look of pride on his face”

Isaiah 10:13

Alternate translation: “For the king of Assyria says”

Here the word “I” refers to the king of Assyria. He was the leader of the Assyrian army and took credit for what the army did at his command. Alternate translation: “my army has removed … They have stolen” (See: Metonymy)

“as strong as a bull.” Some ancient texts read, “like a mighty man.” (See: Simile)

This could mean: (1) the king of Assyria has shamed the people of the countries he conquered or (2) he has removed the kings of the nations so they no longer rule. (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “I” refers to the king of Assyria. He was the leader of the Assyrian army and took credit for what the army did at his command. Alternate translation: “I and my army have brought” or “we have brought (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 10:14

Yahweh is still quoting the king of Assyria (Isaiah 10:13).

The hand is a metonym for either the king’s power or his army. Alternate translation: “In my power I have seized” or “My army has seized” (See: Metonymy)

The king of Assyria compares taking the treasures from the nations to a person taking eggs out of a bird’s nest. This emphasizes how easy it was for him and his army to conquer these other kingdoms. Alternate translation: “My army has stolen the wealth from the nations just as easily as a man takes eggs from a nest” (See: Simile)

The king of Assyria speaks of taking over nations as if he was gathering eggs. Alternate translation: “just as a person takes eggs from a nest when the bird is not there to protect them, my army has taken the treasures of every nation” (See: Simile)

This compares the nations to a bird who sits quietly while her eggs are taken. This emphasizes that the nations did nothing while the army of Assyria took all of their possessions. Alternate translation: “And like a bird that does not make a sound or flap her wings when someone steals her eggs, the nations did nothing as we took their treasure” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 10:15

The speaker uses these questions to mock the king of Assyria. Alternate translation: “An ax cannot boast that it is better than the one who holds it. And a saw does not get more glory than the one who cuts with it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

a sharp tool used for cutting wood

These phrases mean basically the same thing and are used to strengthen the meaning of the two questions before it. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “And neither can a rod or staff lift the person who picks it up” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 10:16

It is unclear whether Yahweh or Isaiah is speaking. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word emaciation, you could express the same idea with the verb “make weak.” Alternate translation: “Therefore I, Lord Yahweh of hosts, will make the king’s strongest soldiers weak” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Yahweh compares his punishment to a fire. This emphasizes that his punishment will completely destroy all the splendor and greatness of the kingdom of Assyria. Alternate translation: “I will destroy his greatness as if I were starting a fire to burn everything he is proud of” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 10:17

The phrase “light of Israel” refers to Yahweh. It is unclear whether Yahweh or Isaiah is speaking. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, the light of Israel, will become like a fire, able to destroy everyone that does not honor me” (See: Metaphor)

“I, Yahweh, the Holy one of Israel, will become like a flame.” See how you translated “Holy One” in Isaiah 1:4.

“The fire will burn and devour the king of Assyria’s thorns and briars.” The speaker compares the king of Assyria’s army to thorns and briers. This emphasizes how easily God will destroy them. Alternate translation: “I will destroy the Assyrians like a fire burning thorns and briers” (See: Metaphor)

The words “briers” and “thorns” both refer to useless, thorny plants; they can be translated using one expression. See how you translated these words in Isaiah 7:23. Alternate translation: “thorn bushes” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 10:18

This could mean: (1) “Yahweh will destroy the great forests and farmlands in the nation of Assyria” or (2) “Yahweh will destroy the army of Assyria as a fire burns up great forests and farmlands.” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) this emphasizes that God will completely destroy the forests and farmlands. Alternate translation: “completely” or (2) this means God will completely destroy the people of Assyria. The phrase “soul and body” refers to the spiritual part and the physical part of a person. (See: Merism)

This compares either the forests and farmlands of Assyria or the army of Assyria to a sick man as he lies in bed dying. This emphasizes how something so great can become weak and dying. Alternate translation: “they will be like a sick man who grows weak and dies” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 10:19

Alternate translation: “What remains of the trees in the king’s forest will be so few”

Isaiah 10:20

This refers to the time when God does the things that are described in Isaiah 10:16-19. Alternate translation: “At that time” (See: Idiom)

The meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “that has escaped from the army of Assyria” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “will no longer rely on the king of Assyria, who harmed them”

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 10:22

Here, your is singular. Possible meanings are: (1) God is speaking to Isaiah and “your” refers to Isaiah. Alternate translation: “your people Israel are” or (2) Isaiah or God is speaking to the nation of Israel and “your” refers to the nation. Alternate translation: “your people, O Israel, are” (See: Forms of You)

This emphasizes that there were a great number of people of Israel. Alternate translation: “are too many to count, like the sand on the seashore” (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has decreed that he will destroy most of those who live in Israel” (See: Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “This must be done for the sake of perfect righteousness” or “Yahweh must do this because he is completely righteous”

Isaiah 10:23

This can be translated in active form. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “destroy everything in the land just as he has determined to do” or (2) Alternate translation: “destroy the people in the land just as he has determined to do.” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “decided”

Isaiah 10:24

Isaiah speaks of the king of Assyria and his army as if he were one man. Alternate translation: “the king of Assyria and his army” (See: Personification)

The words “rod” and “staff” refer to pieces of wood that people use as clubs to beat animals and other people. Isaiah speaks of the way the Assyrians will rule over the Israelites as if the Assyrians were beating the Israelites with clubs. Alternate translation: “He will rule over you and make slaves of you” (See: Metaphor)

The word “He” refers to “the Assyrian” which represents the king of Assyria and his army. Alternate translation: “He and his army will strike” (See: Synecdoche)

The full meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “as the Egyptians ruled over your ancestors and made them slaves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 10:25

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I will destroy him because I am angry with him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 10:26

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

“will beat the Assyrians with a whip.” God will not really use a whip. This refers to God’s power to punish the Assyrians severely. Alternate translation: “will punish the Assyrians severely as if with a whip” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to when God helped a man named Gideon defeat the army of Midian. (See: How to Translate Names)

This speaks of God rescuing the people from the Assyrians as if they were the Egyptian army. This refers to when God caused the water of the Red Sea to split so the people of Israel could escape from the Egyptian army and so that the Egyptian army would drown in it. Alternate translation: “He will help you escape from the army of Assyria as he helped your ancestors escape the army of Egypt” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 10:27

“Yahweh will lift the burden that Assyria has put on your shoulder, and he will remove the yoke that they have put on your neck.” These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The words “burden” and “yoke” refer to slavery. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will remove the Assyrians who oppress you and will stop them from making you their slaves” (See: Active or Passive and Parallelism and Metonymy)

This expression suggests that the neck of the animal that is wearing the yoke will become too fat to fit the yoke any longer. This is a metaphor for Israel becoming so strong that the Assyrians can no longer rule them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your neck will become so fat that it will break the yoke” or “you will become so strong that you will no longer be the Assyrians’ slaves” (See: Active or Passive and Metaphor)

Isaiah 10:28

Isaiah speaks of these future events as though they have already happened. (See: Predictive Past)

These are all cities and villages near Jerusalem that the army of Assyria went through and caused trouble in. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 10:29

Isaiah speaks of these future events as though they have already happened. (See: Predictive Past)

These are all cities and villages near Jerusalem that the army of Assyria went through and caused trouble in. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “Ramah” and “Gibeah of Saul” refer to the people who lived in those cities. Alternate translation: “The people of Ramah tremble and the people of Gibeah of Saul have fled” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 10:30

The word “daughter” here refers to the people who live in the city. Alternate translation: “Gallim” or “people of Gallim” (See: Idiom)

These are names of more cities and villages near Jerusalem that the Assyrian army traveled through causing fear among the people. All of these refer to the people who live in these places. (See: Metonymy and How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 10:31

These are names of more cities and villages near Jerusalem that the Assyrian army traveled through causing fear among the people. All of these refer to the people who live in these places. (See: Metonymy and How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 10:32

This is the name of a village or city near Jerusalem that the Assyrian army traveled through causing fear among the people. It refers to the people who live in this place. (See: Metonymy and How to Translate Names)

Here “he” and “his” refer to the king of Assyria and his soldiers. People would shake their fists at people whom they were threatening. Alternate translation: “the army of Assyria will stop at Nob and threaten” (See: Idiom)

The words “mount” and “hill” are metonyms for the people who live on them. The words “mount of the daughter of Zion” mean almost the same thing as the words “hill of Jerusalem.” See how they are translated in Isaiah 2:14. Alternate translation: “the people of Mount Zion and the people living on the hill in Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

Isaiah 10:33

This can be translated as “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah speaks of the army of Assyria as if it were the tall trees in Lebanon. God will destroy the army like people cutting down the mighty trees of Lebanon. This emphasizes that though the army is strong, God has the power to destroy it. (See: Metaphor)

“will cut off the big branches of the trees.” In order to make it clear that this refers to the army of Assyria, it can be translated as a simile: He will destroy the army of Assyria like strong men cutting off the big branches of trees. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word crash, you could express the same idea with the verb “make a noise.” Alternate translation: “and the branches will crash down on the ground and make a terrifying noise” or “and the branches will fall to the ground with a very loud noise” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will cut down the tallest trees” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a metaphor for “the strongest soldiers.” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will bring down the lofty people” (See: Active or Passive)

proud

Isaiah 10:34

Isaiah speaks of the army of Assyria as if it were the tall trees in Lebanon. God will destroy the army like people cutting down the mighty trees of Lebanon. This emphasizes that though the army is strong, God has the power to destroy it. (See: Metaphor)

“the dense shrubs in the forest.” This is possibly a metaphor for those people who are not well known. (See: Metaphor)

“the forests of Lebanon will no longer be so grand.” This is possibly a metaphor for the Assyrian army. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will defeat the army of Assyria, as mighty as it is” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 11

Isaiah 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Messiah

The prophecies of this chapter focus on the coming Messiah. Some of these prophecies concern the first coming of Jesus, while some reference a future day of restoration. The author transitions between these time periods without telling his reader. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah and restore, restoration)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Ambiguity

It is uncertain what period of time these prophecies refer to or who will fulfill them. The translator should allow this uncertainty and ambiguity to remain. (See: fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 11:1

Isaiah speaks of Jesse and his descendants as if they were a tree that had been cut down. Both of these phrases tell about a descendant of Jesse who would be king. Alternate translation: “As a shoot sprouts out of a tree stump, so a descendant of Jesse will become king over what remains of Israel” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

A stump is what remains of a tree after it is chopped down. The “stump of Jesse” represents what was left of the kingdom that Jesse’s son David was once king of. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 11:2

Resting upon him represents being with him and helping him. The word “him” refers to the one who would become king. (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “Spirit” refers to an ability or quality that the Spirit of Yahweh would give him. Alternate translation: “and he will cause him to have wisdom and understanding, instruction and might, knowledge and the fear of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 11:3

Isaiah continues to describe the king.

The phrase “what his eyes see” refers to seeing things that are not important for judging a person rightly. Alternate translation: “he will not judge a person simply by seeing what the person looks like” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“and he will not decide by what his ears hear.” The phrase “what his ears hear” refers to hearing what people say about someone. Alternate translation: “and he will not judge a person simply by hearing what others say about him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 11:4

These phrases refer to people who have these qualities. Alternate translation: “poor people … humble people … wicked people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. (See: Parallelism)

The word “earth” here represents the people on earth. Striking them with the rod of his mouth represents judging them, and that judgement will lead to punishment. Alternate translation: “He will judge the people of the earth, and they will be punished” (See: Metonymy)

The “breath of his lips” represents him judging them. Alternate translation: “he will judge wicked people, and they will be killed” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 11:5

This could mean: (1) the belt is used to secure one’s clothes so he can work, or (2) the belt is an undergarment, or (3) the belt is a sash that a king wears to show his authority.

Wearing righteousness like a belt represents being righteous. This could mean: (1) the king’s righteousness will enable him to rule. Alternate translation: “His righteousness will be a like a belt around his waist” or (2) the king’s righteousness would show his authority to rule. Alternate translation: “He will rule righteously” (See: Metaphor)

The words “will be” are understood in this phrase. Alternate translation: “faithfulness will be the belt around his hips” (See: Ellipsis)

Wearing faithfulness like a belt represents being faithful. This could mean: (1) the king’s faithfulness will enable him to rule, or (2) the king’s faithfulness will show his authority to rule. Alternate translation: “his faithfulness will be a like a belt around his hips” or “he will rule faithfully” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 11:6

Isaiah describes what the world will be like when the king rules. There will be complete peace in the world. This is shown by the peace that there will be even among animals. Animals that normally kill other animals will not kill them, and they will all be safe together.

These phrases refer to these animals in general, not to a specific wolf or leopard. These are all strong animals that attack and eat other animals. Alternate translation: “Wolves … leopards … young lions” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

The phrases refer to these animals in general, not to a specific lamb or goat. These are all animals that eat grass and straw. Other animals sometimes attack and eat them. Alternate translation: “lambs … young goats … calves … fattened calves … Cows … oxen” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

a large cat with yellow fur and black spots that kills and eats other animals (See: Translate Unknowns)

The phrase “will be” is understood. Alternate translation: “the calf, the lion, and the fattened calf will be together” (See: Ellipsis)

A child will take care of them and lead them to good places to drink water and eat grass or hay.

Isaiah 11:7

These phrases refer to these animals in general, not to a specific wolf or leopard. These are all strong animals that attack and eat other animals. Alternate translation: “Wolves … leopards … young lions … bears … Lions” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

The phrases refer to these animals in general, not to a specific lamb or goat. These are all animals that eat grass and straw. Other animals sometimes attack and eat them. Alternate translation: “lambs … young goats … calves … fattened calves … Cows … oxen” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

a very large animal with thick hair and sharp claws that kills and eats other animals (See: Translate Unknowns)

Alternate translation: “will eat grass together”

This refers to the animals’ offspring shortly after they are born.

Isaiah 11:8

It can be stated clearly that the baby will be safe because the snake will not bite it. Alternate translation: “Babies will play safely over the hole of the snake” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

These phrases refer to poisonous snakes in general. Alternate translation: “snakes … serpents’ dens” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

a child who no longer drinks its mother’s milk

Isaiah 11:9

The “holy mountain” is Mount Zion, in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “on all of Yahweh’s holy mountain”

The phrase “knowledge of Yahweh” represents people who know Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the earth will be full of those who know Yahweh” or “those who know Yahweh will cover the earth” (See: Metonymy)

This phrase is used to show how full the earth will be of people who know Yahweh. You may want to help your readers to understand that it does this by using words that are similar to the words in the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “as the seas are full of water” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 11:10

This refers to Jesse’s and King David’s descendant who would become the king that was told about in Isaiah 1:1. Alternate translation: “Jesse’s descendant king” or “the king descended from Jesse” (See: Metonymy)

A banner is a flag that a king would raise as a sign for people to see it and come to him. Alternate translation: “will be like a sign for the peoples” or “will attract the peoples to come to him” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “The people of the nations”

Isaiah 11:11

The hand is a reference to God’s power. Alternate translation: “the Lord will again use his power to bring back the remnant of his people” (See: Metonymy)

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 11:12

This could mean: (1) “The Lord will set up the king as a banner for the nations” or (2) “The king will set up a banner for the nations” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “a flag for the nations to see” or “a flag to call the nations to himself”

Alternate translation: “the people of Judah who had been scattered around the world”

The earth is pictured as if it has four corners, and those corners are its most distant places. This refers to everywhere on earth where those people might be. Alternate translation: “from even the most distant places of the earth” or “from all over the earth” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 11:13

Ephraim here refers to the descendants of the northern kingdom of Israel. The noun “envy” can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “He will stop the people of Ephraim from being envious” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Judah here refers to the descendants of the southern kingdom. This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he will stop the people of Judah from being hostile” or “he will stop the people of Judah from hating” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 11:14

The people of Israel and Judah are pictured as if they were birds that fly down quickly to attack a person or animal. Alternate translation: “they will go quickly to the Philistine hills to attack the people there” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 11:15

A “gulf” is a large area of water that land partly surrounds.

Waving his hand over something represents his power to change it. Alternate translation: “By his power he will cause a scorching wind to blow on the Euphrates River” (See: Metaphor)

This is a strong or hot wind that causes some of the water in rivers to dry up.

Alternate translation: “so that people can cross over it even while wearing their sandals”

Isaiah 11:16

A highway is a large road that many people can travel on. “Yahweh will make a road”

Alternate translation: “when they came up from the land of Egypt”

Isaiah 12

Isaiah 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“That day”

The time of this day is unclear. It may be a time in the near future for Isaiah, or a time in the distant future for him. In the latter case, it would reference the last days. (See: last day, latter days)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Tense

Extra care must be taken in translating the tense of this chapter. The author talks about the future, but frequently changes to speak in the present tense. Some languages will have difficulty speaking in this way.

Isaiah 12:1

It can be stated clearly what time is being referred to. Alternate translation: “At that time” or “When the king rules” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

God’s wrath is spoken of as if it were a person that could turn away and leave. It means that God has stopped being angry. Alternate translation: “You are no longer angry with me” (See: Personification)

Isaiah 12:2

God causing someone’s salvation is spoken of as if God were that salvation. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with the noun “savior” or the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “God causes my salvation” or “God is my savior” or “God is the one who saves me” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

God causing someone to be strong is spoken of as if Yahweh were their strength. Alternate translation: “Yahweh makes me strong” (See: Metaphor)

The word “song” here represents what a person sings about. Alternate translation: “the one I joyfully sing about” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “He has saved me”

Isaiah 12:3

Isaiah speaks of people being saved as if they were getting salvation the way people get water out of well. Alternate translation: “you will rejoice when he saves you, as people rejoice when they draw water from a well” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 12:4

Here “his name” refers to Yahweh. Calling on him represents either praising him or asking him for help. Alternate translation: “praise him loudly” or “call to him to help you” (See: Metonymy)

The noun “deeds” can be expressed with the phrase “what he has done.” Alternate translation: “Tell the peoples about the great things he has done” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “his name” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “proclaim that he is exalted” or “proclaim that he is great” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 12:6

Alternate translation: “because the Holy One of Israel, who lives among you, is mighty” or “because the Holy One of Israel is mighty and he lives among you”

Isaiah 13

Isaiah 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Prophecies

It is unclear who is addressed by these prophecies. At times, it appears to be the people of Judah, while at other times it seems to reference the last days. This ambiguity should remain in translation. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and last day, latter days)

Isaiah 13:1

The name of the city stands for the people of Babylon. Alternate translation: “about the people of Babylon” (See: Metonymy)

Amoz was the father of Isaiah. See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 13:2

The word “them” refers to soldiers from another country.

This could mean: (1) “the gates of Babylon where the nobles live” or (2) “the gates of the nobles’ large houses” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “the respected people” or “the rulers”

Isaiah 13:3

Alternate translation: “the ones I have set apart for myself” or “the army that I have set apart for myself”

Executing God’s anger represents punishing people because of God’s anger. Alternate translation: “I have called my mighty soldiers to punish the people of Babylon because they have made me angry” (See: Metonymy)

“even those who proudly exult.” Why they proudly exult can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “even my people who proudly exult because of the great things I do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 13:4

The words “there is” are understood. The phrases “multitude” and “many people” mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “There is the noise of many people in the mountains” or “There is the noise of a great crowd of people in the mountains” (See: Ellipsis)

The words “there is” are understood. The words “kingdoms” and “nations” here refer to the same thing. Alternate translation: “There is the noisy commotion of many kingdoms gathered together” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “is gathering”

Isaiah 13:5

Alternate translation: “from places far beyond the horizon” or “from very distant places”

The soldiers that God is sending to attack Babylon are spoken of as if they were weapons. “Judgment” represents punishment because God has judged Babylon. Alternate translation: “the army that he will use to punish Babylon” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Isaiah 13:6

cry out loud. The word is usually used of an animal making a sound because it is in pain.

Something that is about to happen soon is spoken of as if it is coming near. Alternate translation: “the day of Yahweh will happen soon” (See: Metaphor)

The word “it” refers to the day of Yahweh. “It comes with destruction” means that destruction will happen on that day. “Destruction from the Almighty” means that the Almighty will destroy them. Alternate translation: “on that day, the Almighty God will destroy them” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 13:7

This shows that all the people are very weak and unable to do anything.

People being terribly afraid is spoken of as if their hearts melt. Alternate translation: “everyone is terribly afraid” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 13:8

People suddenly feeling terrible pain and sorrow is spoken of as if the pains and sorrows were people who grab them. Alternate translation: “they will suddenly feel terrible pain and agony” (See: Personification)

Being in labor represents giving birth to a baby. Alternate translation: “like a woman giving birth to a baby” or “like the pain of a woman who is giving birth to a baby” (See: Metaphor)

Their faces being hot and red is spoken of as if they were burning. Possible reasons for their faces being hot are: (1) the people are very afraid or (2) the people feel ashamed or (3) the people cry. Alternate translation: “their faces will be hot and red” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 13:9

The day coming with wrath and anger means that there will be wrath and anger on that day. The abstract nouns “wrath” and “anger” can be expressed with the adjectives “furious” and “angry.” Alternate translation: “on the day of Yahweh, he will be furious and extremely angry” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Anger here is spoken of as if the one who is angry is a container filled with anger. Overflowing anger means that he is extremely angry. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you could express the same idea with the verb “ruin.” Alternate translation: “to ruin the land” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 13:10

Alternate translation: “The stars in the sky”

Giving light represents “shining.” Alternate translation: “will not shine” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will darken the sun” or “The sun will be dark” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 13:11

Yahweh continues to talk about what he will do on the day of Yahweh.

This refers to people. Alternate translation: “the people of the world” (See: Metonymy)

These phrases refer to people who have these qualities. Alternate translation: “wicked people … proud people … ruthless people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “cruel people”

Being low often represents being humble. Bringing down people’s arrogance represents making them humble. Alternate translation: “will humble the ruthless” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 13:12

Why there will be so few people can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I will cause so many people to die that living people will be more rare than fine gold” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. (See: Parallelism)

Ophir was the name of a place where there was pure gold. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 13:14

Yahweh speaks of the defenseless people of Israel as if they were a gazelle or a sheep that was being chased by hunters or wild animals. Alternate translation: “Like gazelles that run away swiftly when people hunt them, and like sheep that have no shepherd run away from wild animals” (See: Translate Unknowns and Simile)

an animal that is similar to a deer. People hunt them, and wild animals sometimes attack and kill them. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Sheep that have no shepherd have no one to protect them from wild animals that attack and kill them.

Isaiah 13:15

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy will kill with the sword everyone they find” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 13:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy will also dash their infants to pieces” or “The enemy will beat their infants until they die” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. It can be stated clearly that the parents are unable to help their infants. Alternate translation: “in front of them” or “while their parents helplessly watch” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Synecdoche)

This means that everything valuable will be stolen from their houses. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy will plunder the people’s houses” or “The enemy will steal everything valuable from the people’s houses” (See: Active or Passive)

This means that the enemies will attack the women and force them to have sex with them. The words “will be” are understood. This can also be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: “their wives will be raped” or “their enemies will rape their wives” (See: Ellipsis and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 13:17

Yahweh continues speaking.

Making people want to do something is spoken of as stirring them up. Alternate translation: “I am about to make the Medes want to attack them” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 13:18

Here “their bows” is a metonym for the soldiers who use the bows. Alternate translation: “Their soldiers will use bows and arrows to kill” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 13:19

Yahweh continues speaking.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the kingdom that people most admire” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then God will destroy Babylon, the most admired of kingdoms, the splendor of Chaldean pride, as he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah” (See: Active or Passive)

The abstract nouns “splendor” and “pride” can be translated with adjectives. The word “splendor” refers to the beautiful appearance of Babylon. Alternate translation: “the beautiful city that the Chaldeans are so proud of” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 13:20

The two verbs mean basically the same thing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one will live in it” (See: Doublet and Active or Passive)

The phrase “generation to generation” refers to all generations of people who will live in the future. Alternate translation: “for ever” or “ever again” (See: Idiom)

This refers to Arab people in general, not one person. Alternate translation: “Arabs” or “Arab people” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Isaiah 13:21

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Babylon.

Alternate translation: “will lie in Babylon”

Alternate translation: “The people’s houses”

Owls are wild birds that hunt at night. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Ostriches are large wild birds that run fast and cannot fly. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Isaiah 13:22

Hyenas are large wild animals that look like dogs and eat dead animals. Their loud cry sounds like a person laughing. (See: Translate Unknowns)

The words “will cry” are understood. Alternate translation: “jackals will cry in the beautiful palaces” (See: Ellipsis)

wild dogs (See: Translate Unknowns)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. “Her time” and “her days” both refer to the time that God has chosen for Babylon to be destroyed. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The time that all of this will happen to the people of Babylon is near, and nothing will stop it” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 14

Isaiah 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 14:4-27, 29-32.

Special concepts in this chapter

Satan

It is believed that this chapter references Satan. It describes Satan as a star fallen from heaven. There are five important statements beginning with the words “I will” which appear to show the essence of Satan’s sin. (See: Satan, devil, evil one, heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Babylon

This is the name of the kingdom that conquered Judah, but it is also the name representing Satan’s kingdom in prophecies. They were not yet a world power when these words were spoken. It should be translated as “Babylon,” but translators should be aware of its dual meaning.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Israel

The use of Israel in this chapter is in reference to the nation or people group of Israel. It is this Israel who will be restored and not the kingdom of Israel. (See: restore, restoration)

Isaiah 14:1

Here “Jacob” refers to the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will have mercy on the descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

The house of Jacob refers to the descendants of Jacob, the Israelites. Alternate translation: “unite with the descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 14:2

Alternate translation: “The nations will bring the descendants of Jacob back to the land of Israel”

This refers to the Israelites, the descendants of Israel. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “The Israelite soldiers will take as captives those who had captured Israelites”

Isaiah 14:3

The word “your” is singular, but it refers to the people of Israel. Also, “suffering” and “anguish” mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “from the things that have caused you to suffer greatly” (See: Forms of You and Doublet)

Isaiah 14:4

“The oppressor has come to an end.” This is an exclamation.

The words “how and “has” are understood. Alternate translation: “how the proud fury has ended” or “his pride and fury have ended” (See: Ellipsis)

The “proud fury” refers to the king of Babylon being proud and treating other nations cruelly. Alternate translation: “his cruelty has ended” or “he can no longer oppress people” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 14:5

This is part of the taunt song that the Israelites will sing to the king of Babylon.

The staff of the wicked probably refers to a stick that wicked people would hit other people with. Breaking that stick represents destroying their power to treat people cruelly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has destroyed the power of the wicked” (See: Metonymy)

A scepter represents a ruler’s power to rule. Breaking the scepter represents destroying the ruler’s power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has destroyed the power of the wicked rulers” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 14:6

“who struck the peoples.” Wicked people struck the peoples with their staff.

Alternate translation: “without stopping” or “again and again”

Alternate translation: “who conquered other nations”

Alternate translation: “attacking them without stopping”

Isaiah 14:7

This is part of the taunt song that the Israelites will sing to the king of Babylon.

This refers to everyone on earth. Alternate translation: “everyone on earth” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 14:8

Isaiah speaks of the trees as if they were people who could rejoice. This emphasizes that it is such a great thing that God has stopped the king of Babylon that even nature would rejoice if it could. Alternate translation: “It will be as if even the cyprus trees and the cedars of Lebanon rejoice over you” (See: Personification)

Why they rejoice can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “rejoice that God has made you powerless” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Being laid low represents being made powerless and unimportant. Alternate translation: “Since you have become powerless” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 14:9

Sheol is spoken of as if it were a person who is eager to meet his guests. This implies that the king dies. Alternate translation: “Sheol is like a host eager to meet you” (See: Personification)

“it wakes up the dead for you, all the kings of the earth.” Sheol is spoken of as if it were a person that could wake up those who are in it. Alternate translation: “All the dead kings of the earth in Sheol wake up to greet you” (See: Personification)

Isaiah 14:10

This is part of the taunt song that the Israelites will sing to the king of Babylon. Here they sing about what the dead kings in Sheol will say to him.

The word “they” refers to the dead kings in Sheol, and the word “you” refers to the king of Babylon.

Isaiah 14:11

The dead kings will speak of the king of Babylon having no more splendor as if his splendor had gone down to Sheol. Alternate translation: “Your splendor ended when God sent you here to Sheol” (See: Metaphor)

People would make music on string instruments to honor the king. The dead kings will speak of people no longer honoring the king of Babylon with music as if the music went to Sheol. Alternate translation: “along with the sound of people playing music to honor you” (See: Metaphor)

The maggots under his dead body are spoken of as if they were a mat or bed. Alternate translation: “You lie on a bed of maggots” or “You lie on many maggots” (See: Metaphor)

The worms all over his body are spoken of as if they were covering him like a blanket. Alternate translation: “Worms cover you like a blanket” or “There are worms all over your body” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 14:12

This is part of the taunt song that the Israelites will sing to the king of Babylon.

The daystar is a bright star that rises just before morning. The people of Israel will refer to the king of Babylon in terms of this star in order to imply that he once was great, but now he was not. Alternate translation: “You were like the bright morning star, but you have fallen from the sky” (See: Metaphor)

The people of Israel will speak of the king of Babylon as if he were a tree that was cut down. Alternate translation: “You are defeated like a tree that someone has cut down to the ground” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 14:13

This alludes to the myth that many people in the Ancient Near East knew, that the Canaanite gods met in council on the top of a mountain in the northern part of Syria. Sitting on the mountain represents ruling with the gods. Alternate translation: “I will rule on the mountain where the gods assemble” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The mountain in the north was apparently called Zaphon. Some modern versions say “far away on the sides of Zaphon.” Alternate translation: “in the most northern places”

Isaiah 14:15

This is part of the taunt song that the Israelites will sing to the king of Babylon.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But now God has sent you down to Sheol” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 14:16

The people will use this question either to mock the king of Babylon, or to express their shock at what has happened to him. Alternate translation: “Surely, this is not the man” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This could mean: (1) the earth trembled as the king’s army marched to conquer people, or (2) this refers to the people of the earth trembling in fear of him. (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor for “conquered kingdoms” or (2) this is metonymy for “terrified the people of kingdoms.” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Isaiah 14:17

Alternate translation: “who made the places where people lived into a wilderness”

Isaiah 14:18

This is the end of the taunt song that the Israelites will sing to the king of Babylon.

This means that their bodies were buried in an honorable way. Alternate translation: “all the kings who have died are buried in an honorable way” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 14:19

Being thrown out of the grave represents not being buried. Alternate translation: “But you are not buried. Your body is left on the ground” (See: Metaphor)

A branch thrown away represents something worthless. Alternate translation: “like a worthless branch that is tossed aside” (See: Simile)

This represents many dead bodies being on top of his body. Alternate translation: “The bodies of dead people completely cover your body” or “The bodies of dead soldiers are piled on top of your body” (See: Simile)

This describes “the dead” spoken of at the beginning of this sentence. Being pierced by the sword represents being killed in battle. Alternate translation: “those who were killed in battle” (See: Metonymy)

The pit refers either to hell, or to a large hole in the ground where many dead bodies are simply dumped.

Isaiah 14:20

The word “them” refers to the other kings who died and were buried properly. Joining them in burial represents being buried as they were. Alternate translation: “you will never be buried as other kings were buried” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will ever speak again about the descendants of evildoers” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 14:21

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word slaughter, you could express the same idea with the verb “kill.” Alternate translation: “Get ready to kill the children of the king of Babylon” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word iniquity, you could express the same idea with the verb “sinned greatly.” Alternate translation: “because their forefathers have sinned greatly” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “rise up” represents either becoming powerful or attacking. Alternate translation: “so they will not become powerful” or “so they will not attack” (See: Metonymy)

This represents taking control of the people on the earth, in this case by conquering them. Alternate translation: “take control of the peoples on the earth” or “conquer the peoples on the earth” (See: Metaphor)

This represents causing the world to have many cities on it. Alternate translation: “build cities all over the world” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 14:22

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh of hosts has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 14:23

The word “her” refers to the city of Babylon. Cities were often spoken of as if they were women. Alternate translation: “I will also make it” (See: Personification)

This represents wild animals living in the city because there are no people there. Alternate translation: “a place where owls live” or “a place where wild animals live” (See: Metaphor)

Causing there to be swamps or ponds of stagnant water where the city was is spoken of as making the city into those things. Alternate translation: “into a place where there are stagnant ponds” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 14:24

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “the things that I have planned will surely happen” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 14:25

Breaking represents defeating. Alternate translation: “I will defeat the Assyrian in my land” or “I will cause the Assyrian in my land to be defeated” (See: Metaphor)

This represents the Assyrian king and his army. Alternate translation: “the king of Assyria and his army” or “the Assyrian army” (See: Synecdoche)

This represents completely defeating him. (See: Metaphor)

This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: “Then I will lift his yoke from them and his burden from their shoulder” (See: Active or Passive)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Lifting the yoke and burden represents setting people free from slavery. Alternate translation: “Then I will set the Israelites free from slavery to Assyria like removing a heavy burden from their shoulder” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

The word “his” refers to Assyria.

The words “them” and “their” refer to the people of Israel.

Isaiah 14:26

This may be Isaiah speaking or it may be Yahweh speaking.

The idea of “is intended” can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: “This is the plan that God intends for the whole earth” (See: Active or Passive)

God being ready to punish the nations is spoken of as if he raised his hand in order to hit them. The word “hand” may also represent his power. Alternate translation: “this is Yahweh’s power to punish all the nations” or “this is how Yahweh will punish the nations” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Isaiah 14:27

This question emphasizes that no one can stop Yahweh. Alternate translation: “there is no one who can stop him.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

This represents Yahweh being ready to punish the nations. Alternate translation: “He is ready to punish them” (See: Metaphor)

This question is used to say that no one can turn back God’s hand. Turning back his hand represents stopping him from punishing the nations. Alternate translation: “no one can turn it back.” or “no one can stop him from punishing them.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

Isaiah 14:29

The rod that struck Philistia represents a king who sent his army to attack them. Being broken represents either being dead or being defeated. Alternate translation: “the king that sent his army against you is dead” or “the army that attacked you is defeated” (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases are both the image of a serpent’s offspring being even more harmful than the serpent. They represent a king’s successor being more powerful and cruel than the first king. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

a kind of poisonous snake

Here the word “fiery” probably refers to the serpent’s poisonous bite, and the word “flying” refers to its quick movements. Alternate translation: “a quickly moving poisonous snake” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 14:30

This represents the poorest people. Alternate translation: “The poorest people” or “The poorest of my people” (See: Metaphor)

Here “your root” refers to the people of Philistia. Alternate translation: “I will kill your people with famine that will put to death all your survivors” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 14:31

Here “gate” and “city” represent the people at the city gates and in the cities. “Howl, you people at the city gates; cry, you people in the cities” (See: Metonymy)

Melting away represents becoming weak because of fear. Alternate translation: “you will grow weak with fear” (See: Metaphor)

This implies that a large army is coming from the north. Alternate translation: “For from the north comes a large army with a cloud of smoke” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This could mean: (1) this represents a cloud of dust that the army stirs up as they travel on dry dirt roads. Alternate translation: “a cloud of dust” or (2) there is a lot of smoke because of all the things that the army destroys and burns. Alternate translation: “much smoke” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “no one in his ranks walks slowly behind the others”

Isaiah 14:32

The author uses this question to introduce his instruction about how the Israelites should speak to the messengers. Alternate translation: “This is how we will answer the messengers of Philistia.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh started Zion”

Alternate translation: “in Jerusalem” or “there”

Alternate translation: “those of his people who have been afflicted”

Isaiah 15

Isaiah 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

This chapter shifts from discussing Judah to the nation of Moab. Moab is punished by Yahweh, even though he is not a god they worship. (See: God)

Isaiah 15:1

Often in prophecy events that will happen in future are described as happening now or in the past. This emphasizes that the event will certainly happen. (See: Predictive Past)

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares” or “This is a message from Yahweh”

These are names of cities and towns in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

The words “laid waste” and “destroyed” mean the same thing and emphasize that the city was completely ruined. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Enemy armies will completely destroy Ar of Moab” (See: Doublet and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 15:2

These are names of cities and towns in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “up to the heights” refers to a temple or altar that was built on high ground like a hill or mountain side. Alternate translation: “went up to the temple on the hilltop to weep” (See: Idiom)

These place names refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the people of Moab will weep because of what happened to the cities of Nebo and Medeba” (See: Metonymy)

They do this to show their extreme sadness. AT” “They will all shave their heads and cut off their beards and grieve” (See: Symbolic Action)

Isaiah 15:3

They do this to show their extreme sadness. Alternate translation: “they wear sackcloth and mourn” (See: Symbolic Action)

Isaiah 15:4

These are names of cities and towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

These city names represent the people of these cities. “The people of Heshbon and Elealeh call out” (See: Metonymy)

Physical trembling is a symptom of fear and represents fear. Alternate translation: “they will be completely filled with fear” or “they tremble with fear” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 15:5

Here God is represented by his “heart” which emphasizes his emotions. God speaks of his great sadness as if his heart cried out. Alternate translation: “I am extremely sad about what is happening to Moab” (See: Synecdoche or Metaphor)

“the fugitives from Moab will flee.” A fugitive is a person who runs away so that his enemy will not capture him.

These are names of cities and towns. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with the verb “destroyed.” Alternate translation: “because their city is destroyed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 15:6

This is the name of a city or town. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 15:7

Alternate translation: “Everything”

This may refer to the river at the southern border of Moab.

