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 book of Isaiah was one of the first books to include prophesies about the last days. Isaiah said 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 would go there to learn about Yahweh and worship him. The New Testament writers understood the “last days” to have begun with the coming of Jesus (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2).

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 they wanted people to remember.

When he spoke in poetic form, Isaiah could safely assume that his original hearers would know what he was talking about. However, readers today do not always understand what he meant. Nevertheless, Isaiah’s basic message is still clear to us today. His message is about how God’s people sinned against him, how God would punish them, and how God would eventually comfort and restore them.

Isaiah speaks about a figure he calls the Servant of Yahweh in four different poems. Today these are called the “Servant Songs.” Christians understand these to be 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 records what Yahweh told Isaiah to tell the people of Israel.

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

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Quote: The vision of Isaiah … that he saw (0)

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

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Quote: Amoz (0)
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Amoz was the father of Isaiah.

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Quote: Judah and Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“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”

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Quote: in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 1:2

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: Hear, heavens, and give ear, earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

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 also: Personification and Merism)

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Quote: Yahweh (0)

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.

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Quote: I have nourished and brought up children, but they have rebelled against me (0)

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

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Quote: I have nourished and brought up children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 1:3

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Quote: the donkey his master’s feeding trough (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

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Quote: but Israel does not know, Israel does not understand (0)

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.”

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Quote: Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 1:4

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General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: a people weighed down with iniquity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: offspring of evildoers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: act corruptly (0)

do evil deeds

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Quote: They have abandoned Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “They have gone away from Yahweh”

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Quote: have despised (0)

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

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Quote: Israel (0)

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

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Quote: they have estranged themselves from him (0)

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

Isaiah 1:5

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: Why are you still being beaten? Why do you rebel more and more? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Active or Passive)

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Quote: you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here the word “you” refers to the people who live in Judah and so is plural.

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Quote: The whole head is sick, the whole heart is weak (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 1:6

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Quote: there is no part unharmed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

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”

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Quote: they have not been closed, cleansed, bandaged, nor treated with oil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 1:7

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General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: Your country is ruined (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: your cities are burned (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: your fields—in your presence, strangers are destroying them (0)

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

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Quote: abandoned devastation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

“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”

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Quote: overthrown by strangers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 1:8

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Quote: The daughter of Zion is left (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: The daughter of Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

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Quote: is left like a hut in a vineyard, like a shed in a garden of cucumbers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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Quote: like … cucumbers, like a besieged city (0)

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

Isaiah 1:9

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General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: If Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

This describes something that could have happened in the past but did not.

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Quote: a small remnant (0)

Alternate translation: “a few survivors”

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Quote: us … we (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Isaiah is using the words us and we to refer to himself and to all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, so use the inclusive form of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

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Quote: we would have been like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Simile)

Isaiah 1:10

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General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: you rulers of Sodom … you people of Gomorrah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 1:11

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Quote: What is the multitude of your sacrifices to me? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

God is using a question to scold the people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your many sacrifices mean nothing to me!”

Isaiah 1:12

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General Information:

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: who has required this of you, to trample my courts? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “no one told you to stomp around in my courtyards!”

Isaiah 1:13

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Quote: Bring no more meaningless offerings (0)

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

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Quote: incense is an abomination to me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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

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Quote: I cannot tolerate these wicked assemblies (0)

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

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General Information:

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: your new moons and your appointed feasts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Synecdoche)

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Quote: new moons (0)

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

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Quote: they are a burden to me; I am tired of enduring them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 1:15

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Quote: I hide my eyes from you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom is a way of saying “I will not look at you” or “I will not pay attention to you”

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Quote: your hands are full of blood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 1:16

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General Information:

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: Wash, cleanse yourselves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: remove the evil of your deeds from my sight (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 1:17

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Quote: make straight the oppression (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 can 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 also: Abstract Nouns)

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Quote: give justice to the fatherless (0)

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

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Quote: defend the widow (0)

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

Isaiah 1:18

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Quote: Come now, and let (0)

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”

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Quote: let us reason together (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

“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.

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Quote: though your sins are like scarlet, they will be white like snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: like scarlet (0)
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Scarlet is a bright red color. Alternate translation: “bright red”

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Quote: white like snow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

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Quote: red like crimson (0)
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Crimson is a dark red color. Alternate translation: “dark red”

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Quote: like wool (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Simile)

Isaiah 1:19

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Quote: If you are willing and obedient (0)
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Here, “willing” and “obedient” are used together to express one idea. Alternate translation: “If you willingly obey”

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Quote: you will eat the good of the land (0)

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

Isaiah 1:20

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Quote: but if you refuse and rebel (0)

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

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Quote: the sword will devour you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

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Quote: the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

Isaiah 1:21

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General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: How the faithful city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: has become a prostitute (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: but now she is full of murderers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun “she” refers to the city of Jerusalem. In this culture, it was conventional to refer to cities with feminine pronouns. In your translation, use whatever pronoun would be natural. Alternate translation: “it was full”

Isaiah 1:22

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Quote: Your silver has become impure, your wine mixed with water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: silver … impure (0)

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

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Quote: wine … water (0)

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

Isaiah 1:23

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General Information:

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: Your princes are rebels (0)

Alternate translation: “Your leaders rebel against God”

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Quote: companions of thieves (0)

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

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Quote: bribes … payoffs (0)

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.

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Quote: runs after payoffs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: They do not defend the fatherless (0)

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

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Quote: nor does the widow’s legal plea come before them (0)

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

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General Information:

Isaiah begins to speak Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: Therefore (0)

Alternate translation: “For that reason”

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Quote: this is the declaration of the Lord Yahweh of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

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Quote: I will take vengeance against my adversaries, and avenge myself against my enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

Isaiah 1:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will turn my hand against you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: refine away your dross as with lye (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dross (0)

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

Isaiah 1:26

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: at the first … at the beginning (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will be called (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: the city of righteousness, a faithful town (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Isaiah 1:27

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Zion will be redeemed by justice, and her repentant ones by righteousness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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 also: Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This is a metonym for the people who live on Mount Zion.

Isaiah 1:28

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Quote: Rebels and sinners will be crushed together (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who abandon Yahweh will be done away with (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 1:29

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: the sacred oak trees … gardens (0)

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

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Quote: you will blush because of (0)

A person blushes when his face turns hot and red, often because he feels that he has done something wrong.

Isaiah 1:30

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Quote: For you will be like an oak whose leaf fades, and like a garden that has no water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Water gives life to trees and gardens. The people have cut themselves off from Yahweh, who gives them life.

Isaiah 1:31

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks Yahweh’s words to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

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Quote: The strong man (0)

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

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Quote: tinder (0)

dry material that burns easily

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Quote: his work like a spark (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

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

The last days

See the discussion of the "last days" in the General Introduction to Isaiah.

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

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Judah and Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Isaiah 2:2

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Quote: in the last days (0)

Alternate translation: “in the future”

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Quote: the mountain of Yahweh’s house will be established (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as the highest of the mountains (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will be raised up above the hills (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will flow to it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 2:3

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jacob, so he may teach … and we may walk (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he may teach us some of his ways, and we may walk in his paths (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For out of Zion will go the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For out of Zion will go the law (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 2:4

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will judge (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will judge”

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Quote: will render decisions (0)

Alternate translation: “will solve disputes”

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Quote: they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks (0)

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

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Quote: swords … spears … sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

These words are synecdoches for weapons of any kind.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: plowshares … pruning hooks (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

These words are synecdoches for tools of any kind that people use in peaceful activity.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will hammer their swords into plowshares (0)

“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.

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Quote: their spears into pruning hooks (0)

“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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nation will not lift up sword against nation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor will they train for war (0)

“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

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: House of Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: come (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: let us walk in the light of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 2:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For you have abandoned your people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

“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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they are filled with customs from the east (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they practice divination (0)

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

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Quote: they shake hands with sons of foreigners (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

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”

Isaiah 2:7

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks to Yahweh in the form of a poem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their land is full of silver and gold … their land also is full of horses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 2:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their land also is full of idols (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the craftsmanship of their own hands, things that their own fingers have made (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: craftsmanship of their own hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: things that their own fingers have made (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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

Isaiah 2:9

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The people will be bowed down, and individuals will fall down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The people (0)

human beings, as opposed to animals

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: individuals (0)

Alternate translation: “each person”

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Quote: do not raise them up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Isaiah 2:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Go into the rocky places (0)

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.

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Quote: hide in the ground (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the terror of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you can 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the glory of his majesty (0)

“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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The lofty gaze of man will be brought low (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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 also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the pride of men will be brought down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh alone will be exalted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on that day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

Isaiah 2:12

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah in the form of a poem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who is proud and raised up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who is proud … who is arrogant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will be brought down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

“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”

Isaiah 2:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against all the cedars of Lebanon … against all the oaks of Bashan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 2:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mountains … hills (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that are lifted up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that are very high”

Isaiah 2:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: high tower … impregnable wall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: impregnable wall (0)

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

Isaiah 2:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ships of Tarshish … beautiful sailing vessels (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ships of Tarshish (0)

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

Isaiah 2:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The pride of man will be brought low (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the haughtiness of men will fall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh alone will be exalted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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”

Isaiah 2:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The idols will completely pass away (0)

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

Isaiah 2:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Men will go … from the terror (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Men will go … to hide from the terror”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the caves of the rocks (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of his majesty (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 2:10.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the terror of Yahweh (0)

because they are very afraid of Yahweh

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the glory of his majesty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when he rises to terrify the earth (0)

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

Isaiah 2:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the moles and bats (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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

Isaiah 2:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the crevices in the rocks … the clefts of the ragged rocks (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the terror of Yahweh (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the glory of his majesty (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when he rises to terrify the earth (0)

“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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whose life-breath is in his nostrils (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nostrils (0)

the holes in the nose through which people breathe

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for what does he amount to? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Isaiah uses a question to remind the people of something they should already know. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “for man amounts to nothing!” or “for man is not worth anything!”

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, last days, latter days)

Isaiah 3:1

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Quote: See (0)

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

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Quote: support and staff (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 3:2

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Quote: the mighty man … the warrior … the judge … the prophet … the one who practices divination … the elder (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

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”

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Quote: the one who practices divination (0)

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

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Quote: the captain of fifty … the respected citizen … the counselor … the expert craftsman … the skillful enchanter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

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”

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Quote: the captain of fifty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

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”

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Quote: fifty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“50”

Isaiah 3:4

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Quote: I will place mere youths as their leaders, and the young will rule over them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

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Quote: I will place (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the word “I” refers to Yahweh. This can also be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh says, ‘I will place”

Isaiah 3:5

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Quote: The people will be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: the degraded (0)

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

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Quote: the honorable (0)

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

Isaiah 3:6

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Quote: let this ruin be in your hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

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Quote: this ruin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 3:7

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Quote: I will not be a healer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 3:8

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

The prophet begins to comment on this situation.

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Quote: Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Disobeying God is spoken of as if it were stumbling and falling.

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Quote: the eyes of his glory (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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

Isaiah 3:9

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Quote: The look on their faces witnesses against them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

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Quote: they tell of their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

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Quote: For they have completed a catastrophe for themselves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 3:10

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Quote: Tell the righteous person that it will be well (0)

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

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Quote: the righteous person (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This refers to righteous people in general. Alternate translation: “righteous people”

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Quote: for they will eat the fruit of their deeds (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: they will eat the fruit of their deeds (0)

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

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Quote: for the recompense of his hands will be done to him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 3:12

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Quote: My people … My people (0)

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

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Quote: children are their oppressors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.”

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Quote: women rule over them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

While the people of Israel had had some strong women leaders, such as Deborah (Judges 5:7) and Miriam (Micah 6:4), in general men tended to be the leaders in Israel because they were physically stronger and that was an important qualification in the ancient culture. The Bible is not saying here that women are inferior to men or that they do not make good leaders. Rather, the implicit meaning is that enemy armies would kill most of the strong men in Israel, so that few of them would be left to serve as leaders. (Isaiah says this specifically in verses 1–4 of this chapter.) Alternate translation: “for there are no strong men left to rule over it”

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Quote: those who guide you lead you astray and confuse the direction of your path (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 3:13

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Quote: Yahweh stands up for an accusation; he is standing to accuse the people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Isaiah speaks of Yahweh’s decision to judge and punish 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 also: Parallelism)

Isaiah 3:14

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Quote: will come with judgment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: You have ruined the vineyard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

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 also: Metaphor)

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Quote: the plunder from the poor is in your houses (0)

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

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Quote: the poor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “those who are poor”

Isaiah 3:15

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Quote: Why do you crush my people and grind the faces of the poor? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

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Quote: crush my people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

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Quote: grind the faces of the poor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: This is the declaration of the Lord Yahweh of hosts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 3:16

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Quote: the daughters of Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: with their necks extended (0)

Alternate translation: “in an arrogant way””

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Quote: with flirting eyes (0)

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

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Quote: walking with tiny steps as they go (0)

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

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Quote: the Lord will remove (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: ankle jewelry (0)

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

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Quote: head bands (0)

a decoration that women wear over the head and hair

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Quote: crescent ornaments (0)

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

Isaiah 3:19

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Quote: ear pendants (0)

jewelry that hangs from the ear or over the ear

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Quote: bracelets (0)

a decoration that women wear on the arm near the hands

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Quote: veils (0)

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

Isaiah 3:20

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Quote: headscarves (0)

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

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Quote: ankle chains (0)

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

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Quote: sashes (0)

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

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Quote: perfume boxes (0)

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

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Quote: lucky charms (0)

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

Isaiah 3:21

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Quote: rings (0)

a decoration worn around the finger

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Quote: nose jewels (0)

a decoration worn in or through the nose

Isaiah 3:22

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Quote: festive robes (0)

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

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Quote: mantles (0)

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

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Quote: veils (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 3:19.

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Quote: handbags (0)

a bag to used to carry small things

Isaiah 3:23

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Quote: hand mirrors (0)

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

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Quote: fine linen (0)

a soft cloth worn by rich people

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Quote: head pieces (0)

a cloth or small hat worn over the hair

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Quote: wraps (0)

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

Isaiah 3:24

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Quote: sash (0)

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

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Quote: a rope (0)

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.

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Quote: well-arranged hair, baldness (0)

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

Isaiah 3:25

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Quote: Your men will fall by the sword, and your strong men will fall in war (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 3:26

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Quote: Jerusalem’s gates will lament and mourn (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: she will be alone and sit upon the ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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 also: 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

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Quote: let us take your name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This phrase means “let us marry you.”

Isaiah 4:2

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Quote: the branch of Yahweh will be beautiful (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Metaphor)

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Quote: will be beautiful and glorious (0)

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

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Quote: the fruit of the land will be tasty and delightful for those survivors in Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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.

Isaiah 4:3

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Quote: the one who is left in Zion and the one who remains in Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Generic Noun Phrases)

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Quote: will be called holy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: everyone who is written down as living in Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 4:4

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Quote: when the Lord will have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: the daughters of Zion (0)

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

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Quote: will have cleansed the blood stains from Jerusalem’s midst (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: by means of the spirit of judgment and the spirit of flaming fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: spirit of judgment (0)

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

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Quote: the spirit of flaming fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 4:5

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Quote: a canopy over all the glory (0)

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.

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Quote: canopy (0)

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

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables

General Information:

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.

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Quote: my well beloved (0)

Alternate translation: “my dear friend”

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Quote: on a very fertile hill (0)

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

Isaiah 5:2

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Quote: He spaded it (0)

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

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Quote: He built a tower in the middle of it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

“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.

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Quote: built a winepress (0)

“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.

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Quote: wild grapes (0)

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

Isaiah 5:3

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables

General Information:

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.

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Quote: inhabitant of Jerusalem and man of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

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”

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Quote: Jerusalem … Judah (0)

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

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Quote: judge between me and my vineyard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 5:4

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Quote: What more could have been done for my vineyard, that I have not done for it? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

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Quote: When I looked for it to produce grapes, why did it produce wild grapes? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The owner uses a question to say that his vineyard should have produced good grapes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I wanted it to make good grapes, but it only produced worthless grapes”

Isaiah 5:5

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Quote: remove the hedge (0)

“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.

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Quote: I will turn it into a pasture (0)

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

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Quote: it will be trampled down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 5:6

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Quote: I will lay it waste (0)

Alternate translation: “I will destroy it”

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Quote: it will not be pruned nor hoed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: briers and thorns will spring up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage

Briers and thorns are often used as symbols of ruined cities and land.

Isaiah 5:7

General Information:

Isaiah explains the parable of the vineyard.