Isaiah 15:8

People’s crying out and others hearing it is spoken of as if the cry had gone out. Alternate translation: “People all over the territory of Moab cry out” (See: Metaphor)

The words “has gone” are understood. People’s wailing and others hearing it is spoken of as if the wailing had gone as far away as these two places. Alternate translation: “the wailing has gone as far as Egalim and Beer Elim” or “people even as far away as Elaim and Beer Elim wail”

These are names of cities and towns. Dimon was the principal city of the country of Moab. Several modern versions have “Dibon” instead of “Dimon.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 15:9

This is the name of a city or town. Dimon was the principal city of the country of Moab. Several modern versions have “Dibon” instead of “Dimon.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh. Also, “Dimon” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “but I will cause even more trouble for the people of Dimon” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 16

Isaiah 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter and is a prophecy against the nation of Moab. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 16:1-12.

Isaiah 16:1

The Moabites will send rams to the king of Judah so that he might protect them from the enemy army. (See: Symbolic Action)

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

The “daughter” of a city means the people of the city. See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:8. Alternate translation: “the people of Zion” or “the people who live in Zion” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 16:2

All the people of Moab, which includes the women, are forced to flee from their homes. Alternate translation: “Like birds without a home, the women of Moab will flee across the river to another land” (See: Simile)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 16:3

The heat of the middle of the day represents the Moabites’ suffering from their enemies, and shade represents protection from their enemies. Comparing the shade to night shows that they want strong protection. Alternate translation: “protect us completely from our enemies as a large shadow protects people from the hot sun” (See: Metaphor and Simile)

Isaiah 16:4

“Allow the refugees from Moab to live with you.” Here “you” refers to the people of Judah.

Providing a hiding place is spoken of as being a hiding place. Alternate translation: “give them a place to hide from those who are trying to destroy them” or “hide them from those who want to destroy them” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 16:5

Here “throne” refers to the power to rule as king. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will be faithful to the covenant and he will appoint a king” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

Here “David’s tent” represents David’s family, including his descendants. Sitting on the throne represents ruling. Alternate translation: “a descendant of David will rule faithfully” (See: Metonymy)

Seeking justice represents wanting to do what is just. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 16:6

The words “Moab’s” and “his” refer to the people of Moab. Alternate translation: “We have heard that the people of Moab are proud and arrogant, boastful and angry” (See: Metonymy)

Possible meanings are that: (1) Isaiah is speaking and “We” refers to him and the people of Judah, or (2) God is speaking and “We” refers to God.

Alternate translation: “But what they say about themselves means nothing” or “But what they boast about is not true”

Isaiah 16:7

“Moab” represents the people of Moab. “So all the people of Moab will cry out loud over what has happened to their cities” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “because there are no raisin cakes in Kir Hareseth”

The Hebrew word used here means either “raisin cakes” or “men.”

“Kir Hareseth” is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 16:8

Translate the name of this city as you did in Isaiah 15:4.

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

The land of Moab was known for its vineyards. Here God describes the land of Moab as one large vineyard. This emphasizes that the rulers, which refers to the armies, completely destroyed everything in Moab. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Isaiah 16:9

In 16:9-10 the word “I” refers to Yahweh.

God speaks of his deep sorrow for these places as if he would cry much and his many tears would fall on them. Alternate translation: “I will cry much for you” (See: Metaphor)

Translate the names of these cities as you did in Isaiah 16:8.

Translate the names of these cities as you did in Isaiah 15:4.

The “shouts of joy” represent people shouting for joy about the harvest of their fruit trees. Alternate translation: “Because of what I will do, you will no longer shout for joy when you harvest your fields of summer fruit” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 16:10

Here “the shouts” refers to the joy of the people who tread the grapes to produce the wine. Alternate translation: “therefore the people who tread the grapes do not shout with joy” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 16:11

The phrase “my heart” represents Yahweh and his sad feelings. He compares his sigh to the sound of a sad song played on a harp. Alternate translation: “So I sigh like a sad song on a harp” (See: Synecdoche and Simile)

This refer to the people of Moab. (See: Metonymy)

The phrase “my inward being” represents Yahweh. The word “sighs” is understood from the previous phrase. See how you translated Kir Hareseth in Isaiah 16:7. Alternate translation: “my inward being sighs for Kir Hareseth” or “I am very sad for the people of Kir Hareseth” (See: Ellipsis)

This is a metonym for the people of the city. Alternate translation: “the people of Kir Hareseth” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 16:12

All of these words refer to the people of Moab. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “his prayers will not be answered”

Isaiah 16:13

“This is the message.” This refers to all he said in 15:1-16:12.

The word “Moab” refers to the people of Moab. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 16:14

Alternate translation: “The country of Moab will no longer be glorious”

Isaiah 17

Isaiah 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

The ULT sets the lines in 17:1-6, 9-14 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are part of a long quotation.

Special concepts in this chapter

Damascus

This chapter prophesies destruction against the people of Damascus. Damascus was the capital of Aram. The people of Damascus worship gods other than Yahweh and have fought Yahweh’s people. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess, god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and people of God)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Ephraim

This chapter prophesied destruction against the kingdom of Israel. They are also called Ephraim in this chapter. Both the northern kingdom of Israel and Aram were conquered at about the same time in history.

Isaiah 17:1

Damascus is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Isaiah 7:8. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 17:2

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “All the people will abandon the cities of Aroer” (See: Active or Passive and How to Translate Names)

The word “them” refers to the sheep.

Isaiah 17:3

Ephraim was the largest tribe in Israel. Here it represents the entire northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “Strong cities will disappear from Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

This does not mean that they will vanish, but that the cities will be destroyed.

The words “will disappear” are understood from the previous phrase. Damascus was where the king of Aram ruled from. The kingdom disappearing represents the king no longer having royal power. Alternate translation: “the kingdom will disappear from Damascus” or “there will be no royal power in Damascus” (See: Ellipsis and Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Translate as in Isaiah 14:22. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh of hosts has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 17:4

This phrase is used here to mark an important event that will happen. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Here “Jacob” refers to the kingdom of Israel. Israel would no longer be glorious. Rather it would be weak and poor. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Isaiah 17:5

There will be nothing left in the land after God punishes the people of Israel. (See: Simile)

This is a valley where people normally grew and harvested much food. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 17:6

The word “Gleanings” here represents the people who will still live in Israel. Alternate translation: “But there will be a few people left in Israel” (See: Metaphor)

People harvested olive trees by shaking them so that the olives would fall out. Alternate translation: “like the few olives that remain on the olive trees after people harvest them” (See: Simile)

The word “olives” is understood from the phrase before this. Alternate translation: “four or five olives” (See: Ellipsis)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, the God of Israel, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 17:7

Looking toward God here represents hoping that he will help them. Alternate translation: “men will hope that their Maker, the Holy One of Israel, will help them” (See: Idiom)

The word “men” represents people in general. Alternate translation: “people will look” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “eyes” represents the people who look. Alternate translation: “they will look” or “the people will look” (See: Synecdoche)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 17:8

Looking to the altars represents worshiping idols with the hope that the idols will help them. Alternate translation: “They will not worship idols at their altars” or “The people of Israel will not go to their altars and ask their idols to help them” (See: Metonymy)

Here the people are represented by their “hands” to emphasize that they made the altars or idols. Alternate translation: “that they made with their hands” or “which they themselves built” (See: Synecdoche)

The second phrase identifies the things that the people made. Speaking of the fingers here emphasizes that the people made them, so these things are not real gods. Alternate translation: “the Asherah poles or the sun images, which they themselves made” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 17:9

It can be made explicit who left these lands. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the Hivites and Amorites left after the people of Israel came” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 17:10

Here “you” refers to the people of Israel. The word “forgotten” does not mean they have no memory of God. It means they no longer obey him. Alternate translation: “For you no longer obey”

Alternate translation: “the God who saves you”

This compares God to a large rock which people could climb on to get away from their enemies or hide behind. Alternate translation: “have ignored God, who is like a rock that protects you” or “have ignored the one who protects you” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 17:11

Alternate translation: “there will not be much fruit for you to harvest”

Isaiah 17:12

An uproar is a very loud noise. Alternate translation: “The sound of many people, that is very loud like the seas” (See: Simile)

The enemy armies appear to be a powerful force that no one can stop. Alternate translation: “the nations come rushing in like the mighty waters” (See: Simile)

The word “nations” refers to the armies of those nations. Alternate translation: “the rushing of the enemy armies” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 17:13

These two phrases mean the same thing. The enemy armies seem powerful but God will easily stop them and send them away. Alternate translation: “like chaff on the mountains that the wind blows away … like weeds that whirl and blow away as a storm approaches” (See: Parallelism and Simile)

Isaiah 17:14

What happens to them is spoken of as if it is a portion that they inherit. Alternate translation: “This is what happens to those” (See: Metaphor)

The word “us” refers to Isaiah and the people of Judah.

Isaiah 18

Isaiah 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Cush

This chapter records prophecies against the nation of Cush. They are being punished by Yahweh. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

This chapter uses many metaphors to describe the destruction coming to the people of Cush. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 18:1

Here, the phrase the rustling of wings could mean (1) the boats that have sails are spoken of as having wings. Alternate translation: “Woe to those who live in the land beyond the rivers of Cush, whose many ships look like insects on the water” or (2) the rustling of wings refers to the noise of insects that have wings, perhaps locusts. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 18:2

The Nile River was very wide, and people in Egypt and Cush referred to it as “the sea.” Alternate translation: “on the great river” or “along the Nile River” (See: Metaphor)

Papyrus is a tall plant that grows along the side of the Nile River. People bound together papyrus bundles to make boats. Alternate translation: “papyrus boats” or “boats made of reeds” or (See: Translate Unknowns)

These phrases all describe the people of one nation.

The word “nation” here refers to the people of that nation. Alternate translation: “a nation whose people are tall and have smooth skin” (See: Metonymy)

The words “far” and “near” are used together to mean “everywhere.” Alternate translation: “a people who are feared everywhere” or “a people that everyone in the earth fears” (See: Merism)

Trampling down represents conquering other nations. Alternate translation: “a nation that is strong and conquers other nations” (See: Metonymy)

This probably refers to many rivers that flow through the nation so they divide it into different parts.

Isaiah 18:3

Verse 3 tells what the messengers in Isaiah 18:2 must say to the people of the world.

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “All you people on the earth” (See: Parallelism)

The signal and trumpet were to call people to battle. The commands to look and listen are commands to pay attention and prepare for battle. Alternate translation: “pay attention when the signal is lifted up on the mountains and the trumpet is blown”

The signal was a flag used to call people to battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “pay attention when you see the battle flag on the mountains” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

The trumpets were used to call people to battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “pay attention when you hear the sound of the battle trumpets” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 18:4

God uses a parable about a farmer in a vineyard in order to describe how he will punish a certain nation. That nation is either Ethiopia or Ethiopia’s enemy.

“Yahweh said to me.” Here the word “me” refers to Isaiah.

What God will observe can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I will quietly observe that nation from my home” or “From my home, I will quietly watch what the people of that nation do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

These phrases show how quietly God will watch the nation. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 18:5

This is a harvest of grapes. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Before the grape harvest” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

It can be stated clearly that this refers to blossoms on grape vines. Alternate translation: “when flowers have finished growing on the grape vines” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh will cut off the branches before the grapes can ripen. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cut off the branches with knives before their produce fruit” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A pruning hook is a knife that people use to cut branches off of vines or other plants.

Yahweh will throw away the branches in judgment.

Isaiah 18:6

God seems to change from telling the parable to speaking more directly about the nation. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Those who are killed will be left together” or “Like branches that are cut off and thrown away, the bodies of those who are killed will be left on the ground” (See: Parables)

“The birds will eat them during the summer.” The word “birds” refers to birds that eat the flesh of dead bodies.

Alternate translation: “all kinds of wild animals”

Alternate translation: “will eat them in the winter”

Isaiah 18:7

These phrases all describe the people of one nation. See how you translated these phrases in Isaiah 18:2.

Alternate translation: “a people who are tall and have smooth skin”

The words “far” and “near” are used together to mean “everywhere.” Alternate translation: “a people who are feared everywhere” or “a people that everyone in the earth fears” (See: Merism)

Trampling down represents conquering other nations. Alternate translation: “a nation that is strong and conquers other nations” (See: Metonymy)

The word “name” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to Mount Zion, where Yahweh of hosts dwells” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 19

Isaiah 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 19:1-18.

Special concepts in this chapter

Egypt

This chapter prophesied destruction against the nation of Egypt. Their destruction will come from internal division instead of being conquered by another nation. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Imagery

Some of the imagery used in this chapter may be connected to the worship of specific false gods. One important god the people of Canaan worshiped was Baal, the god of rain or storms. One of the important gods the Egyptians worshiped was Ra, the god of the sun. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“In that day”

This changes the reference from the time when Assyria comes to dominate the world and looks to a more distant future day.

Isaiah 19:1

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Yahweh seems to be pictured here as riding on a cloud as if he was riding in a chariot. (See: Metaphor)

The idols are described as having feelings of fear as Yahweh approaches. Alternate translation: “the idols of Egypt tremble in fear before Yahweh” (See: Personification)

The heart melting represents losing their courage. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians have no more courage” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 19:2

The words “will fight” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “a man will fight against his neighbor” (See: Ellipsis)

The word “city” represents the people of the city. Alternate translation: “people of one city will fight against people of another city” or “people from different cities will fight against one another” (See: Metonymy)

The words “will be” or “will fight” are understood from the previous phrases. Alternate translation: “kingdom will be against kingdom” or “kingdom will fight against kingdom” (See: Ellipsis)

The word “kingdom” refers to a smaller kingdom within Egypt. It may also be called a province. It represents the people of that kingdom or province. Alternate translation: “the people of one province will be against the people of another province” or “people from different provinces will fight against one another” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 19:3

The nation of Egypt is spoken of here as if it was a person. (See: Personification)

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “I will weaken the spirit of Egypt from within” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “They sought the advice of … spiritualists, but that will do them no good. It will not stop me from destroying his advice”

This could mean: (1) Yahweh will cause the advice that he gives to be ineffective or (2) Yahweh will cause him to be unable to give any advice. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word advice, you could express the same idea with the verb “advise.” Alternate translation: “I will confuse those who advise the king” (See: Abstract Nouns)

These are people who claim to speak with those who have died.

Isaiah 19:4

Here “hand” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “I will give the Egyptians over to the control of a harsh master” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Translate as in Isaiah 3:15. Alternate translation: “this is what the Lord Yahweh of hosts has declared” or “this is what I, the Lord Yahweh of hosts, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 19:5

Egyptians referred to the Nile River as “the sea.” These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “The Nile River will completely dry up” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 19:6

Alternate translation: “become foul-smelling” or “stink”

Alternate translation: “become smaller and smaller”

Here, reeds and flags refer to two similar kinds of water plants. Alternate translation: “the plants along the river will die and decay”

Isaiah 19:7

Alternate translation: “the fields near the Nile where people have planted crops”

Isaiah 19:8

These three phrases mean basically the same thing. If necessary, the reason they will grieve can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “The fishermen who catch fish with hooks or nets will cry in despair because the fish in the Nile have died” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Parallelism)

In order to catch fish, some people put a little food on a hook, tie the hook to a string, and throw the hook into the water. When a fish tries to eat the food, its mouth gets stuck on the hook, and the person pulls the fish out of the water. (See: Translate Unknowns)

throw

In order to catch fish, some people toss a net on the water. When fish get caught in it, they pull the net with the fish out of the water. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Isaiah 19:9

Alternate translation: “Those who work with combed flax”

Flax is a plant that grows along the Nile River. People comb its fibers in order to separate them, and use them to make thread for linen cloth. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Alternate translation: “will be ashamed”

Isaiah 19:10

Alternate translation: “The people of Egypt who make cloth”

Being crushed represents being discouraged. Alternate translation: “will be discouraged” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “work for pay”

Alternate translation: “will feel very sad”

Isaiah 19:11

These two phrases are similar in meaning. Either the princes of Zoan are also the wisest advisors or Pharaoh, or they are another group of people that also are shown to be foolish. (See: Parallelism)

This is a city in northern Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah uses a question to mock those in Egypt who claim to be wise. Alternate translation: “You foolishly say to Pharaoh … kings.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 19:12

Isaiah uses a question to mock the wise men. The word “your” refers to Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “You do not have any wise men.” or “Your wise men are fools.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah is implying that wise men should be able to understand God’s plans, but Isaiah does not really believe they are wise. Alternate translation: “If they were really wise, they would be able to tell you what Yahweh of hosts plans concerning Egypt” (See: Irony)

Isaiah 19:13

The princes of Zoan and Memphis are spoken of as if they are the cornerstones of buildings because they are an important part of the community. Alternate translation: “the leaders have made Egypt go astray” (See: Metaphor)

Zoan is a city in northern Egypt. See how you translated this in Isaiah 19:11.

This is a city in the northern part of Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “Egypt” represents the people of Egypt. Going astray represents doing what is wrong. Alternate translation: “made the people of Egypt go astray” or “made the people of Egypt do what is wrong” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Isaiah 19:14

Isaiah speaks of Yahweh’s judgment as if Egypt was a cup of wine. He speaks of Yahweh causing the leaders’ thoughts to be distorted as if their distorted thoughts were a liquid that Yahweh mixed in with the wine. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has judged them by distorting their thoughts” or “Yahweh has judged Egypt by distorting its leaders’ thoughts, as intoxicating drinks confuse people’s thoughts” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “perverseness” or “confusion”

Here “her” refers to Egypt. Nations are sometimes spoken of as if they were women. Alternate translation: “within Egypt” (See: Personification)

Here, “they” refers to the leaders described in the previous verses. The word “Egypt” represents the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the princes have led the people of Egypt astray” (See: Metonymy)

Leading people astray represents influencing them to do what is wrong. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah speaks of the people of Egypt doing what is wrong as if they were made to wander about like a drunken person. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 19:15

The “head,” the part of an animal a person would want to be, represents the leader. The “tail” is the opposite and represents people who follow. Alternate translation: “whether leader or follower” (See: Metaphor)

The “palm branch” grows high on the tree and represents people who are wealthy and important. The “reed” grows in shallow water and represents people who are poor and unimportant. See how you translated similar phrases in Isaiah 9:14. Alternate translation: “whether they are important or unimportant” or “whether rich or poor” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 19:16

This emphasizes that the people of Egypt will be afraid and helpless when God punishes them. (See: Simile)

Here “hand” refers to God’s power, and raising the hand against them represents punishing them. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh of hosts has raised his powerful hand to punish them” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Isaiah 19:17

The “land of Judah” and “Egypt” refer to the people in those places. The Egyptians will stagger because they are afraid. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah will cause the Egyptians to stagger” or “The people of Judah will cause the Egyptians to be terribly afraid” (See: Metonymy)

Here, “them” and “they” refer to the Egyptians and “her” refers to the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “Whenever anyone reminds the Egyptians of the people of Judah, the Egyptians will be afraid”

Isaiah 19:18

This refers to the people of those cities. Alternate translation: “the people in five Egyptian cities will speak” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to Hebrew, the language of the people of God living in the land of Canaan. Here Canaan represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the language of the people of Canaan” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “promise to be loyal”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “People will call one of these cities” (See: Active or Passive)

It is not clear whether the Hebrew word translated “Sun” here means “sun” or “destruction.” It is also not clear what the name tells us about the city. Alternate translation: “the city called Sun City” or “the city called Destruction City” (See: Textual Variants)

Isaiah 19:19

The phrase “the border” refers to the border of Egypt. Alternate translation: “a stone pillar to Yahweh at the border of Egypt” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 19:20

The abstract nouns “sign” and “witness” can be expressed with the verbs “show” and prove.” Alternate translation: “The altar will show and prove that Yahweh of hosts is in the land of Egypt” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Yahweh being in the land of Egypt represents the people of Egypt worshiping him. Alternate translation: “that the people in the land of Egypt worship Yahweh of hosts” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “When the Egyptians cry”

Alternate translation: “because people are treating them harshly” or “because others are causing them to suffer”

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will send someone to save and defend the Egyptians”

Who Yahweh will deliver them from can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will deliver the Egyptians from their oppressors” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 19:21

Here “Egypt” refers to the people of Egypt. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make the people of Egypt know him” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “will accept the truth about Yahweh” or “will agree to the truth about Yahweh”

The object of their worship can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “They will worship Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “will make promises to Yahweh and keep them” or “they will make promises to Yahweh and they will do what they have promised to do”

Isaiah 19:22

Here, “Egypt” refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will afflict the people of Egypt” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “strike” or “punish”

The word “them” is understood in this phrase. Alternate translation: “afflicting them and healing them” (See: Ellipsis)

How this phrase relates to the phrase before it can be made clear with the words “after” and “also.” Alternate translation: “and after he afflicts them, he will also heal them”

Isaiah 19:23

A highway is a large road on which many people can travel.

“the Assyrian” refers to a person from Assyria, but represents anyone from Assyria who comes to Egypt. Alternate translation: “Assyrians will come” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

The words “will come” are understood. Alternate translation: “the Egyptian will come to Assyria” (See: Ellipsis)

This refers to a person from Egypt, but represents anyone from Egypt who comes to Assyria. Alternate translation: “Egyptians” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

The object of their worship can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians and Assyrians will worship Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 19:24

The names of the three nations represent the people of those nations. Alternate translation: “the Israelites will be the third with the Egyptians and Assyrians” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) “join together with” or (2) “be the third blessing with” or (3) “be equal to.” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Isaiah 19:25

The names of the three nations refer to the people of those nations. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have blessed you, people of Egypt, because you are my people; and I have blessed you, people of Assyria, because I created you; and I have blessed you, people of Israel, because I securely possess you” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Here “hands” refers to God’s power and action. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 20

Isaiah 20 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Naked and barefoot

This is an image used in this chapter to describe Assyria’s victory over Egypt and Ethiopia. While they will be defeated, they will not be totally destroyed. Instead, they will be left with nothing. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 20:1

the name of the chief commander of the armies of Assyria (See: How to Translate Names)

the name of the king of Assyria

Ashdod refers to the army of Ashdod. Alternate translation: “he fought against the army of Ashdod and defeated it” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 20:2

“walking around without clothes and without sandals.” Here the word “naked” probably refers to wearing only his undergarments.

Isaiah 20:3

Alternate translation: “a warning”

Isaiah 20:4

The king orders his army to do this task. Alternate translation: “the king of Assyria will have his army lead away the captives” (See: Metonymy)

It can be stated clearly that they will first attack and capture people. Alternate translation: “will attack Egypt and Cush and capture their people and lead them away” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Egypt refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “which will bring shame on the people of Egypt” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 20:5

Alternate translation: “afraid and put to shame”

Hope and glory refer to their trust in the military power of these countries. Alternate translation: “because they had trusted in the power of the armies of Cush and Egypt” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 20:6

the people who lived in the lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where we fled to so they would rescue us” (See: Active or Passive)

The author uses this question to emphasize how hopeless their situation was. Alternate translation: “now there is no way for us to escape!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 21

Isaiah 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 21:1-10, 13-17.

Special concepts in this chapter

Cush

Dumah and Seir are places in Edom. Part of this chapter is a prophecy against Cush. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The desert by the sea

This is a metaphor for an unknown nation. Scholars are divided over the proper identity of this nation, but it is probably Babylon. (See: Metaphor)

Mystery

The fulfillment of this chapter is very mysterious. It is unknown who is truly being addressed and how this is to be fulfilled in history. The translator should not attempt to give the reader insight into this prophecy’s fulfillment. (See: fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 21:1

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares” or “This is Yahweh’s message”

This refers to the people who live in Babylon as being a desert, even though God has not made it into a desert yet. This event will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “about the people who live in a land that soon will be a desert” (See: Metonymy and Predictive Past)

Isaiah compares the army that will attack the people to a storm with strong winds. They will be quick and powerful. (See: Simile)

Here “wilderness” refers to the wilderness of Judea. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The army is from a people that cause great fear.

Isaiah 21:2

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh showed me a troubling vision” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “those who deceive will deceive”

Alternate translation: “those who destroy will destroy”

In the vision given to Isaiah, Yahweh speaks to the armies of Elam and Media as if they are there listening to him. (See: Apostrophe)

It is understood that they are to attack the Babylonians. Alternate translation: “Go up and attack the Babylonians, you soldiers of Elam; go and besiege the Babylonians, you soldiers of Media” (See: Ellipsis)

Here “Elam” and “Media” represent the soldiers from these places. (See: Metonymy)

Here “her” represents all the people who are suffering because of the Babylonians. Yahweh will cause them to stop groaning when he sends the armies of Elam and Media to destroy the Babylonians. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 21:3

The vision that Isaiah sees is so troubling it causes him physical pain. Here he describes the pain and cramping in the middle part of his body.

Isaiah compares his pain to the pain of a woman giving birth. This emphasizes the great pain he is feeling. (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “What I heard has caused me to bend over in pain” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “what I saw has greatly troubled me” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 21:4

Alternate translation: “My heart beats fast and I am shaking”

Isaiah 21:5

Here “They” refers to the leaders of Babylon.

Here “table” represents the food that people will eat at the feast. (See: Metonymy)

Here “princes” refers in general to men with authority and not necessarily to sons of kings.

Soldiers would put oil on their leather shields so they would stay soft and not crack during battle. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 21:6

Alternate translation: “tell a watchman to stand on the wall of Jerusalem”

Isaiah 21:7

Alternate translation: “a soldier riding in a chariot, a pair of horses pulling it”

Isaiah 21:8

Here “Lord” refers to the person with authority that commanded the watchman to stand on the wall of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 21:9

Babylon being completely defeated by their enemies is spoken of as if Babylon has fallen. Here “Babylon” is a metonym that represents the people of Babylon. Alternate translation: “The people of Babylon are completely defeated” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

The word “fallen” is repeated to emphasize that the people of Babylon were completely defeated by their enemies.

Isaiah 21:10

The people of Israel suffering because of the Babylonians is spoken of as if the people were grain that was threshed and winnowed. (See: Metaphor)

The word “my” refers to Isaiah.

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 21:11

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares” or “This is a message from Yahweh”

This is another name for Edom. Here “Dumah” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “about the people of Dumah” or “about the people of Edom” (See: How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

Here “me” refers to Isaiah.

This is the name of mountains west of Edom. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is repeated to emphasize that the person asking the question is worried and nervous. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 21:12

Alternate translation: “Ask me now what you want to know, but also come back later and ask again”

Isaiah 21:13

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares” or “This is the message of Yahweh”

Arabia refers to the population of Arabia. Alternate translation: “about the people of Arabia” (See: Metonymy)

Arabia does not have a forest. Alternate translation: “Far off from the road in Arabia” or “Out in the bushes of Arabia” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

a group of people traveling together

This is a people group that lived in Arabia. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 21:14

This is the name of a city in Arabia. (See: How to Translate Names)

A fugitive is a person who runs away so that his enemy will not capture him. See how you translated this in Isaiah 15:5.

Here “bread” represents food in general. (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 21:15

Here “sword” and “bow” represents the soldiers who attack the inhabitants of Tema. Alternate translation: “from their enemies who attack them with swords and bows” (See: Metonymy)

The terror and suffering that is experienced during war is spoken of as if war were a heavy weight on people. Alternate translation: “from the horrors of war” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 21:16

“as a hired laborer would count the days of a year.” A hired worker is careful to count the days so that he works exactly the amount of time he is paid to work. This means Kedar will be defeated in exactly one year. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is a region in Arabia. Kedar represents the population of Kedar. Alternate translation: “of the people of Kedar” (See: How to Translate Names and Metonymy)

Isaiah 22

Isaiah 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Repentance

On this day of judgment, Judah should be repenting of their sin. Instead, they are celebrating it. Although Judah avoids Yahweh’s punishment through the Assyrians, their punishment will still come. (See: judge, judgment and repent, repentance and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Valley of Visions”

This is a metaphor used in this prophecy against the nation of Judah. (See: Metaphor and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Isaiah 22:1

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares” or “This is Yahweh’s message”

Here “Valley” refers to those who live in the valley, that is, Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “about those who live in the Valley of Vision” or “about those who live in Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah uses a question to scold the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “You should not go and stand on the tops of your houses.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 22:2

Alternate translation: “a town full of people celebrating”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Enemy soldiers did not kill your people” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “sword” represents the soldiers who fight in battle. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 22:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but the enemy captured your rulers who were not even carrying a bow” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the enemy captured all of them together” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 22:4

Here “I” refers to Isaiah.

Here “daughter” represents the people and may imply Isaiah’s feeling of love for them. Alternate translation: “of my people whom I love” or “of my people” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 22:5

Alternate translation: “For there will be a time”

Alternate translation: “when the Lord Yahweh of hosts will cause panic, treading down, and confusion”

This could mean: (1) this refers to soldiers marching or (2) people in general are running in panic and not sure where to go.

This refers to Jerusalem. See how you translated this in Isaiah 22:1.

This could mean: (1) “people in the mountains will hear their cries” or (2) “the people’s cries will echo off the mountains”

Isaiah 22:6

The quiver is a bag to carry arrows and represents the archer’s weapons. Alternate translation: “The soldiers of Elam take their bows and arrows” (See: Metonymy)

Here “Kir” represents the soldiers. Alternate translation: “the soldiers of Kir will take their shields out of their covers” (See: Metonymy)

Kir is a city in Media. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 22:7

Here “your” refers to the people of Jerusalem. Isaiah does include himself as one of the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “our best valleys”

Isaiah 22:8

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word protection, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will take away everything that has protected the people of Judah” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here the phrase “to look to” means to trust in something. Alternate translation: “to defend yourselves you will get the weapons” (See: Idiom)

This was a part of the temple in Jerusalem where they stored their weapons.

Isaiah 22:9

The people will store water so that they will have enough to drink while their enemies surround the city. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 22:10

Here “counted” means they inspected the houses to find material to help them rebuild the city wall.

Isaiah 22:11

Alternate translation: “You made a storage place”

It is unclear what two walls Isaiah meant. The main point is that they built the reservoir within the city walls.

This could mean: (1) this refers to the original human builder of the city or (2) this refers to Yahweh.

Isaiah 22:12

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

This was a sign of mourning and repenting. (See: Symbolic Action)

Isaiah 22:13

Here “eat and drink” represents having a party and over indulging in food and wine. Alternate translation: “we may as well have fun now by eating and drinking all we want, for we will die soon” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 22:14

Here “ears” represents Isaiah as a whole. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh of hosts revealed this to me” (See: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Surely I will not forgive you for these sinful things you have done, even when you die” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) Yahweh will never forgive them, even after they die or (2) Yahweh will not forgive them until they die.

Isaiah 22:15

This is the name of the manager of the king’s palace in Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “house” represents those in the king’s palace. Alternate translation: “who is in charge of all those who work in the palace” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 22:16

Yahweh uses this question to scold Shebna. Alternate translation: “You have no right … in the rock!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These three phrases all refer to making a burial tomb. (See: Parallelism)

The most important people in Israel had tombs in the highest places. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 22:18

The enemy soldiers coming and taking Shebna as a captive to a foreign land is spoken of as if Yahweh were throwing him like a ball into another land. (See: Metaphor)

Here “house” represents the people who work in the king’s palace. Alternate translation: “you will cause shame for all those in your master’s palace” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 22:19

Yahweh causing Shebna to no longer work in the king’s palace is spoken of as if Yahweh will throw him to the ground. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will bring you down from your honored position” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 22:20

Alternate translation: “It will happen at that time”

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 22:21

Yahweh causing Eliakim to take Shebna’s place in the king’s palace is spoken of as if Yahweh will dress Eliakim in Shebna’s clothes that represent his authority in the king’s palace. (See: Metaphor)

Here the tunic and sash represent authority in the king’s palace. (See: Metonymy)

This is a piece of cloth that people wear around the waist or across the chest. See how you translated this in Isaiah 3:20.

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “to him” (See: Metonymy)

Eliakim caring for and protecting the people of Judah is spoken of as if he would be their father. Alternate translation: “He will be like a father” (See: Metaphor)

Here “house” represents the people. Alternate translation: “to the people of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 22:22

Here “key” represents authority. This speaks of Eliakim having authority that no one can oppose as if he had the key to the palace and no one else could lock or unlock the door. Alternate translation: “I will put him in charge of those who work in the king’s palace, and when he makes a decision no one will be able to oppose him” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Isaiah 22:23

Yahweh causing Eliakim’s authority to be strong and secure in the king’s palace is spoken of as if Eliakim were a peg and Yahweh will set him firmly in the palace wall. (See: Metaphor)

Here “seat of glory” represents a place of honor. Alternate translation: “Eliakim will bring honor to his family” (See: Metonymy)

Here “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “his father’s family” or “his family” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 22:24

Yahweh causing Eliakim’s whole family to be honored because of Eliakim is spoken of as if Eliakim were a peg in the wall and his family were something that hangs on the peg. Alternate translation: “They will give honor to his whole family because of him” (See: Metaphor)

This continues to speak of Eliakim as a peg. His offspring will be like cups that hang on the peg. This means his descendants will be honored because of him. (See: Metaphor)

A cup is a small container that holds water. A jug is a larger container that holds water.

Isaiah 22:25

Yahweh causing Shebna to lose his authority in the king’s palace is spoken of as if Shebna were a peg in the wall that breaks off and falls to the ground. This emphasizes that Shebna thought his authority was secure but God will remove him. (See: Metaphor)

Here “weight” represents Shebna’s power and authority. It is spoken of as if it were an object hanging on the peg that represents Shebna. Yahweh causing Shebna to lose his power and authority is spoken of as if someone were to cut off the object that was hanging on the peg. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Isaiah 23

Isaiah 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Phoenicia

This chapter prophesies destruction against several cities in Phoenicia as well as in Tarshish. The exact location of Tarshish is unknown. Because of the locations mentioned in this chapter, it appears that the Assyrians will conquer many of the nations on the Mediterranean Sea. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Isaiah 23:1

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares about Tyre”

Here “ships” represents the men on the ships. Isaiah speaks to the men on the ships of Tarshish as if they could hear him. Alternate translation: “Cry out in despair you men on the ships of Tarshish” (See: Metonymy and Apostrophe)

an area of the sea that is near land and safe for ships

This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the men heard about Tyre when they were in the land of Cyprus” (See: How to Translate Names and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 23:2

Isaiah speaks to the people who live on the coast as if they could hear him. (See: Apostrophe)

This is an idiom. Here silence is meant to signal shock and amazement. Alternate translation: “Be shocked” (See: Idiom)

The “coast” is the land near or around the sea or ocean. Here it refers to the people who live in Phoenicia which borders the Mediterranean sea.

Here “merchant” means “many merchants.” Alternate translation: “the merchants of Sidon, who travel over the sea, have made you rich” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Isaiah 23:3

Shihor was the name of a valley near the Nile River in Egypt known for its production of grain. Alternate translation: “The men traveled on the large sea to transport the grain from Shihor in Egypt” (See: How to Translate Names)

The “harvest of the Nile” refers to the grain that was harvested near the Nile River and transported on the river and then to Phoenicia. (See: Possession)

Alternate translation: “its produce.” It was common to refer to the river as “her.”

Commerce is the activity of buying and selling goods. Here “nations” represents the people. Alternate translation: “you were where people from other nations came to buy and sell goods” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 23:4

This could mean: (1) Yahweh describes the city of Tyre as a mother who speaks about the people who live in the city as her children, or (2) Yahweh is describing the Mediterranean Sea as speaking. The people of Tyre considered the sea their god and father. In either meaning the speaker mourns because its children are destroyed. (See: Personification)

Isaiah 23:6

“Make your way to Tarshish.” Tarshish was the farthest land the people of Tyre traveled to do business. It will be the only place of safety for those who escape from Tyre.

Isaiah 23:7

Yahweh uses a question to mock Tyre. This rhetorical questions can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “This has indeed happened to you who were full of joy in the ancient city of Tyre … to settle.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the joyful people who live in the city of Tyre” (See: Metonymy)

Here “feet” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “who went to distant places to live and make money” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “her” refers to the city of Tyre which represents the people of Tyre. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 23:8

Isaiah uses a question to mock Tyre. The word “this” refers to God’s plans to destroy Tyre which Isaiah described in 23:1-7. Also, “Tyre” refers to the people who live in Tyre. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It was Yahweh who has planned to destroy the people of Tyre … of the earth.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metonymy)

Here “crown” refers to the power a person has as a ruler over people. Alternate translation: “who gives people power to rule over others” (See: Metonymy)

The merchants are compared to princes to emphasize how much power they had when they went to different lands. Alternate translation: “whose merchants are like princes” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whose traders the people of the earth give the highest honors” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 23:9

Alternate translation: “to dishonor them because they were proud of their own glory”

Here “her” refers to the city of Tyre which represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “their pride … their glory … their honored one” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 23:10

This could mean: (1) Isaiah is telling the people of Tarshish to start planting crops since they can no longer trade with Tyre or (2) Isaiah is telling the people of Tarshish they are free from Tyre’s control. Alternate translation: “Pass through your land like a river, daughter of Tarshish. The people of Tyre no longer have any power” (See: Simile)

The “daughter” of a city represents the people of the city. Alternate translation: “the people of Tarshish” or “the people who live in Tarshish” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 23:11

Yahweh using his power to control the sea and the people of mighty kingdoms is spoken of as if Yahweh reached out his hand and shook kingdoms. (See: Metaphor)

Here “hand” refers to God’s power and control. Alternate translation: “has shown his power over the sea” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 23:12

Here “virgin daughter” represents the people of Sidon. Alternate translation: “people of Sidon, because other people will oppress you” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 23:13

Here, Chaldeans here is another name for Babylonians. Alternate translation: “See what happened to the land of the Babylonians” or “See what has happened to Babylonia”

Soldiers built towers or dirt ramps to attack over the walls of a city.