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Quote: For the vineyard of Yahweh of hosts is the house of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the house of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the man of Judah his pleasant planting (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the man of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Here “man” represents all the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”

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Quote: he waited for justice, but instead, there was killing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you can 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 can 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for righteousness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: instead, a shout for help (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a shout (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This expression probably stands for many shouts.

Isaiah 5:8

General Information:

Isaiah announces God’s judgment.

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Quote: to those who join house to house, who join field to field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

“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.

Isaiah 5:9

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Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

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Quote: without any inhabitant (0)

Alternate translation: “without anyone living in it”

Isaiah 5:10

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Quote: a ten-yoke vineyard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: one bath (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume

“one bath of wine” or “22 liters of wine”

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Quote: one homer of seed will yield only an ephah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume

“220 liters of seed will produce only 22 liters of grain.” One homer equals ten ephahs.

Isaiah 5:11

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Quote: those who rise up early in the morning … who linger late into the night (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This refers to people who do nothing all day but drink alcoholic drinks.

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Quote: until wine inflames them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 5:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: harp, lute, tambourine, flute, and wine (0)

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

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Quote: tambourine (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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.

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Quote: considered (0)

thought seriously about

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Quote: the doings of his hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the doings of his hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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

Isaiah 5:13

General Information:

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

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Quote: my people have gone into captivity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for lack of understanding (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

What they do not understand can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because they do not understand Yahweh or his law”

Isaiah 5:14

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Quote: Sheol has made its appetite greater and has opened its mouth very wide (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their elite, the people, their leaders, and the revelers and those who are happy among them, descend into Sheol (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

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”

Isaiah 5:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Man will be forced to bend down, and mankind will be humbled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Man will be forced to bend down, and mankind will be humbled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

Future events are spoken of as if they have already happened.

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Quote: Man will be forced to bend down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Bending down often symbolizes being humiliated.

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Quote: the eyes of the lofty will be cast down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the lofty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Isaiah 5:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts will be exalted in his justice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

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Quote: will be exalted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Isaiah 5:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the sheep will feed as in their own pasture (0)

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.

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Quote: graze (0)

eat grass

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Quote: in the ruins, lambs will graze as foreigners (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

That is, the lambs will graze there. The land will be worthless for any other use.

Isaiah 5:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Woe to those who pull along iniquity with useless cords and who pull along sin as if it were with a cart rope (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 5:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who say (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: let the plans of the Holy One of Israel come (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Holy One of Israel (0)

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

Isaiah 5:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who represent darkness as light, and light as darkness … bitter as sweet, and sweet as bitter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 5:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to those who are wise in their own eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prudent in their own understanding (0)

Alternate translation: “think they understand everything”

Isaiah 5:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who acquit the wicked for payment (0)

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

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Quote: acquit the wicked (0)

Alternate translation: “declare guilty people innocent”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: deprive the innocent of his rights (0)

Alternate translation: “do not treat innocent people fairly”

Isaiah 5:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: tongue of fire (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as the tongue of fire devours stubble, and as the dry grass goes down in flame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stubble (0)

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

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Quote: their root will rot, and their blossom will blow away like dust (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 5:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the anger of Yahweh is kindled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He has reached out with his hand against them and has punished them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has reached out with his hand against them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: corpses (0)

dead bodies

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their corpses are like garbage in the streets (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In all these things, his anger does not subside; instead, his hand (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his hand is still stretched out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 5:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will lift up a signal flag for far away nations and will whistle for those at the end of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whistle (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will come (0)

Alternate translation: “the enemy army will come”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: speedily and promptly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

Isaiah 5:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: tire … stumble … slumbers … sleeps (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Nor are their belts loose (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the thongs of their sandals (0)

Alternate translation: “the straps of their sandals”

Isaiah 5:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their horses’ hooves are like flint (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

“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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their chariot wheels like storms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: chariot wheels (0)

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

Isaiah 5:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: young lions (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will growl and seize the prey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: prey (0)

animals that another animal wants to catch and kill

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with none to rescue (0)

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

Isaiah 5:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will roar … sea roars (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: even the light will be made dark by the clouds (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: 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: INVALID bible/kt/call 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

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Quote: he was high and elevated (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: filled the temple (0)

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

Isaiah 6:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Above him were the seraphim (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seraphim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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 also: Copy or Borrow Words)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: each one had six wings (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with two each covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

Isaiah 6:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Each one called to another and said (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of hosts (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The whole earth is full of his glory (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 6:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voices of those who were crying out (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the house was filled with smoke (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 6:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Woe is me! For I am doomed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of unclean lips (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh, Yahweh of hosts (0)

Yahweh, the ruler of the angel armies”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my eyes have seen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I have seen”

Isaiah 6:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seraphim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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 also: Copy or Borrow Words)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: tongs (0)

a tool used for grabbing or holding objects

Isaiah 6:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your guilt has been taken away, and your sin atoned for (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your guilt has been taken away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 6:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the voice of the Lord say (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “voice” represents the Lord himself. Alternate translation: “the Lord say”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Whom shall I send (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who will go for us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Yahweh is using the word us to refer both to himself and to the members of the heavenly council to whom he is speaking, so use the inclusive form of the word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

Isaiah 6:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this people (0)

Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Listen, but do not understand; see, but do not perceive (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Listen, but do not understand; see, but do not perceive (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

Isaiah 6:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Make the heart of this people insensitive (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Make the heart of this people (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Make the heart … insensitive (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their ears dull, and blind their eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: understand with their heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then turn (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be healed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 6:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Until cities crash into ruins and are without inhabitants, and the houses are without people (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the land falls into a desolate waste (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

Isaiah 6:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until Yahweh has sent the people far away, and the solitude of the land is great (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 6:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will again be destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a terebinth or an oak is cut down and whose trunk remains, the holy seed is in its stump (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: terebinth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

a kind of oak tree

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: trunk … stump (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the holy seed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

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” or "virgin" in 7:14

In verse 14, Isaiah uses a specific term that describes a woman who has reached the age at which she is able to have children but who has not yet had a child. This term could apply to a woman who was married or to a woman who was not yet married. Some translators of the Bible have translated this term as “virgin” because they have considered it to be a prophesy of how the Messiah would be born of a woman who had never had sexual relations with a man. Jesus was born in this way (Matthew 1:18, Luke 1:34). Other translators have considered that the initial reference of this prophecy was to the wife of Ahaz, the queen of Judah, who had not yet given birth to a royal heir, and so they translate the term as "young woman," since she was married. (The fact that there was no heir to the throne may have provided an occasion for the enemies of Judah to try to make someone else king, as verse 6 describes.) Understood this way, the prophecy would be a promise that Ahaz's queen would indeed give birth to a royal heir (this child became the godly king Hezekiah) and the dynasty of David would continue, particularly since God would also defeat those enemies. It is possible that this prophecy had an initial fulfillment in Hezekiah and a later fulfillment in Jesus. Some languages may be able to accommodate both possibilities by using a term such as the English word "maiden," which has the same general range of reference as the term that Isaiah uses. This is what the ULT does. If your language does not have such a term, if a translation of the Bible already exists in your region, you may wish to use a term similar to the one that it uses; if a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, decide which interpretive possibility you would like to express in your translation.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Israel

In this chapter, the name Israel describes the northern of the two kingdoms into which the former larger kingdom of Israel, which David and Solomon had ruled, had become divided. This chapter also refers to this northern kingdom as Ephraim, using the name of its most prominent tribe.

Isaiah 7:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: During the days of Ahaz … king of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

“When Ahaz … was king of Judah” This was when the events happened.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Rezin … Pekah … Remaliah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

men’s names

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Rezin … and Pekah … went up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to war against it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Isaiah 7:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It was reported to the house of David (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the house of David (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that Aram was allied with Ephraim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: His heart trembled, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the forest shake in the wind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

Isaiah 7:3

General Information:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Shear-Jashub (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: at the end of the conduit of the upper pool (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: conduit (0)

man-made ditch or tunnel through which water flows

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: road (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Launderer’s Field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Launderer’s Field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/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.”

Isaiah 7:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Tell him (0)

Alternate translation: “Tell Ahaz”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not be afraid or intimidated by these two smoldering firebrands, by the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram, and of Pekah son of Remaliah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: afraid or intimidated (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

Isaiah 7:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Aram, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Remaliah (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: have planned evil against you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” is singular and refers to Ahaz.

Isaiah 7:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: son of Tabeel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

It is unknown who this man is.

Isaiah 7:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the head of Damascus is Rezin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sixty-five years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“65 years”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephraim will be shattered and will no longer be a people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

Isaiah 7:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If you do not remain firm in faith, surely you will not remain secure (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If you do not remain (0)

Alternate translation: “Unless you remain”

Isaiah 7:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ask for it in the depths or in the height above (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Yahweh uses the word “depths” and “height” to mean Ahaz could ask him for anything.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: depths … height (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “depths” and “height” can be translated with prepositions. “places far below you … places far above you”

Isaiah 7:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will not ask (0)

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

Isaiah 7:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: house of David (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is it not enough for you people to test the patience of people? Must you also test the patience of my God? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

Isaiah 7:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the young woman will conceive (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his name Immanuel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Translators may add a footnote that says: “The name Immanuel means ‘God with us.’”

Isaiah 7:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will eat curds and honey when he knows to refuse the evil and choose the good (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

People generally expect a child to know right from wrong once the child is a few years old. So the implication is that what Isaiah is describing will happen within a few years. Alternate translation: “Within a few years, he will eat curds and honey”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: curds (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: refuse the evil and choose the good (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

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”

Isaiah 7:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: refuse the evil and choose the good (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you dread (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

“you fear.” Here “you” is singular and refers to Ahaz.

Isaiah 7:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your people (0)

This refers to the people of Judah.

Isaiah 7:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: At that time (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will whistle for (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for a fly from the distant streams of Egypt, and for a bee from the land of Assyria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Simile)

Isaiah 7:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Lord will shave with a razor that was hired beyond the Euphrates River—the king of Assyria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that was hired (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the head … the hair of the legs … also … the beard (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the head … the hair of the legs … the beard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the head (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “the head” represents the hair that grows on it. Alternate translation: “the hair on the head”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hair of the legs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will also sweep (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because of the abundance of milk which they shall give (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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

Isaiah 7:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there were a thousand vines … briers and thorns (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a thousand silver shekels (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: briers and thorns (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

Isaiah 7:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because all the land will be briers and thorns (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 7:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will stay away from all the hills that were cultivated with the hoe (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh said to me (0)

Here the word “me” refers to Isaiah.

Isaiah 8:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I went to the prophetess (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

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

Isaiah 8:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the riches of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried away by the king of Assyria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 8:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Because this people has refused the gentle waters of Shiloah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this people (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: is happy over Rezin and Remaliah’s son (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 8:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: therefore the Lord is (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on them (0)

Alternate translation: “on the people of Judah”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the waters of the River, mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the River (0)

the Euphrates River in Assyria

Isaiah 8:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The River will sweep onward into Judah, flooding and passing on, until it reaches to your neck (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The River (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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).

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Its outstretched wings will fill (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Immanuel (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You peoples will be broken to pieces (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Listen, all you distant countries (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: arm yourselves for war and be broken in pieces; arm yourselves and be broken in pieces (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 8:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Form a plan, but it will not be carried out; issue the command, but it will not be carried out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will not be carried out … it will not be carried out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

Isaiah 8:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh spoke to me, with his strong hand upon me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

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Quote: warned me not to walk in the way of this people. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

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

Isaiah 8:12

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Quote: Do not call conspiracy anything that this people calls conspiracy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 8:13

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Quote: It is Yahweh of hosts whom you will honor as holy; he is the one you must fear, and he is the one you must dread (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

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 also: Pronouns)

Isaiah 8:14

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Quote: He will become a sanctuary (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: he will be a trap and a snare to the people of Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

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Quote: trap (0)

a device that catches a bird in a net or basket

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Quote: snare (0)

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

Isaiah 8:15

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Quote: Many will stumble over it and fall and be broken, and be ensnared and captured (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: ensnared and captured (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that they will be caught in the trap.

Isaiah 8:16

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Quote: Bind up my testimony, seal the official record (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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

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Quote: my testimony … my disciples (0)

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

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Quote: I will wait for Yahweh (0)

Here “I” refers to Isaiah.

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Quote: who hides his face from the house of Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: house of Jacob (0)

people of Israel

Isaiah 8:18

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Quote: I and the sons whom Yahweh has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel (0)

“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

General Information:

Isaiah is speaking.

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Quote: They will say to you, “Consult with those who speak with the dead and with spirits,” the ones who chirp and mutter incantations. But should a people not consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? (0)

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!”

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Quote: They will say to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

The word “they” refers to those who do not trust Yahweh. The word “you” is plural and refers to those who trust Yahweh.

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Quote: the ones who chirp and mutter incantations (0)

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”

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Quote: chirp (0)

make sounds like birds

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Quote: But should a people not consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 8:20

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Quote: To the law and to the testimony (0)

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).

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Quote: the law (0)

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

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Quote: the testimony (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 8:16.

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Quote: If they do not say such things (0)

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

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Quote: it is because they have no light of dawn (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 8:22

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Quote: oppressive gloom (0)

Alternate translation: “terrible sadness”

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Quote: They will be driven into a land of darkness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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

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Quote: The gloom will be dispelled from her who was in anguish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

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Quote: The gloom (0)

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

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Quote: her who was in anguish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

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Quote: In an earlier time he humiliated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: but in the later time he will make it glorious, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: Galilee of the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Isaiah 9:2

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Quote: walked in darkness … lived in the land of the shadow of death (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: a great light … light has shone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “light” represents hope and deliverance.

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Quote: the land of the shadow of death (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

Isaiah 9:3

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Quote: You have multiplied the nation; you have increased their joy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

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”

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Quote: They rejoice before you like the joy at harvest time, as men rejoice when they divide the plunder (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

Isaiah 9:4

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Quote: For the yoke of his burden … you have shattered as on the day of Midian (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Predictive Past)

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Quote: For the yoke of his burden … his shoulder … his oppressor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: the beam across his shoulder (0)

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

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Quote: beam (0)

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.

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Quote: the rod of his oppressor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: as on the day of Midian (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 9:5

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Quote: every boot treading in the tumult and the garments rolled in blood will be burned (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: burned, fuel for the fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 9:6

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Quote: For to us a child has been born, to us a son has been given (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Active or Passive)

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Quote: the rule will be on his shoulder (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.”

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Quote: Counselor (0)

one who advises kings

Isaiah 9:7

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Quote: Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end (0)

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

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Quote: rules on the throne of David (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: his kingdom, to establish it and sustain it with justice and with righteousness (0)

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”

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Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 9:8

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Quote: The Lord sent a word against Jacob, and it fell on Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

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Quote: Jacob … Israel (0)

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

Isaiah 9:9

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Quote: Ephraim … Samaria (0)

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

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Quote: All the people will know, even Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 9:10

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Quote: The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with chiseled stone; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 9:11

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Quote: Therefore Yahweh will raise up against him Rezin, his adversary (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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

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Quote: Rezin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a man. See how you translated Rezin in Isaiah 7:1.

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Quote: will stir up his enemies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

Isaiah 9:12

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Quote: They will devour Israel with open mouth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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”

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Quote: In all these things, his anger does not subside; instead, his hand (0)

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

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Quote: his hand is still stretched out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 9:13

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Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 9:14

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Quote: head and tail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Isaiah explains this metaphor in verse 15, so you do not need to add any information about its meaning here in your translation.

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Quote: palm branch and reed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

Isaiah 9:16

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Quote: Those who lead this people lead them astray (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: those who are led by them are swallowed up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 9:17

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Quote: every mouth speaks foolish things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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

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Quote: In all these things, his anger does not subside; instead, his hand (0)

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

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Quote: his hand is still stretched out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 9:18

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Quote: Wickedness burns like a fire; it devours the briers and thorns; it even burns the thickets of the forest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: briers … thorns (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

Isaiah 9:19

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Quote: Through the fury of Yahweh of hosts the land is scorched (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Metaphor)

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Quote: No man spares his brother (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

Isaiah 9:20

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Quote: They will grab food on the right hand … on the left hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This expression refers to two directions, the right and the left, to mean that the people will grab food in those and all other directions, wherever they can find it.

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Quote: Each will even eat the flesh of his own arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 9:21

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Quote: In all these things, his anger does not subside; instead, his hand (0)

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

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Quote: his hand is still stretched out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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

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Quote: to those who enact unjust laws and write unfair decrees (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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

Isaiah 10:2

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Quote: They deprive the needy of justice, rob the poor of my people of their rights (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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

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Quote: the needy (0)

Alternate translation: “poor people”

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Quote: plunder widows (0)

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

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Quote: make the fatherless their prey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: prey (0)

Translated “prey” as in Isaiah 5:29.