Isaiah 23:14

Here “ships” represents the men on the ships. See how you translated this in Isaiah 23:1. (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for enemies have destroyed your refuge” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 23:15

Alternate translation: “At that time” or “Then”

Since people will no longer go to Tyre to buy or sell goods, it will be like they have forgotten about the city. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for seventy years it will be like the people have forgotten about Tyre” (See: Active or Passive)

“for 70 years” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “like the years of a king” or “which is about as long as a king lives”

This speaks about the people of Tyre as if they were a prostitute. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 23:16

This speaks about the people of Tyre as if they were a prostitute (verse 15). Just as a prostitute who is no longer popular may sing in the streets to regain her former lovers, the people of Tyre will try to get people from other nations to return to them to continue trading so that the people of Tyre will be rich and powerful again. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that people remember you” or “so that people return to you” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 23:17

This phrase is used here to mark an important event that will happen. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

“70 years” (See: Numbers)

Here “Tyre” represents the people who live in Tyre. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will help the people of Tyre” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah compares the people of Tyre with a prostitute. Just as the prostitute sells herself for money to any man, the people of Tyre will again buy and sell to all kingdoms. Alternate translation: “And like a prostitute they will buy and sell will all the kingdoms of the earth” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 23:18

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The merchants will not store away their money” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “those who obey and serve Yahweh”

Alternate translation: “so they will have enough food to eat”

Isaiah 24

Isaiah 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

While it appears that this chapter is a continuation of the prophecy from the previous chapter, it actually looks at the whole of the Assyrian conquest as Yahweh’s punishment on the world. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Special concepts in this chapter

Covenant

The mention of an “everlasting covenant” in this chapter is probably not to a specific covenant with Abraham or Moses. Instead, it is an expectation that mankind would obey Yahweh. Some consider this to be a covenant Yahweh made with Adam. (See: eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever and covenant)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Reign of Yahweh

This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. This chapter pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator should not add explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah)

Isaiah 24:1

Alternate translation: “to make the earth desolate” or “to destroy everything on the earth”

Isaiah 24:2

This phrase marks an important event. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

What Yahweh will do is not stated here, but it is understood. This shows that God will treat all people the same way. Alternate translation: “as Yahweh scatters … so he will scatter”(See: Ellipsis)

In 24:2 Isaiah lists several classes of people. They can be expressed as plural nouns as in the UST. Alternate translation: “the priests … those who give interest” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

“the one who owes money.” The word “interest” means the extra money someone has to pay so that he may borrow money.

Alternate translation: “the one who is owed money”

Isaiah 24:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will completely devastate the earth and he will remove everything with value” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh has said he would”

everything that is on the earth (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 24:4

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “Everything on earth will dry up and die” (See: Parallelism)

Both of these represent everything that is on the earth. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 24:5

The people sinning and making the earth unacceptable to God is spoken of as if the people made the earth physically unclean. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people have polluted the earth” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “they have not obeyed God’s laws and statutes, and they have broken God’s eternal covenant”

Isaiah 24:6

Yahweh cursing the earth and destroying it is spoken of as if a curse were either a wild animal that completely eats the earth or a fire that completely burns up the earth. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will declare that the people are guilty” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 24:8

These are musical instruments. See how you translated these in Isaiah 5:12.

Isaiah 24:10

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will break down the city of chaos” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) the city was in chaos before the Lord breaks it down; the people did not obey God, the government was corrupt, and the city was full of drinking and parties, or (2) the city will be in chaos after God breaks it down. The walls and buildings that were once built strong and tall are now in ruins on the ground. With either meaning it does not mean one city. It refers to cities in general.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people will close up their houses and leave them empty” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 24:11

Alternate translation: “because there is no wine”

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “all joy will be gone from the earth” (See: Parallelism)

Here “land” represents the people of the earth. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 24:12

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “desolate” or “empty.” Alternate translation: “The city is desolate” or “The city is left empty” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This is not a specific city but cities in general. (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Isaiah 24:13

This compares the nations after Yahweh devastates the land to trees and vines after their fruit has been picked. This means there will be very few people left in the land. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 24:14

The phrase “lift up their voices” is an idiom that means to speak loudly. Alternate translation: “They will sing and shout about the majesty of Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

Here “They” refers to those who are still alive after Yahweh devastates the earth.

Here “the sea” refers to the Mediterranean Sea which is west of Israel. Alternate translation: “and those in the west towards the sea will shout with joy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 24:15

The phrase “in the east” represents the people living east of Israel. Isaiah is commanding these people as if they were there with him. But, he is talking to the people in the future after God devastates the earth. Alternate translation: “Therefore everyone from distant lands in the east will glorify Yahweh” (See: Metonymy and Apostrophe and Predictive Past)

Isaiah is commanding the people who live on the islands in the Mediterranean sea as if they were there with him. But, he is talking to the people in the future after God devastates the earth. Alternate translation: “everyone in the islands will give glory” (See: Metonymy and Apostrophe and Predictive Past)

Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 24:16

Here “we” refers to Isaiah and the people of Israel. Isaiah is describing something in the future as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: “we will hear” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Predictive Past)

Isaiah repeats this phrase to emphasize his anguish. He was very concerned because he saw people who deceived others and did not do what they promised to do. Alternate translation: “I have become very weak” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah repeats this phrase to emphasize his anguish. Alternate translation: “Indeed, those who deceive are now deceiving others” or “Indeed, the deceivers have acted deceitfully” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 24:17

Alternate translation: “You people of the earth will experience terror, the pit, and the snare”

Here “pit” and “snare” represent all the different bad things that will happen to people. People will run away to escape one bad thing but they will just experience another bad thing. (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 24:18

Here the “snare” represents all the different bad things that will happen to people. People will run away to escape one bad thing but they will just experience another bad thing. (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “the terrifying sound”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the snare will catch him” (See: Active or Passive)

This speaks of large amounts of rain falling from the sky as if Yahweh opened a window in the sky and let the water pour through. Alternate translation: “The sky will split open and torrents of rain will fall” (See: Metaphor)

The word “foundation” normally refers to a stone structure that gives support to a building from underneath. Here it describes a similar structure that was thought to support and hold the earth in place. Isaiah says even the structure that holds the earth will shake. Alternate translation: “the earth will shake terribly” or “there will be a terrible earthquake”

Isaiah 24:19

These passive clauses can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The earth will break and split apart; the earth will shake violently” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 24:20

These similes emphasize how the earth will shake back and forth. (See: Simile)

This speaks of the earth as if it were a person and transgressions were a heavy object. The person tries to carry the heavy weight but the weight causes the person to fall and not be able to stand back up. Here the earth represents the people of the earth who cause Yahweh to destroy the earth because of their sins. Alternate translation: “The sins of the people are many and so Yahweh will destroy the earth, and the earth will be like a person who falls and cannot get back up” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Isaiah 24:21

Alternate translation: “At that time”

A host is an army. Here “the host of the heaven” refers to the many powerful spirits in the heavens. It can be stated clearly that they are evil. Alternate translation: “the powerful beings” or “the evil spiritual beings” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “in the sky”

Isaiah 24:22

Here “pit” refers to a dark room or hole in a prison. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will gather them together as his prisoners and lock them in the dungeon of a prison” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will punish them” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 24:23

The sun and the moon are described as a person who is ashamed of being in front of someone with greater power. In the presence of Yahweh, the light of the moon and sun will seem less bright. (See: Personification)

Isaiah 25

Isaiah 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

This chapter shifts from being a prophecy against the nations to the personal praises of Isaiah. He praises Yahweh for the deliverance of his people. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and deliver, hand over, turn over, release, rescue and people of God)

Special concepts in this chapter

Reign of the Messiah

This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. This chapter pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator should not add explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah)

Isaiah 25:1

Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “praise you” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “things you planned long ago” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful.” Alternate translation: “because you are perfectly faithful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 25:2

This is not referring to a certain city. It means cities in general. (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Alternate translation: “a fortress belonging to foreigners”

Isaiah 25:3

Here “city” and “nations” represent the people who live there. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 25:4

Yahweh protecting his people is spoken of as if he were a place that the people could go to be safe and comforted. (See: Metaphor)

Ruthless people oppressing the people of God is spoken of as if they were a storm beating against a wall. (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “When the wind” or “When the blast”

This is a nominal adjective. Alternate translation: “ruthless people” or “those who are ruthless” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 25:5

This compares the enemies of God’s people to the heat that dries up the land. This emphasizes how much the enemies cause the people of God to suffer. (See: Simile)

Yahweh stopping ruthless people from singing and boasting is compared to a cloud providing shade on a hot day. This emphasizes that Yahweh comforts his people by stopping those who cause them to suffer. (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “just like when a cloud passes overhead and subdues the heat” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will stop the ruthless people from singing” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 25:6

This refers to Jerusalem or Mount Zion.

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Here “fat things” means the best food.

“the oldest wine.” This means the best wine.

Isaiah 25:7

Death, suffering, and sadness are spoken of as if they were a dark cloud or web that covers everyone on the earth. (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

Isaiah 25:8

Yahweh causing people to live forever is spoken of as if he would swallow death. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh causing the people to never be ashamed again is spoken of as if disgrace were an object that Yahweh would take away. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 25:9

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will say” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “at that time”

Isaiah 25:10

The “hand” represents God’s power. For Yahweh’s hand to rest on “this mountain” means he will protect his people Alternate translation: “The power of Yahweh will be on this mountain” or “For on Mount Zion Yahweh will protect his people” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Yahweh destroying the people of Moab is spoken of as if he would step on them and crush them. This is compared to how people trampled on straw to mix it with manure. (See: Metaphor and Simile)

Here Moab represents the people of Moab. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will trample the people in the land of Moab” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 25:11

This simile emphasizes how badly Yahweh will humiliate the people of Moab. They will spread their hands in dung like a swimmer spreads his hands in water. (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “The people of Moab will push their hands through the dung”

Alternate translation: “as if they were swimming”

Yahweh humiliating a proud person is spoken of as if pride were something high and Yahweh would cause it to be low. (See: Metaphor)

Here “hands” represents the power to do or make something. Alternate translation: “in spite of the great things they have built” or “in spite of the great things they have done” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 25:12

This speaks of Yahweh causing armies to bring down the walls as if he himself were going to bring them down. Alternate translation: “He will send an army to bring your high fortress walls to the ground, to the dust” (See: Metonymy)

Here “Your” refers to the people of Moab. It can be stated in third person to be consistent with the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Their high fortress” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 26

Isaiah 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“That day”

This is a common phrase in this section of Isaiah. This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. This chapter pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator should not add explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration, prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 26:1

Alternate translation: “At that time”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people in the land of Judah will sing this song” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to the city of Jerusalem.

God’s power to protect and save his people is spoken of as if his salvation were walls around a city. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 26:2

Here “nation” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the righteous and faithful people” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 26:3

Here “mind” represents a person’s thoughts. Also “you” refers to Yahweh. The phrase “stayed on you” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “The person who continually thinks about you” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Isaiah 26:4

Yah is another name for Yahweh.

Yahweh having the power to protect his people is spoken of as if he were a tall rock where people could go to escape from their enemies. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 26:5

Yahweh humiliating those who are proud is spoken of as if proud people were up high and he would cause them to come down low. (See: Metaphor)

This means fortified cities in general not a specific city. (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Yahweh causing an army to destroy fortified cities is spoken of as if Yahweh would do it himself. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 26:6

Both statements mean the same thing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The poor and oppressed people will trample on the ruins of the city” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 26:7

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. People obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they were walking on his path. Yahweh ensuring the people that what they do is right is spoken of as if he were making the path level and straight for them. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 26:8

Doing what Yahweh judged to be right is spoken of walking on his path. Alternate translation: “we wait for you, Yahweh, as we continue to do what you judged to be right” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “of your laws” or “of your teachings”

Here “we” refers to Isaiah and all righteous people who are speaking to Yahweh. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Here “name” and “reputation” represent Yahweh’s character which represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “our only desire is to honor you” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 26:9

Wanting to know Yahweh and his laws better is spoken of as if the person were seeking to find Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I earnestly want to know you better” (See: Metaphor)

Here “spirit” represents the speaker as a whole. (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 26:10

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Even if Yahweh is kind to wicked people, they still do not learn to do what is right” (See: Active or Passive)

This means wicked people in general. (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Here “land” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “In the land where the people do what is right” (See: Metonymy)

Here “see” represents realizing something. Alternate translation: “does not realize that Yahweh is great” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 26:11

Yahweh preparing to punish wicked people is spoken of as if his hand were raised and about to hit the wicked people. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “but the wicked people do not notice”

Here “see” represents realizing something. Alternate translation: “they will realize that you are eager to bless your people” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they will be ashamed” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh punishing and completely destroying his adversaries is spoken of as if he would send a fire that will completely burn them up. (See: Metaphor)

Here “of” does not mean the fire belongs to the adversaries but that the fire is intended to be used against the adversaries. Alternate translation: “your fire will completely burn them up”

Isaiah 26:12

Here “us” refers to Isaiah and includes all the righteous people. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Isaiah 26:13

Here “name” represents the person of God. Alternate translation: “but we praise you alone” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 26:14

Alternate translation: “they will not come back to life”

Yahweh causing people to no longer remember those he destroyed is spoken of as if Yahweh made their memory perish or die. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 26:15

This clause is repeated for emphasis. Here “nation” represents the people. Alternate translation: “You have greatly increased the number of people in our nation” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

Isaiah 26:16

Here “they” refers to the people of Israel. This would include Isaiah. Alternate translation: “we looked to you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This idiom means they asked Yahweh for help. (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word discipline, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “when you disciplined them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 26:17

This compares the people to a woman giving birth. This emphasizes their suffering and crying when Yahweh disciplined them. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 26:18

“but it is as if we have only given birth to air” or “it is like we gave birth to nothing.” This is a simile that emphasizes that the people’s suffering resulted in nothing. Alternate translation: “but nothing good resulted from it” (See: Simile)

Here “earth” represents the people who live on the earth. The meaning is unclear, but it seems to mean that the people of Israel have not been able to save themselves or other people by defeating their enemy in battle. (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “We have not saved the inhabitants of the earth” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “nor have we caused the wicked people of the world to fall in battle”

Isaiah 26:19

This can be reworded so that the nominal adjective “dead” is expressed as the verb “have died.” Alternate translation: “Your people who have died will live again” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This could mean: (1) “Your” refers to Yahweh or (2) “Your” refers to the people of Israel. If you choose option two you could translate it as “Our dead.”

This speaks of dead people coming back to life as if they were waking up from sleep. (See: Metaphor)

This is a polite way of referring to those who have died. Alternate translation: “those who are dead and buried” (See: Euphemism)

Yahweh acting kindly towards his people and bringing them back to life is spoken of as if it were the dew that causes the plants to live. (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “your” refers to Yahweh and this is the dew that Yahweh gives or (2) “your” refers to the people of Israel and this is the dew they receive from Yahweh.

This could mean: (1) “light” refers to Yahweh’s power to make dead people alive again. Alternate translation: “dew from Yahweh” or (2) “light” refers to the morning time when dew is on the plants. Alternate translation: “dew in the morning”

“the earth will give birth to those who died.” Yahweh causing dead people to come back to life is spoken of as if the earth would give birth to those who have died. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh will cause those who have died to rise from the earth” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 26:20

Here “my” refers to Isaiah. Also “people” refers to the people of Israel.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word indignation, you could express the same idea with the adjective “angry.” Alternate translation: “until Yahweh is no longer angry with us” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 26:21

Yahweh revealing all murders that have happened on the earth so that he can punish the murderers is spoken of as if the earth itself will reveal everyone who has been murdered. (See: Personification)

Isaiah 27

Isaiah 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Leviathan

This was an ancient type of dragon or serpent. It is possible that this is a reference to Satan, who is also described as a serpent and a dragon. (See: Satan, devil, evil one and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“That day”

This is a common phrase in this section of Isaiah. This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. This chapter pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator should not add explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration, prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 27:1

Alternate translation: “At that time”

Yahweh having the power to destroy his enemies is spoken of as if he had strong, large sword. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to Leviathan.

Isaiah 27:2

“Sing about the vineyard of wine.” This speaks about the people of Israel as if they were a vineyard that produced fruit. Alternate translation: “Sing about the people of Israel as if they were a vineyard that produced grapes for wine” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 27:3

Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, protect the vineyard”

The words “night” and “day” are combined here to mean “all the time.” Alternate translation: “all the time” or “continually” (See: Merism)

Isaiah 27:4

This continues to speak about the people of Israel as if they were a vineyard (Isaiah 27:2-3).

Alternate translation: “I am not angry. If there were briers and thorns I would march against them in battle”

It is understood that Yahweh is not angry with his people any longer. Alternate translation: “I am not angry with my people any longer” (See: Ellipsis)

The enemies of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were briers and thorns growing in the vineyard. (See: Metaphor)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 5:6.

Yahweh fighting his enemies is spoken of as if he were a warrior in an army. (See: Metaphor)

Here Isaiah combines different images to speak of Yahweh’s enemies. He speaks of them as if they are briers and thorns but also as soldiers in an army. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 27:5

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word protection, you could express the same idea with the verb “protect.” Alternate translation: “unless they ask me to protect them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “they ask to live peacefully with me; I want them to live peacefully with me”

Isaiah 27:6

This speaks about a day as if it travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate translation: “In the future” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh blessing the people of Israel and causing them to prosper is spoken of as if they were a vine that grows roots and blossoms. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Israel will prosper like a vine that has taken root and blossomed” (See: Metaphor)

Here “Jacob” and “Israel” are metonyms that represent the descendants of Jacob. (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh causing the people of Israel to prosper greatly so that they can help other people is spoken of as if they were a vine that grows so much fruit that it would cover the earth. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 27:7

The question is used to contrast the severity of God’s punishment. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has certainly punished the enemy nations more severely than he punished the people of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These represent the descendants of Jacob. (See: Metonymy)

This question too is used to contrast the severity of God’s punishment. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has not killed the people of Israel like they killed their enemies from other nations.” (See: Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 27:8

Here “you” refers to God. Yahweh punishing his people as much as they needed is spoken of as if God’s punishment were something that could be measured. Alternate translation: “But you did punish them as much as was needed” (See: Forms of You and Metaphor)

This represents the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “sending the Israelites away” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh’s power to send his people away to a foreign country is spoken of as if Yahweh used his breath to blow them to a foreign country. Alternate translation: “the power of Yahweh drove them out like a fierce wind from the east” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 27:9

This could mean: (1) “this” refers to Yahweh sending the people into exile as Isaiah mentioned in the previous verse or (2) “this” refers to the actions that Isaiah will mention in the next part of verse 9.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will purge the sin from the Israelites” or “Yahweh will forgive the sins of the Israelites” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “Jacob” represents the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “iniquity of the Israelites … removal of their sins” (See: Metonymy)

Here “this” refers to the actions that Isaiah will describe in the next part of verse 9.

This speaks of the results of an action as if it were the fruit that grows as on a tree or vine. Alternate translation: “the result” (See: Metaphor)

Here “he” refers to Jacob who represents his descendants. Alternate translation: “They will completely destroy all the altars on which they sacrifice to false gods, and they will remove all the Asherah idols and the altars on which they burn incense to false gods” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 27:10

Here Isaiah describes an event that will happen in the future as if it already happened. This emphasizes that it certainly will happen. (See: Predictive Past)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The cities that were strong and had many people living in them will become empty like a desert” (See: Active or Passive)

This does not refer to a specific city or habitation but to cities and habitations in general. (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Here “calf” represents calves or cattle in general. Alternate translation: “calves feed, and there they lie down and consume” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Isaiah 27:11

The people becoming so weak because they disobey Yahweh so that enemies can easily destroy them is spoken of as if they are dry branches that women break off of a tree. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When the branches wither, women will come and break them off and make fires with them” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: “this is not a people who understands Yahweh or his law” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This could mean: (1) “people” refers to the people of Israel or (2) “people” refers the people of foreign nations who oppress the people of Israel.

Both clauses mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “Because they do not understand, Yahweh, the one who made them, will not be merciful to them” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 27:12

This phrase marks an important event that will happen.

Alternate translation: “at that time”

Yahweh gathering his people to bring them back from the foreign nations to the land of Israel is spoken of as if he were threshing wheat to separate the grain from the chaff. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah mentions the Euphrates River and the Wadi of Egypt to mean that Yahweh will bring back the people of Israel who were exiled in lands near those waters, that is, Assyria and Egypt. The Euphrates River is northeast of Israel, and the Wadi of Egypt is southwest of Israel.

Alternate translation: “the brook of Egypt”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will gather you together one by one” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 27:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone will blow a trumpet loudly” (See: Active or Passive)

The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “those who are in exile and dying in the land of Assyria and the land of Egypt will return to the land of Israel” (See: Ellipsis)

The “holy mountain” is Mount Zion, in Jerusalem. See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:9.

Isaiah 28

Isaiah 28 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

There are many metaphors used to describe Yahweh’s punishment as well as the sin of the people of Ephraim. In one such metaphor, they are described as being drunk. Construction and weather metaphors are also used in this chapter. (See: Metaphor and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“That day”

This is a common phrase in this section of Isaiah. This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. This chapter pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator does not need to add an explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration, prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 28:1

A “garland” is a crown made of flowers. Here it represents the city of Samaria, the capital of Israel, which sits above a fertile valley. Samaria and its people being destroyed is spoken of as if the flowers in the garland will grow old and stop being beautiful. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “who are drunk with wine”

Isaiah 28:2

Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention”

Here “one” refers to a mighty king who also represents his powerful army. Alternate translation: “the Lord sends a king with his powerful army” (See: Synecdoche)

A “storm of hail” or hailstorm happens when hard pieces of ice fall from the sky. Here it is a simile that refers to the enemy army that Yahweh will send to destroy the people of Samaria. (See: Simile)

The king and his powerful army destroying the people of Samaria and their city is spoken of as if the king will throw the people’s garlands onto the ground. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 28:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy army will crush the proud drunkards of Samaria as if they were crushing flowers under their feet” (See: Active or Passive)

A “garland” is a crown made of flowers. Here it represents the city of Samaria, the capital of Israel, which sits above a fertile valley. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 28:4

The city of Samaria, the capital of Israel, sits above a fertile valley. (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of the enemy soldiers seeing the beauty of Samaria and quickly plundering it as if they were a person who sees the first fig of the season and quickly eats it. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 28:5

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Yahweh is spoken of as if he were to become a beautiful crown that the people who honor him as their true king would wear. (See: Metaphor)

These mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “a beautiful crown” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 28:6

This can be reworded so that the abstract nouns “justice” and “strength” are expressed as adjectives. These words can begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause the judges to be just and will cause to be strong those who” (See: Abstract Nouns)

A person who has a “spirit of justice” is someone who has the characteristic of justice and is a just person. (See: Idiom)

This idiom means the person has the authority to judge. (See: Idiom)

Here “to turn back” is an idiom that means to defeat in battle. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause the soldiers to be strong so that they defeat their enemies when the enemies attack their city” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 28:7

Alternate translation: “But even the leaders”

This does not mean a specific priest or prophet. It refers to priests and prophets in general. Alternate translation: “The priests and the prophets” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the priests and the prophets cannot do their job because they are very drunk. Alternate translation: “stumble around because they are drunk” (See: Parallelism)

Their drinking so much that they can no longer think properly is spoken of as if the wine swallowed them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the wine is causing them to be confused” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Just like they are too drunk to walk correctly, they are too drunk to understand the visions God gives them or to make good decisions.

Isaiah 28:9

The drunk prophets and priests use a question to criticize Isaiah, who is trying to correct them. Alternate translation: “The drunk prophets and priests say, ‘Isaiah should not be trying to teach us about Yahweh’s message!’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The drunk prophets and priests use a question to criticize Isaiah, because they feel that he is treating them like babies. Alternate translation: “He should not treat us like babies!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 28:10

The drunk prophets and priests criticize Isaiah because they feel that Isaiah is repeating simple commands as if he were talking to a child.

Isaiah 28:11

Here “lips” and “tongue” represent the foreigners who speak a different language than the Israelites do. It is implied that this refers to the Assyrian army that will attack Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will speak to this people through enemy soldiers who will speak a foreign language” (See: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “stammering lips”

Isaiah 28:12

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rest, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “This is the resting place” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rest, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “let whoever is tired come and rest” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word refreshing, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “this is the place where you can be refreshed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 28:13

Alternate translation: “So Yahweh’s message”

These are the words that the drunk priests and prophets used to criticize how Isaiah teaches them. See how you translated this in Isaiah 28:10.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “in order that the army of Assyria will come and defeat them and take them as captives” (See: Active or Passive)

People losing in battle to the enemy army is spoken of as if the people will fall down and break. (See: Metaphor)

The enemy soldiers capturing the people of Israel is spoken of as if they were hunters that catch an animal in a snare. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 28:14

Alternate translation: “So listen to Yahweh’s message”

Isaiah 28:15

Both of these statements mean basically the same thing. This could mean: (1) the leaders of Jerusalem have used magic or sorcery to try to make an agreement with the gods of the place of the dead so that these gods would protect them from dying or (2) this is a metaphor that speaks of the leaders having made an agreement with the leaders of Egypt. The leaders of Jerusalem were so confident that the Egyptians would protect that it was like they had made an agreement with the gods of the place of the dead. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

This speaks of Yahweh’s judgment and punishment as if it were a whip that would strike the people. And the whip is spoken of as if it were a flood that would pass through Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “As a result, when everyone else is suffering and dying, nothing will harm us” (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. A “lie” and “falsehood” are spoken of as if they were places where a person could go to hide. The leaders in Jerusalem would not have said they trust in a lie. They believed they were truly safe. But Isaiah knows they are not safe, because they trust in lies. Alternate translation: “For lies and falsehoods have become like a place where we can hide from danger” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) the leaders trust in their own lies that they have said in order to protect themselves or (2) the leaders trust that the covenant they have made with the false gods of the place of the dead will keep them safe or (3) the leaders trust that the agreement they have made with the Egyptians will keep them safe.

Isaiah 28:16

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

Yahweh sending a strong person to help the people of Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh is constructing a strong foundation for a building. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “a stone that is solid”

Alternate translation: “a firm support”

Alternate translation: “Anyone who trusts in this foundation stone will not be sorry”

Isaiah 28:17

Yahweh testing according to his justice and righteousness to determine if the people are just and righteous is spoken of as if he were a builder using tools to determine that something is the correct length and perfectly level. (See: Metaphor)

A builder uses a measuring stick to determine if something is the correct length.

A builder uses a plumbline to determine if something is straight and level.

Yahweh causing a large amount of hail to fall is spoken of as if it would be an overwhelming flood. Alternate translation: “Hailstorms will destroy” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) these are a synecdoche representing anything in general that will cause destruction or (2) these are a metaphor referring to the enemy army that Yahweh will send to destroy the people of Jerusalem. (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

hard pieces of ice that fall from the sky

This speaks about “lies” as if they were a place a person could go to hide. They represent what the leaders of Jerusalem trusted in to keep them safe from Yahweh’s punishment. This could mean: (1) the leaders trust in their own lies that they have said in order to protect themselves or (2) the leaders trust that the covenant they have made with the false gods of the place of the dead will keep them safe or (3) the leaders trust that the agreement they have made with the Egyptians will keep them safe. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 28:15. (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 28:18

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will cancel the covenant you have with death, and I will cancel the agreement you have with Sheol” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) the leaders of Jerusalem had used magic or sorcery to try to make an agreement with the gods of the place of the dead so that these gods would protect them from dying or (2) this is a metaphor that speaks of the leaders having made an agreement with the leaders of Egypt. The leaders of Jerusalem were so confident that the Egyptians would protect that it was like they had made an agreement with the gods of the place of the dead. See how you translated this in Isaiah 28:15. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will not last”

This could mean: (1) “flood” is a synecdoche that represents anything in general that will cause destruction or (2) “flood” is a metaphor referring to the enemy army that Yahweh will send to destroy the people of Jerusalem. (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it will overwhelm you” or “it will destroy you” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 28:19

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “every day” (See: Idiom)

This means “throughout the entire day” (See: Merism)

Isaiah 28:20

This was probably a proverb that the people knew at the time. It means that what they believe will keep them safe from Yahweh’s punishment will disappoint them like a bed that is too short or a blanket that is too narrow. (See: Proverbs)

Isaiah 28:21

Yahweh preparing to act is spoken of as if he were sitting and then rising up. (See: Idiom)

These refer to places where God miraculously defeated enemy armies. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “he will become very angry”

These two phrases mean the same thing. This work is strange because God is using a foreign army to defeat the people of Jerusalem rather than helping the people of Jerusalem defeat their enemies. (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 28:22

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

Yahweh punishing the people even more severely is spoken of as if he would tighten their bonds. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will tighten your bonds” or “Yahweh will punish you even more severely” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with the verb “destroy.” Alternate translation: “that he is going to destroy people throughout the land” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 28:23

This begins a parable that ends in 28:29. (See: Parables)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second phrase is used to strengthen the first. (See: Parallelism)

Here “voice” represents what Isaiah says. Alternate translation: “to what I say” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “to my message”

Isaiah 28:24

Isaiah uses rhetorical questions to make the people think deeply. Alternate translation: “A farmer does not plow the ground over and over and continually work the soil without ever sowing seed.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 28:25

Alternate translation: “When the farmer has plowed the soil”

Isaiah uses a question to make the people of Jerusalem think deeply. If your language does not have a word for each of these seeds, they can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: “he will certainly plant each kind of seed in the correct way and in the proper places.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These are names of plants that are spices. Translators may represent them in general as seeds of spices used to spice food. (See: Translate Unknowns)

These are all names of plants that are grains. Translators may represent them in general as seeds of grains. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Isaiah 28:26

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “Yahweh helps the farmer know how to care for each kind of plant” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 28:27

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the farmer does not separate the caraway seed from the plant with a heavy club” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 28:25.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nor does he roll a heavy wheel over the cumin seed” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 28:25.

Isaiah describes the correct way for a farmer to separate the seed from the plant. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but he beats the caraway with a stick, and he beats cumin with a rod” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 28:28

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The farmer grinds the grain for bread but not so that it is too small” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 28:29

This concludes the parable started in Isaiah 28:23. The implied lesson of the parable is that farmers are wise enough to listen to Yahweh’s instructions about planting and threshing. But the leaders of Jerusalem are foolish for not listening to Yahweh’s instructions that he is speaking through Isaiah. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 29

Isaiah 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

This chapter begins a series of “woes” against specific nations. It presents judgments against the kingdoms of Ephraim and eventually Judah. (See: woe and judge, judgment)

Special concepts in this chapter

Ariel

This is another name for Jerusalem. It is an uncommon name.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Prophecies

This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. It pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator does not need to add an explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 29:1

Here “Ariel” represents the people who live in the city of Ariel. Alternate translation: “How terrible it will be for the people of Ariel” (See: Metonymy)

This is another name for Jerusalem, and it means “altar.” If possible translate this as “Ariel” rather than “Jerusalem” since the meaning of “Ariel” is important in 29:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “David dwelled” or “David lived”

“Keep celebrating your festival year after year.” This is an ironic statement. Yahweh tells the people to keep celebrating their festivals where they sacrifice to him, but he knows it will not prevent him from destroying them. (See: Irony)

Isaiah 29:2

The word “I” refers to Yahweh. This represents Yahweh causing an enemy army to besiege Jerusalem. (See: Metonymy)

Here “she” refers to Ariel, which represents the people of Ariel. Alternate translation: “the people of Ariel will” (See: Metonymy)

The words “mourning” and “lamenting” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of mourning. Alternate translation: “they will mourn deeply” (See: Doublet)

Translators may add a footnote that says, “The name Ariel means ‘altar.’” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 29:3

The word “I” refers to Yahweh. This represents Yahweh causing an enemy army to surround Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “I will command the army of your enemies to surround you” (See: Metonymy)

A “palisade” is a tower armies would build to attack cities with high walls. Also “siege works” refers to other various weapons armies would build to attack cities. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Isaiah 29:4

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Your enemy will bring you down” or “Your enemy will humble you” (See: Active or Passive)

All of these statements mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the people who once spoke with proud words will be weak and grieving after the enemy defeats them. Alternate translation: “you will only be able to speak with weak whispers like a spirit speaking from where dead people dwell” (See: Simile and Parallelism)

Isaiah 29:5

This emphasizes how weak and insignificant the invading army is before God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will easily remove the horde of your invaders and the multitude of the ruthless ones”(See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “many soldiers that will attack you”

The translator can supply the verb “will become.” Alternate translation: “the soldiers who show you no mercy will become as chaff” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 29:6

The word “you” refers to the people of Jerusalem. This could mean: (1) “Yahweh of hosts will come to help you” or (2) “Yahweh of hosts will come to punish you.” (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 29:7

The phrase “a vision of the night” is the same thing as “a dream.” The two phrases emphasize that soon it will be like the invading army was never there. (See: Doublet and Simile)

Alternate translation: “Large armies from all the nations”

The name “Ariel” is another name for Jerusalem, and it represents the people who live there. See how you translated “Ariel” in Isaiah 29:1. Alternate translation: “fight against the people of Ariel” (See: Metonymy)

The word “her” refers to Ariel which represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “their stronghold. They will attack the city of Ariel and its defenses and cause the people to be in great distress” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 29:8

These similes mean that the enemy will expect victory but they will fail because God will not allow them to conquer Jerusalem. (See: Simile)

Here “Mount Zion” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “Yes, this will be what happens to the armies from the nations who fight against the people who live on Mount Zion” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 29:9

The word “yourselves” refers to the people of Jerusalem. Why they are astonished can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Be astonished at what I am telling you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Doublet)

The people ignoring what Yahweh says is spoken of as if they would make themselves blind. Alternate translation: “keep being ignorant and spiritually blind to what I am showing you” (See: Metaphor)

The people being senseless and not understanding what Yahweh is doing is spoken of as if they were drunk. Alternate translation: “Be senseless like a drunk person, but it is not because you have drank too much wine or beer” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 29:10

Here “the spirit of” means “to have the characteristic of” being asleep. Yahweh causing the people to be asleep is spoken of as if “the spirit” were a liquid that he poured out on the people. Also “deep sleep” is a metaphor that means the people are senseless and cannot understand what Yahweh is doing. Alternate translation: “The reason you are senseless is because Yahweh has caused you to be spiritually asleep” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh causing the people to be senseless and not to understand what he is doing is spoken of as if he closed their eyes and covered their heads so they could not see. Alternate translation: “It is as though Yahweh has closed the eyes of the prophets and covered the heads of the seers” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 29:11

The other prophets in Jerusalem are unable to hear or understand God’s message. Alternate translation: “All that Yahweh has revealed is to you like a sealed book” (See: Simile)

This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “is sealed. A person may take the sealed book to someone who can read”

Isaiah 29:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If a person takes the book to someone who cannot read” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 29:13

The words “mouths” and “lips” represent what people say. Here it also represents saying something but not truly meaning it. Alternate translation: “The people of Jerusalem pretend to worship me and honor me with what they say” (See: Metonymy)

Here “heart” is a metonym that represents a person’s thoughts and emotions. The people not being truly devoted to Yahweh is spoken of as if their hearts were far away from him. Alternate translation: “but they do not honor me in their thoughts” or “but they are not truly devoted to me” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They honor me only because that is what people tell them to do” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 29:14

Alternate translation: “Therefore, look and see! I am going to do wonderful and marvelous things among you that you will not be able to explain”

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Yahweh showing that the wise people cannot understand or explain what Yahweh does is spoken of as if their wisdom and understanding will vanish. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 29:15

This may be Isaiah speaking or it may continue Yahweh’s speech in 29:13-14.

People trying to make plans without Yahweh knowing about it is spoken of as if they hide their plans in a deep place where Yahweh cannot see. Alternate translation: “who try to hide their plans from Yahweh” or “who try to keep Yahweh from finding out what they are planning to do” (See: Metaphor)

It is implied that they are secretly doing evil things. Alternate translation: “who do evil things in the dark so no one can see them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

They use a question to emphasize that they believe no one knows what they are doing. Alternate translation: “No one, not even Yahweh, sees us or knows what we are doing!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 29:16

This is an idiom that means to distort what is true. Alternate translation: “You make things opposite of the way they should be” or “You distort the truth” (See: Idiom)

Yahweh who created humans is spoken of as if he were a potter and humans were the clay. This metaphor emphasizes that it is foolish for humans to reject or criticize the one who created them. Alternate translation: “Should you consider me, your maker, to be like the clay rather than the potter? It is as if a potter created something, and that thing said about the potter, ‘He did not make me,’ or ‘He does not understand.’” (See: Metaphor)

This question is used to scold the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Obviously, the potter should not be considered like clay…‘He does not understand.’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 29:17

This could mean: (1) this is literal and Yahweh will cause the places where trees grew wild in Lebanon to become fruitful fields or (2) this is a metaphor and the large forests of Lebanon represent powerful oppressors, and the crops that grow in the field and become a forest are the common people who are suffering. This means Yahweh will humble those who are powerful, but he will honor those who are suffering. (See: Metaphor)

Here “Lebanon” represents the large cedar forests in Lebanon. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will turn the mighty forests of Lebanon into a field” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 29:18

This could mean: (1) this is literal and Yahweh will cause deaf people to hear and blind people to see or (2) this is a metaphor that means Yahweh will enable the people to hear and understand his message or (3) it may mean both options 1 and 2. (See: Metaphor)

Here “eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “those who are blind” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 29:19

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “The poor and oppressed people will again be happy because of what Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, has done” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 29:20

The nominal adjective “the ruthless” can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “For the ruthless people will cease” or “For there will no longer be cruel people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

The nominal adjective “the scoffer” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “those who scoff will vanish” or “the people who mock will disappear” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will eliminate all those who love to do evil” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 29:21

This refers to giving testimony in court against someone. Alternate translation: “who testify against a man and make him out to be an offender” or “who say in court that an innocent man is guilty of doing something wrong” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The evil people doing anything they can to stop a good person is spoken of as if the evil people set a trap like a hunter catching his prey. Alternate translation: “They lie and try to stop those who want to do what is fair and right” (See: Metaphor)

The city gate was often the place where the city leaders made official decisions.