Isaiah 10:3

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Quote: What will you do on judgment day … away? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

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Quote: judgment day (0)

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

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Quote: To whom will you flee for help, and where will you leave your wealth? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

Isaiah 10:4

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Quote: Nothing remains, and you crouch (0)

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

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Quote: you crouch among the prisoners or fall among the killed (0)

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

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Quote: In all these things, his anger does not subside (0)

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

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Quote: his hand is still stretched out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 10:5

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Quote: Woe (0)

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

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Quote: the Assyrian (0)

This refers to the king of Assyria.

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Quote: the club of my anger, the rod by whom I wield my fury (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 10:6

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Quote: I send him … I order him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

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Quote: against an arrogant nation and against the people who bear my overflowing wrath (0)

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

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Quote: who bear my overflowing wrath (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: to take the spoil (0)

Alternate translation: “to take everything they have”

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Quote: to take the prey (0)

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

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Quote: trample them like mud (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh is speaking as if the enemies of Israel will literally walk on the Israelites and flatten them. He means that these enemies will completely defeat them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and to completely defeat the people of Israel”

Isaiah 10:7

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Quote: But this is not what he intends, nor does he think this way (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: It is in his heart to destroy and eliminate many nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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

Isaiah 10:8

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Quote: Are not all my princes kings? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

Isaiah 10:9

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Quote: Is not Kalno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

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Quote: Kalno … Carchemish … Hamath … Arpad (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are all names of cities.

Isaiah 10:10

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Quote: As my hand has overcome (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

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Quote: my (0)

This refers to the king of Assyria.

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Quote: whose carved figures were greater (0)

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

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Quote: just as I did to Samaria and her worthless idols (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: will I not also do the same to Jerusalem and to her idols? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

Isaiah 10:12

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Quote: When the Lord has finished his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish (0)

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”

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Quote: his work on … and on (0)

his work of punishing. “punishing … and punishing”

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Quote: I will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and his prideful looks (0)

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

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Quote: For he says (0)

Alternate translation: “For the king of Assyria says”

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Quote: I have removed … I have stolen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: like a bull (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

“as strong as a bull.” Some ancient texts read, “like a mighty man.”

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Quote: I have brought down the inhabitants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: I have brought (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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

Isaiah 10:14

General Information:

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

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Quote: My hand has seized (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: My hand has seized, as from a nest, the wealth of nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

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Quote: as one gathers abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: None fluttered their wings or opened their mouth or chirped (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 10:15

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Quote: Will the ax boast about itself against the one who wields it? Will the saw praise itself more than the one who cuts with it? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

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Quote: the saw (0)

a sharp tool used for cutting wood

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Quote: It is as if a rod could lift up those who raise it, or as if a wooden club could lift up a person (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

Isaiah 10:16

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Quote: Therefore the Lord Yahweh of hosts will send emaciation among his elite warriors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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 can 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”

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Quote: under his glory there will be kindled a burning like fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

Isaiah 10:17

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Quote: The light of Israel will become a fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: his Holy One a flame (0)

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

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Quote: it will burn and devour his thorns and briers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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”

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Quote: thorns … briers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

Isaiah 10:18

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Quote: Yahweh will consume the glory of his forest and of his fruitful land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.”

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Quote: both soul and body (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

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.

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Quote: it will be like when a sick man’s life wastes away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

Isaiah 10:19

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Quote: The remnant of the trees of his forest will be so few (0)

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

Isaiah 10:20

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Quote: On that day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

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Quote: that has escaped (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “that has escaped from the army of Assyria”

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Quote: will no longer rely on the one who defeated them (0)

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

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Quote: Holy One (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 10:22

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Quote: your people, Israel, are (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

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”

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Quote: are like the sand of the seashore (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

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Quote: Destruction is decreed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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Quote: as overflowing righteousness demands (0)

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

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Quote: carry out the destruction determined throughout the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: determined (0)

Alternate translation: “decided”

Isaiah 10:24

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Quote: the Assyrian (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

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Quote: He will strike you with the rod and raise his staff against you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: He will strike (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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

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Quote: as the Egyptians did (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The full meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “as the Egyptians ruled over your ancestors and made them slaves”

Isaiah 10:25

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Quote: my anger will lead to his destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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

Isaiah 10:26

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Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

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Quote: will wield a whip against them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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”

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Quote: as when he defeated Midian at the rock of Oreb (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This refers to when God helped a man named Gideon defeat the army of Midian.

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Quote: He will raise his rod over the sea and lift it up as he did in Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 10:27

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Quote: his burden is lifted from your shoulder and his yoke from off your neck (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

“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 also: Parallelism and Metonymy)

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Quote: the yoke will be destroyed because of fatness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 10:28

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Quote: has come … has passed … has stored (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

Isaiah speaks of these future events as though they have already happened.

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Quote: Aiath … Migron … Michmash (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are all cities and villages near Jerusalem that the army of Assyria went through and caused trouble in.

Isaiah 10:29

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Quote: have crossed … lodge … trembles … has fled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

Isaiah speaks of these future events as though they have already happened.

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Quote: Geba … Ramah … Gibeah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are all cities and villages near Jerusalem that the army of Assyria went through and caused trouble in.

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Quote: Ramah trembles and Gibeah of Saul has fled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 10:30

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Quote: daughter of Gallim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

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Quote: Gallim … Laishah … Anathoth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 10:31

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Quote: Madmenah … Gebim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: How to Translate Names)

Isaiah 10:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Nob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: How to Translate Names)

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Quote: he will halt at Nob and shake his fist (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

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Quote: the mountain of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Doublet)

Isaiah 10:33

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Behold (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

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Quote: will lop off the boughs … the lofty will be brought low (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will lop off the boughs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the tallest trees will be cut down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the tallest trees (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is a metaphor for “the strongest soldiers.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the lofty will be brought low (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lofty (0)

proud

Isaiah 10:34

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will chop down the thickets … and Lebanon in his majesty will fall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the thickets of the forest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lebanon in his majesty will fall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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

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Quote: A shoot will sprout from the stump of Jesse … a branch out of his roots will bear fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the stump of Jesse (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

Isaiah 11:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The Spirit of Yahweh will rest upon him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Spirit of wisdom … the Spirit of instruction … the Spirit of knowledge … the fear of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 11:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Isaiah continues to describe the king.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will not judge by what his eyes see (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor decide by what his ears hear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

“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”

Isaiah 11:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the poor … the humble … the wicked (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

These phrases refer to people who have these qualities. Alternate translation: “poor people … humble people … wicked people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth … with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Isaiah 11:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the belt of his waist … the belt around his hips (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Righteousness will be the belt of his waist (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: faithfulness the belt around his hips (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: faithfulness the belt around his hips (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 11:6

General Information:

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The wolf … the leopard … the young lion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the lamb … the young goat … the calf … the fattened calf (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: leopard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

a large cat with yellow fur and black spots that kills and eats other animals

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the calf, the young lion and the fattened calf, together (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A little child will lead them (0)

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

Isaiah 11:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the bear … The lion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The cow … the ox (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

a very large animal with thick hair and sharp claws that kills and eats other animals

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will graze together (0)

Alternate translation: “will eat grass together”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their young (0)

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

Isaiah 11:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A baby will play over the hole of the snake (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the snake … the serpent’s den (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

These phrases refer to poisonous snakes in general. Alternate translation: “snakes … serpents’ dens”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the weaned child (0)

a child who no longer drinks its mother’s milk

Isaiah 11:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on all my holy mountain (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the earth will be full of knowledge of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as the waters cover the sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

Isaiah 11:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the root of Jesse (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will stand as a banner for the peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The nations (0)

Alternate translation: “The people of the nations”

Isaiah 11:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Lord will again extend his hand to recover the remnant of his people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Pathros … Elam … Hamath (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of places.

Isaiah 11:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will set up a banner for the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a banner for the nations (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the dispersed of Judah (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the four corners of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The earth is pictured as if it has four corners, and those corners are its most distant places. Yahweh is using those distant places to mean everywhere that is closer as well. Alternate translation: “from all over the earth”

Isaiah 11:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will turn aside the envy of Ephraim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Judah will no longer be hostile to Ephraim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

Isaiah 11:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will swoop down on the Philistine hills (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 11:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the gulf of the Sea of Egypt (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: With his scorching wind he will wave his hand over the Euphrates River (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his scorching wind (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so it can be crossed over in sandals (0)

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

Isaiah 11:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There will be a highway (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in their coming up from the land of Egypt (0)

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, last days, 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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: On that day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It can be stated clearly what time is being referred to. Alternate translation: “At that time” or “When the king rules”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your wrath has turned away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

Isaiah 12:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: God is my salvation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 can 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 also: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh is my strength (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: song (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He has become my salvation (0)

Alternate translation: “He has saved me”

Isaiah 12:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 12:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call upon his name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: proclaim that his name is exalted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Isaiah 12:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel (0)

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, last days, latter days)

Isaiah 13:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: about Babylon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Amoz (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Amoz was the father of Isaiah. See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:1.

Isaiah 13:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cry aloud to them (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the gates of the nobles (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the nobles (0)

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

Isaiah 13:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my holy ones (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have called my mighty men to execute my anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: even my proudly exulting ones (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

“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”

Isaiah 13:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The noise of a multitude in the mountains, as of many people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The noise of a tumult of the kingdoms like many nations gathered together (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: is mustering (0)

Alternate translation: “is gathering”

Isaiah 13:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from way over the horizon (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his instruments of judgment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 13:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Howl (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the day of Yahweh is near (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it comes with destruction from the Almighty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 13:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all hands hang limp (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: every heart melts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Isaiah 13:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: pain and agony will seize them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a woman in labor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their faces will be aflame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 13:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the day of Yahweh comes with cruel wrath and overflowing anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: overflowing anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to make the land a desolation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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

Isaiah 13:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The stars of heaven and the constellations (0)

Alternate translation: “The stars in the sky”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will not give their light (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Giving light represents “shining.” Alternate translation: “will not shine”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The sun will be darkened (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 13:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the world (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to people. Alternate translation: “the people of the world”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the wicked … the proud … the ruthless (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

These phrases refer to people who have these qualities. Alternate translation: “wicked people … proud people … ruthless people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ruthless (0)

Alternate translation: “cruel people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will bring down the arrogance of the ruthless (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Isaiah 13:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will make men more rare than fine gold (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: men more rare than fine gold … mankind harder to find than the pure gold of Ophir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: pure gold of Ophir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Ophir was the name of a place where there was pure gold.

Isaiah 13:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Like a hunted gazelle or like a sheep with no shepherd (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gazelle (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

an animal that is similar to a deer. People hunt them, and wild animals sometimes attack and kill them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a sheep with no shepherd (0)

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

Isaiah 13:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Every one who is found will be killed … every one who is captured will die by the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 13:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their infants also will be dashed in pieces (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before their eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their houses will be plundered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their wives raped (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 13:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am about to stir up the Medes to attack them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 13:18

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Quote: Their bows will strike down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Isaiah 13:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the most admired of kingdoms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then Babylon … will be overthrown by God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the splendor of Chaldean pride (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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”

Isaiah 13:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will not be inhabited or lived in (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from generation to generation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The Arab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This refers to Arab people in general, not one person. Alternate translation: “Arabs” or “Arab people”

Isaiah 13:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking about what will happen to Babylon.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will lie there (0)

Alternate translation: “will lie in Babylon”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their houses (0)

Alternate translation: “The people’s houses”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: owls (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Owls are wild birds that hunt at night.

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Quote: ostriches (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Ostriches are large wild birds that run fast and cannot fly.

Isaiah 13:22

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Quote: Hyenas (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Hyenas are large wild animals that look like dogs and eat dead animals. Their loud cry sounds like a person laughing.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: jackals in the beautiful palaces (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: jackals (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

wild dogs

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Quote: Her time is near, and her days will not be delayed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: 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

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Quote: Yahweh will have compassion on Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: attach themselves to the house of Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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

Isaiah 14:2

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Quote: The nations will bring them to their own place (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the house of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the Israelites, the descendants of Israel. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will take captive those who had captured them (0)

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

Isaiah 14:3

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Quote: from your suffering and anguish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

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 also: Doublet)

Isaiah 14:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How the oppressor has come to an end (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the proud fury ended (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the proud fury ended (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 14:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh has broken the staff of the wicked (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the scepter of those rulers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 14:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that struck the peoples (0)

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

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Quote: with unceasing blows (0)

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

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Quote: that ruled the nations (0)

Alternate translation: “who conquered other nations”

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Quote: with an attack that was unrestrained (0)

Alternate translation: “attacking them without stopping”

Isaiah 14:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The whole earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to everyone on earth. Alternate translation: “everyone on earth”

Isaiah 14:8

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Quote: Even the cypress trees rejoice over you with the cedars of Lebanon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rejoice over you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Why they rejoice can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “rejoice that God has made you powerless”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Since you are laid low (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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

Isaiah 14:9

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Quote: Sheol below is eager to meet you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

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Quote: It arouses the dead for you, all the kings of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 14:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They all will speak and say to you (0)

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

Isaiah 14:11

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Quote: Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the sound of your string instruments (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: Maggots are spread under you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: worms cover you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 14:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

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Quote: How you are fallen from heaven, daystar, son of the morning (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How you are cut down to the ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 14:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will sit on the mount of assembly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the far reaches of the north (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yet you are now brought down to Sheol (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 14:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is this the man (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who made the earth tremble (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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.

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Quote: shook kingdoms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This could mean: (1) this is a metaphor for “conquered kingdoms” or (2) this is metonymy for “terrified the people of kingdoms.” (See also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 14:17

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Quote: who made the world like a wilderness (0)

Alternate translation: “who made the places where people lived into a wilderness”

Isaiah 14:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all of them lie down in honor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 14:19

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Quote: But you are cast out of your grave (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Being thrown out of the grave represents not being buried. Alternate translation: “But you are not buried. Your body is left on the ground”

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Quote: like a branch thrown away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

A branch thrown away represents something worthless. Alternate translation: “like a worthless branch that is tossed aside”

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Quote: The dead cover you like a garment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: those pierced by the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: who go down to the stones of the pit (0)

The pit refers either to hell, or to a large hole in the ground where many dead bodies are simply dumped.

Isaiah 14:20

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Quote: You will not join them in burial (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The offspring of evildoers will never be mentioned again (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 14:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Prepare your slaughter for his children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word slaughter, you can express the same idea with the verb “kill.” Alternate translation: “Get ready to kill the children of the king of Babylon”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for the iniquity of their ancestors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word iniquity, you can express the same idea with the verb “sinned greatly.” Alternate translation: “because their forefathers have sinned greatly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so they will not rise up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “rise up” represents either becoming powerful or attacking. Alternate translation: “so they will not become powerful” or “so they will not attack”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: possess the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fill the whole world with cities (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This represents causing the world to have many cities on it. Alternate translation: “build cities all over the world”

Isaiah 14:22

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Quote: this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 14:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will also make her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a possession of owls (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: into pools of water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 14:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as I have intended, so it will come about; and as I have purposed, so it will be (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “the things that I have planned will surely happen”

Isaiah 14:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will break the Assyrian in my land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Assyrian (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

This represents the Assyrian king and his army. Alternate translation: “the king of Assyria and his army” or “the Assyrian army”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: trample him underfoot (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This represents completely defeating him.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then his yoke will be lifted from off them and his burden from off their shoulder (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: “Then I will lift his yoke from them and his burden from their shoulder”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then his yoke will be lifted from off them and his burden from off their shoulder (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his yoke … his burden (0)

The word “his” refers to Assyria.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from off them … from off their shoulder (0)

The words “them” and “their” refer to the people of Israel.