Isaiah 29:22

This possibly refers to when Yahweh called Abraham from his home country and sent him to the promised land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “Jacob” represents his descendants. Alternate translation: “Jacob’s descendants will no longer … their faces” (See: Metonymy)

This is an idiom that means he will no longer be afraid. Alternate translation: “nor will he be afraid” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 29:23

The words “he” and “his” speak of Jacob (verse 22) and represent his descendants. Alternate translation: “Jacob’s descendants will no longer … their faces … they see their children” (See: Metonymy)

Here “hands” represents Yahweh’s power and action. Alternate translation: “When they see all the children I have given them and all that I have done” (See: Metonymy)

Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “they will honor me” (See: Metonymy)

Here “name” represents Yahweh. Yahweh refers to himself as “the Holy One of Jacob.” Alternate translation: “They will honor me, the Holy One of Jacob” (See: Metonymy and First, Second or Third Person)

Yahweh refers to himself as “the God of Israel.” Alternate translation: “of me, the God of Israel” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 29:24

Here “spirit” represents a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “Those who are wrong in what they think” or “Those who are wrong in their attitude” (See: Metonymy)

This can be made more explicit to explain what they will understand. Alternate translation: “will begin to understand Yahweh and his laws” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This can be made more explicit to explain what knowledge they will learn. Alternate translation: “those who complain will begin to know that what Yahweh teaches them is true” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 30

Isaiah 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

This chapter continues the series of “woes” against specific nations. It presents judgments against the people of Ephraim and Judah when they desired to make an alliance with Egypt. (See: woe and judge, judgment)

Special concepts in this chapter

Negev

This is an area between Egypt and Judah. The people would have had to travel though it in order to get to Egypt. No one really lived in this area and it was known to be very dangerous.

Trust

The people were to trust in Yahweh. Only he could provide them with protection. The people were punished for their lack of trust when they were in trouble, but Yahweh only required that they trust him. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“That day”

This is a common phrase in this section of Isaiah. The chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. It pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator does not need to add an explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration, prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 30:1

Yahweh speaks about his people as if they were his children. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This can be reworded so that If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word plans, you could express the same idea with the verb “plan.” Alternate translation: “They plan to do things, but they do not ask me what I want them to do” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but my Spirit did not direct them” (See: Active or Passive)

Continuing to sin is spoken of as if sins were objects that could be stacked on one another. Alternate translation: “they continue to sin more and more” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 30:2

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word protection, you could express the same idea with the verb “protect.” Alternate translation: “They ask Pharaoh to protect them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Egypt’s protection from enemy armies is spoken of as if it were a shadow that protects someone from the burning heat of the sun. Alternate translation: “they rely on the Egyptians to keep them safe” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 30:3

This can be reworded so that the abstract nouns “protection,” “shame,” and “humiliation” are expressed as adjectives or verbs. Alternate translation: “Therefore you will be ashamed because you relied on Pharaoh to protect you; you will be humiliated because you relied on the Egyptians to keep you safe” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Egypt’s protection from enemy armies is spoken of as if it were a shadow that protects someone from the burning heat of the sun. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 30:4

Here “princes” mean an official or ambassador, not necessarily sons of the king.

belonging to the people of Judah

These were cities in the northern part of Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “come” can be stated as “gone.” (See: Go and Come)

Isaiah 30:5

These words refer to the people of Judah.

Alternate translation: “because of the people of Egypt”

Isaiah 30:6

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares”

This refers to these types of animals in general. Alternate translation: “where lionesses and lions dwell, and where there are vipers and serpents” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Here the word “fiery” probably refers to the serpent’s poisonous bite and the word “flying” refers to its quick movements. See how you translated this in Isaiah 14:29.

Alternate translation: “the people of Judah carry their riches”

Isaiah 30:7

There were popular stories about a sea monster named Rahab. The name Rahab means “strength” or “arrogance.” Alternate translation: “I call Egypt a loud boaster who does nothing” (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 30:8

This word is used here to mark a break in Yahweh’s declaration about Judah. Here he tells Isaiah to do something.

Alternate translation: “in the presence of the people of Judah”

This speaks of time as if it travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate translation: “for a future time” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 30:9

This speaks of Yahweh’s people as if they were his children. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “They behave like children who lie and do not listen to what Yahweh commands” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 30:11

How Yahweh wants his people to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path on which to walk. To disobey Yahweh is spoken of as if the person strays away from Yahweh’s path. (See: Metaphor)

See how you translated this name in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 30:12

See how you translated this name in Isaiah 1:4.

Alternate translation: “you reject this message”

This could mean: (1) the leaders of Judah are trusting in the Egyptian leaders who rule by oppressing and deceiving others or (2) the leaders of Judah have oppressed and deceived their own people in order to take their money and send it to the Egyptians leaders as payment for protection. (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “it” refers to “oppression and deceit.” Alternate translation: “lean on them” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This is an idiom that means to trust or rely on something. (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 30:13

This simile means that God will destroy the people of Judah suddenly because of their sin. (See: Simile)

It is understood that this is a broken part of a wall. Alternate translation: “like a broken part of a wall that is ready to fall” (See: Ellipsis)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fall, you could express the same idea with the verb “fall.” Alternate translation: “that will suddenly fall” (See: Abstract Nouns)

These mean the same thing and emphasize how quickly the wall will fall. (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 30:14

Isaiah describes how Yahweh will destroy the people of Judah (Isaiah 30:12-13).

Here “it” refers to the part in the wall that is about to fall. The part in the wall is a metaphor that represents the people of Judah and their sin mentioned in Isaiah 30:12-13. (See: Metaphor)

This simile means that the piece of wall will break as quickly and completely as a clay jar that falls to the ground. (See: Simile)

A potter is a person who makes pots and jars out of clay.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will be able to find” or “there will not be” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “a shard big enough to scrape”

The word “fire” here refers here to ashes. Alternate translation: “ashes from the fireplace” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 30:15

See how you translated this name in Isaiah 1:4.

Repenting is spoken of as if it were physically returning to Yahweh. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will save you from your enemies if you will repent and rest knowing that I will take care of you” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

It is implied that the people rest because they trust that Yahweh will take care of them. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Quietness here refers to not being anxious and worried. It is implied that they are not worried because they trust in Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You will be strong if you are quiet and trust in me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 30:16

Apparently these are horses that the people of Judah received from the Egyptians. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 30:17

The word “solider” is understood. Alternate translation: “One thousand soldiers will flee at the threat of one enemy soldier; at the threat of five enemy soldiers all of your soldiers will flee” (See: Ellipsis)

“1,000” (See: Numbers)

This simile means there will be so few people left that they will be like a single flag on top of a hill. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 30:19

Here “you” refers to the people who will live in Zion.

Alternate translation: “he will help you”

Isaiah 30:20

Here “bread” and “water” make up the diet of a very poor person. The whole phrase represents the hard times and poverty of the people. (See: Metonymy)

This refers to Yahweh.

Here “eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “you yourselves will see your teacher” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 30:21

Here “ears” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “You will hear” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “him speaking behind you saying”

How Yahweh wants his people to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path. To obey Yahweh is spoken of as if it were a person walking on his path. (See: Metaphor)

Disobeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person turned left or right off of Yahweh’s path. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 30:22

This simile means they will throw away their idols like they were garbage. (See: Simile)

This speaks of the idols as if they could hear and get up and leave a place. Yahweh means that the people will no longer need or want the idols. (See: Personification)

Isaiah 30:23

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will give”

Here “bread” represents food in general. Alternate translation: “he will cause the ground to produce plenty of food for you to eat” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “At that time”

Isaiah 30:24

Shovels and forks were used to throw the grain in the air so the wind would blow away the chaff, leaving only the part that could be eaten. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you have winnowed with a shovel and a pitchfork” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 30:25

Isaiah describes what will be an ideal situation after Yahweh rescues his people. Although the language may be exaggerated, you should translate this just as Isaiah described it.

Alternate translation: “when Yahweh slaughters your enemies and causes their strong towers to fall”

Alternate translation: “at the time”

Isaiah 30:26

Isaiah describes what will be an ideal situation after Yahweh rescues his people. Although the language may be exaggerated, you should translate this just as Isaiah described it.

Alternate translation: “the sun will shine as bright as seven suns” or “the sun will give as much light in one day as it normally does in seven days”

Yahweh comforting his people and causing their suffering to end is spoken of as if he would put bandages on their wounds. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 30:27

Yahweh being extremely angry is spoken of as if he were a large fire. (See: Metaphor)

Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Yahweh comes” (See: Metonymy)

Here “lips” and “tongue” are metonyms that represent Yahweh speaking. And, Yahweh speaks with so much anger and power that it is spoken of as if his tongue were a fire. Alternate translation: “When he speaks his fury is like a fire that destroys everything” (See: Synecdoche and Simile)

Isaiah 30:28

This compares the air coming out of Yahweh’s mouth to a flood to emphasize its power to destroy. (See: Simile)

Yahweh separating the people of the nations and destroying the wicked people is spoken of as if Yahweh puts the nations in a sieve. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will separate and destroy the wicked people of the nations” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh having the power to cause people’s plans to fail or causing them to be destroyed is spoken of as if his breath were a bridle that steers people off the correct path. (See: Metaphor)

A “bridle” is a device that people put over a horse’s head to guide it. The bridle contains a small piece called a “bit” that goes in the horse’s mouth. Alternate translation: “a bridle on the heads of the peoples” or “a bit in the jaws of the peoples” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Isaiah 30:29

This can be reworded so the noun “song” is stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “You will sing”

This simile emphasizes how happy the people will be. (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when you observe a holy feast” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “heart” represents a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “you will be glad” (See: Metonymy)

This simile emphasizes how happy the people will be. (See: Simile)

Yahweh having the power to protect his people is spoken of as if he were a rock on which the people could climb and escape from enemies. Alternate translation: “to Israel’s protective rock” or “which is like a protective rock for Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 30:30

Here “arm” represents the power of God. It is implied that Yahweh will show his power by destroying his people’s enemies. Alternate translation: “show that he is powerful by destroying your enemies” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as if it were a storm or a fire. Alternate translation: “in anger that is like a storm and flames of fire” or “in great anger” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “with storms full of wind, rain, and hail”

hard pieces of ice that fall from the sky like rain

Isaiah 30:31

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For when Yahweh speaks he will shatter the soldiers of Assyria” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah speaks of Assyria’s fear as if Assyria is an object that Yahweh’s voice shatters. Alternate translation: “Assyria will be terrified” (See: Metaphor)

Here this represents the soldiers of Assyria. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 30:32

Yahweh causing an army to defeat the Assyrians is spoken of as if Yahweh would hit the Assyrians with a rod. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah will accompany it” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken. See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:12.

Yahweh causing the enemy army to defeat the Assyrians is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight along with the enemy army. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 30:33

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For long ago Yahweh prepared a place for burning” (See: Active or Passive)

This phrase is the meaning of the word “Topheth.” Topheth is a place in the Hinnom Valley, south of Jerusalem, where at one time people burned their children as sacrifices to a false god. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

It is implied that this refers to the king of Assyria. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh prepared it for the king of Assyria” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “The pile is ready with much wood to make a fire”

This speaks of Yahweh’s breath as if it were a river of fire that will set the pile on fire. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 31

Isaiah 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

This chapter continues the series of “woes” against specific nations. It presents judgments against the people of Ephraim and Judah when they desired to make an alliance with Egypt. It also prophesies the destruction of Assyria. (See: woe and judge, judgment and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust

The people were to trust in Yahweh. Only he could provide them with protection. They were punished for their lack of trust when they were in trouble, but Yahweh only required that they trust him. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“That day”

This is a common phrase in this section of Isaiah. This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. It pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator does not need to add an explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Israel

The use of the term “Israel” in this chapter is in reference to the northern kingdom of Israel exclusively.

Isaiah 31:1

The phrase “go down” is used here because Egypt is lower in Elevation than Jerusalem.

Alternate translation: “those people of Judah who go down”

This speaks about people relying on their horses to help them as if they were leaning on their horses. Alternate translation: “rely on their horses” (See: Metaphor)

See how you translated this name in Isaiah 1:4.

Alternate translation: “nor do they ask Yahweh to help them”

Isaiah 31:2

Here the word “bring” means to “cause.” Alternate translation: “he will cause disasters to happen” (See: Idiom)

The phrase “retract his words” speaks of a person not fulfilling what they said they will do as if the words that he had said were something that he could pull back to himself. Here it says that Yahweh will not do this, meaning he will fulfill what he has said. Alternate translation: “he will do what he said he would do” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “punish”

This refers to evil people who live there. Alternate translation: “all who do evil things” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 31:3

Here Egypt refers to the soldiers of Egypt. Alternate translation: “The soldiers of Egypt are men” (See: Metonymy)

This means that their horses are only horses and not spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “their horses are only horses; they are not powerful spirits” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The term “hand” is often used in reference to God’s power and action. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh uses his power against them” (See: Metonymy)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Stumbling and falling are metaphors of failing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “these two things will happen: I will destroy Egypt, who helps you, and I will destroy you, whom Egypt helps” (See: Active or Passive and Metaphor and Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one who is seeking help” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 31:4

Yahweh speaks to Isaiah.

“A lion … in the same way Yahweh of hosts.” Here Yahweh speaks of how he will defend the people who belong to him and not be scared away by comparing himself to a lion who guards it’s prey. (See: Simile)

It may be more clear if you move the last line to before the first line: “Yahweh of hosts will descend to fight on Mount Zion, on that hill, as a lion, even a young lion”

“a female lion or killer lion.” This is a doublet with both phrase referring to a fierce lion. Alternate translation: “a lion” (See: Doublet)

warns others to stay away

The phrase “called out against it” means to be sent out to chase the lion away. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when someone sends shepherds to chase the lion away” (See: Idiom or Active or Passive)

The shepherds would make loud noises to try and chase away the lion. Alternate translation: “from the loud noises that they make” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“will come down.” This refers to descending from heaven. Alternate translation: “will come down from heaven” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Both of the phrases refer to Mount Zion. Alternate translation: “on Mount Zion” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 31:5

Here the way that Yahweh protects Jerusalem is compared to the way that a mother bird protects her baby birds in their nest. (See: Simile)

This speaks of how Yahweh protects and rescues Jerusalem, describing him as a bird that flies over the city. Alternate translation: “he will protect and rescue the city from it’s enemies” (See: Metaphor)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:9.

This refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the people of Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 31:6

Alternate translation: “Return to the one against whom you have rebelled”

Isaiah 31:7

Here the people are referred to by their “hands” the emphasize that they made something with their hands. Alternate translation: “that you have sinned by making with you own hands” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 31:8

“Sword” refers to military might. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God’s sword, and not a man’s sword, will destroy the Assyrian army” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “The Assyrians will flee”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “enemies will capture their young men and force them to do hard labor” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 31:9

The word “confidence” can be expressed with the adjective “confident.” The word “terror” can be expressed with the adjective “terrified.” Alternate translation: “They will no longer be confident because they are so terrified” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “their leaders”

Both of these clauses mean the same thing and are used together for emphasis. Here God’s presence and his power to judge and destroy are spoken of as if they were a fire. Alternate translation: “whose powerful presence is in Zion” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 32

Isaiah 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Reign of the Messiah

This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. It pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator does not need to add an explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration, prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 32:1

This word is used here to draw peoples’ attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

Isaiah 32:2

This compares the king and princes who protect the people to a shelter. Alternate translation: “the rulers will protect the people like a shelter does in a storm” (See: Simile)

This is another comparison that means that the rulers will provide for the needs of the people. Alternate translation: “they will provide for the people like streams of water in a dry place” (See: Simile)

This is another comparison that means that the rulers will provide comfort and rest for the people. Alternate translation: “they will provide rest for the people like a huge rock gives shade to weary people” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 32:3

Both of these phrases emphasize that the leaders will enable the people to understand God’s truth. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will see clearly”

Isaiah 32:4

This refers to people who act rashly and people who stutter. Alternate translation: “The rash person … the stuttering person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 32:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one will give honor to the fool” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “The deceiver” refers to a person who is deceptive. Alternate translation: “nor will anyone show respect to the person who deceives” (See: Active or Passive and Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 32:6

“The fool” refers to foolish people. Also, “folly” and “evil” may be expressed as adjectives. Alternate translation: “For the foolish person says foolish things and his heart plans evil things” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Abstract Nouns)

Here the foolish person is referred to by his heart to emphasize his inner thoughts. Alternate translation: “he plans evil things in his heart” (See: Synecdoche)

The word “he” refers to the foolish person.

“The hungry” refers to hungry people. They are hungry because they have empty stomachs. Alternate translation: “the hungry person have an empty stomach” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“The thirsty” refers to people who are thirsty. Alternate translation: “he causes the thirsty person to have nothing to drink” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 32:7

This refers to a person who deceives others. Alternate translation: “The deceptive person’s” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

“The poor” refers to poor people. Also, the phrase “to ruin” does not means to kill them but to harm them by telling lies about them. Alternate translation: “to harm the poor people by telling lies” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 32:8

This means that he will be successful. Alternate translation: “he will be successful” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 32:9

Alternate translation: “Stand up” or “Pay attention”

Alternate translation: “secure” or “carefree”

Isaiah refers to himself by his voice to emphasize what he says. Alternate translation: “me speak” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 32:10

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Also, Isaiah speaks of them no longer being confident as if their confidence were a physical object that is broken. Alternate translation: “you will no longer be confident” (See: Active or Passive)

This means that there would not be good grapes to harvest. Alternate translation: “there will be no grapes for you to harvest” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “the time for gathering crops will not happen”

Isaiah 32:11

shake from fear

Alternate translation: “secure” or “carefree”

Here “bare” does not necessarily mean naked, but to wear minimal covering such as undergarments. Alternate translation: “take off you fine clothes and make yourself unclothed” or “take off your fancy clothes” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is an act of grieving or mourning. Alternate translation: “put sackcloth around waists as you grieve” (See: Symbolic Action)

Isaiah 32:12

This means that they will cry out loudly as they grieve what happens to their fruitful fields and vines. Alternate translation: “You will wail because of what happens to your pleasant fields and fruitful vines” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 32:13

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 5:6.

Here the houses are described as joyful because of the joyful people in them. Alternate translation: “your houses where you were once joyful” (See: Personification)

“your joyful city.” The word “revelry” means celebrating and partying.

Isaiah 32:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For the people will forsake the palace and the crowds will abandon the city” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to the fort built on the top of the hill. Alternate translation: “the fort on the hill” (See: Metonymy)

This speaks of the fort and the watchtower being abandoned as if they became caves. Alternate translation: “the hill and the watchtower will become abandoned and empty” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This means the these animals will enjoy the grass that grows among the abandon fort and watchtower. Alternate translation: “the wild donkeys and the flocks of sheep will eat the grass there” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is an exaggeration for a very long time. Alternate translation: “an extremely long time” (See: Hyperbole)

Isaiah 32:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until Yahweh pours the Spirit” (See: Active or Passive)

This speaks of Yahweh giving him Spirit to his people as if his Spirit were a liquid that he would pour on them. Alternate translation: “the Spirit is given to us” (See: Metaphor)

Here heaven is referred to as “on high.” Alternate translation: “from heaven” (See: Metonymy)

This can be written in active form. This compares how overly bountiful the fruitful fields are by comparing them to a thick, dense forest. Alternate translation: “people will say that the fruitful fields have grown thick like a forest” or “the fruitful fields will be overly bountiful” (See: Active or Passive and Simile)

Isaiah 32:16

Isaiah describes “justice” and “righteousness” as a person who lives in these places. This means the people who live in these places will do what is just and right. Alternate translation: “people will act justly in the wilderness and people will act righteously in the fertile fields (See: Personification)

Isaiah 32:17

These two phrases are parallel and both give results of righteousness. These can be combined. Alternate translation: “The result of people acting righteously is that there will be peace, and quietness, and confidence forever” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 32:18

place where people live

Isaiah 32:19

See how you translated this in Isaiah 28:2.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it destroys the forest and completely destroys the city” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 32:20

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This refers to Yahweh blessing all of his people and speaks of the things that are normal for his people to do. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will bless you, as you plant your crops in fields alongside the streams and as you send out your ox and donkey to graze in the pasture” (See: Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 33

Isaiah 33 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

This chapter continues the series of “woes.” It speaks against ungodly or evil people in general. (See: woe and godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness and evil, wicked, unpleasant)

Isaiah 33:1

Isaiah speaks in poetry for Yahweh to the Assyrians. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom others have not destroyed” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “others will destroy you” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “others will betray”

Isaiah 33:2

Here Yahweh’s arm refers to his strength. This speaks of Yahweh strengthening them as if Yahweh would use his strength to act for them. Alternate translation: “give us strength” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

This refers to the whole day, not just the morning. Alternate translation: “every day” (See: Synecdoche)

This understood verb “be” may be supplied. Also, the word “salvation” may be expressed with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “be our salvation” or “save us” (See: Ellipsis and Abstract Nouns)

This refers to the times when they are experiencing trouble. Alternate translation: ““when we have troubles” (See: Possession)

Isaiah 33:3

Possible meanings of the loud noise are: (1) it refers to Yahweh’s voice. Alternate translation: “The peoples flee at the sound of your loud voice” or (2) it refers the loud sounds of Yahweh’s army. Alternate translation: “The people flee at the sound of your army” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This means to begin doing something. Alternate translation: “begin acting” (See: Idiom)

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “the nations scatter” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 33:4

This compares how quick and eager Yahweh’s people are when they gather the spoils from their enemies to the eagerness of locusts when they gather food. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Your people gather spoils from your enemies with the same fierceness as the locusts have who devour green plants” (See: Simile and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 33:5

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is greater than anyone else” (See: Active or Passive)

This speaks of Yahweh ruling Zion with his justice and righteousness as if he were filling Zion with justice and righteousness. Alternate translation: “He will rule Zion with justice and righteousness” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 33:6

This speaks of Yahweh causing his people to be secure as if he were the stability himself. The phrase “your times” refers to their lives. Alternate translation: “He will make you secure all your lives” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

This refers to the things that Yahweh will give to them. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with the verb “save.” The abstract nouns “wisdom” and “knowledge” can be expressed with adjectives. Alternate translation: “and he will give you an abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge” or “he will save you and cause you to be very wise and knowledgeable” (See: Ellipsis and Abstract Nouns)

This speaks of fearing Yahweh as if it were a treasure that Yahweh gives his people. Alternate translation: “revering Yahweh will be like a valuable treasure that he will give to you” or “to fear Yahweh will be as valuable to you as a treasure” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 33:7

This word is used here to draw peoples’ attention to what is said next. It is also used here to mark a new section in the book. Alternate translation: “Listen”

messengers

This means they weep because they do not succeed in making peace. Alternate translation: “the diplomats hope for peace but they do not succeed and so they weep bitterly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 33:8

Both of the phrases emphasize that there are no travelers on the highways. These can be combined and stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People no longer travel on the highways” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

This passage may refer to general conditions of corruption in Israel, or it may refer to the nation’s inability to make reliable peace treaties with Assyria. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People break covenants that they have made, people ignore the testimony of witnesses, and people do not respect one another” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 33:9

This speaks of the land becoming dry as if it were a person mourning. Alternate translation: “The land becomes dry and its plants wither away” (See: Personification)

Here “Lebanon” represents Lebanon’s trees. This speaks of the trees withering and decaying as if they were a person who is ashamed. Alternate translation: “Lebanon’s trees wither and decay” (See: Metonymy and Personification)

Many trees and flowers once grew in these places.

This compares how dry Sharon is to a desert plain. Alternate translation: “Sharon is as dry as a desert plain” (See: Simile)

Here Bashan and Carmel are represented by their trees. Alternate translation: “there are no more leaves on the trees in Bashan and Carmel” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 33:10

To arise or stand up is a metaphor for no longer watching and thinking and instead beginning to act. Alternate translation: “will I begin to act” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. These two phrases have basically the same meaning and emphasize Yahweh being exalted. Alternate translation: “now I will exalt myself and show that I deserve for everyone to honor me” (See: Active or Passive and Parallelism)

Isaiah 33:11

This speaks of the Assyrians making plans as if they were conceiving and giving birth to their plans as a mother gives birth to a baby. This speaks of their plans being useless by comparing them to chaff. Alternate translation: “You make plans that are as useless as chaff and straw” (See: Metaphor)

The dry pieces of plants that are left in the ground after the stalks have been cut.

Here the Assyrians’ plans are referred to as their “breath.” This speaks of their plans causing them to die as if their plans would literally burn up their bodies. Alternate translation: “your plans will cause you to die” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Isaiah 33:12

This compares how the peoples’ dead bodies will be burned to the way thornbushes are burned. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Fire will burn the peoples’ bodies to lime in the same way that a farmer cuts down thornbushes and burns them” (See: Simile and Active or Passive)

the ashes from burned bones

Isaiah 33:13

Yahweh uses the words “far away” and “near” to mean all people. The word “might” can be expressed with the adjective “mighty.” Alternate translation: “All people everywhere hear what I have done and acknowledge that I am mighty” (See: Merism and Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 33:14

This speaks of the godless people trembling as if their trembling were an enemy that had seized them. Alternate translation: “the godless ones are overwhelmed with trembling” (See: Personification)

It is implied that the sinners in Zion ask these questions. Alternate translation: “They say, ‘Who among us … burnings?’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

These rhetorial questions have basically the same meaning and emphasize that no one can live with fire. Here fire represents Yahweh’s judgment. Alternate translation: “No one can live with raging fire! No one can live with everylasting burns!” or “No one can live bearing Yahweh’s judgment, it is like an everlasting fire!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metonymy)

live in a place that is not one’s home

Isaiah 33:15

Here walking refers to living. Alternate translation: “He who lives” (See: Idiom)

The noun phrase “the gain of oppression” can be expressed as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “who hates the riches that come from harming other people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 33:16

This speaks of the man being safe as if he lived in a home on a high hill. These two phrase are parallel and the second phrase describes the place where the man lives. Alternate translation: “he will be safe, like a man who home is built on a high hill, in a rocky place that is easy to defend” (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

This refers to a high hill or mountainside. Alternate translation: “the high hill” or “the mountainside” (See: Metonymy)

This speaks of rocky areas that are easy to defend as if they were actually fortresses. Alternate translation: “the large piles of rocks” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will always be available”

Isaiah 33:17

This refers the audience by their “eyes.” Alternate translation: “You will see … you will see” (See: Synecdoche)

The king’s royal robes are referred to as “his beauty.” Alternate translation: “the king in his beautiful robes” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 33:18

This refers to the audience by their “hearts.” “The terror” refers to their war with the Assyrians. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “You will remember the terror that the Assyrians caused you when they attacked” (See: Synecdoche and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

These rhetorical question are asked to emphasize that the Assyrian officials are gone. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate translation: “The officers of Assyria who counted the tax money that we were forced to pay to them have disappeared! Those men who counted our towers are gone!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Money was valuable metal; its value was determined by its weight.

Isaiah 33:19

Alternate translation: “a fierce people who speak a language that you do not understand”

Isaiah 33:20

This means that they have their festival and feasts at this city. Alternate translation: “the city where we have our feasts” or “they city where we celebrate our festivals” (See: Possession)

The people are referred to by their “eyes” to emphasize what they are seeing. Alternate translation: “you will see” (See: Synecdoche)

This speaks of Zion being secure and well establish as if it were secure tent. This can be stated in active form and written as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “it will be secure, like a tent that no one will ever remove” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

This is part of the metaphor that compares Zion to a secure tent. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whose stakes no one will ever pull up and whose cords no one will ever break” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 33:21

Here “us” refers to Isaiah and includes the people of Judah. This speaks of the safety of living with Yahweh as if it were a place that has rivers around it so that enemies cannot attack it. Alternate translation: “Yahweh who is majestic will be with us, and we will be safe as if we were in a place surrounded by broad rivers” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will travel the river”

Isaiah 33:22

This refers to Isaiah and includes the people of Judah. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Isaiah 33:23

This could mean: (1) The Assyrian army is like a boat that is unable to move through the water: the ropes that support the mast and sail have come loose and no longer support the mast, so the sail is useless (Isaiah 33:1) or (2) the people of Judah are no longer at war: “You have loosened the cords that supported your flagpole; the flag no longer flies” (Isaiah 33:17-Isaiah 22). (See: Metaphor)

tall poles that support the sail

a large cloth that fills with wind and moves a boat through the water

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when they divide the treasure” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to people who are cannot walk. Alternate translation: “those who are lame” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 33:24

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will forgive the sins of the people who live there” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 34

Isaiah 34 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Destruction

There are many images used in this chapter which describe destruction. Here each of these metaphors describes complete destruction. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Prophecy

This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. It pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator does not need to add an explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 34:1

Yahweh is speaking in poetry. (See: Parallelism)

Here the earth is spoken of as being required to listen to Yahweh to emphasize that it is under Yahweh’s authority. These two parallel phrases are metonyms for all the people who live in the world. Alternate translation: “In all places everywhere on earth, everyone must listen to what I say” (See: Personification and Metonymy)

This is the second of two parallel phrases. The understood words may be supplied in this phrase. Alternate translation: “the world, and all things that come from it must listen” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 34:2

Often prophets speak of things that will happen in the future as if they have already happened. This emphasizes the event will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “he will completely destroy them, he will give them over to the slaughter” (See: Predictive Past)

Isaiah 34:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one will bury their dead” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to the dead people. Alternate translation: “those who died” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “the mountains will be covered in their blood”

Isaiah 34:4

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This compares what Yahweh will do to the sky to a person rolling up a scroll. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will roll up the sky in the same way that a person rolls up a scroll” (See: Active or Passive and Simile)

This emphasizes even the things in the sky that people thought would be there forever will fall as easily as a leaf. Alternate translation: “all the stars will fall from the sky like a leaf falls from a vine or a fig falls from a tree” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 34:5

Yahweh describes himself as a warrior bearing a sword. The phrase “drunk its fill” speaks of Yahweh’s sword as if it were a person who has eaten and become satisfied. Yahweh uses this imagery to emphasize that there will be a lot of destruction in heaven and to state its completion. Alternate translation: “when I am finished destroying things in heaven” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

This word is used here to draw the listener’s attention and to have them imagine the things being said. Alternate translation: “listen” or “and then”

The word “it” refers to Yahweh’s sword. This continues the metaphor about Yahweh destroying things with a sword. Alternate translation: “I will come to punish the people of Edom, the people whom I have set aside for me to destroy” (See: Metaphor)

Edom refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “on the people of Edom” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 34:6

This speaks of Yahweh killing the people as if he were a priest sacrificing animals. He does this by describing the sword of a priest. Alternate translation: “Yahweh sacrifices them as a priest sacrifices animals, whose sword drips with the blood and fat of lambs, goats, and rams” (See: Metaphor)

The words “sacrifice” and “slaughter” may be expressed here as verbs. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh will sacrifice many people in Bozrah and kill many people in the land of Edom” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This is an important city in Edom. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 34:7

Alternate translation: “will die”

This describes the amount of blood that will soak into the ground by comparing the land to a drunk person. Alternate translation: “Their land will be soaked with blood” (See: Personification)

Here “dust” means the dirt on the ground. This describes the amount of fat that will soak into the dirt by comparing it to a person that has become fat from eating so much animal fat. Alternate translation: “the dirt will be full of the fat of the animals” (See: Personification)

Isaiah 34:8

Here “day” is an idiom for a point in time; it is not a literal “day.” Alternate translation: “it will be the time when Yahweh gets revenge” (See: Idiom)

This means that he will take revenge on them for how they had previously waged war against the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “he will give them the punishment they deserve for what they had done to the people of Zion” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 34:9

The water and land becoming useless for drinking or growing food because it is burnt and covered in pitch and sulfur is spoken of as if their streams and land will actually become pitch and sulfur. Alternate translation: “The streams in Edom will be full of pitch and the ground will be covered with burning sulfur and burning pitch” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “Edom’s dust … Edom’s land”

a thick, black substance that burns for a long time

Isaiah 34:10

This means all of the time. Alternate translation: “It will burn throughout the night and the day” or “It will burn constantly, all night and all day” (See: Merism)

The phrase “generation to generation” refers to all generations of people who will live in the future. See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 13:20. Alternate translation: “forever” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 34:11

Alternate translation: “will live in the land of Edom”

See how you translated this in Isaiah 13:21.

This is a large black bird. It is difficult to identify some of the precise kinds of birds mentioned in this passage. However, they were all birds that preferred to live in places where there were no people, so they symbolize deserted places.

“there.” This refers to Edom.

This speaks of Yahweh as if he were a careful builder as he causes destruction in Edom. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will measure that land carefully; he will measure it to decide where to cause ruin and destruction” (See: Metaphor)

These are builders’ tools. See how you translated similar words in Isaiah 28:17.

Isaiah 34:12

Alternate translation: “The nobles of Edom … the princes of Edom”

This exaggerates the princes losing their royal status by saying that they will become nothing. Alternate translation: “all her princes will no longer rule” (See: Hyperbole)

Isaiah 34:13

These are all weeds with thorns. Nettles’ thorns have poison that causes itching.

Translate the name of this animal the same as you did in Isaiah 13:22.

Translate the name of this animal the same as you did in Isaiah 13:21.

Isaiah 34:14

Translate this the same as you did in Isaiah 13:21.

Translate the name of this animal as you did in Isaiah 13:22.

animals that are awake and active at night

Isaiah 34:15

Translate this word the same as you did in Isaiah 13:21.

birds that kill small animals for food

Isaiah 34:16

The phrase “the scroll of Yahweh” means that it contains the messages spoken by Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Read carefully what is written in this scroll that contains the messages of Yahweh” (See: Possession)

Alternate translation: “not one of the animals”

This can be written as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “Each animal will have a mate” (See: Double Negatives)

Yahweh is referred to by his “mouth” to emphasize what he has said. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh has commanded it” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 34:17

This speaks of Yahweh deciding where to cause the animals to live as if he actually cast lots for their places. Alternate translation: “He has determined where they will live” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the way that people measured things in biblical times. Alternate translation: “he has given the animals their places” (See: Metaphor)

The phrase “generation to generation” refers to all generations of people who will live in the future. See how you translated the phrase “from generation to generation” in Isaiah 13:20. Alternate translation: “forever they will” or “they will always” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 35

Isaiah 35 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Reign of the Messiah

This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. It pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator does not need to add an explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. (See: restore, restoration and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah)

Isaiah 35:1

These two phrases have basically the same meaning. These places are described as being glad, like a person is glad, because they have received water and are blossoming. Alternate translation: “It will be like the wilderness and the Arabah are glad and the desert will rejoice” (See: Personification and Parallelism)

This speaks of the plants in the desert blossoming as if the desert itself were blossoming. Alternate translation: “its plants will blossom” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 35:2

This compares the way the plants of the desert blossom to the way a rose (verse 1) has many blossoms. Alternate translation: “The desert will grow many new plants and trees” (See: Simile)

This speaks of the desert as if it were happy and singing like a person. Alternate translation: “it will be as though everything is rejoicing and singing” (See: Personification)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This speaks of Yahweh making the desert looks as glorious as Lebanon as if he were giving the desert Lebanon’s glory. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will give it the glory of Lebanon” or “Yahweh will make it as glorious as Lebanon” (See: Active or Passive and Metaphor)

This speaks of Yahweh making the desert look beautiful as Carmel and Sharon as if he were giving the desert their splendor. The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “the splendor of Carmel and Sharon will be given to it” or “Yahweh will make it as splendid as Carmel and Sharon” (See: Metaphor and Ellipsis)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize Yahweh’s appearance. (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 35:3

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah.

The words “weak hands” and “knees that shake” represent a person who is fearful. Alternate translation: “Strengthen those whose hands are weak and whose knees shake from fear” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 35:4

Here people are referred to by their hearts, which emphasize their inner feelings. Alternate translation: “to those who are fearful” (See: Synecdoche)

This is used here to draw the listeners’ attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

This can be reworded so that the abstract nouns “vengeance” and “recompense” are expressed as the verb “punish.” The words “vengeance” and “recompense” mean the same thing and emphasize that God will punish Judah’s enemies. Alternate translation: “your God will punish your enemies for what they have done” (See: Abstract Nouns and Doublet)

Isaiah 35:5

These verses begin a description of the glorious future for God’s people.

“The blind” refers to people who are blind. They are referred to by their “eyes” to emphasize their healing. Alternate translation: “blind people will see” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Synecdoche)

“The deaf” refers to people who cannot hear. They are referred to by their “ears” to emphasize their healing. Alternate translation: “deaf people will hear” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Synecdoche)

Isaiah 35:6

Deer can jump far and high. Jumping like a deer is an exaggeration for being able to move about quickly and easily. Alternate translation: “the lame man will jump high” (See: Simile and Hyperbole)

This refers to people who cannot speak. They are referred to by their “tongues” to emphasize their healing. Alternate translation: “mute people will sing” (See: Synecdoche)

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “streams will flow in the wilderness” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 35:7

This means that a pool of water will appear in the hot sand. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “A pool will appear in the burning sand” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the dry ground is described as being thirsty. Alternate translation: “the dry ground” (See: Personification)

This means that springs will appear in the dry ground. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “springs of water will appear in the thirsty ground” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 13:22.