Isaiah 14:26

General Information:

This may be Isaiah speaking or it may be Yahweh speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This is the plan that is intended for the whole earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is the hand that is raised over all the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 14:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who will stop him? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This question emphasizes that no one can stop Yahweh. Alternate translation: “there is no one who can stop him.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: His hand is raised (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This represents Yahweh being ready to punish the nations. Alternate translation: “He is ready to punish them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who will turn it back? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 14:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the rod that struck you is broken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For out of the serpent’s root will grow out an adder … his offspring will be a fiery flying serpent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: an adder (0)

a kind of poisonous snake

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a fiery flying serpent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 14:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The firstborn of the poor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This represents the poorest people. Alternate translation: “The poorest people” or “The poorest of my people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will kill your root with famine that will put to death all your survivors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 14:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Howl, gate; cry, city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will melt away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Melting away represents becoming weak because of fear. Alternate translation: “you will grow weak with fear”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For out of the north comes a cloud of smoke (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a cloud of smoke (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there is no straggler in his ranks (0)

Alternate translation: “no one in his ranks walks slowly behind the others”

Isaiah 14:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How will they respond to the messengers of that nation? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh has founded Zion (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh started Zion”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in her (0)

Alternate translation: “in Jerusalem” or “there”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the afflicted of his people (0)

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

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

General Information:

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A declaration (0)

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares” or “This is a message from Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ar … Kir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of cities and towns in Moab.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ar of Moab is laid waste and destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 15:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Dibon … Nebo … Medeba (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of cities and towns in Moab.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: went up to the heights to weep (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Moab laments over Nebo and over Medeba (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All their heads are shaved bare and all their beards are cut off (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

They do this to show their extreme sadness. AT” “They will all shave their heads and cut off their beards and grieve”

Isaiah 15:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they wear sackcloth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

They do this to show their extreme sadness. Alternate translation: “they wear sackcloth and mourn”

Isaiah 15:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Heshbon … Elealeh … Jahaz (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of cities and towns.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Heshbon and Elealeh call out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

These city names represent the people of these cities. “The people of Heshbon and Elealeh call out”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they tremble within themselves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 15:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My heart cries out for Moab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: or Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her fugitives flee (0)

“the fugitives from Moab will flee.” A fugitive is a person who runs away so that his enemy will not capture him.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Zoar … Eglath Shelishiyah … Luhith … Horonaim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of cities and towns.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: over their destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you can express the same idea with the verb “destroyed.” Alternate translation: “because their city is destroyed”

Isaiah 15:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Nimrim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city or town.

Isaiah 15:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The abundance (0)

Alternate translation: “Everything”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: brook of the poplars (0)

This may refer to the river at the southern border of Moab.

Isaiah 15:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The cry has gone around the territory of Moab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the wailing as far as Eglaim and Beer Elim (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Eglaim … Beer Elim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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.”

Isaiah 15:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Dimon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but I will bring even more upon Dimon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Send rams to the ruler of the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The Moabites will send rams to the king of Judah so that he might protect them from the enemy army.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Selah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the daughter of Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 16:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As wandering birds, as a scattered nest, so the women of Moab are at the fords of the Arnon River (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As wandering birds, as a scattered nest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean basically the same thing.

Isaiah 16:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: provide some shade like night in the middle of the day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Simile)

Isaiah 16:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let them live among you, the refugees from Moab (0)

“Allow the refugees from Moab to live with you.” Here “you” refers to the people of Judah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be a hiding place for them from the destroyer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 16:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A throne will be established in covenant faithfulness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 can 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 also: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one from David’s tent will faithfully sit there (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as he seeks justice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Seeking justice represents wanting to do what is just.

Isaiah 16:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We have heard of Moab’s pride, his arrogance, his boasting, and his anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We have heard (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But his boastings are empty words (0)

Alternate translation: “But what they say about themselves means nothing” or “But what they boast about is not true”

Isaiah 16:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So Moab wails for Moab—they all wail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“Moab” represents the people of Moab. “So all the people of Moab will cry out loud over what has happened to their cities”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth (0)

Alternate translation: “because there are no raisin cakes in Kir Hareseth”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: raisin cakes (0)

The Hebrew word used here means either “raisin cakes” or “men.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Kir Hareseth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

“Kir Hareseth” is the name of a city.

Isaiah 16:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Heshbon (0)

Translate the name of this city as you did in Isaiah 15:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sibmah … Jazer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of cities.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The rulers of the nations have trampled the choice vines (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 16:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Indeed I will weep (0)

In 16:9–10 the word “I” refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will water you with my tears (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jazer … Sibmah (0)

Translate the names of these cities as you did in Isaiah 16:8.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Heshbon … Elealeh (0)

Translate the names of these cities as you did in Isaiah 15:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For on your fields of summer fruits and harvest I have ended the shouts of joy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 16:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have put an end to the shouts of the one who treads (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 16:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So my heart sighs like a harp for Moab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Moab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refer to the people of Moab.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my inward being for Kir Hareseth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Kir Hareseth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This is a metonym for the people of the city. Alternate translation: “the people of Kir Hareseth”

Isaiah 16:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Moab … himself … his (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

All of these words refer to the people of Moab.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his prayers will accomplish nothing (0)

Alternate translation: “his prayers will not be answered”

Isaiah 16:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This is the word (0)

“This is the message.” This refers to all he said in 15:1–16:12.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: concerning Moab (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “Moab” refers to the people of Moab.

Isaiah 16:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the glory of Moab will disappear (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: about Damascus (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Damascus is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Isaiah 7:8.

Isaiah 17:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The cities of Aroer will be abandoned (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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 also: How to Translate Names)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: no one will frighten them (0)

The word “them” refers to the sheep.

Isaiah 17:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Fortified cities will disappear from Ephraim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Ephraim was the largest tribe in Israel. Here it represents the entire northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “Strong cities will disappear from Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will disappear (0)

This does not mean that they will vanish, but that the cities will be destroyed.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the kingdom from Damascus (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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 also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 17:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will come about (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the glory of Jacob will become thin, and the fatness of his flesh will become lean (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Jacob” refers to the kingdom of Israel. Israel would no longer be glorious. Rather it would be weak and poor. (See also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 17:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will be as when a harvester gathers the standing grain … in the Valley of Rephaim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

There will be nothing left in the land after God punishes the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Valley of Rephaim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is a valley where people normally grew and harvested much food.

Isaiah 17:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Gleanings will be left (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as when the olive tree is shaken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: four or five (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The word “olives” is understood from the phrase before this. Alternate translation: “four or five olives”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is the declaration of Yahweh, the God of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 17:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: men will look toward their Maker … will look to the Holy One of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: men will look (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “men” represents people in general. Alternate translation: “people will look”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their eyes will look (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” represents the people who look. Alternate translation: “they will look” or “the people will look”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 17:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will not look to the altars (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the work of their hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what their fingers have made … the Asherah poles or the sun images (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 17:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that were forsaken because of the people of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 17:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For you have forgotten (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the God of your salvation (0)

Alternate translation: “the God who saves you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: have ignored the rock of your strength (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 17:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the harvest will fail (0)

Alternate translation: “there will not be much fruit for you to harvest”

Isaiah 17:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The uproar of many peoples, that roar like the roaring of the seas (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

An uproar is a very loud noise. Alternate translation: “The sound of many people, that is very loud like the seas”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the rushing of nations, that rush like the rushing of mighty waters (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the rushing of nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “nations” refers to the armies of those nations. Alternate translation: “the rushing of the enemy armies”

Isaiah 17:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before the wind like chaff on the mountains … like weeds whirling before a storm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Simile)

Isaiah 17:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This is the portion of those (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

What happens to them is spoken of as if it is a portion that they inherit. Alternate translation: “This is what happens to those”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: loot us … rob us (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Woe to the land of the rustling of wings, which is along the rivers of Cush (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 18:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by the sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: vessels of papyrus (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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

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Quote: a nation tall and smooth … a people feared far and near … a nation strong and trampling down, whose land the rivers divide (0)

These phrases all describe the people of one nation.

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Quote: a nation tall and smooth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “nation” here refers to the people of that nation. Alternate translation: “a nation whose people are tall and have smooth skin”

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Quote: a people feared far and near (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

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”

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Quote: a nation strong and trampling down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Trampling down represents conquering other nations. Alternate translation: “a nation that is strong and conquers other nations”

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Quote: the rivers divide (0)

This probably refers to many rivers that flow through the nation so they divide it into different parts.

Isaiah 18:3

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Verse 3 tells what the messengers in Isaiah 18:2 must say to the people of the world.

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Quote: All you inhabitants of the world … you who live on the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “All you people on the earth”

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Quote: when a signal is lifted up on the mountains, look; and when the trumpet is blown, listen (0)

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”

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Quote: when a signal is lifted up on the mountains, look (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Active or Passive)

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Quote: when the trumpet is blown, listen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 18:4

General Information:

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.

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Quote: This is what Yahweh said to me (0)

“Yahweh said to me.” Here the word “me” refers to Isaiah.

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Quote: I will quietly observe from my home (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: like the simmering heat in sunshine, like a cloud of mist in the heat of harvest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

These phrases show how quietly God will watch the nation.

Isaiah 18:5

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Quote: Before the harvest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This is a harvest of grapes. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Before the grape harvest”

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Quote: when the blossoming is over (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It can be stated clearly that this refers to blossoms on grape vines. Alternate translation: “when flowers have finished growing on the grape vines”

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Quote: he will cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: pruning hooks (0)

A pruning hook is a knife that people use to cut branches off of vines or other plants.