These are plants that grow in wet areas.

Isaiah 35:8

These verses continue the description of the glorious future for God’s people.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A highway will be there that has the name The Holy Way” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this word in Isaiah 11:16.

This refers to unclean people. A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. Alternate translation: “Those who are unclean” or “People who are not acceptable to God” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Metaphor)

This is an idiom. Here “walking” refers to “living.” This refers to the person who lives a holy life. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “who lives in the holy way” or “who lives a holy life” (See: Idiom and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 35:9

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will find them there” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to people who God has redeemed. Alternate translation: “those who are redeemed” or “those who God has redeemed” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 35:10

To “ransom” means to “rescue.” This refers to people whom Yahweh has rescued. Alternate translation: “Those whom Yahweh has rescued” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This uses a person’s head to mean the person as a whole. Alternate translation: “they will have everlasting joy” (See: Synecdoche)

The words “gladness” and “joy” mean basically the same thing, as do “sorrow” and “sighing.” Together they emphasize the intensity of these emotions. (See: Doublet)

This speaks of the people being overwhelmed by gladness and joy by giving these emotions the human quality of being able to overtake someone by force. Alternate translation: “they will be overwhelmed by joy and gladness” (See: Personification)

This speaks of the people no longer being sorrowful and sighing by giving these emotions the human ability to run away. Alternate translation: “they will no longer be sorrowful and sighing” (See: Personification)

Isaiah 36

Isaiah 36 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The previous chapters have been constructed as prophecy and contain many poetic elements. This chapter switches to a narrative and is a discussion between the officials from Assyria and Judah. To make the meaning clear here, it may be helpful to set apart the extended quotations by setting them farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Special concepts in this chapter

Trust

The people of Judah were to trust in Yahweh because only he could provide them with protection. The people of Jerusalem were protected because they trusted in Yahweh. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The Assyrian commanders use rhetorical questions in this chapter to mock or insult Judah and their God, Yahweh. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 36:1

“year 14” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated the name of this king in Isaiah 1:1.

This is the name of the king of Assyria. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here Sennacherib represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “Sennacherib and his army … attacked all the fortified cities” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 36:2

Some versions of the Bible translate this as “the Rabshakeh.” This is the Assyrian word for one of the highest ranking military leaders in Assyria.

This is a city southwest of Jerusalem. (See: How to Translate Names)

man-made ditch or tunnel through which water flows. See how you translated this in Isaiah 7:3.

This could mean: (1) this is the proper name by which the people called the field or (2) this is the common noun that the people used to talk about the field, “the launderers’ field” or “the field where men wash wool” or “the field where women wash clothes.” See how you translated this in Isaiah 7:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here, the launderers are either: (1) men who wash wool that someone has cut from the sheep, “wool washers field,” or (2) women who wash dirty clothes, “clothes washers field.” See how you translated this in Isaiah 7:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 36:3

See how you translated these men’s names in Isaiah 22:20. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 22:15. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 36:4

Alternate translation: “said to Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah”

The king of Assyria uses this question to challenge Hezekiah and to say that he does not have a good source for confidence. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have no reliable source for your confidence.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 36:5

“you have the council and the strength to go to war.” The phrase “strength for war” refers to having a large enough and strong enough army with weapons. Alternate translation: “you have enough military council, strong men, and weapons to go to war” (See: Metonymy)

The king of Assyria uses questions to ridicule Hezekiah for believing he has the strength to rebel. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No matter in whom you trust, you will not have the courage to rebel against me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 36:6

Sennacherib uses this word to draw Hezekiah’s attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

Here “Egypt” refers to the Egyptian army. Alternate translation: “trusting in the Egyptian army” (See: Metonymy)

This speaks of Egypt, specifically its army and its Pharaoh, as if it were a splintered reed to emphasize that relying on them would not help them but would only harm them. Alternate translation: “that is like walking with a splintered reed for a staff. If a man leans on it, it will stick into his hand and pierce it” (See: Metaphor)

A reed is the long, thin stem of a plant like tall grass. If it is splintered or damaged it cannot carry any weight.

This is a stick that someone would use for support when walking, made of whatever kind of tree limb that is found along the way.

Isaiah 36:7

The king of Assyria uses this question to ridicule the people and to imply that Yahweh was angry about what Hezekiah did and would not protect them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “he is the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah has taken away … Jerusalem.” or “he is the one whom Hezekiah insulted by tearing down his high places and altars … Jerusalem.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This can be written as an indirect quote. “Judah” and “Jerusalem” refer to the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “has told the people of Judah and Jerusalem that they must worship only at this altar in Jerusalem.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations and Metonymy)

Isaiah 36:8

“2,000 horses” (See: Numbers)

The chief commander continues to ridicule Hezekiah and his army by implying that he did not have many soldiers. (See: Irony)

Isaiah 36:9

The chief commander continues to ridicule Hezekiah and his army. When he says “you,” referring to Hezekiah, he is actually referring to Hezekiah’s army. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your army could not even defeat one captain … servants.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metonymy)

Isaiah 36:10

The chief commander uses another question to ridicule Hezekiah and the people of Judah. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I came here with Yahweh’s command to destroy Jerusalem.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “Yahweh” refers to Yahweh’s orders. Alternate translation: “without Yahweh’s command” (See: Metonymy)

This means to fight against the people and cause destruction in the place where they live. The land referred to here is Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “against this people and destroy their land … Attack these people and destroy their land” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 36:11

See how you translated these men’s names in Isaiah 22:20.

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 22:15.

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 36:3

See how you translated this in Isaiah 36:2.

Eliakim, Shebnah, and Joah refer to themselves as the chief commander’s servants. This is a polite way to speak to someone who has greater authority.

“Aramean” is the name of a people group. “Aramaic” is the name of their language. (See: How to Translate Names)

The idiom “to speak in someone’s ear” means to speak where they can hear you. Alternate translation: “where the people who are on the wall may hear us” (See: Idiom)

This means that they are standing on the wall. The top of the wall was wide and a place where people could sit or stand. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “who are standing on the wall” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 36:12

The chief commander uses this question to emphasize that his message is for all the people of Judah. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Certainly, my master has sent me to speak this message to you and to all who can hear.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The chief commander uses this question to emphasize his insult. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “My master has sent me to everyone who hears this, who will have to … you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is a very offensive statement. He is implying that they will need to eat these things because they will have nothing else to eat because their city will be under attack. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “will soon need to eat their own dung and drink their own urine, just as you will, because you will have nothing else to eat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 36:13

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 36:2.

Isaiah 36:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not give Jerusalem into the hand of the king of Assyria” (See: Active or Passive)

The king’s “hand” refers to his “control.” Alternate translation: “the control of the king” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 36:16

This idiom means to agree officially to act peacefully towards one another. Alternate translation: “Let us agree to have peace” (See: Idiom)

This idiom means to surrender. Alternate translation: “surrender to me” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 36:17

Here the king of Assyria is referring to his army as himself. Alternate translation: “until my army comes and takes” (See: Metonymy)

These two phrase have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize how prosperous the land will be. (See: Parallelism)

This means that they land is full of natural resources, such as grain. Alternate translation: “a land where there is plenty of grain … a land where there is plenty of bread” (See: Possession)

Isaiah 36:18

The chief commander uses this question to ridicule the people of Judah. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “None of the gods of the peoples rescued them from … Assyria.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The king’s control is referred to as his “hand.” Alternate translation: “the control of the king” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 36:19

The chief commander uses these questions to ridicule the people of Judah. These questions may be combined and written as a statement. Alternate translation: “The gods of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, and Samaria did not rescue their people from my power.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Translate the names of these cities the same as you did in Isaiah 10:9. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 36:20

The chief commander uses this question to ridicule the people of Judah. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “there is no god who has rescued … and Yahweh will not save you in Jerusalem from my power.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This refers to the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “his people” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 36:22

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in Isaiah 36:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

This idiom means that he was in charge of the affairs of the palace household. Alternate translation: “in charge of the palace” (See: Idiom)

Hezekiah’s officials tore their clothes as a sign of mourning and distress. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “with their clothes torn because they were extremely distressed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Isaiah 37

Isaiah 37 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 37:22-38.

Special concepts in this chapter

Tearing clothes and putting on sackcloth

This was a sign of great distress. While it is often accompanies repentance, in this chapter it is intended to show the king’s anger at the blasphemy of the Assyrians when they spoke against Yahweh. (See: sign, proof, reminder and repent, repentance and blasphemy, blaspheme, blasphemous)

Prayer

Hezekiah was different from the other kings because when he was threatened by Assyria, he went to Yahweh in prayer. He did not trust in his army or make an alliance with Egypt. (See: trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

Isaiah 37:1

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: Introduction of a New Event)

This is a sign of mourning and distress. Alternate translation: “he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth because he was very distressed” (See: Symbolic Action)

Isaiah 37:2

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in Isaiah 36:3. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is an idiom that means that he was in charge of the affairs of the palace household. Alternate translation: “in charge of the palace” (See: Idiom)

This is a sign of mourning and distress. (See: Symbolic Action)

Isaiah 37:3

Alternate translation: “The men sent by Hezekiah said to Isaiah”

This comparison is made to emphasizes that they are in a time of extreme difficulty. Alternate translation: “It is as terrible as the day when a child is ready to be born, but the mother has no strength to give birth to her child” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 37:4

Hezekiah is indirectly suggesting that if the people pray Yahweh may listen and act upon what the chief commander had said. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Maybe if you pray to Yahweh your God will hear the message” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 36:2.

This phrase means that the king is the chief commander’s master.

Here the phrase “the words which Yahweh your God has heard” refers to what the king of Assyria had said. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will rebuke the king of Assyria for what he has said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Praying to Yahweh is described this way to emphasize that Yahweh is in heaven. A prayer is spoken of as if they were objects that could be lifted high into the sky. Alternate translation: “pray” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the people who are left in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “for the few of us that are still here” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 37:7

The phrase “put a spirit in him” means that God will influence him to make a specific decision. The word “spirit” here means a strong attitude or feeling. Alternate translation: “I will influence him so that when he hears a certain report, he will go back to his own land” (See: Idiom)

This word is used here to draw the peoples’ attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

The phrase “fall by the sword” is an idiom that means that his enemy will kill him with a sword. Alternate translation: “And there in his own land, I will cause his enemies to kill him with their swords” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 37:8

See how you translated the name of this city in Isaiah 36:2. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is a city in southern Judah. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 37:9

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 36:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

“Tirhakah” is the name of a man. He had mobilized his army so that they were ready to fight. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Tirhakah king of Cush and Egypt had mobilized his army” (See: How to Translate Names and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “him” represents Sennacherib. Here Sennacherib represents his army. Alternate translation: “to fight against the army of Sennacherib” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 37:10

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The word “hand” refers to the king’s military power. Alternate translation: “The king of Assyria and his army will not conquer you in Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 37:11

The word “see” here is used to add emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: “You have certainly heard”

The king of Assyria uses this question to ridicule Hezekiah and his army. Alternate translation: “So you too will not be saved.” or “So of course no one will rescue you either!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 37:12

The king of Assyria uses this question to ridicule Hezekiah and his army. Alternate translation: “The nations’ god did not rescue the nations that my fathers destroyed … Tel Assar!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These men destroyed the cities listed by conquering them with their armies. Here the word “fathers” refers to his father and his other ancestors who were kings. Alternate translation: “that my fathers destroyed with their armies” (See: Synecdoche)

These are places that the Assyrians had conquered. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 37:13

These are places that the Assyrians had conquered. (See: How to Translate Names)

The king of Assyria uses this question to ridicule Hezekiah and his army. Alternate translation: “We also conquered the king … Ivvah!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Translate the names of these cities the same as you did in Isaiah 36:19. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 37:14

Here the messengers are referred to by their “hand” to emphasize that they personally gave it to the king. Alternate translation: “that the messengers gave him” (See: Synecdoche)

The house of Yahweh was at the highest place in Jerusalem, so it is spoken of as “up.”

“spread out the letter in front of Yahweh.” Being in the house of Yahweh is considered the same as being in Yahweh’s presence. The letter was a scroll that could be unrolled and spread out.

Isaiah 37:16

You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahweh’s footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: “you who sit on your throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “only you are God”

This idiom means to have authority and to rule over all the kingdoms. Alternate translation: “have authority over all the kingdoms” (See: Idiom)

This means that he created everything. Alternate translation: “You made everything” (See: Merism)

Isaiah 37:17

Hezekiah is referring to the letter from Sennacherib. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “in the message he has sent” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“Incline your ear” or “Turn your head.” This means to turn your head so that you can hear something better.

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 36:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 37:18

This is a generalization. The kings had destroyed many of the nearby lands, but not necessarily all lands. Alternate translation: “many of the nations and their lands” (See: Hyperbole)

Isaiah 37:19

This emphasizes that humans made these idols with their own hands and are therefore worthless. Alternate translation: “because they were false gods that men made out of wood and stone” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 37:20

Alternate translation: “from the king of Assyria’s power”

This refers to the people in the kingdoms. Alternate translation: “all the people in the kingdoms” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “only you, Yahweh, are God”

Isaiah 37:21

This means that he sent a messenger to give a message to the king. Alternate translation: “sent someone to give a message” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 37:22

Alternate translation: “is what Yahweh has said”

Alternate translation: “laughs at you” or “makes fun of you”

This is a gesture of scorn. (See: Symbolic Action)

These are idioms. Both of these phrases have the same meaning. The “daughter” of a city means the people who live in the city. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 1:8. Alternate translation: “The people of Zion … the people of Jerusalem” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 37:23

Yahweh uses these rhetorical questions to ridicule the king of Assyria. These can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “You have defied and insulted Yahweh, you have shouted at and acted pridefully against the Holy One of Israel!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This refers to speaking loudly as if the person’s voice were an object that they lifted high. Alternate translation: “have you shouted” (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom that means to look at something pridefully, considering yourself more important that you should. Alternate translation: “looked at pridefully” or “acted pridefully” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 37:24

This refers to the servants that he had sent to Hezekiah with a message. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “In the messages you sent with your servants” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here Sennacherib speaks of himself conquering many things. He is actually conquering them with the armies and chariots that he commands. Alternate translation: “We have gone … We will cut … we will enter” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “Lebanon’s tall cedars”

Here the word “fruitful” refers to the forest being dense and full of healthy trees. The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: “and into its most fruitful forest” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 37:25

Here Sennacherib speaks of himself conquering many things. He is actually conquering them with the armies and chariots that he commands. Alternate translation: “We have dug … we dried … our feet” (See: Synecdoche)

Here Sennachrib is exaggerating his conquest and travels across the rivers of Egypt by claiming to have dried up the rivers when he marched his army through them. Alternate translation: “I have marched through all the rivers of Egypt as if they were dry under my feet” (See: Hyperbole)

Isaiah 37:26

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to remind Sennacherib of information that he should already be aware of. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Certainly you have heard how … times.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh had planned for Sennacherib’s army to destroy the cities that they had destroyed. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I planned that your army would destroy cities and cause them to become piles of rubble” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

strong and heavily guarded

The idiom “to bring something to pass” means to cause a specific thing to happen. Alternate translation: “I am causing it to happen” or “I am causing these things to take place” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 37:27

Alternate translation: “who are weak”

broken into small pieces. This is a metaphor for being greatly discouraged. (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of how weak and vulnerable the cities are before the Assryian army by comparing the cities to grass. Alternate translation: “The cities are as weak as the grass in the fields before your armies. They are as weak as the grass that grows on the roofs of houses and is scorched by the hot east wind” (See: Metaphor)

The east wind is hot and dry from the desert and plants die when it blows.

Isaiah 37:28

This refers to all activities of life. Alternate translation: “I know everything you do” (See: Merism)

The word “raging” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “how you rage against me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 37:29

Here the king’s “arrogance” refers to his arrogant speech. Alternate translation: “your arrogant speech” (See: Metonymy)

This speaks of Yahweh hearing the king’s speech as if the king’s speech were something that traveled to his ear. Alternate translation: “I have heard you speaking arrogantly” (See: Metaphor)

A person uses a hook and bit to lead an animal around. This speaks of Yahweh controlling the king as if the king were an animal Yahweh controlled with a bit and hook. Alternate translation: “I will control you like a man controls his animal by place a hook in its nose and a bit in its mouth” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to causing the king to return to his own home country. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “I will force you to return to your own country” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 37:30

“sign for you, Hezekiah.” Here “you” is singular and refers to Hezekiah. (See: Forms of You)

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Judah. (See: Forms of You)

This describes what the people will eat. The words “you will eat” are understood from the previous phrase Alternate translation: “in the second year you will eat what grows” or “next year you will eat what grows” (See: Ellipsis and Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “what grows wild from that” or “what grows wild”

This refers to the year after the second year. Alternate translation: “the year after that” or “in the following year” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Isaiah 37:31

A “remnant” is a part of something that remains after the rest is gone. Here this refers to the people who are left in Judah.

Here Judah’s “house” refers to his descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Judah” (See: Metonymy)

This speaks of the people of Judah becoming prosperous as if they were plants that would root and bear fruit. Alternate translation: “will prosper like a plant that takes root and produces fruit” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 37:32

These two phrases have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize the remnant of people who will survive. (See: Parallelism)

This speaks of Yahweh doing something because of his zeal as if his “zeal” were actually doing the action. Alternate translation: “Because of his zeal, Yahweh of hosts will do this” or “Yahweh of hosts will do this because of his zeal” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 37:33

Here the Assyrian king refers to both him and his army. Alternate translation: “His army will not come … They will not come” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “with shields”

a large mound of dirt built against the wall of a city that better enables an army to attach the city

Isaiah 37:34

Here the Assyrian king refers to both him and his army. Alternate translation: “they came … they will not enter” (See: Synecdoche)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Translate as in Isaiah 30:1. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 37:35

Alternate translation: “so that things will be better for me and for my servant David”

Isaiah 37:36

This idiom means to kill. Alternate translation: “killing” (See: Idiom)

“one hundred and eighty-five thousand soldiers” (See: Numbers)

Isaiah 37:37

Here Sennacherib refers to both him and his army. They all left Israel and returned home to Assryia. Sennacherib returned to the city Nineveh. Alternate translation: “Sennacherib and his army left Israel and went home, and Sennacherib stayed in Nineveh” (See: Synecdoche)

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 36:1. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 37:38

Alternate translation: “as Sennacherib was worshiping”

This is the name of a false god. (See: How to Translate Names)

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “with their swords”

Isaiah 38

Isaiah 38 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 38:10-20.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Poetry

This chapter is written as a narrative, but the section including Hezekiah’s prayer is written as poetry. The tone of this prayer shifts from sorrow to praise.

Isaiah 38:1

This means to prepare your family and those in charge of your affairs so that they know what to do after you die. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: “You should tell the people in your palace what you want them to do after you die” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 38:3

This idiom means to remember. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

This is an idiom. Here “walk” means to “live.” The phrase means to live in a way the pleases Yahweh. Alternate translation: “faithfully lived before you” or “faithfully served you” (See: Idiom)

Here the “heart” refers to the inner-being which represents a person’s complete devotion. Alternate translation: “with all my inner being” or “with my complete devotion” (See: Metonymy)

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what pleases you” or “what you consider to be good” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 38:4

This is an idiom that is used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 38:5

This is used to ask the listener to pay attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

“15 years” (See: Numbers)

Isaiah 38:6

Here the king’s “hand” refers to his power. Alternate translation: “the power of the king of Assyria” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 38:8

Yahweh uses this word to draw the listener’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

These stairs are referred to this way because they were built while Ahaz was king. You can make this information clear. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 38:10

“that before I have grown old.” This refers to dying at middle age, before growing old.

This speaks of dying as if Sheol were a kingdom that has gates that one enters. Alternate translation: “I will die and go to Sheol” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “before I have lived all of my years I will go to the grave” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 38:11

“The living” refers to people who are alive. Alternate translation: “in the land where people are alive” or “in this world where people are alive” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 38:12

This speaks of how Yahweh is ending Hezekiah’s life quickly by comparing it to how a shepherd removes his tent from the ground. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has taken my life away from me quickly like a shepherd packs up his tent and carries it away” (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has taken my life” (See: Active or Passive)

This speaks of Yahweh quickly ending Hezekiah’s life by comparing it to how a weaver cuts his cloth from the loom and rolls it up. Alternate translation: “you are ending my life quickly, like a weaver cuts his cloth from the loom when it is finished” (See: Simile)

Here “you” is singular and refers to God. (See: Forms of You)

a device used to weave thread together to make cloth

Isaiah 38:13

Hezekiah speaks of how he is in extreme pain by comparing it to having his body torn apart by lions. Alternate translation: “my pain was as though I were being torn apart by lions” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 38:14

Both of these clauses mean the same thing and they emphasize how sad and pitiful Hezekiah’s cries were. A swallow and a dove are types of birds. Alternate translation: “My cries are pitiful--they sound like the chirp of a swallow and the coo of a dove” (See: Parallelism and Simile)

Here Hezekiah refers to himself my his “eyes” to emphasize that he is looking for something. Alternate translation: “I” (See: Synecdoche)

This refers to Hezekiah looking to heaven for God to help him. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “of waiting for help to come from heaven” or “of waiting for you to help me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My sickness oppresses me” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 38:15

Hezekiah uses a question to emphasize he has nothing left to say. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have nothing left to say.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is an idiom. Here “walking” refers to living. Alternate translation: “I will like humbly” (See: Idiom)

This refers to the rest of his life. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “the rest of my life” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “because I am full of grief” or “because I am very sad”

Isaiah 38:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may you give my life back to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 38:17

Hezekiah did not die but he was close to dying. This refers Yahweh saving him from dying. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “from dying and going to the pit of destruction” or “so that I did not die” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Hezekiah speaks of Yahweh forgiving his sins as if they were objects that Yahweh threw behind himself and forgot about. Alternate translation: “for you have forgiven all my sins and no longer think about them” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 38:18

Here “Sheol” and “death” refer to “dead people.” Alternate translation: “For those in Sheol do not thank you; dead people do not praise you” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “those who go down to the grave”

“do not have hope in your faithfulness.” Here “your” is singular and refers to Yahweh. (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 38:19

Hezekiah repeats this phrase to emphasize that only a living person, not a dead person, can give thanks to Yahweh. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 38:20

This refers to him being saved from dying. It can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: “save me from dying” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “we” refers to Hezekiah and the people of Judah. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Isaiah 38:21

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. This gives background information about Isaiah and Hezekiah. (See: Background Information)

Alternate translation: “Let Hezekiah’s servants”

This was used as an ointment. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “use an ointment of mashed figs” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

a painful area on the skin that is infected

Isaiah 39

Isaiah 39 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Pride

Although it is not said why it was sinful for Hezekiah to show the king of Babylon his riches, the sin was probably because of his pride. It can be viewed as bragging to another king about how rich and powerful he was without giving proper credit to Yahweh. Because of this sin, Yahweh punished him. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Babylon

At this time, Babylon was not very powerful, but was little more than a city. In a short time, however, Babylon became a very powerful nation and conquered Assyria.

Isaiah 39:1

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 39:2

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: “When the king’s messengers arrived, Hezekiah was pleased with what they brought to him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “he showed the messengers everything of value he had”

a building where goods are kept

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everything that was in his storehouses” (See: Active or Passive)

This is a slight exaggeration as Hezekiah showed them many things, but not everything. Also, this can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “Hezekiah showed them almost everything in his house and in his kingdom” (See: Double Negatives and Hyperbole)

Isaiah 39:4

These two sentences mean the same thing and are used together to emphasize how much Hezekiah showed the men. (See: Parallelism)

This is a generalization, as Hezekiah showed them many things, but not necessarily everything in the palace. Alternate translation: “almost everything in my house” (See: Hyperbole)

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I showed them all the valuable things in my palace” (See: Double Negatives)

Isaiah 39:5

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:9.

Alternate translation: “the message”

Isaiah 39:6

This word is used here to draw Hezekiah’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “when the enemy army will take everything in your palace … back to Babylon” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 39:7

Alternate translation: “Your sons”

Alternate translation: “the Babylonians will take them”

Isaiah 40

Isaiah 40 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Yahweh uses many rhetorical questions in this chapter. These rhetorical questions help to prove the point he is making and convince the reader. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“She has received double from Yahweh’s hand for all her sins”

It is common in many languages to use the feminine “she” to refer to a nation, rather than the word “it,” which is neither masculine or feminine. The translator should use the pronoun that aligns with the common usage in the target language. Therefore, it is acceptable to use “he,” “she,” or “it” in reference to a nation.

The phrase “received double” indicates that Jerusalem was punished more severely than the other nations. This is because they had the privilege of a special relationship to Yahweh and had more knowledge than the other nations.

Reign of Yahweh

This chapter appears to prophesy about a time of restoration when the Messiah will reign. It pictures a time of great peace and harmony in the world. The translator does not need to add an explanation, but should try to maintain the tense of the original text, as a future or uncompleted action. It does not appear that this prophecy was fulfilled in the days of Isaiah. (See: restore, restoration, prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 40:1

The word “comfort” is repeated for emphasis.

Here “your” is plural and refers to those whom the prophet tells to comfort God’s people. (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 40:2

The prophet speaks of Jerusalem as if it were a woman whom Yahweh has forgiven. As such, Jerusalem represents the people who live in that city. Alternate translation: Speak tenderly to the people of Jerusalem” (See: Personification and Metonymy)

These pronouns refer to Jerusalem but may be changed if “the people of Jerusalem” is adopted as a translation. Alternate translation: “proclaim to them … their warfare … their iniquity … they have received … their sins” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Possible meanings are that the word warfare refers: (1) to military battle or (2) to forced labor.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has pardoned her iniquity” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “from Yahweh” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 40:3

The word “voice” represents the person who cries out. Alternate translation: “Someone cries out” (See: Synecdoche)

These two lines are parallel and mean basically the same thing. The people preparing themselves for Yahweh’s help is spoken of as if they were to prepare roads for Yahweh to travel upon. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

See how you translated this word in Isaiah 35:1.

Isaiah 40:4

These phrases explain how the people are to prepare a highway for Yahweh. They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Lift up every valley, and level every mountain and hill” (See: Active or Passive)

Making the valleys level with the rest of the ground is spoken of as if it were lifting up the valleys. Alternate translation: “Every valley will be filled in” (See: Metaphor)

These phrases explain how the people are to prepare a highway for Yahweh. They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “make the rugged land level, and make the rough places into a plain” (See: Active or Passive and Ellipsis)

Isaiah 40:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will reveal his glory” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “mouth” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh has spoken it” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 40:6

The word “flesh” refers to people. The speaker speaks of humans as if they are grass, because they both die quickly. Alternate translation: “All people are like grass” (See: Metaphor)

The speaker compares the covenant faithfulness of people to flowers that bloom and then die quickly. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful.” See how you translated “covenant faithfulness” in Isaiah 16:5. Alternate translation: “they quickly stop being faithful to the covenant, just like a flower of the field dies quickly” (See: Simile and Abstract Nouns)

This could mean: (1) covenant faithfulness or (2) beauty.

Isaiah 40:7

This could mean: (1) “when Yahweh blows his breath on it” or (2) “when Yahweh sends a wind to blow on it.”

The speaker speaks of humans as if they are grass, because they both die quickly. Alternate translation: “people die as quickly as grass” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 40:8

The speaker speaks of what God says lasting forever as if his word stands forever. Alternate translation: “the things that our God says will last forever” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 40:9

The writer speaks of Zion as if it were a messenger who declares good news from a mountain top. (See: Personification)

Messengers would often stand on elevated land, such as mountains, so that many people could hear what they proclaimed. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This refers to the people who live in Zion. Alternate translation: “you people of Zion” (See: Metonymy)

The writer speaks of Jerusalem as if it were a messenger who declares good news. (See: Personification)

Isaiah 40:10

Here the word “arm” represents God’s power. Alternate translation: “he rules with great power” (See: Metonymy)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The ones he rescued are his “reward.” Alternate translation: “he is bringing those he rescued with him as his reward” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 40:11

The writer speaks of Yahweh’s people as if they were sheep and of Yahweh as if he were their shepherd. Alternate translation: “He will care for his people like a shepherd feeds his flock” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 40:12

These rhetorical questions anticipate a negative answer and emphasize that only Yahweh is able to do these things. Alternate translation: “No one but Yahweh has measured … and the hills in a balance.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh knowing how much water is in the oceans is spoken of as if Yahweh held the water in his hand. (See: Metaphor)

A “span” is the measure of length between the thumb and little finger when the hand is outstretched. Yahweh knowing the length of the sky is spoken of as if he measured it with his hand. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh knowing how much dust there is on the earth is spoken of as if he carried it in a basket. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh knowing how heavy the mountains are is spoken of as if he weighed them in scales and balances. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 40:13

This rhetorical question anticipates a negative answer and emphasizes that no one is able to do these things. Alternate translation: “No one has comprehended the mind of Yahweh, and no one has instructed him as his counselor.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “mind” refers not only to Yahweh’s thoughts, but also to his desires and motivations.

Isaiah 40:14

This rhetorical question anticipates a negative answer and emphasizes that no one has ever done this. Alternate translation: “He has never received instruction from anyone.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This rhetorical question anticipates a negative answer and emphasizes that no one has ever done these things. Alternate translation: “No one taught him the correct way to do things. No one taught him knowledge. No one showed to him the way of understanding.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 40:15

These words add emphasis to what follows.

The prophet compares the nations to a drop of water and to dust in order to emphasize how small and insignificant they are to Yahweh. (See: Simile)

This could mean: (1) a drop of water that falls into a bucket or (2) a drop of water that drops out of a bucket.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh regards them as dust on the scales” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 40:17

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he regards them as nothing” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 40:18

Isaiah uses two similar questions to emphasize that there is no idol that can compare with God. Alternate translation: “There is no one to whom you can compare God. There is no idol to which you can liken him.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Parallelism)

This is plural and refers to all of God’s people. (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 40:19

Alternate translation: “A skilled worker forms it, another covers it with gold and makes a silver chain for it”

Isaiah 40:21

Isaiah uses these questions to emphasize that the people should know Yahweh’s greatness as the creator. Alternate translation: “You certainly know and have heard! It has been told to you from the beginning; you have understood from the foundations of the earth!” (See: Rhetorical Question and Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Have people not told you from the beginning?” (See: Active or Passive)

The prophet speaks of Yahweh creating the earth as if the earth were a building for which Yahweh laid the foundation. Alternate translation: “from the time that Yahweh created the earth” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 40:22

The prophet speaks of Yahweh ruling the earth as if Yahweh were seated on a throne above the earth. (See: Metaphor)

The prophet compares the way Yahweh considers humans to the way humans would consider grasshoppers. Just as grasshoppers are small to humans, humans are small and weak before God. (See: Simile)

These two lines share similar meanings. The prophet speaks of Yahweh creating the heavens as if he had erected a tent in which to live. Alternate translation: “He spreads out the heavens as easily as a person would stretch out a curtain or erect a tent in which to live” (See: Parallelism and Simile)

Isaiah 40:23

Alternate translation: “Yahweh reduces”

Isaiah 40:24

The prophet speaks of rulers being helpless before Yahweh as if they were new plants that wither away when a hot wind blows on them. (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and refer to the point at which the plants or seeds are placed into the ground. They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “As soon as someone plants them … as soon as someone sows them” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

The prophet speaks of Yahweh removing the rulers from power as if Yahweh were a scorching wind that blows upon the plants and causes them to wither. (See: Metaphor)

This simile extends the metaphor of the rulers as plants and Yahweh as the wind that causes them to wither. The wind of Yahweh’s judgement will remove the withered plants as easily as wind blows away straw. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 40:25

Yahweh uses two similar rhetorical questions to emphasize that there is no one like him. Alternate translation: “There is no one to whom you can compare me. There is no one whom I resemble.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Parallelism)

Isaiah 40:26

This is a leading question that anticipates the answer, Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has created all these stars!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “formations” refers to military formations. The prophet speaks of the stars as if they were soldiers whom Yahweh commands to appear. (See: Metaphor)

The phrases “the greatness of his might” and “the strength of his power” form a doublet that emphasizes Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “By his great might and powerful strength” (See: Doublet)

This negative statement emphasizes the positive. Alternate translation: “every one is present” (See: Litotes)

Isaiah 40:27

The question emphasizes that they should not say what they say. Alternate translation: “‘You should not say, O people of Israel … vindication’.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These two phrases both refer to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Why do you say, O people of Israel” (See: Doublet)

Yahweh not knowing what happens to them is spoken of as if Yahweh could not see the road upon which they travel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh does not know what happens to me” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “my God is not concerned about others treating me unjustly” or (2) “my God is not concerned about treating me justly.”

Isaiah 40:28

Isaiah uses these questions to emphasize that the people should know Yahweh’s greatness. See how you translated these in Isaiah 40:21. Alternate translation: “You certainly know and have heard!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. AT “the farthest places of the earth” or “the entire earth” (See: Metaphor and Merism)

Isaiah 40:29

These two lines share similar meanings and emphasize that Yahweh strengthens those who have no strength. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh gives strength”

Isaiah 40:31

People receiving strength from Yahweh is spoken of as if the people were able to fly like eagles fly. An eagle is a bird often used as a symbol for strength and power. (See: Metaphor)

These two lines share similar meanings. People receiving strength from Yahweh is spoken of as if they were able to run and walk without tiring. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 41

Isaiah 41 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Mocking

Yahweh tells the people to present their best arguments in favor of honoring their idols. In this Yahweh challenges the people. Yahweh mocks or insults these false gods because they are not real and have no power. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Isaiah 41:1

Here “me” refers to God.

This refers to the people who live on the islands and in the lands bordering or beyond the Mediterranean Sea. (See: Metonymy and Apostrophe)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 40:31.

These two phrases share similar meanings. The second explains the reason for the first. Alternate translation: “then let them come near so they may speak and reason with me” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 41:2

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who caused this ruler from the east to be victorious. Alternate translation: “I am the one who called this powerful ruler from the east and put him in my good service.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “I give the nations over to him” or “The one who does these things hands nations over to him”

Turning them to dust and stubble is a metaphor or exaggeration for completely destroying everything the people of these nations have made. The armies of one from the east will conquer these nations and scatter the people easily. (See: Metaphor and Simile and Hyperbole)

Isaiah 41:3

Alternate translation: “The ruler from the east pursues the nations”

This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor in which he and his army moving very quickly is spoken of as if his feet barely touch the ground. Alternate translation: “by a path on which he moves with great speed” or (2) “feet” represents the whole person and the phrase indicates that this is a path that they have not traveled before. Alternate translation: “by a path that he has never traveled before” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)

Isaiah 41:4

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who has done these things. Alternate translation: “I have performed and accomplished these deeds.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “generations” represents all of human history, which Yahweh created and directed throughout history. The rhetorical question anticipates the answer, Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I have summoned the generations of humanity from the beginning.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh is the one who has done these things. (See: Doublet)

This could mean: (1) that Yahweh existed before creation and will exist at the end of creation or (2) that Yahweh was before the first generation of humanity and will be at the last generation of humanity.

Isaiah 41:5

These phrases represent the people who live in those places. Alternate translation: “People who live on the isles … people who live at the ends of the earth” (See: Metonymy)

You can translate “isles” the same way you translated “coastlands” in Isaiah 41:1.

The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. AT “the farthest places of the earth” (See: Metaphor)

This doublet means that the people gather together. Alternate translation: “they come together” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 41:7

an iron block on which a person shapes metal with a hammer

Here the word “welding” refers to the process of fastening the gold to the wood as the workers finish making the idol.

Here “it” refers to the idol that they have made.

Isaiah 41:9

These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh is bringing the people of Israel back to their land from distant countries. (See: Parallelism)

The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. See how you translated this in Isaiah 41:5. AT “the farthest places of the earth” (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second states in negative terms what the first states in positive terms. (See: Parallelism and Litotes)

Isaiah 41:10

Yahweh strengthening his people is spoken of as if he were holding them with his hand. (See: Metaphor)

Here “right hand” represents Yahweh’s power. This could mean: (1) Yahweh’s right hand is righteous in that he will always do the right thing. Alternate translation: “my righteous power” or (2) Yahweh’s right hand is victorious in that he will always succeed in what he does. Alternate translation: “my victorious power” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 41:11

Alternate translation: “all who have been angry with you will be ashamed and disgraced”

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of their shame. (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “those who oppose you will be as nothing and will perish”

Isaiah 41:13

Yahweh helping the people of Israel is spoken of as if he were holding their right hand. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 41:14

Here “Jacob” and “men of Israel” mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “you people of Israel who are like worms” (See: Doublet)

This could mean: (1) that this refers to the opinions of other nations regarding the people of Israel or (2) that this refers to Israel’s own opinion of themselves. Yahweh speaks of their insignificance as if they were a worm. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Translate as in Isaiah 30:1. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 41:15

Yahweh speaks of enabling Israel to defeat their enemies as if he were making the nation a threshing sledge that will level mountains. (See: Metaphor)

A threshing sledge was a board with sharp spikes that someone would drag over the wheat to separate the grain from the chaff.

This refers to the edges of the spikes that were attached to the threshing sledge. That they are “two-edged” means that they are very sharp.

This is a double metaphor. The mountains are a metaphor for grain, and threshing grain is a metaphor for the Israelites defeating the powerful enemy nations near them. Alternate translation: “you will thresh your enemies and crush them as if they were grain, even though they appear to be as strong as mountains” (See: Metaphor and Hyperbole)

The hills are a metaphor for the powerful enemy nations near Israel. People having the wind blow the chaff away after they have threshed the grain is a metaphor for them allowing Yahweh to destroy their enemies. (See: Metaphor and Simile)

Isaiah 41:16

Yahweh continues to use the metaphor of separating grain from chaff to describe how Israel will defeat their enemies.

Here the word “them” refers to the mountains and hill in Isaiah 41:15. This represents the next step in the process of threshing grain, in which the grain is winnowed to get rid of the chaff. Israel’s enemies will disappear like chaff blown away by the wind. (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “the wind will blow them away” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 41:17

Yahweh speaks of people who are in extreme need as if they are extremely thirsty, and of his provision for them as if he caused water to appear in places where it normally would not appear. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 41:19

These are types of trees. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Isaiah 41:20

Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has done this” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 41:21

In these verses, Yahweh is mocking the people and their idols. He is challenging the idols to tell what will happen in the future, but he knows they cannot. (See: Irony)

Isaiah 41:23

Yahweh continues to mock the idols and the people who worship them (Isaiah 41:21-22).

The words “good” and “evil” form a merism and represent anything. Alternate translation: “do anything at all” (See: Merism)

Isaiah 41:24

Here “you” is plural and refers to the idols. Alternate translation: “the person who chooses you idols” (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 41:25

Yahweh speaks of appointing a person as if he raised that person up. Alternate translation: “I have appointed one” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the east, the direction from which the sun rises. Alternate translation: “from the east” (See: Idiom)

This could mean: (1) that this person invokes Yahweh for his success or (2) that this person worships Yahweh.

Conquering the rulers of other nations is spoken of as if it were trampling them under foot. Alternate translation: “he will conquer the rulers” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh compares the way in which this person will trample the other rulers with the way that a potter tramples on clay to mix it with water. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 41:26

Yahweh uses these rhetorical questions to mock the idols that the people worship. The implied answers are: (1) that the idols have not done these things and (2) that Yahweh is the one who has done these things. Alternate translation: “None of the idols announced this from the beginning, that we might know. And none of them announced this before time, that we may say, ‘He is right.’” (See: Rhetorical Question andEllipsis)

Alternate translation: “Indeed, none of the idols decreed it. Indeed, no one heard you idols say anything”

Isaiah 41:28

Alternate translation: “not one idol”

Isaiah 41:29

Yahweh speaks of the worthlessness of the idols as if the idols are wind and nothing at all. Alternate translation: “their idols are all worthless” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 42

Isaiah 42 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Many scholars believe that there are four songs or poems which Isaiah records about the Messiah. Isaiah 42:1-4 is the first of these songs. They are often called the “servant songs” because they focus on the Messiah being a servant. (See: Christ, Messiah)

Special concepts in this chapter

Servant

Israel is called Yahweh’s servant. The Messiah is also called the servant of Yahweh. It is likely that the two different usages of the word “servant” are intended to contrast with one another.

Isaiah 42:1

Alternate translation: “Look, my servant” or “Here is my servant”

Alternate translation: “with whom I am very happy”

Isaiah 42:3

Yahweh speaks of weak and helpless people as if they were crushed reeds and dimly burning wicks. (See: Metaphor)

A reed is the long, thin stem of a plant like tall grass. If it is crushed, it cannot carry any weight. See how you translated this in Isaiah 36:6.

Alternate translation: “My servant will not break”

Isaiah 42:4

This refers to the people who live on the islands and in the lands bordering or beyond the Mediterranean Sea. See how you translated this in Isaiah 41:1. Alternate translation: “the people who live on the coastlands” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 42:5

The prophet speaks of Yahweh creating the heavens and the earth as if the heavens and earth were fabric which Yahweh stretched out. (See: Metaphor)

These phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh gives life to every person. The word “breath” is a metonym for life. Alternate translation: “gives life to the people who live on the earth” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

Isaiah 42:6

Here “you” is singular and refers to Yahweh’s servant. (See: Forms of You)

Here the word “covenant” is a metonym for the one who establishes or mediates a covenant. Alternate translation: “I will … make you be the mediator of a covenant with the people” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of making his servant the one who delivers the nations from bondage as if he were making him a light that shines in dark places for the Gentiles. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 42:7

Causing blind people to see is spoken of as if it were opening their eyes. Also, Yahweh speaks of his servant delivering those who have been wrongly imprisoned as if his servant were restoring sight to blind people. Alternate translation: “to enable the blind to see” (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The verb may be supplied in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “to release the prisoners from the dungeon, and to release those who sit in darkness from the house in which they are confined” (See: Parallelism and Ellipsis)

Isaiah 42:8

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “nor will I share my praise with carved idols” (See: Ellipsis)

This refers to the praise that Yahweh receives from people.

Isaiah 42:9

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 42:10

Alternate translation: “and all the creatures that live in the sea, and all those who live on the coastlands”

Isaiah 42:11

This refers to the people who live in the desert and the cities. (See: Metonymy)

This is a city north of Arabia. See how this was translated in Isaiah 21:16

a city in Edom (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 42:12

Here “them” refers to the people along the coastlands.

Isaiah 42:13

Yahweh is compared with a warrior who is ready to defeat his people’s enemies. (See: Simile and Parallelism)

Here “zeal” refers to the passion that a warrior experiences when he is about to fight a battle. Yahweh stimulating his zeal is spoken of as if he stirred it up like the wind stirs up waves of water. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 42:14

These two lines share similar meanings. Yahweh’s inactivity is described as quietness and stillness. (See: Parallelism)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and indicate that Yahweh has kept himself from acting. Alternate translation: “I have kept myself from doing anything” (See: Doublet)

Yahweh’s activity as a shouting warrior is compared with a pregnant woman who cries from labor pains. This emphasizes sudden unavoidable action after a period of inactivity. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 42:15

Yahweh uses this metaphorical language to describe his great power to conquer his enemies. (See: Metaphor)

A marsh is an area of soft, wet land with pools of water.

Isaiah 42:16

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “I will lead the blind in paths that they do not know” (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh speaks of his people being helpless as if they could not see because they were blind. (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “that they have never traveled” or (2) “with which they are unfamiliar.”

Yahweh speaks of his people being helpless as if they could not see because they walked in darkness, and of his helping them as if he caused light to shine in the darkness. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 42:17

Rejecting those who worship idols is spoken of as if it is forcing them to turn back and move the opposite direction. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will reject them and put them to shame” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 42:18

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. Yahweh speaks of their failure to listen to him and obey him as if they are deaf and blind. (See: Forms of You and Metaphor)

Isaiah 42:19

Yahweh asks these rhetorical questions to scold his people and to emphasize that no one is as blind or deaf as they are. Alternate translation: “No one is as blind as my servant. No one is as deaf as my messenger whom I send.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh asks these rhetorical questions to scold his people and to emphasize that no one is as blind or deaf as they are. Alternate translation: “No one is as blind as my covenant partner. No one is as blind as Yahweh’s servant.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 42:20

Alternate translation: “Although you see many things, you do not understand what they mean”

The ability to hear is spoken of as if the ears were open. Here the word “hears” refers to understanding what one hears. Alternate translation: “people hear, but no one understands what they hear” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 42:21

“Yahweh was pleased to honor his justice by making his law glorious.” The second part of the phrase explains how Yahweh accomplished the first part.

Isaiah 42:22

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But the enemy has robbed and plundered this people” (See: Active or Passive)

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how badly the enemy had plundered them. (See: Doublet)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the enemy has trapped them all in pits and held them captive in prisons” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 42:23

Here Isaiah begins speaking.

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 42:24

These two phrases mean the same thing. Isaiah uses this as a leading question in order to emphasize the answer that he will give in the next phrase. Alternate translation: “I will tell you who gave the people of Israel over to robbers and looters.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Parallelism)

Isaiah uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that Yahweh alone was responsible for Israel’s situation, and to explain the reason that Yahweh did it. Alternate translation: “It was certainly Yahweh … refused to obey.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “we” refers to the people of Israel and to Isaiah. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

The word “they” also refers to the people of Israel and to Isaiah. The two phrases mean the same thing. In the first, obeying Yahweh’s laws is spoken of as if it were walking in the paths in which Yahweh commanded them to walk. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 42:25

Alternate translation: “Therefore Yahweh”

Isaiah speaks of Yahweh’s anger as if it were a liquid that could be poured out. Alternate translation: “he showed them just how angry he was” (See: Metaphor)

“against us.” Here “them” refers to the people of Israel, but Isaiah still included himself as part of the people.

The word “devastation” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “by devastating them with war” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah speaks of Yahweh’s fierce anger as if it were a fire that burned the people. (See: Metaphor)

Paying attention to something and learning from it is spoken of as if it were placing that thing on one’s heart. Alternate translation: “they did not pay attention” or “they did not learn from it” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 43

Isaiah 43 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Exodus

This chapter pictures Judah’s eventual return from exile in Babylon as a kind of second exodus. It was reminiscent of their exodus from Egypt.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Exile

This chapter prophesies about the Jews return from Babylon, but the exile has yet to happen and is still more than a hundred years in the future. These events will show that Yahweh alone is God. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 43:1

Both clauses mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “the one who created you, O people of Israel” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 43:2

Yahweh speaks of suffering and difficult experiences as if they are deep waters and fires through which the people walk. The words “waters” and “flames” form a merism and emphasize any difficult circumstance. (See: Metaphor and Merism)

These two statements mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people will experience no harm because Yahweh is with them. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it will not burn you” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 43:3

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that Yahweh will allow Israel’s enemy to conquer these nations instead of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

This is the name of a nation. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 43:4

The words “precious” and “special” mean basically the same thing and emphasize how much Yahweh values his people. Alternate translation: “Because you are very precious to me” (See: Doublet)

Both phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “therefore I will let the enemy conquer other peoples instead of you” (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 43:5

The directions “east” and “west” form a merism and represent from every direction. Alternate translation: “I will bring you and your offspring from every direction” (See: Merism)

Isaiah 43:6

Yahweh speaks to “the north” and “the south” as if commanding the nations in those locations. (See: Personification and Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of the people who belong to him as if they were his children. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 43:7

Here to be called by someone’s name represents belonging to that person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everyone whom I have called by my name” or “everyone who belongs to me” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Both of these mean the same thing and emphasize that it is God who made the people of Israel. (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 43:8

Yahweh speaks of those who do not listen to him or obey him as if they were blind and deaf. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 43:9

This rhetorical question applies to the gods whom the people of the nations worship. The implied answer is that none of them could do this. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “None of their gods could have declared this or announced to us earlier events.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Rhetorical Question)

This phrase refers to their ability to tell about events that happened in the past before they happened. Alternate translation: “announced to us earlier events before they happened” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh challenges the gods whom the nations worship to provide witnesses who will testify that they have been able to do these things, although he knows that they cannot do so. Alternate translation: “These gods have no witnesses who will prove them right, witnesses who will listen and affirm, ‘It is true’” (See: Irony)

Isaiah 43:10

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. The phrase “my servant” refers to the nation, as a whole. (See: Forms of You)

In speaking this way, Yahweh is not saying that there was a time before which he did not exist or a time after which he will not exist. He is asserting that he is eternal and that the gods whom the people of other nations worship are not.

Here the word “formed” indicates that Yahweh is speaking of idols that people have made. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “None of the gods whom people have formed existed before me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “none of those gods will exist after me”

Isaiah 43:11

The word “I” is repeated to emphasize the focus on Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I alone am Yahweh” or “I myself am Yahweh” (See: Doublet)

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I am the only savior” or “I am the only one who can save you”

Isaiah 43:13

Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “no one can rescue anyone from my power” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh uses this question to say that no one can turn back his hand. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Turning back his hand represents stopping him from doing something. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 14:27. Alternate translation: “no one can turn it back.” or “no one can stop me.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

Isaiah 43:14

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:4.

The object of the verb “send” may be supplied in translation. Alternate translation: “I send an army to Babylon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “lead all of the Babylonians down as fugitives”

A fugitive is a person who runs away so that his enemy will not capture him.

Isaiah 43:16

Isaiah speaks of the events following the exodus from Egypt, when Yahweh divided the sea to let the Israelites walk through on dry ground but then drowned the Egyptian army. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 43:17

Isaiah speaks of the events following the exodus from Egypt, when Yahweh divided the sea to let the Israelites walk through on dry ground but then drowned the Egyptian army. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Dying is spoken of as if it were falling down to the ground. Alternate translation: “They all died together; they will never live again” (See: Metaphor and Euphemism)

The people dying is spoken of as if they were burning candle wicks that someone has extinguished. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their lives have ended, like a person extinguishes the flame of a burning candle” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 43:18

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that they are not to worry about what happened in the past. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 43:19

This word is used to draw attention to the important information that follows. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention”

Yahweh uses a question to teach the people of Israel. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “surely you have noticed it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 43:20

Here animals honor Yahweh as if they were people. (See: Personification)

These are examples of the kinds of animals that will honor Yahweh. See how you translated the names of these animals in Isaiah 13:21-22. The understood information can be supplied to make the meaning clear. Alternate translation: “the jackals and the ostriches will honor me” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 43:24

This is a plant with a pleasant smell used to make anointing oil. It did not grow in the land of Israel so the people had to buy it from other nations.

These both mean the same thing and emphasize the complaint Yahweh has with his people. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “troubled me with your sins”

Isaiah 43:25

The word “I” is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “I alone” (See: Doublet)

Forgiving sins is spoken of as either: (1) blotting them out or wiping them away or (2) erasing a written record of the sins. Alternate translation: “who forgives your offenses like someone wiping something away” or “who forgives your offenses like someone who erases a record of sins” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “for my own honor” or “for my own reputation”

Alternate translation: “remember”

Isaiah 43:26

Yahweh challenges the people to offer proof that they are innocent of the charges that he has brought against them, although he knows that they cannot do so. Alternate translation: “present your case, but you cannot prove yourselves to be innocent” (See: Irony)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you may prove yourselves innocent” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 43:27

This refers to the founder of Israel and may represent either Abraham or Jacob.

Isaiah 43:28

Here to “hand over” represents putting someone under the power of another. The noun “destruction” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “I will cause the enemy to completely destroy Jacob” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns)

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase, with which this phrase is parallel. The noun “humiliation” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “I will allow the enemy to abuse and humiliate Israel” (See: Parallelism and Ellipsis and Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 44

Isaiah 44 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s power

There is a prophecy in this chapter that gives the name of the king who will end the exile of the Jews from Babylon and rebuild the temple, even though the exile has not yet even occurred. This emphasizes that Yahweh knows the future, so the translator should translate the name of Cyrus given here. There are many other aspects of this chapter that show Yahweh’s power as well. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and temple, house, house of God)

Isaiah 44:1

This refers to Jacob’s descendants. Alternate translation: “descendants of Jacob, my servants” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 44:2

Yahweh speaks of creating the nation of Israel as if it were forming the nation as a baby in its mother’s womb. Alternate translation: “he who made you, as I form a baby in the womb” (See: Metaphor)

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen, do not fear” (See: Ellipsis)

This also refers to the people of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 44:3

Yahweh speaks of giving his Spirit to the people of Israel as if he were causing rain to fall and streams to flow on dry ground. (See: Metaphor)

Dry ground is spoken of as if it were a thirsty person. Alternate translation: “the dry ground” (See: Metaphor and Personification)

Yahweh speaks of giving his Spirit to the people as if his Spirit were liquid that he pours out on them. Alternate translation: “I will give my Spirit to your offspring” (See: Metaphor)

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “I will pour out my blessing on your children” or “I will give my blessing to your children” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 44:4

The people of Israel being prosperous and multiplying is spoken of as if they were plants that grow because they have plenty of water. (See: Metaphor)

A willow is a tree with thin branches that grows near the water.

Isaiah 44:5

Alternate translation: “another person will say he is a descendant of Jacob”

Alternate translation: “call himself a descendant of Israel”

Isaiah 44:6

Alternate translation: “Israel’s Redeemer”

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:9.

This phrase emphasizes Yahweh’s eternal nature. This could mean: (1) “I am the one who began all things, and I am the one who ends all things” or (2) “I am the one who has always lived, and I am the one who always will live.” (See: Merism)

Isaiah 44:7

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no one like him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “If anyone thinks he is like me, let him announce” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 44:8

Yahweh uses two similar expressions in order to strengthen his encouragement. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid” (See: Doublet)

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who predicted the events that have now happened. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. The word “announced” means basically the same thing as “declared.” Alternate translation: “I declared these things to you long ago.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Doublet)

Yahweh uses a question again to emphasize that there is no other God. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no God besides me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh speaks of himself as if he were a large rock under which people can find shelter. This means he has the power to protect his people. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 44:9

Alternate translation: “the idols they delight in are worthless”

This phrase refers to those who worship these idols and who claim to be witnesses of the idols’ power. Yahweh speaks of their inability to understand the truth as if they were blind. Alternate translation: “those who serve as witnesses for these idols are like blind people who know nothing” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they will be ashamed” or “their idols will put them to shame” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 44:10

Yahweh is using this question to rebuke those who make idols. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Only fools would form a god or cast an idol that is worthless.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The word “worthless” does not distinguish worthless idols from idols that have worth, because all idols are worthless. Alternate translation: “cast worthless idols” (See: Distinguishing Versus Informing or Reminding)

Isaiah 44:11

This could mean: (1) this refers to the associates of the craftsman who makes the idol. Alternate translation: “all of the craftsman’s associates” or (2) this refers to those who associate themselves with the idol by worshiping it. Alternate translation: “all those who worship the idol” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will be ashamed” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “Let them all come together before me”

“they will be terrified.” To “cower” is to bend over in fear.

Isaiah 44:12

Alternate translation: “forming the idol” or “creating the idol”

Isaiah 44:13

A string was used to outline the shape of the idol in the wood.

This is a sharp tool to scratch the wood so the craftsman can see where to cut.

This is a tool with two points that spread out used to help mark the wood to make the idol.

Isaiah 44:14

Alternate translation: “The carpenter cuts down” or “the woodcarver cuts down”

a tall evergreen tree (See: Translate Unknowns)

Isaiah 44:15

Alternate translation: “The man uses the wood”

This part of the sentence says basically the same as the first to emphasize it. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 44:18

Yahweh speaks of those who cannot understand the foolishness of worshiping idols as if they were blind. (See: Metaphor)

Here “their eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “for they are blind” (See: Synecdoche)

Here the people are represented by their “hearts.” Alternate translation: “they cannot understand” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 44:19

Yahweh says that these people should be asking themselves these rhetorical questions. The questions anticipate negative answers and emphasize how foolish it would be for a person to do these things. If your readers would misunderstand these questions, you can express them as statements. Alternate translation: “I should not now make … something disgusting to worship. I should not bow down to a block of wood.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 44:20

Yahweh speaks of a person worshiping an idol as if that person were eating the burned ashes of the wood from which he made the idol. Just as eating ashes does not benefit a person, neither does worshiping an idol. (See: Metaphor)

The heart represents the inner person. Alternate translation: “he misleads himself because he is deceived” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “The person who worships idols cannot save himself”

Isaiah 44:21

This refers to people descended from Jacob, Israel. Alternate translation: “you descendants of Israel” (See: Metonymy and Doublet)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will not forget you” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 44:22

Both of these statements mean the same thing. God has removed their sins as quickly and easily as a wind can blow away a cloud. (See: Parallelism and Simile)

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “like a cloud, I have blotted out your sins” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 44:23

Here Isaiah speaks various parts of creation as if they were people and commands them to praise Yawheh. (See: Apostrophe and Personification)

“you lowest parts of the earth.” This could mean: (1) that this refers to very deep places on the earth such as caves or canyons and forms a merism with “heavens” in the previous phrase or (2) that this refers to the place of the dead. (See: Merism)

Isaiah 44:24

See how you translated this word in Isaiah 41:14.

Yahweh speaks of creating the nation of Israel as if it were forming the nation as a baby in its mother’s womb. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 44:2. Alternate translation: “he who made you, as I form a baby in the womb” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of creating the heavens as if they were fabric which he stretched out. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 42:5. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 44:25

These are signs that people used to attempt to predict the future.

This refers to people who say things that are meaningless.

Isaiah 44:26

Yahweh is saying the same thing twice to emphasize that it is only he, Yahweh, who causes the prophesies to be fulfilled. (See: Parallelism)

The abstract nouns “words” and “predictions” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “what his servant declares … what his messengers announce” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will live there again” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will rebuild them” (See: Active or Passive)

The phrase “ruins” refers to places that have been destroyed. Yahweh speaks of rebuilding them as if he were raising them up. Alternate translation: “I will rebuild what others have destroyed” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 44:28

Yahweh speaks of Cyrus ruling and protecting the people of Israel as if Cyrus is their shepherd. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let the people rebuild the city” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let the people lay its foundations” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 45

Isaiah 45 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Potter and clay

The potter and the clay are important images used in Scripture. They emphasize the power and control of God. This chapter connects this to the truth that Yahweh is the creator of all, which it repeatedly emphasizes. He is even able to “anoint” or chose a future, pagan king. (See: anoint, anointed, anointing)

Isaiah 45:1

Yahweh helping Cyrus and causing him to be successful is spoken of as if he were holding his right hand. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 45:2

Yahweh speaks of removing obstacles that would hinder Cyrus’s success as if it were leveling mountains before him. (See: Metaphor)

The Hebrew word used in the text is rare and is of an uncertain meaning. Some modern versions have “rough places” or “crooked places.”

This refers to the iron bars on the bronze gates.

Isaiah 45:3

Here “darkness” refers to places that are secret. Alternate translation: “treasures in dark places” or “the treasures in secret places” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 45:4

These both refer to the descendants of Israel. (See: Doublet and Metonymy)

Isaiah 45:5

This could mean: (1) “I will strengthen you for battle” or (2) “I will equip you for battle.”

Isaiah 45:6

Since the sun rises in the east, this phrase forms a merism and means everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: “from every place on earth” (See: Merism)

Isaiah 45:7

Both of these expressions form merisms that emphasize that Yahweh is sovereign creator of everything. (See: Merism)

Isaiah 45:8

Yahweh speaks of his righteousness as if it were rain that falls on the earth, and of his righteousness and salvation as plants that grow on the earth. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh momentarily turns his attention from his people and begins to speak to the heavens. (See: Apostrophe)

Isaiah 45:9

Yahweh speaks of himself as if he were a potter, and of the one who would argue with him as if that person and the rest of humanity were all clay pots. Alternate translation: “like one piece of pottery among many other pieces of pottery scattered on the ground” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “clay pot” or (2) “piece of broken clay pottery.”

Yahweh asks this question to rebuke those who argue with him about what he does. Alternate translation: “The clay should not say to the potter … on it!’” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 45:10

Yahweh speaks of those who would argue him as if they were unborn children who argue with their own parents. (See: Metaphor)

The unborn child asks these rhetorical questions to scold his parents for giving birth to him. These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You should not be my father … You should give birth to me.” or “You are not fathering me correctly … You are not giving birth to me correctly.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 45:11

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:4.

Yahweh uses questions to scold those who argue with him about what he does. Alternate translation: “Do not question me about what I do for my children. Do not tell me … my hands.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This refers to the people of Israel.

Here the word “hands” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the things that I have made” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 45:12

Here the word “hands” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “It was I who” (See: Synecdoche)

Yahweh speaks of creating the heavens as if they were fabric that he stretched out. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 42:5.

Isaiah 45:13

Here the word “righteousness” refers to right action. This could mean: (1) that Yahweh has stirred up Cyrus to do the right thing or (2) that Yahweh was right to stir up Cyrus.

Yahweh speaks of causing Cyrus to act as if it were stirring him from slumber. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of removing obstacles and causing Cyrus to be successful as if he were making the paths smooth on which Cyrus walks. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to Jerusalem.

Here the words “price” and “bribe” share similar meanings. Cyrus will not do these things for financial gain. Alternate translation: “he will not do these things for money” (See: Doublet)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 45:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people of Egypt, Cush, and the tall people of Seba, will bring to you their earnings and their merchandise” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “The profits of Egypt”

These are people from the nation of Seba. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “you” refers to the people of Jerusalem. (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 45:16

These two lines share similar meanings, with the second clarifying the subject of the first. (See: Parallelism)

The words “ashamed” and “disgraced” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of shame. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their idols will leave them all completely ashamed” (See: Doublet and Active or Passive)

Living in continual humiliation is spoken of as if it were walking in humiliation. Alternate translation: “will be continually humiliated” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 45:17

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will save the people of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “you” refers to the people of Israel. The words “ashamed” and “humiliated” mean basically the same thing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one will ever humiliate you again” (See: Active or Passive and Doublet)

Isaiah 45:18

“not to be empty.” Here the word “waste” refers to an empty, barren place.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but he designed it so people could live on it” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 45:20

people who have fled from their homes so the enemy will not capture or kill them

Isaiah 45:21

Here the word “them” refers to the refugees from among the nations who worship idols.

Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that he was the one who told them these things would happen. Alternate translation: “I will tell you who has shown this from long ago. I will tell you who announced it. It was I, Yahweh.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 45:22

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Turn to me and I will save you” (See: Active or Passive)

The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. AT “all the farthest places of the earth” or “the entire earth” (See: Metaphor and Merism)

Here this phrase represents the people who live at “the ends of the earth.” Alternate translation: “you who live at the farthest places of the earth” or “all of you who live on the earth” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 45:23

The words “knee” and “tongue” represent the people. Alternate translation: “Every person will kneel before me, and everyone will swear” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 45:24

All the people on the earth are speaking.

Isaiah 45:25

Here the word “justified” does not refer to Yahweh forgiving their sins, but to proving to the nations that Israel was right to worship him. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will justify all the descendants of Israel” or “Yahweh will vindicate all the descendants of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 46

Isaiah 46 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Yahweh and the false gods

This chapter is intended to compare Yahweh with various false Gods whom the Israelites worship. There really is no comparison at all because Yahweh alone is God. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Isaiah 46:1

Isaiah speaks of people placing the idols of Bel and Nebo into a cart for animals to transport as if these gods were made to “bow down” and “stoop.” These are both postures of humiliation. (See: Metaphor)

These were the two primary gods whom the Babylonians worshiped. (See: How to Translate Names)

the idols that represented Bel and Nebo

Isaiah 46:2

Alternate translation: “Bel and Nebo cannot rescue their images”

Isaiah speaks of people carrying off these idols as if the false gods whom they represent are being carried off to captivity. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 46:3

Here “me” refers to Yahweh.

Yahweh speaks of the nation of Israel as if it were a person, and of the nation’s beginning as if it were its birth. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of helping and rescuing the people of Israel as if he were carrying them. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom I have carried” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 46:4

Yahweh speaks of the nation of Israel becoming very old as if it were an old man with gray hair. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 46:5

Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that there is no one like him. Alternate translation: “There is no one to whom you can compare me. I resemble no one, so that we might be compared.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that you may compare us” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 46:7

“They” refers to the people who make idols and “it” refers to the idol that they have created.

Isaiah 46:10

This basically repeats the same idea for emphasis. The verb from the first phrase may be supplied for the second. Alternate translation: “I announce the end from the beginning, and I announce beforehand what has not yet happened” (See: Parallelism and Ellipsis)

Isaiah 46:11

Yahweh speaks of Cyrus as if he were “a bird of prey.” As a bird swiftly captures its prey, so Cyrus will swiftly accomplish Yahweh’s purpose to conquer the nations. (See: Metaphor)

This repeats the same idea for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 46:12

Yahweh speaks of the people stubbornly doing wrong as if they were physically far away from doing the right thing. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 46:13

Yahweh speaks of saving his people soon as if his salvation were a person who does not wait to act. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “I will not wait to save you” (See: Personification and Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 47

Isaiah 47 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Babylon

This chapter prophesied the destruction of Babylon. At the time that the prophesy was written, Assyria was still in power and Babylon had not yet become a world power. The Chaldeans were not yet a powerful nation either. The people of Judah would become servants or slaves of Babylon and be forced to work very hard. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Isaiah 47:1

In this chapter, Yahweh speaks to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See: Metaphor and Personification)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Sitting in the dust was a sign of humiliation. (See: Parallelism and Symbolic Action)

Both of these phrases refer to the city, Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a daughter. That the city is a “daughter” indicates how people think fondly of her. (See: Metaphor)

Here “throne” refers to the power to rule. Alternate translation: “without the power to rule” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will no longer call you dainty and delicate” (See: Active or Passive)

These two words share similar meanings. They describe one who is beautiful and lives in luxury. Alternate translation: “very beautiful” or “very luxurious” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 47:2

a large stone used to grind grain

Isaiah 47:3

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See: Metaphor and Personification)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You will be naked” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the word “shame” is a euphemism for one’s private parts. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will see your shame” or “people will see your private parts” (See: Euphemism and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 47:4

“Our” refers to Isaiah and the people of Israel. See how you translated “Redeemer” in Isaiah 41:14. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:24.

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 5:16.

Isaiah 47:5

This phrase refers to the city, Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a daughter. That the city is a “daughter” indicates how the Chaldeans think fondly of her. See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 47:1.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for people will no longer call you” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh speaks of Babylon being the capital city of the Babylonian empire as if it were a queen who ruled many kingdoms. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 47:6

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See: Metaphor and Personification)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel being his special possession as if they were his heritage or inheritance. Alternate translation: “I defiled my people, who are my special possession” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “hand” represents Babylon’s power or control. Alternate translation: “I put them under your power” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of the Babylonians oppressing the old people as if they had treated the old people like cattle and put heavy yokes on their necks. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 47:7

Babylon speaks of permanently ruling over many nations as if she were a queen who would rule forever. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of thinking carefully about something as if it were placing that thing on one’s heart. Alternate translation: “You did not consider these things” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 47:8

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See: Metaphor and Personification)

“you luxurious one.” This refers to the many luxuries that Babylon enjoyed.

This refers to Babylon’s false sense of security in thinking that she will never lose her position of wealth and honor. Alternate translation: “who think you are safe” (See: Idiom)

Babylon believing that other nations will never be able to conquer her is spoken of as if she will never become a widow or never have children die. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I will never become a widow”

Isaiah 47:9

Alternate translation: “suddenly at the same time”

Isaiah 47:10

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See: Metaphor and Personification)

Here the word “heart” refers to the inner person. Alternate translation: “you say to yourself” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 47:11

Yahweh speaks of disaster as if it were a person who captures Babylon. Alternate translation: “You will experience disaster” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks Babylon being destroyed as if destruction were an object that falls upon the city. Alternate translation: “You will experience destruction” or “Others will destroy you” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of Babylon experiencing calamity as if calamity were a person who strikes Babylon. Alternate translation: “You will experience calamity” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 47:12

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See: Metaphor and Personification)

Yahweh mocks Babylon by telling her to continue to practice her sorcery to keep bad things away, but he knows that it will not help her. (See: Irony)

Isaiah 47:14

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See: Metaphor and Personification)

Yahweh compares the magicians and sorcerers to straw that burns quickly in a fire. This means that Yahweh will destroy them as easily as fire burns stubble, and so they are powerless to save Babylon. (See: Simile)

Here the word “hand” represents strength. Alternate translation: “the power of the flame” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh emphasizes that this is a destructive fire by stating that it is not one that people will use to warm themselves.

Isaiah 48

Isaiah 48 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Yahweh and the false gods

This chapter is set up to compare Yahweh with various false Gods whom the Israelites worship. There really is no comparison between the two because Yahweh alone is God. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Exile

Yahweh explains purpose behind the Jews exile in Babylon, even though it is still in the future. This emphasizes that Yahweh is much more powerful than the false gods.

Isaiah 48:1

“Listen to my message.” Yahweh is speaking.

Here “house” refers to the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom everyone calls the people of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

This phrase emphasizes that they are the direct, physical descendants of Judah. Alternate translation: “are the descendants of Judah” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “call on the God of Israel”

Isaiah 48:2

This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “you call yourselves” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This refers to Jerusalem.

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 48:3

“Mouth” refers to someone speaking. Alternate translation: “I spoke these things” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 48:4

Yahweh compares the tightness of their neck muscles and the hardness of their foreheads to the hardness of iron and bronze. Here, to have a tight neck or a hard forehead is a metaphor that means the people are stubborn. Alternate translation: “it is as if your necks were iron and your heads were bronze” (See: Simile and Metaphor)

Isaiah 48:5

This is saying the same thing twice for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 48:6

Yahweh uses a question to scold the people of Israel for not admitting what they should know is true. Alternate translation: “you are stubborn and will not admit what I said is true.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 48:8

Yahweh speaks of explaining something as if it were unfolding it. The word “ears” represents the people who are listening. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I did not explain these things to you beforehand” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

Yahweh speaks of the nation’s beginning as if it were its birth. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 48:9

Here the word “name” refers to Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “For the sake of my reputation I will delay my anger” (See: Metonymy)

This part of the sentence means basically the same thing as the first part. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 48:10

Yahweh speaks of using affliction to purify his people as if they were precious metals and affliction were a furnace in which he refines them. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 48:11

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he can never allow his own name to be dishonored. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for I cannot allow anyone to profane my name.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 48:12

Both of these refer to the people of Israel. (See: Doublet and Metonymy)

This phrase emphasizes Yahweh’s eternal nature. This could mean: (1) “I am the one who began all things, and I am the one who ends all things” or (2) “I am the one who has always lived, and I am the one who always will live.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 44:6. (See: Merism)

Isaiah 48:13

Here “hand” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I laid the foundation of the earth, and I spread out the heavens” (See: Synecdoche)

The word “foundation” normally refers to a stone structure that gives support to a building from underneath. Here it describes a similar structure that was thought to support and hold the earth in place. See how you translated this in Isaiah 24:18.

Yahweh speaks of creating the heavens as if they were fabric which Yahweh stretched out. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 42:5. (See: Metaphor)

Standing up when Yahweh calls is a metaphor for being ready to obey him. Yahweh speaks of the earth and the heavens as if they were able to hear him and obey him. (See: Metaphor and Personification)

This could mean: (1) “when I call the earth and the heavens” or (2) “when I call the stars in the heavens.”

Isaiah 48:14

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that the idols have not told them these things. Alternate translation: “None of your idols has told this to you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “ally” refers to Cyrus. Both of these sentences mean the same thing and are used for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s purpose”

Isaiah 48:15

The word “I” is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “I myself” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 48:16

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I have spoken plainly and clearly” (See: Double Negatives)

Here “me” refers to an unknown servant of Yahweh, maybe Isaiah or Cyrus or the promised Messiah.

Isaiah 48:17

Here “your” refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

See how you translated this word in Isaiah 41:14.

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:4.

Yahweh teaching the people how they should live is spoken of as if he were leading them to walk on the correct paths. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 48:18

Yahweh describes something that could have happened but did not. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

These two phrases share similar meanings. In both, Yahweh speaks of Israel’s experiencing abundant blessings as if those blessings flowed like water. (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “your salvation would have flowed like the waves of the sea” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 48:19

These both mean that the people would have had more descendants than they could count. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh speaks of the descendants of the people of Israel as if they were children to which the nation gives birth. (See: Metaphor)

The people of Israel being destroyed is spoken of as if their name had been cut off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree, or blotted out. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I would not have cut off nor blotted out their name” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Here the word “name” refers to the descendants who would carry on the name of Israel. Alternate translation: “they” (See: Metonymy)

These two expressions in this context refer to destroying the people. Alternate translation: “destroyed” (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 48:20

The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. Alternate translation: “to all the farthest places of the earth” or “to the entire earth” (See: Metaphor and Merism)

This refers to the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel, his servants” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 48:21

This refers to an event in the history of the people of Israel when Yahweh took care of them while they lived in the desert after escaping Egypt.

Isaiah 49

Isaiah 49 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Many scholars believe that there are four songs or poems which Isaiah records about the Messiah. Isaiah 49:1-6 is the second of these songs. They are often called the “servant songs” because they focus on the Messiah being a servant. (See: Christ, Messiah)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

A day of salvation

It is unclear if this is a reference to the gospel proclaimed by the Messiah or to the day of restoration of all things. The translator should not try to explain its reference to the reader. (See: save, saved, safe, salvation, good news, gospel and restore, restoration)

Isaiah 49:1

Here “me” refers to Yahweh’s servant.

This refers to the people who live on the coastlands. Alternate translation: “you who live on the coastlands” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 49:2

Here the word “mouth” represents the words that he speaks. His words are compared to a sharp sword to emphasize that they will be effective. Alternate translation: “He has made my words as effective as a sharp sword” (See: Metonymy and Simile)

Yahweh protecting his servant and keeping his purpose secret is spoken of as if Yahweh’s hand cast a shadow over him. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh’s servant being able to carry out Yahweh’s purposes effectively is spoken of as if the servant were a sharp, new arrow. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh protecting his servant and keeping his purpose secret is spoken of as if Yahweh kept him hidden in a quiver. (See: Metaphor)

a case used to carry arrows

Isaiah 49:3

Alternate translation: “Yahweh said”

Alternate translation: “You are my servant, whom I call Israel”

Isaiah 49:5

This part of the sentence means the same as the part before it. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to bring the people of Israel back to himself” (See: Active or Passive and Parallelism)

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has honored me” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 49:6

The servant bringing Yahweh’s message to the Gentiles and helping them to understand it is spoken of as if Yahweh made the servant a light that shines among the Gentiles. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 42:6. (See: Metaphor)

The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. AT “to all the farthest places of the earth” or “to the entire earth” (See: Metaphor and Merism)

Isaiah 49:7

See how you translated this word in Isaiah 41:14.

Here the word “life” represents the person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to the one whom people despised, whom the nations hated and held as slaves” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 49:8

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. (See: Parallelism)

Here “you” refers to Yahweh’s servant.

The word “salvation” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “when the time comes for me to save you” (See:Abstract Nouns)

Here the word “covenant” is a metonym for the one who establishes or mediates a covenant. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 42:6. Alternate translation: “make you be the mediator of a covenant with the people” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “land” represents the cities in the land that had been destroyed. Alternate translation: “to rebuild the ruined places in the land” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of the land as if it were an inheritance that the people of Israel received as a permanent possession. It is implied that the servant is to reassign the land to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “to reassign the desolate land to the people of Israel as their inheritance” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 49:9

Yahweh speaks of the people living freely and prosperously as if they were sheep that had plenty of pasture in which to graze. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 49:10

Here “they” refers to God’s people.

Here the word “heat” describes the word “sun.” The people suffering from the sun’s heat is spoken of as if the heat struck them. Alternate translation: “nor will they suffer from the sun’s heat” (See: Hendiadys and Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of himself in the third person. He speaks of protecting the people and caring for them as if he were their shepherd. Alternate translation: “I, the one who has mercy on them … I will guide them” (See: First, Second or Third Person and Metaphor)

Isaiah 49:11

Yahweh speaks of guiding his people safely and removing obstacles from their path as if he turned mountains into roads and level highways. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 49:12

The location of this place is uncertain, but it may refer to a region in the southern part of Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 49:13

Isaiah turns his attention from the people of Israel and speaks to the heavens, earth, and mountains as if they were people. (See: Apostrophe and Personification)

Isaiah 49:14

The word “Zion” is another name for Jerusalem. Isaiah speaks of the city as if it were a woman who complains that Yahweh has forgotten her. (See: Personification)

Isaiah 49:15

Yahweh uses a question to help his people understand that he will never forget about them or stop caring for them. Alternate translation: “A woman would not forget her nursing baby or stop caring for the son she bore.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 49:16

Yahweh speaks of his unwavering devotion to Zion as if he had written her name on the palms of his hands. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of always thinking about Zion as if her walls were always before him. The word “walls” is a metonym for the city. Alternate translation: “I am continually thinking about your walls” or “I am always thinking about you” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Isaiah 49:17

Yahweh speaks of the people who are returning to live in Jerusalem as if they were the city’s children. Alternate translation: “Your inhabitants are hurrying back” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 49:18

Yahweh speaks of the inhabitants of Zion as if they were jewelry that the city wears to show her beauty and joy. (See: Metaphor)

The last part of the phrase can be clarified from the previous line. Alternate translation: “you will put them on, like a bride wears jewelry” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 49:19

The words “a waste” and “desolate” mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the enemy has destroyed Zion and left it empty. Alternate translation: “Though you were completely desolate” (See: Doublet)

The enemy destroying Zion is spoken of as if they had devoured it. Alternate translation: “those who destroyed you” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 49:20

Yahweh speaks of the time when the people of Jerusalem were in exile as if the city was bereaved of her children. Those who were born while the people were in exile are spoken of as the city’s children. Alternate translation: “Those who will inhabit you, who were born while the people were in exile” (See: Metaphor)

This means that there will be so many people that the city will be too small for them all to live in it.

Isaiah 49:21

Zion speaks of the people who are returning to inhabit the city as if those people were her children. Zion’s question expresses her surprise that so many children now belong to her. (See: Metaphor and Rhetorical Question)

Zion describes herself as a woman incapable of having more children. She indicates the reasons for her great surprise. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I was mourning over my dead children and unable to have more”

Alternate translation: “I was sent away, without a husband”

Again, Zion uses questions to expresses her surprise. Alternate translation: “Look, I was left all alone; now all of these children that I did not raise have come to me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 49:22

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “I will raise my hand and signal with a flag for the people of the nations to come” (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh speaks of the people who will inhabit Jerusalem as if they were the city’s children. He also speaks of the people of other nations helping the Israelites to return to Jerusalem as if they were carrying the Israelites. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 49:23

Yahweh speaks of the people who will inhabit Zion as if they were the city’s children. The terms “foster fathers” and “nursemaids” refer to men and women who become responsible for the care of children. Alternate translation: “The kings and queens of other nations will provide for your inhabitants” (See: Metaphor)

These phrases describe gestures that people used to express complete submission to a superior.

This could mean: (1) that this is a literal expression of submission where the person licks the dust off of a superior’s foot or from the ground at the superior’s foot or (2) that this is an idiom that describes a person prostrating himself before a superior. (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will not be ashamed” or “will not be disappointed” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 49:24

Isaiah uses a question to express the difficulty of taking anything from a mighty soldier or a very strong warrior. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A person cannot take the spoils from a warrior or rescue captives from fierce soldiers.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

valuable items taken from the losers in a battle

Isaiah 49:25

Yahweh says that he will do what is usually impossible for people to do. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will take the captives from the warrior, and I will rescue the spoils” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh speaks of the people who will inhabit Zion as if they were the city’s children. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 49:26

This could mean: (1) the oppressors will be so hungry that they will eat the flesh of their friends who have died. Alternate translation: “I will cause your oppressors to eat their own flesh” or (2) Yahweh speaks of the oppressors fighting against and destroying themselves as if they were eating themselves. Alternate translation: “I will cause your oppressors to destroy themselves, as if they were eating their own flesh” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) the oppressors will be so thirsty that they drink the blood of their friends who have died. Alternate translation: “they will drink their friends’ blood and be like weak people who are drunk on wine” or (2) Yahweh speaks of the oppressors fighting against and destroying themselves as if they were drinking their own blood. Alternate translation: “they will shed so much of their friends’ blood that it will be as though they were getting drunk with wine” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 50

Isaiah 50 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Many scholars believe that there are four songs or poems which Isaiah records about the Messiah. Isaiah 50:4-9 is the third of these songs. They are often called the “servant songs” because they focus on the Messiah being a servant. (See: Christ, Messiah)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

There are many rhetorical questions in this chapter. These questions prove Yahweh’s point and are intended to convince the readers. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 50:1

Yahweh speaks of Zion as if the city were the mother of the people who lived there and of sending the people into exile as if he were divorcing their mother. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh asks this rhetorical question so that the people would produce “the certificate of divorce,” which would provide the reason Yahweh sent them into exile. Alternate translation: “Show me the certificate of divorce with which I divorced your mother.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh speaks of sending the people into exile as if he were selling them. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh asks this question to emphasize that he did not sell them because he owed a debt to a creditor. It is implied that this is what the people had thought. Alternate translation: “I did not sell you because I owed a debt to someone.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh gives the reason for sending the people into exile, which he speaks of as if he had sold them and divorced their mother. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I sold you because of your sins, and I divorced your mother because of your rebellion” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 50:2

These two sentences mean basically the same thing. Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that the people are in exile because they did not respond to him, not because he was unwilling to save them. Alternate translation: “When I came to you, you should have been there, but you were not. When I called you, you should have answered, but you did not.” or “When I came to speak to you, you did not respond to me.” (See: Parallelism and Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh uses two similar questions to rebuke the people for believing that he was not strong enough to rescue them. Alternate translation: “My hand was certainly not too short for me to ransom you, and I had the power to rescue you!” or “I certainly have the power to rescue you from your enemies.” (See: Parallelism and Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh’s power. Yahweh not being strong enough is spoken of as if his hand were short. Alternate translation: “Was I not strong enough” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “Did I not have the power”

Yahweh speaks of drying up the rivers as if he were turning them into a desert. Alternate translation: “I make the rivers as dry as a desert” (See: Metaphor)

“their fish die and rot for lack of water.” The word “their” refers to the sea and the rivers.

Isaiah 50:3

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Yahweh speaks of causing the sky to become dark as if he were clothing it with sackcloth. Alternate translation: “I make the sky dark, as if it were wearing dark sackcloth” (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

Isaiah 50:4

Yahweh’s servant begins to speak.

The word “tongue” represents what he says. This could mean: (1) Yahweh has enabled him to speak as one who has learned to speak skillfully. Alternate translation: “The Lord Yahweh has enabled me to be a skillful speaker” or (2) Yahweh has taught him what to say. Alternate translation: “The Lord Yahweh has enabled me to speak what he has taught me” (See: Metonymy)

Here “my ear” refers to Yahweh’s servant. Yahweh enabling him to hear and understand what Yahweh teaches him is spoken of as if Yahweh awakened his ear from sleep. Alternate translation: “he has enabled me to understand what he says” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

The servant compares himself with a student who learns from his teacher. This could mean: (1) “like one who learns from his teacher” or (2) “like one whom he has taught” (See: Simile and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 50:5

Yahweh enabling his servant to hear and understand is spoken of as if Yahweh opened his ear. Alternate translation: “The Lord Yahweh has enabled me to hear and understand him” (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Disobeying what Yahweh said is spoken of as if it were turning one’s back toward him. This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: “I obeyed what he said” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 50:6

Allowing people to beat him and pluck out his beard is spoken of as if it were giving his back and cheeks to them. Alternate translation: “I allowed people to beat me on my back and to pluck out my beard from my cheeks” (See: Metaphor)

Hiding one’s face means to protect oneself. Alternate translation: “I did not defend myself when they mocked me and spat on me” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 50:7

Even though the servant has been mistreated, he will not be ashamed because he has obeyed Yahweh. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “therefore I will not be ashamed” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “my face” refers to the servant. The servant being steadfastly determined to obey Yahweh is spoken of as if his face were as hard as flint. Alternate translation: “so I am absolutely determined” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

The servant looks to the future with confidence, secure in Yahweh’s calling. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for I know that my enemies will not be able to make me feel shame” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 50:8

The servant uses these questions to emphasize that there is no one who can legitimately accuse him of wrong. Alternate translation: “If anyone would oppose me, let us stand … If anyone would accuse me, let him come” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 50:9

The servant uses this question to assert that no one can declare him guilty. Alternate translation: “There is no one who can declare me guilty.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

There being no one left to accuse the servant of being guilty is spoken of as if the accusers were garments that wear thin and are eaten by moths. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 50:10

The servant uses these questions to identify those to whom he is speaking. Alternate translation: “If someone among you fears Yahweh and obeys the voice of his servant, but he walks in deep darkness without light, then he should … his God.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “voice” represents what the servant says. Alternate translation: “obeys his servant” (See: Metonymy)

The servant speaks of people who are suffering and feel helpless as if they were walking in a very dark place. Alternate translation: “is suffering and feels helpless” (See: Metaphor)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Trusting in God is spoken of as if it were leaning on him. Alternate translation: “trust in Yahweh, his God” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy and Metaphor)

Isaiah 50:11

This continues the metaphor from the previous verse of people who walk in darkness. Here people who try to live according to their own wisdom instead of trusting in Yahweh are spoken of as if they lit their own fires and carried about torches in order to see in the dark. (See: Metaphor)

Here to “lie down” refers to dying. Dying painfully is spoken of as if it were lying down in a place where they will experience pain. Alternate translation: “You will die with great suffering” (See: Euphemism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 51

Isaiah 51 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

There are many rhetorical questions in this chapter. These questions prove Yahweh’s point and are intended to convince the readers. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Awake

In this chapter the author uses sleeping as a metaphor for sin. The people are told to “awake,” meaning they are to repent and return to Yahweh. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and repent, repentance)

Isaiah 51:1

Here the word “me” refers to Yahweh.

Looking at something represents thinking about it. Alternate translation: “think about the rock … and the quarry” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of the nation of Israel as if it were a building made of stones and as if their ancestors were a rock or quarry from which God cut them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “your ancestors, who are like a rock from which you were chiseled and a quarry from which you were cut” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the rock from which I chiseled you” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “cut with a chisel” or “cut”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the quarry from which I cut you” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 51:2

God speaks of their ancestor as if he were their father. Alternate translation: “Abraham, your forefather” or “Abraham, your ancestor” (See: Metonymy)

God speaks of Abraham’s wife as if she were their mother and had given birth to them. Alternate translation: “Abraham’s wife, Sarah, of whom you are all descendants” (See: Metonymy)

This means when he did not have any children yet. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “when he had no children” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

God speaks of Abraham’s descendants being many as if Abraham were many. Alternate translation: “made his descendants many” or “made him have many descendants” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 51:3

The city of Zion, which is also called Jerusalem, here represents the people of Zion. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will comfort the people of Zion” (See: Metonymy)

Here “waste places” represents the people who live in those desolate areas. Alternate translation: “he will comfort the people who live in all her waste places” (See: Metonymy)

The word “her” refers to Zion. Cities are often spoken of as if they were women. (See: Personification)

places that have been destroyed

These phrases mean that God will make the empty places in Israel beautiful. In prophecy, events that will happen in the future are often described as being in the past. This emphasizes that they will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “he will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert plains … like the garden of Yahweh (See: Parallelism and Predictive Past)

Joy and gladness mean the same thing. Being found there represents being there. Alternate translation: “there will be joy and gladness in Zion again” (See: Doublet and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 51:4

Yahweh speaks to the people of Israel.

These two phrases mean the same thing. Together they strengthen the command to listen. (See: Parallelism)

Here God’s justice represents his law, and a light represents knowledge of what is right. This means the people of the nations will understand and obey God’s law. Alternate translation: “my law will teach the nations what is right” or “the nations will know my law” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 51:5

The idea of “near” represents “soon.” God’s righteousness being near represents him soon showing his righteousness. He will do this by fulfilling his promises and saving people. Alternate translation: “I will soon show my righteousness” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of saving people as if his salvation were a thing that could go out to them. Alternate translation: “I will save people” (See: Metaphor)

Here God’s arm represents his power, and judging represents ruling. Alternate translation: “I will rule the nations with my power” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the people who live on the coasts of distant lands across the sea. Alternate translation: “the people who live on the coastlands” or “the people who live in the lands across the sea” (See: Metonymy)

Here God’s arm represents what he will do. Here it refers to him saving people. Alternate translation: “they will eagerly wait for me to do something” or “they will eagerly wait for me to save them” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 51:6

Lifting the eyes represents looking at something above. Alternate translation: “Look up at the sky” (See: Metaphor)

All of these refer to things that quickly and easily disappear or become useless. (See: Simile)

God’s “salvation” here represents the result of his salvation, which is freedom. Alternate translation: “I will save you, you will be free forever” (See: Metonymy)

God’s “righteousness” here represents him ruling righteously. Alternate translation: “my righteous rule will never end” or “I will rule righteously forever” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 51:7

Having God’s law in the heart represents knowing God’s law and wanting to obey it. Alternate translation: “who know and honor my law” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and do not lose your courage when they hurt you” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 51:8

God speaks of people who abuse those who are righteous as if they were wool garments, and of their being destroyed as if insects ate them. (See: Metaphor)

God’s “righteousness” here represents him ruling righteously. Alternate translation: “my righteous rule will be forever” or “I will rule righteously forever” (See: Metonymy)

God’s “salvation” here represents the result of his salvation, which is freedom. Being “to all generations” represents lasting forever. Alternate translation: “I will save you, and you will be free forever” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 51:9

People urgently ask Yahweh’s arm to help them as if his arm were a person. If it would be odd to speak to the arm, this can be addressed directly to Yahweh instead. Alternate translation: “Awake, awake, Yahweh, and clothe your arm with strength” (See: Personification)

People speak as if Yahweh’s arm were asleep because it has not been helping them. Here the “arm of Yahweh” represents Yahweh, specifically him helping people. The word “Awake” is repeated to show that they need God’s help urgently. (See: Synecdoche and Personification)

Strength is spoken of as if it were some kind of clothing that people would wear to strengthen themselves in battle. Alternate translation: “make yourself strong” (See: Metaphor)

The speaker uses a question to emphasize Yahweh’s power to do mighty things. Alternate translation: “It is you who crushed Rahab, you who pierced the monster.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Rahab was the name of this mythological serpent in the sea. Rahab can symbolize either the nation of Egypt or evil and chaos. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 51:10

Again, the speaker uses questions to emphasize Yahweh’s power to do mighty things. This refers to Yahweh opening the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross and escape the army of Egypt. Alternate translation: “You dried up the sea … for the redeemed to pass through.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 51:11

This is very similar to Isaiah 35:10.

To “ransom” means to “rescue.” This refers to people whom Yahweh has rescued. Alternate translation: “Those whom Yahweh has rescued” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This uses a person’s head to mean the person as a whole. Alternate translation: “they will be glad forever” (See: Synecdoche)

The words “gladness” and “joy” mean basically the same thing, as do “sorrow” and “mourning.” Together they emphasize the intensity of these emotions. (See: Doublet)

This speaks of the people being overwhelmed by gladness and joy by giving these emotions the human quality of being able to overtake someone. Alternate translation: “they will be overwhelmed by joy and gladness” or “they will be extremely glad and joyful” (See: Personification)

This speaks of the people no longer being sorrowful and mourning by speaking of these emotions as if they could run away. Alternate translation: “they will no longer be sorrowful and mourning” (See: Personification)

Isaiah 51:12

The word “I” is repeated for emphasis. If this is unnatural in your language, the repetition does not need to be used. Alternate translation: “I am he”

This rhetorical question emphasizes that people who have the Lord’s protection should not be afraid of human beings. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid of men … like grass.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This phrase compares men to grass to emphasize that their lives are short and that they die quickly. Alternate translation: “who live and die quickly like grass” or “who will wither and disappear like grass” (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who are like” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 51:13

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that they should not forget Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You should not have forgotten Yahweh … earth.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

See how you translated this name for Yahweh in Isaiah 17:7.

“who spread out the sky.” This speaks of Yahweh having created the heavens as if he had stretched them out in the same way one would stretch out a large garment. Alternate translation: “who stretched out the heavens like a garment” (See: Metaphor)

The word “foundation” normally refers to a stone structure that gives support to a building from underneath. Here it describes a similar structure that was thought to support and hold the earth in place. See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 24:18.

Alternate translation: “the oppressor’s hot fury when he decides to cause destruction”

Here the word “hot” means “strong” or “great.” Alternate translation: “great fury” (See: Idiom)

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that the people should not fear those who want to oppress them. Their oppressors are no longer a threat to them. Alternate translation: “The fury of the oppressor is not a threat!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 51:14

This refers to the people of Israel who are slaves of the Babylonians. This phrase describes how they work. Alternate translation: “The slave” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to Sheol. Alternate translation: “the pit of Sheol” or “the grave” (See: Metonymy)

Here “bread” represents food in general. This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “nor will he be without food” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 51:15

This speaks of Yahweh causing the sea to move and the waves to rise and fall as if he were stirring the sea as one stirs the contents of a bowl with a large spoon. Alternate translation: “who causes the sea to churn” or “who makes the sea move up and down” (See: Metaphor)

See how you translated this name for Yahweh in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 51:16

This speaks of Yahweh telling Isaiah what to say as if his words were a physical object Yahweh had placed in Isaiah’s mouth. Alternate translation: “I have told you what to say” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh’s “hand” refers to his power. This speaks of Yahweh protecting Isaiah as if his hand were covering him to protect him. Alternate translation: “my power has kept you safe” or “I have protected you and kept you safe” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

The word “plant” means to establish something in the ground. Here Yahweh firmly establishing the heavens is spoken of as if the heavens were a tent that he would spread out and firmly set it in place with tent pegs. Alternate translation: “that I may establish the heavens” (See: Metaphor)

The word “foundation” normally refers to a stone structure that gives support to a building from underneath. Here it describes a similar structure that was thought to support and hold the earth in place. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 24:18.

Isaiah 51:17

Here “Jerusalem” represents the people who live there. Yahweh speaks to the people of Jerusalem as if they were there listening to him. Alternate translation: “Awake, awake, stand up, you people of Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy and Apostrophe)

“Be alert and arise.” The repetition of the word “awake” emphasizes the urgency of the call to arouse the people of Israel. It is not used to wake them from literal sleep.

Yahweh speaks of having punished his people as if he had forced them to drink from a bowl that was filled with his anger. And when they drank from the bowl of his anger, they staggered as if they had drank a lot of wine. (See: Metaphor)

The word “dregs” means the solid pieces at the very bottom of a container that has a liquid in it. Alternate translation: “down to the very bottom”

Here Yahweh is referred to by his hand to emphasize that he is the one who gave the bowl to his people. Alternate translation: “that he gave to you” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “from the cup that caused you to stagger as if you were drunk on wine”

not walking straight, or stumbling while walking

Isaiah 51:18

These two clauses have the same meaning and can be combined. This speaks of Jerusalem being helpless as if the city were a drunk woman without a son to help her walk safely. Alternate translation: “You have no one to help you! You are like a drunk old woman without a son to take her by the hand and guide her” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 51:19

Isaiah uses questions to emphasize that now there is no one to weep with them or comfort them. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate translation: “but there is no one to grieve with you … There is no one to comfort you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The two troubles refer to the following two phrases: “desolation and destruction” and “the famine and the sword.”

These words have similar meanings and emphasize the destruction of the land caused by the opposing army. Alternate translation: “your enemies have left your city empty and ruined” (See: Doublet)

The words “famine” and “sword” describe the trouble that will come upon the people. The “sword” refers to “war.” Alternate translation: “many of you have died from hunger and war” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 51:20

This is generalization. Many children will lie in the street, but not necessarily on every street corner. Alternate translation: “they lie on the street” (See: Hyperbole)

This speaks of the children being exhausted and helpless as if they were an antelope caught in a trap. Alternate translation: “they are helpless, like an antelope caught in a net” or “as helpless as a trapped antelope” (See: Simile)

This is an animal, similar to a deer, that has horns and runs very fast. Alternate translation: “deer” (See: Translate Unknowns)

The “anger of Yahweh” refers to Yahweh punishing his people because of his anger against them. This speaks of the people having been severely punished as if they had become full of Yahweh’s anger. Also, the word “rebuke” can be written as a verb. Alternate translation: “they have been severely punished by Yahweh because he was angry with them and rebuked them” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 51:21

Yahweh uses the word “one” here to refer to all of the oppressed people. Alternate translation: “you oppressed people and drunken people” (See: Synecdoche)

This speaks of the people acting drunk because they are suffering as if they have become drunk from being forced to drink the bowl of Yahweh’s anger. Alternate translation: “you who are drunk from drinking the wine of the bowl of Yahweh’s anger” or “you who act drunk, because you have suffered greatly” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 51:22

This speaks of Yahweh no longer being angry with his people as if his anger were the contents of a cup that he was taking away from them. Alternate translation: “I will no longer be angry with you. See, it is like I have taken away from you the cup that made you stagger, that is, the cup that was full of my anger, so that” (See: Metaphor)

This is used to draw the listeners’ attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

The word “cup” refers to what is in the cup. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 51:17. Alternate translation: “the cup of the wine that makes people stagger” (See: Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of having punished people as if he had forced them to drink from a bowl that was filled with his anger. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 51:17. Alternate translation: “the bowl which is filled with my anger” or “the cup which is filled with my anger” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 51:23

This speaks of Yahweh punishing their enemies as if he were going to force them to drink from the cup filled with his anger. (See: Metaphor)

It is implied that by putting the cup of his anger in their hand Yahweh will be forcing them to drink what is in the cup. Alternate translation: “I will force your tormentors to drink from the wine of the bowl of my anger” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “tormentors” may be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: “those who have tormented you” or “those who have caused you to suffer”

This compares the way their enemies walked on their back to the way people walk on the street. Alternate translation: “you lay in the streets so your enemies could walk on your backs” (See: Simile)

Isaiah 52

Isaiah 52 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

The prophecies of this chapter occur after the exile in Babylon and are not in reference to the people contemporary to Isaiah. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

There is an important teaching or prophecy about the Messiah beginning in this chapter and continues through the next chapter. This prophesy begins in 52:13 and scholars usually note that it portrays the Messiah as a “suffering servant.” (See: Christ, Messiah)

Isaiah 52:1

This word is repeated for emphasis and shows urgency. Isaiah trying to arouse the people is spoken of as if he were trying to wake them up from sleep. (See: Metaphor)

Being strong again is spoken of as if strength were clothing that a person puts on. Alternate translation: “be strong” (See: Metaphor)

Both of these refer to the people who live in Jerusalem. Isaiah is speaking to the people as if they were there listening to him. Alternate translation: “people of Zion … people of Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy and Apostrophe)

These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “Those who are uncircumcised or those who are unclean” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This refers to unclean people. A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. Alternate translation: “those who are not acceptable to God” (See: Metaphor)

Here “you” refers to Jerusalem which represents the people who live there. It is understood that the uncircumcised and unclean people would enter the city to attack the people. Alternate translation: “enter your city to attack you” (See: Metonymy and Ellipsis)

Isaiah 52:2

Here “Jerusalem” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “People of Jerusalem, sit up and shake the dirt off of yourself” (See: Metonymy)

It is implied that the people of Jerusalem were wearing chains because they were slaves while exiled in Babylon. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is an idiom. The “daughter” of a city means the people of the city. See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:8. Alternate translation: “people of Zion” or “people who live in Zion” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 52:3

This speaks about Yahweh as if he were the owner of the people of Israel. Since he is the rightful owner he can give them away or take them back whenever he wants. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I sold you for nothing, and I will redeem you without money” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 52:4

Here “beginning” refers to the start of Israel’s history as they were first becoming a people.

“went to … Egypt.” It was common to use the phrase “went down” when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

Assyria refers to the people of Assyria. Alternate translation: “the people of Assyria have treated them badly” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 52:5

Yahweh uses a question to make the people pay attention to what he is about to say. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Now look at what is happening … my people are again taken away for nothing.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Translate as in Isaiah 30:1. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I see the enemy taking my people away for nothing” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) “for nothing” means the Babylonians took the people unjustly and without cause or (2) this continues the metaphor from Isaiah 52:3 where Yahweh is spoken of as if he owned the people of Israel and could give them away for nothing. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the Babylonians who have conquered the people. However, some versions have, “Those who rule over them wail.” For these versions, this passage refers to the leaders of the Israelites in captivity.

Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who watch the enemy take away my people are continually saying evil things about me” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 52:6

Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “Therefore my people will truly know who I am” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 52:7

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel.

Here “feet” represents a messenger who is walking. Alternate translation: “It is beautiful to see a messenger coming over the mountains to announce good news” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “Zion” represents the people of Zion. Alternate translation: “to the people of Zion” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 52:8

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “shout loudly” (See: Idiom)

Here “eye” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “every one of them” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 52:9

Isaiah speaks of the ruins of Jerusalem as if they were a person that could rejoice. This represents the people of Jerusalem who were defeated. Alternate translation: “you people who live among the ruins of Jerusalem” (See: Personification)

Here “Jerusalem” represents the people. Alternate translation: “he has redeemed the people of Jerusalem” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 52:10

Here “arm” represents Yahweh’s power. Yahweh showing all the people of the nations that he is holy and powerful is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who removed his cloak, baring his arms for battle. Alternate translation: “showed his holiness and mighty power” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Here “nations” and “earth” represent the people of all the nations all over the earth. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 52:11

This word is repeated to emphasize that the people must indeed leave, although not necessarily right away.

It is assumed knowledge that the people of Israel were slaves in Babylon. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “go out from the land where you are slaves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. Alternate translation: “touch nothing that is unacceptable to Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Here “her” represents Babylon.

Isaiah 52:12

Yahweh protecting his people from their enemies is spoken of as if he were the warriors who go ahead of the people and the warriors who stay behind the people to protect them. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 52:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. These two phrases “high and lifted up” and “will be exalted” have basically the same meaning and emphasize that Yahweh will honor his servant. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 33:10. Alternate translation: “I will give my servant the greatest honor” (See: Active or Passive and Parallelism)

Isaiah 52:14

It is implied that the servant is disfigured because enemies beat him very badly. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “his enemies beat his body so badly that he did not even look like a human anymore” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 52:15

The servant causing the people of the nations to be acceptable to Yahweh is spoken of as if the servant were a priest who sprinkles the blood of a sacrifice to make someone or something acceptable to Yahweh. (See: Metaphor)

The Hebrew word translated “sprinkle” here can also be translated as “surprise” or “startle,” which some versions of the Bible do.

Here “nations” represents the people of the nations. (See: Metonymy)

The phrase “shut their mouths” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “kings will stop talking” or “kings will be silent” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that which no one had told them” or “something no one had told them” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 53

Isaiah 53 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

In this chapter there is an important teaching or prophecy about the Messiah and his life and ministry. It begins in 52:13 and scholars usually note that it portrays the Messiah as a “suffering servant.” (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah)

Special concepts in this chapter

Atonement

This chapter prophesies about the death of Christ for sin. Most scholars believe it teaches that Christ was a righteous man who died for the sins of mankind. This is usually referred to as the atonement. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness and atonement, atone, atoned)

Isaiah 53:1

What Isaiah just found out is so amazing that he wonders if the exiles will believe it. The “we” includes him and those in exile. Alternate translation: “It is hard for anyone to believe what we have heard” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Rhetorical Question)

Arm refers to God’s power. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has revealed his power to people.” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 53:2

Here “he” refers to God’s servant whom Isaiah compares to a very young tree. This emphasizes that he will appear weak. (See: Simile)

“parched earth” is hard and dry ground that will not allow plants to grow and represents where the servant of Yahweh will come. Alternate translation: “out of an impossible situation” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 53:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People considered him as nothing and rejected him” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “a man knowing all kinds of sadness”

“Face” represents a person’s attention or fellowship. Hiding one’s face means to turn away from someone. Alternate translation: “from whom people turn away” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they considered him to be worthless” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 53:4

To “bear” or carry an abstraction like sickness and sorrow represents taking it up. Alternate translation: “he has taken our sicknesses and sorrows upon himself” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “yet we thought God was punishing and afflicting him” (See: Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 53:5

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that the servant suffered because of the people’s sins. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God allowed the enemy to stab him and kill him because of our sins” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

This refers to peace with God. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “He accepted this punishment so we could live in harmony” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he healed us by his suffering of the wounds” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 53:6

Sheep often leave the path on which the shepherd leads them. Isaiah means that we do what we want instead of what God commands. (See: Simile)

Our “iniquity” here represents the guilt for our sin. Alternate translation: “the guilt for the sin of every one of us” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 53:7

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They treated him harshly” (See: Active or Passive)

“Mouth” represents what a person says. Opening one’s mouth means to speak. Alternate translation: “he did not protest” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah compares the servant to a lamb and a sheep to emphasize that he will remain silent as people harm and humiliate him. (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “just as a lamb is silent as a person slaughters it” (See: Simile and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 53:8

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They treated him harshly, judged him, and condemned him” (See: Active or Passive)

The Hebrew word translated here as “coercion” is interpreted by some versions as “arrest.” For these versions, the thought is that the Servant will be arrested and then judged and condemned.

This question emphasizes that no one thinks about him. Alternate translation: “no one from his generation cared what happened to him.” or “no one among his contemporaries cared what happened to him.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Many versions interpret this passage in Hebrew differently: “Who can say anything about his descendants?” or “Who can say anything about his fate?”

“Cut off” here refers to death. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But he died” or “But death took him away” (See: Active or Passive and Idiom)

Alternate translation: “of the people of Israel”

Isaiah 53:9

“Mouth” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “nor did he deceive anyone when he spoke” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 53:10

Here, “offspring” means those people that Yahweh has forgiven because of the servant’s sacrifice. (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of making him live for more time. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make his servant live again” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will accomplish his purpose through his servant” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 53:11

Here “his life” refers to the servant. Alternate translation: “After the servant has suffered” (See: Metonymy)

Many versions understand “light” here to stand for life. That is, the servant will become alive again. (See: Metaphor)

Here “my” refers to Yahweh.

The word “bear” means carry. This could mean: (1) “their iniquities” is a metonym representing the punishment for their sins. Alternate translation: “he will take their punishment” or “he will be punished for their sins” (See: Metaphor) * or (2) “their iniquities” is a metonym representing their guilt. Alternate translation: “he will take their guilt upon himself” or “he will be guilty for their sins”

Isaiah 53:12

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. “Portion” and “spoils” refer to a king after a victorious battle sharing the plunder or rewards with his army. This means God will greatly honor his servant because of his sacrifice. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Many versions interpret this expression as “the many” or “the strong.”

“Exposed” means to be vulnerable or unprotected. The servant of Yahweh put himself in a situation where he would die. Alternate translation: “he willingly accepted the possibility of death” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “allowed people to treat him as a criminal” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 54

Isaiah 54 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness

This chapter focuses on Yahweh’s faithfulness to fulfill his covenants. It references several different covenant promises in this chapter. (See: covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty, covenant love, faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy, fulfill, fulfilled, carried out and covenant and promise, promised)

Isaiah 54:1

Yahweh telling the people of Jerusalem to rejoice because there will be many people living in Jerusalem again is spoken of as if Yahweh were telling a barren women she is going to have many children. (See: Metaphor)

This statement means the same thing as the first part of the sentence. (See: Parallelism)

An event that will happen in the future is spoken of as if it happened in the past. This emphasizes that the event will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “For the children of the desolate woman will be more” (See: Predictive Past)

Here “desolate” means that the woman’s husband had rejected and abandoned her

Isaiah 54:2

This continues the metaphor that began in Isaiah 54:1. Yahweh telling the people of Jerusalem to prepare because Yahweh will greatly increase their people is spoken of as if he is telling a woman to make her tent bigger to make room for many children. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 54:3

Here “you” is singular and refers to the barren woman. She represents herself and all of her descendants. Alternate translation: “For you and your descendants will spread out” (See: Forms of You and Synecdoche)

Here “nations” represents the people. Alternate translation: “will conquer the people of other nations” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 54:4

Yahweh telling the people that in the future they will not even think about the shame they experienced when their enemies defeated them is spoken of as if Yahweh were telling a woman that she will no longer think about the shame she experienced from being unable to have children and having her husband abandon her. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 54:5

Yahweh loving and taking care of his people is spoken of as if he were their husband. (See: Metaphor)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 17:7.

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:24.

See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:16.

See how you translated this in Isaiah 41:14.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he is the God of the whole earth” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 54:6

Yahweh sending his people away into exile then bringing them back is spoken of as if Yahweh were a husband who had rejected his wife but now accepts her. (See: Metaphor and Simile)

Here “spirit” represents a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “grieved” or “made sad” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 54:8

Yahweh being very angry is spoken of as if his anger were a flood that overwhelms people. Alternate translation: “When I was very angry” (See: Metaphor)

Here “hid my face” is an idiom that means God abandoned his people and let them suffer. Alternate translation: “I abandoned you” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful.” See how you translated “covenant faithfulness” in Isaiah 16:5. Alternate translation: “but because I always am faithful to my covenant with you” or “but because I am always faithful to do what I promise to do” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here Yahweh speaks about himself in the third person. It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “that is what I, Yahweh, your rescuer, say to you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 54:9

This refers to the flood that Yahweh caused during the time of Noah. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 54:10

Yahweh describes a hypothetical condition to explain what would happen even if those conditions were met. Alternate translation: “Even if the mountains fell and the hills shook, my steadfast love” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the hills may shake” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh continuing to love his people is spoken of as if his love would not turn away from the people. Alternate translation: “I will not stop loving you” (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh not canceling his covenant with the people is spoken of as if his covenant were an object that would not be shaken. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and I will not cancel my covenant of peace” or “and I will surely give you peace as I promised in my covenant” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Here Yahweh speaks about himself in the third person. It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “that is what I, Yahweh, who acts mercifully, say” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 54:11

Here Yahweh speaks to the city of Jerusalem as if it were listening to him. Here Jerusalem represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “You afflicted people of Jerusalem” (See: Apostrophe and Metonymy)

Yahweh speaks of the people as if they were blown around and damaged by the winds and storms. This means the people were hurt and without stability. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “without comfort”

Yahweh describes in ideal terms how he will restore Jerusalem and cause it to be beautiful again. Although the language may be exaggerated, you should translate this just as Yahweh described it.

These are precious gemstones. Turquoise is light blue-to-green, sapphires are typically dark blue. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Isaiah 54:12

Yahweh describes in ideal terms how he will restore Jerusalem and cause it to be beautiful again. Although the language may be exaggerated, you should translate this just as Yahweh described it.

These precious gemstones are red to pink. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Isaiah 54:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh will teach all your children” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh speaks of himself in the third person. It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “by me, Yahweh” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 54:14

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “right.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will cause you to be strong again because you will do what is right” (See: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

No one in the city or outsiders will ever terrify the inhabitants of Jerusalem again.

Isaiah 54:15

Yahweh continue speaking to the people of Jerusalem.

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “causes trouble” or “troubles you” (See: Idiom)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you will defeat them in battle” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 54:17

Enemies not succeeding against Yahweh’s people is spoken of as if their weapons would not succeed against Yahweh’s people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Enemies may form weapons to attack you but they will not defeat you” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

The reward that Yahweh will give to those who serve him is spoken of as if the reward were something they would inherit. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Translate as in Isaiah 30:1. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 55

Isaiah 55 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gentiles

Many scholars believe this chapter prophesies that Gentiles will be able to come to a saving faith in Yahweh. At this time, the Israelites believed that only an Israelite could be saved. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and save, saved, safe, salvation and faith)

Isaiah 55:1

Yahweh speaks of blessing the people freely as if he were selling food and drink to needy people for free. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Jerusalem in exile through Isaiah.

The repetition of this word four times adds a sense of urgency to the invitation.

There is a sense of irony in this statement since a person usually has to use money to buy something. This emphasizes Yahweh’s amazing grace in giving these things freely. (See: Irony)

Isaiah 55:2

Yahweh asks these questions to rebuke the people. He speaks of the people seeking happiness apart from Yahweh as if they were purchasing things to eat that were not food and working for things that could not satisfy them. Alternate translation: “You should not weigh out silver … bread, and you should not labor … satisfy” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

This refers to counting silver coins in order to pay someone for something. Alternate translation: “pay money” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the word “bread” represents food in general. It is implied that the people were buying things to eat that were not really food. Alternate translation: “for things to eat that are not really food” (See: Synecdoche and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The people trusting Yahweh for blessing and happiness is spoken of as if they are eating good food that is making them happy. (See: Metaphor)

The word “fatness” refers to meat that has plenty of fat on it and is an idiom for fine food. Alternate translation: “with the best foods” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 55:3

Listening to or paying attention to someone is spoken of as if it were turning one’s ears to someone. Alternate translation: “Pay attention” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 55:4

This could mean: (1) this refers to what Yahweh did for King David in the past or (2) it refers to what God will do through one of David’s descendants.

Isaiah 55:5

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 55:6

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Seek Yahweh while you can still find him” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 55:7

The word “wicked” refers to wicked people. Yahweh speaks of wicked people no longer sinning as if they were to stop walking along a path that they had been traveling. Alternate translation: “Let wicked people change the way they live” (See: Nominal Adjectives and Metaphor)

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “let the sinful man leave his thoughts” (See: Ellipsis)

This could mean: (1) “the way he thinks” or (2) “his plans”

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will pity him”

The verb may be supplied from the first phrase in this sentence. Alternate translation: “let him return to our God” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 55:9

Yahweh speaks of the things that he does and how he thinks as being far superior to or higher than what people do and think, just like the sky is much higher than the earth. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 55:10

This is likely a description of the rain and snow evaporating.

Isaiah 55:11

Yahweh speaks of his word as if it were a person whom he sends out as his messenger to accomplish a task. (See: Personification and Metaphor)

Here the word “mouth” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “the word that I speak” (See: Synecdoche)

Here the description of the word returning to Yahweh means that it has completed the task that Yahweh had sent it to complete. That it will not return “empty” means that it will not fail to accomplish its task. Alternate translation: “it will not fail to complete its task” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 55:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will lead you along peacefully” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh speaks of the mountains, hills, and trees as if they were people with voices and hands, celebrating as Yahweh rescues his people. (See: Personification)

Isaiah 55:13

The words “thornbushes” and “brier” refer to species of plants that have sharp thorns growing on them. The words “cypress” and “myrtle” refer to species of evergreen trees. The thorny plants symbolize desolation, while the evergreens symbolize life and prosperity. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s fame. Alternate translation: “for his fame” or “for his honor” (See: Metonymy)

Something ceasing to exist is spoken of as if it were cut off, as a branch is cut off of a tree or a piece of fabric is cut off of clothing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that will never end” or “that will last forever” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 56

Isaiah 56 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gentiles

Many scholars believe this chapter prophesies that Gentiles will be able to come to a saving faith in Yahweh. At this time, the Israelites believed that only an Israelite could be saved. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and save, saved, safe, salvation and faith)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Beasts

The Israelites are compared to beasts and dogs in this chapter. This would have been very offensive to them. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 56:1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will soon save you and show you that I am righteous” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 56:2

Here “holds it tightly” is an idiom that means to continue to observe something. Alternate translation: “who is careful to always do this” (See: Idiom)

Here the “hand” represents the whole person and emphasizes the person’s actions or behaviors. Alternate translation: “does not do evil things” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 56:3

This means eunuchs may have thought they could not be a part of God’s people because they were deformed by castration (and for this reason could not have children). Israelites did not practice castration; foreigners did, sometimes for punishment. Eunuchs who had accepted the Hebrew faith knew that normally they were not allowed to worship in the temple (Deut. 23:1). The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 56:5

These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “inside the walls of my temple” (See: Doublet)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that will never end” or “that will never be forgotten” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 56:6

Yahweh’s “name” represents himself. Alternate translation: “who love Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 56:7

See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:9.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will accept on my altar” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my house will be a house of prayer” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 56:9

God is calling armies of other nations by comparing them to animals to come and attack the people of Israel. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 56:10

This means Israel’s leaders cannot or perhaps do not want to see what is going on in society.

The leaders are supposed to open their mouths and warn the people, but they do not. Comparing someone to a dog in this society is a great insult. (See: Metaphor)

This means the leaders are not bringing God’s word of warning to Israel but prefer their own comfort.

Isaiah 56:11

Yahweh continues comparing Israel’s bad leaders to dogs. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 57

Isaiah 57 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Child sacrifice

This chapter references the killing of children. Some religions in the ancient Near East practiced the sacrificing of their children. This was considered evil by Yahweh. (See: evil, wicked, unpleasant)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Mocking

The people abandoned the worship of Yahweh in favor of other gods. When they needed help, he tells them to ask these false gods. This is mocking the power of the false gods and shows the people the uselessness of their worship of these gods. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Isaiah 57:1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful.” See how you translated “covenant faithfulness” in Isaiah 16:5. Alternate translation: “the people who are faithful to the covenant” or “the people who are faithful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

“die and go away … dies and goes away” (See: Euphemism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the righteous people die, and Yahweh takes them away from all that is evil” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 57:2

Alternate translation: “The righteous enter into peace”

they die (See: Euphemism)

Alternate translation: “those who have done what is right”

Isaiah 57:3

God is calling all of the unfaithful people to come before him so he can judge them in a strong contrast to the promises for the righteous that came before.

This is a strong insult against the people who practice sorcery because sorcery and magic includes idolatry. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to actual and spiritual adultery. They have abandoned the worship of God and now worship other gods and idols along with actual prostitution in pagan Canaanite ceremonies.

Isaiah 57:4

Yahweh uses questions to scold the people who are mocking him through false worship. Alternate translation: “You are mocking me and making fun of me by opening your mouth wide and sticking out the tongue!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Yahweh uses another question to scold the people. This does not refer to their birth but to their spiritual state. Alternate translation: “You are children of rebellion, children of deceit!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 57:5

All of these actions are associated with worshiping idols. The oaks were sacred trees to the Canaanites. People thought such activity would increase fertility for people and the land. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 57:6

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The exact meaning in Hebrew is unclear. Alternate translation: “that is your lot” or “that is your inheritance” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: “Certainly, these things do not please me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 57:7

This refers to sleeping with prostitutes as a part of worshiping false gods. (See: Euphemism)

People often went on top of hills and mountains to worship false gods. They thought those were the best places for worship. This might even refer to Jerusalem, too. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 57:8

Alternate translation: “You made a contract with them”

Isaiah 57:9

The people did not literally go to Sheol, the world of the dead. Instead, Yahweh is indicating by exaggeration that the people were willing to go anywhere to find new gods to worship. (See: Hyperbole)

Isaiah 57:10

After trying so hard, the idolators found they still had strength to keep going. Here “hand” equals “strength” or “capacity.” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 57:11

Yahweh uses these questions to scold the people. Alternate translation: “You must really fear these idols for you to act so deceitfully … about me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that, although the people should have remembered Yahweh, they did not. (See: Doublet)

Isaiah 57:12

Yahweh is being sarcastic, calling their evil deeds so-called righteousness. (See: Irony)

Isaiah 57:13

Yahweh is mocking the people and their idols. He tells the idols to save the people though he knows they cannot. (See: Irony)

This is saying the same thing in two ways to emphasize that idols are helpless and worthless. Alternate translation: “the wind, or even a breath, will blow them away” (See: Parallelism)

The “holy mountain” is Mount Zion, in Jerusalem. See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:9.

Isaiah 57:14

Yahweh is emphatic and urgent that a clear and level road be available for the people to return to him and free of obstacles to worshiping Yahweh. This echoes Isaiah 40:3. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 57:15

The words “high” and “elevated” have basically the same meaning here and emphasize Yahweh being exalted. See how you translated this in Isaiah 6:1 and Isaiah 33:10. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 52:13.

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will strengthen and encourage those who humble themselves before him. (See: Parallelism)

Here these refer to a person’s thoughts and emotions, not the spirit and heart literally. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 57:17

This means God gave up on his people and no longer helped or blessed them. (See: Idiom)

This means the Israelites kept rejecting the true God for false ones. Here “backward” and “way” are location words representing motivations and feelings. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 57:18

“their ways.” Here “his” refers to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “I will soothe and calm those who feel sad for the people’s suffering because of their sinful behavior”

Isaiah 57:19

Here “fruit of the lips” refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “I cause them to praise and thank me” (See: Metonymy)

“I have made peace with them who are far off.” The word “Peace” is repeated for emphasis.

Isaiah 57:20

This compares the wicked to rough water on the shore that makes the water dirty. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 58

Isaiah 58 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Fasting

The practice of fasting became more common after the exile. This was intended to bring people into a right relationship with God by creating a designated time to concentrate on him. It may have been believed that Yahweh heard people better when they fasted. The significance of fasting is derived from the faster’s attitude of repentance and faith in Yahweh and not the practice itself. (See: repent, repentance and faith)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Yet they seek me daily”

The people did not truly seek Yahweh every day. They practiced the outward aspects of the Jewish religion, but their hearts were far from Yahweh. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 58:1

This means shout loudly. Here “your” refers to Isaiah. (See: Simile and Forms of You)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Together they strengthen the urgency to confront Yahweh’s people. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 58:3

The people of Israel use questions to complain to God because they feel he is ignoring them. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 58:4

“Behold!” or “Pay attention.” Yahweh confronts their questioning by telling them to pay attention.

“wicked fist.” This shows that they fight viciously. “Fist” represents anger that is physically violent. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 58:5

Yahweh uses a question to scold the people. They act like they are humble before God, but they are hurting other people. Alternate translation: “This is not the kind of fast I want … under himself.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This means the person is bowing down, but he is not truly humble. “A reed” represents a weak plant that bends easily. (See: Simile)

Yahweh uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: “Surely you do not think this kind of fast pleases me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 58:6

Yahweh uses a question to teach the people about the kind of fast that pleases him. Alternate translation: “This is the fast that I choose … break every yoke.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

All of these phrases mean they should help those people whom the wicked are hurting and oppressing. (See: Metonymy and Parallelism)

Isaiah 58:7

Yahweh uses another question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “It is to … your house.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This phrase represents starting the meal by the host tearing the loaf of bread apart. (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 58:8

“Break open” here is an idiom that means when a light begins to shine brightly. This means that if they help people in need, their deeds will be like lights others will see, as when the sun comes up after a dark night. Or the light may refer to the light of the Lord, shining on them and blessing them. (See: Idiom and Metaphor)

This means God will bless and restore them quickly, as a wound heals quickly. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the time when God protected the people of Israel as they escaped from Egypt. This means God will again protect them from their enemies if they will do what is right.

This expression in Hebrew can also be interpreted as the one who gives righteousness or even victory. In this context, this expression would refer to God. A few modern versions have this interpretation.

Isaiah 58:10

“Your light” represents the acts of kindness that will be examples to everyone, and the “darkness,” the bad deeds, will be overcome by their good deeds. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 58:11

“Water” represents all they need for an abundant life even when their surroundings do not have enough. (See: Metaphor)

“A watered garden” represents abundance and plenty so they will have all they need. (See: Simile)

“A spring of water” represents a source of abundance in a land where water is precious. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 58:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will call you” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 58:13

Here the people are represented by their “feet.” God did not allow long travels or work on the day of rest. Alternate translation: “you stop traveling and doing what you want to do on the Sabbath, my holy day” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 58:14

This refers to God exalting the nation in reputation and power in response to living righteously. (See: Metaphor)

The word “mouth” symbolizes what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh has spoken it” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 59

Isaiah 59 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh’s deliverance

When Israel was conquered, they were being punished for their sin. Yahweh is strong enough to deliver them, but he did not because he desired to refine them through the experience of the exile. (See: deliver, hand over, turn over, release, rescue and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Isaiah 59:1

“Behold!” or “You should know!” Yahweh tells the people to pay attention.

“Hand” represents power and ability. A “short” hand does not have power and ability. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is fully able” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Isaiah 59:2

These plural pronouns refer to the people of Israel as a single group. (See: Forms of You)

“Face” represents being present and looking upon. Alternate translation: “your sins have made him turn away from you” (See: Personification)

Isaiah 59:3

Here “hands” and “fingers” refers to their actions. This means they are guilty of doing violent and sinful things. “Your” is plural. Alternate translation: “For you have committed violent sins” (See: Metonymy and Forms of You)

The parts of the body that make speech represent what people say. Alternate translation: “You speak lies and malicious things” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 59:4

“Conceiving” and “giving birth” emphasize how carefully they plan to do sinful things. Here “they” still refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “they work hard to do sinful things” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 59:5

Eggs of a poisonous snake hatch into more dangerous snakes. “Poisonous snakes” represents evil the people do that harms more and more. Alternate translation: “They make evil that spreads out to make more evil” (See: Metaphor)

This represents the deeds of the people that are useless. Alternate translation: “produce things and activities that are useless” (See: Metaphor)

Eating a poisonous egg will kill the one that eats it and represents self-destruction. Breaking the egg allows the young poisonous snake to hatch and represents spreading destruction. Alternate translation: “The activities they do will destroy them and will spread destruction to others” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if someone crushes an egg” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 59:6

This means their sinful deeds cannot be covered and hidden, just as a web cannot serve as clothing and cover someone. Alternate translation: “Their evil deeds will be exposed as useless” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They cannot clothe themselves with their webs” (See: Active or Passive)

“Hands” represents the ability and power to do these things and therefore their responsibility. Alternate translation: “they are fully responsible for the violence they do” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 59:7

Here people are represented by their “feet.” This speaks of them doing something quickly as their feet running to it. Alternate translation: “They are quick to do evil things” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

“roads” represents their way of life. Alternate translation: “are all they do” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 59:8

“paths” represents their way of life. Alternate translation: “they never do what is just” or “everything they do is unjust” (See: Metaphor)

“Crooked paths” represents the way of life that is corrupt. Alternate translation: “They say and do dishonest things. They are devious” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 59:9

Here “us” refers to Isaiah and the people of Israel. “Far” represents that justice is gone and difficult to get. Alternate translation: “justice is gone and very difficult to get” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Metaphor)

Each of these phrases means that the people are waiting for God’s goodness, but it seems like he has abandoned them. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Isaiah 59:10

This means that because God is not coming to them, they feel helpless, not finding the right path and despairing of the future, with no hope for a vibrant life. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 59:11

These refer to the sounds the people made because they were distressed and mourning. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 59:12

Here “our” refers to Isaiah and the people of Israel. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Here “you” refers to Yahweh. (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah describes the sins as a person who goes before God to declare that the people are guilty. (See: Personification)

“With us” represents being aware of them. Alternate translation: “for we are aware of our transgressions” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 59:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people drive justice back” (See: Active or Passive)

These are ideas that Isaiah describes as acting like persons. (See: Personification and Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 59:15

Isaiah describes this idea as acting like a person. (See: Personification and Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 59:16

Alternate translation: “Yahweh was appalled that no one came to help those who were suffering.” or “Yahweh was astonished that no one came to help those who were suffering.”

Yahweh’s “arm” represents his ability and power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh used his own power to save the people” (See: Metonymy)

“Righteousness” here is a quality that acts like a person. The word can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “he did right as he always would do” (See: Personification and Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 59:17

“breastplate,” “helmet,” “garments,” and “mantle” are clothing for war and fighting. Isaiah describes Yahweh as putting these on to punish his people. (See: Metaphor and Simile)

a loose, flowing robe

Isaiah 59:18

Isaiah is describing a future event as if it happened in the past. This means that it will certainly happen.

Isaiah 59:19

Here “name” refers to Yahweh’s reputation and character. Alternate translation: “fear Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah combines these words to mean people in all places of the world. (See: Merism)

Narrow valleys in Judah were dry most of the year until a sudden, heavy rain turned them into fast-moving water. When that happened there was a lot of noise and wind. (See: Simile)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which the breath of Yahweh drives” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 59:20

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Translate as in Isaiah 30:1. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 59:21

Alternate translation: “the message I have given you to speak”

Isaiah 60

Isaiah 60 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel’s restoration

This chapter pictures a time when Israel will be fully restored to Yahweh. They will be everything Yahweh intended them to be. All the nations will look to Israel and acknowledge her special relationship to Yahweh. (See: restore, restoration)

Isaiah 60:1

This refers to the glorious things Yahweh has done for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They are now to show that glory through what they do and say and have hope in the future. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 60:2

Both of these phrases mean the same thing and are combined for emphasis. They refer to “spiritual darkness.” This means all the other people of the world will not know Yahweh or how to please him. This is a metaphor for divine judgment. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

This means the light of God’s presence will appear for the people of Israel, and it will show the way they should go. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations will see his glory on you” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 60:4

Here Yahweh begins speaking.

“They” refers to the rest of the people of Israel who will come together to return to Jerusalem.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they will carry your daughters in their arms” or “they will carry your daughters on their hips” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 60:5

These phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that they will be very happy because of what will happen in Jerusalem. (See: Parallelism)

This refers to the riches and goods that will come to Jerusalem by way of shipping, perhaps from along the Mediterranean Sea.

This describes that the abundance will be like water that gushes out. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 60:6

Alternate translation: “the young camels”

an area in Arabia (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 60:7

These are the names of areas in Arabia. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people of Kedar will gather their flocks for you” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to their need for sacrifices.

Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, will accept them on my altar”

Isaiah 60:8

Yahweh uses questions and poetic images to draw attention here. He compares the sails of the ships to clouds and doves. This is also a picture of the Israelites returning to the country where they belong. Alternate translation: “Look, I see something like clouds moving quickly and like doves returning to their shelters.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Simile)

Isaiah 60:9

This refers to the people who live on the coastlands and describes the area of coastlands as if it was people looking out. Alternate translation: “The people from the coastlands” (See: Metonymy and Personification)

This expression usually means large merchant ships suitable for long voyages.

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:4.

Alternate translation: “Yahweh has honored you, the people of Israel”

Isaiah 60:11

Here “day” and “night” together mean “all the time.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will ever shut them” (See: Active or Passive and Merism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that the people of the nations may bring their wealth, along with their kings” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 60:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy the people of those nations” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 60:13

This refers to Lebanon being famous for its beautiful trees, especially cypress and cedar. The exact identification of all the trees is not known.

This refers to Yahweh’s temple. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 60:14

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 60:15

Alternate translation: “with everyone avoiding your land” or “with all the foreigners avoiding your land”

Isaiah 60:16

This refers to the wealth and plenty that will be drained from foreign nations. Both clauses repeat the same idea for emphasis. (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 41:14.

See how you translated this in Isaiah 49:26.

Isaiah 60:17

Yahweh will give more valuable building materials to them now. Alternate translation: “instead of wood, I will bring bronze, and instead of stones, I will bring iron” (See: Ellipsis)

Yahweh describes “peace” and “justice” as human rulers. This means there will be complete peace and justice in the land of Israel. (See: Personification)

Isaiah 60:18

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “There will no longer be reports of violence in your land” (See: Active or Passive)

The physical objects have the names of spiritual qualities. The city of Jerusalem will be a safe place, and the people there will praise Yahweh. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 60:20

Both verses repeat this same idea for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

The moon will not literally disappear. This exaggeration is saying that the light of the sun and the moon will be much less bright than the light of Yahweh. (See: Metaphor and Hyperbole)

Isaiah 60:21

These phrases mean approximately the same and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Yahweh is comparing the people to young shoots coming up that he planted as if he was a gardener. Yahweh has placed his people in the land of Israel. This gives hope to the people. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh compares the people of Israel to something made by the skill of his handicraft. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that all people may glorify me” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 60:22

“1,000” (See: Numbers)

Isaiah 61

Isaiah 61 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

The first part of this chapter is probably a prophecy about the coming Messiah and not Isaiah because this was different than the message Isaiah delivered. (See: Christ, Messiah)

Special concepts in this chapter

Restoration

This chapter prophesies concerning a future time of peace and restoration. It is unlikely to have been fulfilled in Isaiah’s day. (See: restore, restoration and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 61:1

“Spirit” here is the Holy Spirit of Yahweh who compels or motivates the person. See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:2 or in Isaiah 42:1.

This refers to poor people, those in great sorrow, or oppressed people who have problems they cannot overcome by themselves.

These two phrases mean the same thing. They state that God will certainly give freedom to captives. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 61:2

Both of these phrases refer to the same span of time. “Year” and “day” are both specific examples that represent the greater whole. (See: Metonymy and Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “time when Yahweh will act kindly toward his people”

Isaiah 61:3

Isaiah repeats this for emphasis.

“a headdress” or “a beautiful head covering.” This is a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the head.

People put oil on themselves and dressed in beautiful, long robes during times of celebration and joy. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “in place of sadness” or “in place of mourning”

This means Yahweh has caused the people to be strong and sturdy. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that the people’s lives may glorify him” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 61:6

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will call you” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 61:7

This probably refers to a double portion of land.

This still refers to the people of Israel. This can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “you will rejoice over your share … you will … your land … will be yours” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 61:9

These two clauses mean the same thing. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People from other nations will know their descendants” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

This clause assumes the same verb as the previous one. Alternate translation: “their offspring will be known among the peoples” (See: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 61:10

“I” refers to the people of God speaking as one person whom Yahweh has restored.

The people of God speaking as one person now have salvation and righteousness as their distinct appearance visible to all. “Garments” and “robe” are clothing that everyone can see. (See: Metaphor)

This comparison emphasizes that the speaker is extremely happy, joyful, celebrating. (See: Simile)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 61:3.

Isaiah 61:11

This is saying the same thing in two ways. The fact that whatever God says he will do is certainly going to happen is compared to the fact that seeds sprout after planting. Alternate translation: “Just as seeds sown in a garden sprout from the soil and grow” (See: Parallelism and Simile)

This expression describes these virtues as growing from seed like plants do. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 62

Isaiah 62 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Restoration

This chapter prophesies concerning a future time of peace and restoration. It is unlikely to have been fulfilled in Isaiah’s day. (See: restore, restoration and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and fulfill, fulfilled, carried out)

Isaiah 62:1

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Here “Zion” and “Jerusalem” both represent the people who live in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “For the sake of the people of Jerusalem I will not be silent” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

It is most likely that “I” refers to Isaiah.

Both clauses reassure the people that God will eventually come and save the people of Israel and that it will be as apparent as light is. (See: Simile and Parallelism)

Isaiah 62:3

These mean the same thing and are combined for emphasis. They say that Jerusalem will become a royal city under the power and authority of God. Yahweh’s hand is a metonym for his power and authority. (See: Parallelism and Metonymy)

Isaiah 62:4

These mean the same thing are combined for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will no longer say about you” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nor will people any longer say about your land” (See: Active or Passive)

This means Yahweh will love the people of Israel and will always be with them as is a husband. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 62:5

Here “sons” refers to the people of Israel and “you” refers to Judah, the land of Israel. This means the people will take possession of the land as a man takes possession of his young wife. (See: Simile)

This emphasizes God’s happiness about his relationship with his people. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 62:6

Here “I” may refer to Isaiah or to Yahweh.

This refers to prophets, officials, or possibly angels, who are constantly praying for the people of Jerusalem like watchmen who constantly guard the city. See how you translated “watchmen” in Isaiah 52:8 and Isaiah 56:10. (See: Metaphor)

This means they are continually pleading to Yahweh or calling to each other. Alternate translation: “they are earnestly praying to Yahweh throughout the entire day” (See: Litotes and Merism)

Isaiah 62:7

Here “him” refers to Yahweh.

Isaiah 62:8

The right hand and arm represent power and authority. Alternate translation: “by his power and authority” (See: Metonymy)

This means Yahweh will not let enemies conquer the people of Israel and take their grain anymore. Perhaps enemies took the grain in the past as a tax or to feed their own armies.

These statements are set together for emphasis and completion. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 62:9

These statements are set together for emphasis and completion. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 62:10

The phrase “come through” is repeated to show urgency.

The word “build” is repeated to emphasize that Yahweh urgently wants the road prepared. The “highway” represents the way the people can return. This is similar to Isaiah 40:3 and Isaiah 57:14. (See: Metonymy)

“Take the stones out of the road to make it smooth.” Stones represent all the obstacles to quick travel. (See: Synecdoche)

A signal flag represents something to draw the attention of others. This means Yahweh is calling the people of the other nations to take notice of the land of Israel and to see what Yahweh has accomplished as he said he would. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 62:11

Alternate translation: “Take notice!”

The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. See how you translated this in Isaiah 40:28. AT “the farthest places of the earth” or “the entire earth” (See: Metaphor and Merism)

“Daughter” represents the people of Jerusalem (Zion). See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:8. (See: Idiom)

These clauses represent the same idea for emphasis. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 40:10. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 62:12

This can be stated actively, “they will call you” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 63

Isaiah 63 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Imagery

The imagery of judgment in this chapter is intended to be rather vivid. The translator should avoid euphemisms, if possible. Overall, this chapter prophesies a day of great judgment and God’s wrath. (See: judge, judgment and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and wrath, fury)

Isaiah 63:1

Isaiah speaks as a watchman using the question and answer format to present this information about Yahweh’s judgment on Edom, an enemy of Israel. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am coming from Edom, clothed in red from Bozrah” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is the capital city of Edom. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

Isaiah 63:2

If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “The red on your clothing looks makes you look like you have been treading on grapes in a winepress.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

A winepress is a low place carved out of rock in the ground where workers step on the grapes to crush them with their feet, in order to remove the grape juice.

Isaiah 63:3

Here “I” refers to Yahweh. This imagery refers to Yahweh destroying his enemies. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 63:4

Alternate translation: “the time of vengeance” or “the time for vengeance”

Yahweh will punish in an appropriate way to bring about justice. His kind of vengeance differs from man’s vengeance.

Here “year” refers to a specific time appointed by Yahweh for restoring Israel. Alternate translation: “the time for my redemption” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 63:5

Here “arm” represents power. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 63:6

This means Yahweh made them stunned and senseless by his full wrath and punishment. (See: Metaphor)

Here “blood” represents the life of Yahweh’s enemies that was gushing out so they would die. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 63:7

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithfully” or “faithful.” See how you translated “covenant faithfulness” in Isaiah 16:5. Alternate translation: “I will tell about how God has acted faithfully to his covenant” or “I will tell about all the faithful things God has done for his people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “I” refers to Isaiah.

Here “us” refers to Isaiah and the people of Israel. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Isaiah 63:9

“Through all our suffering.” Here “their” refers to the people of Israel. Isaiah included himself as a member of the people.

Here “he” refers to Yahweh.

This is a representative who is sent from God’s presence.

This refers to when God protected and saved the people of Israel from the Egyptians many years earlier. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 63:10

“but we rebelled.” Here “they” refers to the people of Israel. Isaiah included himself as a member of the people.

Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s Holy Spirit”

Isaiah 63:11

“we said.” Here “they” refers to the people of Israel. Isaiah included himself as a member of the people.

The story of Yahweh miraculously splitting the waters of the Sea of Reeds so that the Israelites could cross and escape the Egyptians is assumed knowledge. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leaders are sometimes referred to as “shepherds.” Alternate translation: “the leaders of his people” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 63:12

The people of Israel continue speaking.

Here “right hand” represents the power of Yahweh through Moses. This means it was God’s power that enabled Moses to divide the water of the Reed Sea. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 63:13

This means that the people of Israel were sure-footed as horses in open country on their travels toward Israel from Egypt. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 63:14

The people of Israel continue speaking.

This image pictures cattle going into a valley where there is green grass and water and emphasizes that God led the people of Israel and took care of them. (See: Simile)

Here “name of praise” refers to honor and one’s reputation. Alternate translation: “to make sure you have an honored reputation for yourself” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 63:15

The people of Israel continue speaking.

The writer uses a question to express deep emotion and concern because it seems God is not helping them. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We do not see your zeal and your mighty acts!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You keep your pity and compassion from us” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 63:16

These ancestors of the nation of Israel would not able to identify their descendants because they changed so much. “Abraham” and “Israel” represent the people from the distant past. (See: Synecdoche)

This refers to the name also called “Jacob.”

Isaiah 63:17

The people of Israel continue speaking.

Here the writer uses a question to express a complaint of the people to God. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, you have made us wander from your ways and become stubborn so that we do not obey you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

To not do what Yahweh commands is spoken of as if a person wanders off of the correct path. Alternate translation: “why do you make do what is wrong” (See: Metaphor)

This means to become resistant to Yahweh’s teaching by refusing to listen and obey. Here “heart” represents their motives, feelings and desires. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 63:18

The people of Israel continue speaking.

Isaiah 63:19

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The word “name” refers to a family relationship. Alternate translation: “who never belonged to your family” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Some modern versions interpret this passage differently: “We are like the people over whom you have not ruled, like those who have not been called by your name.”

Isaiah 64

Isaiah 64 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Repentance

This chapter records the repentance of the righteous remnant of Judah. (See: repent, repentance, righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness and remnant and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Isaiah 64:1

The people of Israel continue speaking to Yahweh (Isaiah 63:11).

Isaiah introduces this desire for Yahweh’s presence in their past history with a strong exclamation. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

If Yahweh had shown himself very dramatically by tearing open the sky. The words “split open” refer to ripping a piece of cloth apart. (See: Metaphor)

The mountains would have trembled as in an earthquake. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Isaiah 64:2

This possibly emphasizes how easily God’s presence would have caused the mountains and the people to tremble. (See: Simile and Hypothetical Situations)

Isaiah 64:4

Here the “eye” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “nor has anyone seen” (See: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 64:5

The people of Israel continue speaking to Yahweh.

This is an idiom that means “remember.” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 64:6

The people of Israel continue speaking to Yahweh.

A “menstrual rag” is a cloth that a woman uses during the time of month when she bleeds from her womb. This means all their attempts to please God fail. This sentence was meant to be shocking. (See: Simile)

Isaiah compares the people of Israel to leaves that dry up when dead. (See: Simile)

This means their sins, as a community, are the reason for their failure. Isaiah compares the iniquities to the wind as the force for their suffering Yahweh’s punishment. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 64:7

This means God gave up on his people and let them suffer. (See: Idiom)

Here the word “hand” is a metonym for the power of those who are punishing the people for their iniquities. Alternate translation: “as you punish us for our iniquities” (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 64:8

The people of Israel continue speaking to Yahweh.

This means God created the people of Israel. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 64:9

This refers to remembering the past. (See: Idiom)

Isaiah asks Yahweh to pay attention to their situation. (See: Personification)

Isaiah 64:10

The people of Israel continue speaking to Yahweh.

This emphasizes that the cities have been destroyed and no one lives there.

Isaiah 64:11

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The enemy has destroyed our holy and beautiful temple, where our fathers praised you, by fire” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 64:12

They use questions to express their frustration because God has not yet come to help them. Alternate translation: “Please do not hold back, Yahweh! Please do not remain silent and continue to humiliate us!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 65

Isaiah 65 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in this chapter.

This chapter is Yahweh’s response to the repentance of the people. (See: repent, repentance)

Special concepts in this chapter

Judgment and hope

This chapter records that Yahweh’s judgment on the people must come. Despite this, there is hope that in the end, Yahweh will make all things new and restore them to himself. (See: judge, judgment and hope, hoped and restore, restoration)

Isaiah 65:1

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

Isaiah 65:2

“Spreading out my hands” here is a person’s gesture to show imploring or a strong request. Alternate translation: “I have continually begged a stubborn people to receive my help” (See: Idiom)

Isaiah 65:3

These refer to Canaanite places for worshiping idols. Their sacred altars were made of bricks, which Yahweh forbid for his altars. Yahweh’s altars were made of stone. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 65:4

This is a reference to consulting the dead, a practice that Yahweh prohibited. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh did not allow the people of Israel to eat meat from pigs. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 65:5

Yahweh compares these people who are continually annoying him to smoke that irritates a person’s breathing. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh compares the people of Israel to a slow-burning fire that sends out smoke without stopping as it irritates. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 65:6

Alternate translation: “Take notice and pay attention”

This means God will punish them to the fullest extent. This expression compares Yahweh punishing the people to dumping on their legs as they are sitting. (See: Idiom and Metaphor)

Isaiah 65:8

Yahweh compares the people of Israel to a cluster of grapes that still has some good juice in it. (See: Metaphor)

This can be stated in an active way. Alternate translation: “when you find juice in a cluster” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I will spare some of them who are righteous” (See: Litotes and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 65:9

This refers to the highest locations of Jerusalem and all of Judea.

Isaiah 65:10

This was a fertile grazing area. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a valley that possibly ran from Jerusalem to south of Jericho. This was also a fertile grazing area. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 65:11

See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:9.

People would bring food and drink and place it in front of the idol as part of their worship.

wine mixed with spices

These are names of false gods. They are also called “Gad” and “Meni.”

Isaiah 65:12

“The sword” represents various weapons of war that Yahweh will use to punish those who do not respond to Yahweh’s call. (See: Synecdoche)

Both clauses mean the same and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 65:13

“Take notice and pay attention” Yahweh repeats this for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Isaiah 65:14

These clauses mean the same and the repetition is for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

This expression compares the feeling of terrible disappointment and sorrow to something becoming deformed due to high pressure. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 65:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I, the God who always speaks the truth, will bless him” (See: Active or Passive)

These clauses can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they will forget the former troubles, for these troubles will be out of my memory” (See: Active or Passive)

“hidden from my eyes” represents the attention and memory of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will not even think about them again” (See: Idiom and Personification)

Isaiah 65:17

Alternate translation: “Notice! Pay attention!”

Both are extremes that also represent everything between. (See: Merism)

Both of these clauses mean the same thing and are combined for emphasis. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will not even think about what happened in the past” (See: Parallelism and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 65:18

Here “you” refers to all of God’s servants. (See: Forms of You)

Isaiah 65:19

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will hear weeping and cries of distress any longer in her” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 65:20

“100 years” (See: Numbers)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will consider him a young person” (See: Active or Passive)

This can be stated this in active form. Alternate translation: “people will consider this person as cursed” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 65:22

Alternate translation: “for my people will live as long as trees live”

Isaiah 65:23

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they are the children of those whom Yahweh blessed” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 65:25

See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:9.

Isaiah 66

Isaiah 66 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 66:1-17, 21-24.

Special concepts in this chapter

In the end

In the end, Yahweh will enact his perfect justice. This is the true hope of this world. The new heaven and the new earth are an important part of this. In the end, this will be the perfect creation of Yahweh and will last forever. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and hope, hoped and eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)

Isaiah 66:1

Yahweh compares heaven to a throne and the earth to a footstool to emphasize how great he is. (See: Metaphor)

Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that humans cannot build a place for him to dwell. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 66:2

Yahweh is represented by his hand which emphasizes his power and authority. Alternate translation: “I have made all these things” (See: Synecdoche)

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Translate as in Isaiah 30:1. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Here “broken” and “contrite” refers to a person who is truly humble and who suffers for his faith.

Isaiah 66:3

These four clauses all describe different ways evil people act and come to the same meaning for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “They have chosen to do evil things that violate the ways of Yahweh”

Isaiah 66:4

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what I consider to be evil” or “what is evil in my judgement” (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 66:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Glorify Yahweh” or “May Yahweh glorify himself” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but I will put them to shame” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 66:6

Yahweh describes the punishment for the hypocrisy of the worshipers.

The sound represents the real fighting that is going on in the temple as Yahweh is carrying out the punishment. (See: Metonymy)

Isaiah 66:7

Yahweh speaks about Zion as if it were a woman who is about to give birth. Although Zion was destroyed and the people no longer lived there, Yahweh promises that without delay and with little effort an entire nation will come from her. (See: Metaphor)

Isaiah 66:8

Yahweh uses questions to emphasize how unique this event will be. The series of questions builds tension until Zion is finally mentioned. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 66:9

Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that he will not fail to fulfill his promises to the people of Jerusalem. (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

Isaiah 66:11

This means Jerusalem will be a place of safety and comfort for God’s people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For she will satisfy you with her milk; she will comfort you with her breasts” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Isaiah 66:12

This means God will cause the people of the nations to bring a very large amount of riches, which will be permanent like a river and abundant. (See: Simile)

This means Jerusalem will be a place of safety and comfort for God’s people. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “she will carry you in her arms and bounce you on her knees with delight” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 66:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so I will comfort you in Jerusalem” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 66:14

Isaiah is speaking to God’s faithful people.

“Bones” refers to the whole body. (See: Synecdoche)

“Tender grass” grows fast and strong and compares to the health and vigor of God’s faithful people. (See: Simile)

Here “hand” refers to his power. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will reveal his power to his servants” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Isaiah 66:15

Yahweh’s appearances in the Old Testament are often accompanied by fire that represents Yahweh’s anger and judgment. (See: Metaphor)

Storms represent Yahweh’s powerful actions to make his judgment effective. (See: Simile)

Isaiah 66:16

“Sword” is one weapon that represents all of warfare and killing. (See: Synecdoche)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will kill many people” (See: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 66:17

“They” are those who worship Yahweh but go against his laws.

This is a place where people would go to worship idols. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This describes the leader of those of go to worship idols.

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Translate as in Isaiah 30:1. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Isaiah 66:18

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

Here “their” refers to the worshipers that are hypocrites whom Yahweh has described before.

Isaiah 66:19

These are names of areas that are far from the land of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 66:20

Here “they” refers to the foreigners who survived and witnessed to the nations. They will return to Jerusalem with exiled Israelites.

See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:9.

Isaiah 66:22

See how you translated this in Isaiah 65:17.

Isaiah 66:24

Yahweh finishes speaking.

Here “they” refers to all the people, the faithful Israelites and foreigners, who come to worship Yahweh.

Both clauses describe the same idea to emphasize Yahweh’s punishment. (See: Parallelism)

The worms represent the horror of decay and rot that are Yahweh’s punishment on the wicked. (See: Metonymy)

Fire also represents Yahweh’s judgment. (See: Metonymy)

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “will burn forever” (See: Litotes)

This expression represents all created living beings that shrink from the dead. (See: Metonymy)