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Quote: he will cut down and take away the spreading branches (0)

Yahweh will throw away the branches in judgment.

Isaiah 18:6

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Quote: They will be left together (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables

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”

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Quote: The birds will summer on them (0)

“The birds will eat them during the summer.” The word “birds” refers to birds that eat the flesh of dead bodies.

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Quote: all the animals of the earth (0)

Alternate translation: “all kinds of wild animals”

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Quote: will winter on them (0)

Alternate translation: “will eat them in the winter”

Isaiah 18:7

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Quote: a people tall and smooth … a people feared far and near … a nation strong and trampling down, whose land the rivers divide (0)

These phrases all describe the people of one nation. See how you translated these phrases in Isaiah 18:2.

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Quote: a people tall and smooth (0)

Alternate translation: “a people who are tall and have smooth skin”

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Quote: a people feared far and near (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

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”

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Quote: a nation strong and trampling down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Trampling down represents conquering other nations. Alternate translation: “a nation that is strong and conquers other nations”

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Quote: to the place of the name of Yahweh of hosts, to Mount Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “name” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to Mount Zion, where Yahweh of hosts dwells”

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

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Quote: See (0)

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

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Quote: Yahweh rides on a swift cloud (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh seems to be pictured here as riding on a cloud as if he was riding in a chariot.

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Quote: the idols of Egypt quake before him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The idols are described as having feelings of fear as Yahweh approaches. Alternate translation: “the idols of Egypt tremble in fear before Yahweh”

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Quote: the hearts of the Egyptians melt within themselves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The heart melting represents losing their courage. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians have no more courage”

Isaiah 19:2

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Quote: a man against his neighbor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The words “will fight” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “a man will fight against his neighbor”

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Quote: city will be against city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: kingdom against kingdom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

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Quote: kingdom against kingdom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 19:3

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Quote: The spirit of Egypt will be weakened from within. I will destroy his advice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The nation of Egypt is spoken of here as if it was a person.

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Quote: The spirit of Egypt will be weakened from within (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “I will weaken the spirit of Egypt from within”

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Quote: I will destroy his advice, though they sought the advice of … spiritualists (0)

Alternate translation: “They sought the advice of … spiritualists, but that will do them no good. It will not stop me from destroying his advice”

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Quote: I will destroy his advice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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 can express the same idea with the verb “advise.” Alternate translation: “I will confuse those who advise the king”

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Quote: mediums … spiritualists (0)

These are people who claim to speak with those who have died.

Isaiah 19:4

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Quote: I will give the Egyptians into the hand of a harsh master (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hand” refers to power or control. Alternate translation: “I will give the Egyptians over to the control of a harsh master”

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Quote: this is the declaration of the Lord Yahweh of hosts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 19:5

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Quote: The waters of the sea will dry up, and the river will dry up and become empty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

Isaiah 19:6

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Quote: become foul (0)

Alternate translation: “become foul-smelling” or “stink”

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Quote: will dwindle (0)

Alternate translation: “become smaller and smaller”

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Quote: the reeds and flags will wither away (0)

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

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Quote: every sown field beside the Nile (0)

Alternate translation: “the fields near the Nile where people have planted crops”

Isaiah 19:8

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Quote: The fishermen will wail and mourn, and all who cast a hook into the Nile will mourn, and those who spread nets on the waters will grieve (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Parallelism)

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Quote: cast a hook into the Nile (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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.

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Quote: cast (0)

throw

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Quote: spread nets on the waters (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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.

Isaiah 19:9

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Quote: The workers in combed flax (0)

Alternate translation: “Those who work with combed flax”

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Quote: combed flax (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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.

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Quote: will turn pale (0)

Alternate translation: “will be ashamed”

Isaiah 19:10

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Quote: The cloth workers of Egypt (0)

Alternate translation: “The people of Egypt who make cloth”

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Quote: will be crushed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Being crushed represents being discouraged. Alternate translation: “will be discouraged”

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Quote: work for hire (0)

Alternate translation: “work for pay”

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Quote: will be grieved within themselves (0)

Alternate translation: “will feel very sad”

Isaiah 19:11

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Quote: The princes of Zoan are completely foolish. The advice of the wisest advisors of Pharaoh has become senseless (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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.

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Quote: Zoan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is a city in northern Egypt.

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Quote: How can you say to Pharaoh … kings? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Isaiah uses a question to mock those in Egypt who claim to be wise. Alternate translation: “You foolishly say to Pharaoh … kings.”

Isaiah 19:12

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Quote: Where then are your wise men? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

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Quote: Let them tell you and make known what Yahweh of hosts plans concerning Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

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”

Isaiah 19:13

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Quote: they have made Egypt go astray, who are the cornerstones of her tribes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: princes of Zoan (0)

Zoan is a city in northern Egypt. See how you translated this in Isaiah 19:11.

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Quote: Memphis (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is a city in the northern part of Egypt.

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Quote: made Egypt go astray (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 19:14

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Quote: Yahweh has mixed a spirit of distortion into her midst (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: distortion (0)

Alternate translation: “perverseness” or “confusion”

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Quote: into her midst (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here “her” refers to Egypt. Nations are sometimes spoken of as if they were women. Alternate translation: “within Egypt”

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Quote: they have led Egypt astray (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: have led Egypt astray (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Leading people astray represents influencing them to do what is wrong.

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Quote: like a drunk staggering in his vomit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Isaiah speaks of the people of Egypt doing what is wrong as if they were made to wander about like a drunken person.

Isaiah 19:15

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Quote: whether head or tail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: palm branch or reed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 19:16

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Quote: Egyptians will be like women (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This emphasizes that the people of Egypt will be afraid and helpless when God punishes them.

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Quote: because of the upraised hand of Yahweh of hosts that he raises over them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 19:17

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Quote: The land of Judah will become a cause of staggering to Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: Whenever anyone reminds them of her, they will be afraid (0)

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

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Quote: there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the people of those cities. Alternate translation: “the people in five Egyptian cities will speak”

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Quote: the language of Canaan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: swear allegiance (0)

Alternate translation: “promise to be loyal”

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Quote: One of these will be called (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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”

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Quote: called The City of the Sun (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

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”

Isaiah 19:19

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Quote: a stone pillar at the border to Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase “the border” refers to the border of Egypt. Alternate translation: “a stone pillar to Yahweh at the border of Egypt”

Isaiah 19:20

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Quote: It will be as a sign and a witness to Yahweh of hosts in the land of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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”

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Quote: to Yahweh of hosts in the land of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: When they cry (0)

Alternate translation: “When the Egyptians cry”

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Quote: because of oppressors (0)

Alternate translation: “because people are treating them harshly” or “because others are causing them to suffer”

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Quote: he will send them a savior and a defender (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will send someone to save and defend the Egyptians”

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Quote: he will deliver them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Who Yahweh will deliver them from can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will deliver the Egyptians from their oppressors”

Isaiah 19:21

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Quote: Yahweh will become known to Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Active or Passive)

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Quote: will acknowledge Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “will accept the truth about Yahweh” or “will agree to the truth about Yahweh”

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Quote: They will worship (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The object of their worship can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “They will worship Yahweh”

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Quote: will make vows to Yahweh and fulfill them (0)

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

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Quote: Yahweh will afflict Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, “Egypt” refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will afflict the people of Egypt”

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Quote: afflict (0)

Alternate translation: “strike” or “punish”

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Quote: afflicting and healing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The word “them” is understood in this phrase. Alternate translation: “afflicting them and healing them”

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Quote: afflicting and healing (0)

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

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Quote: there will be a highway (0)

A highway is a large road on which many people can travel.

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Quote: the Assyrian will come (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

“the Assyrian” refers to a person from Assyria, but represents anyone from Assyria who comes to Egypt. Alternate translation: “Assyrians will come”

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Quote: the Egyptian to Assyria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The words “will come” are understood. Alternate translation: “the Egyptian will come to Assyria”

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Quote: the Egyptian (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This refers to a person from Egypt, but represents anyone from Egypt who comes to Assyria. Alternate translation: “Egyptians”

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Quote: the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The object of their worship can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians and Assyrians will worship Yahweh”

Isaiah 19:24

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Quote: Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: be the third with (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This could mean: (1) “join together with” or (2) “be the third blessing with” or (3) “be equal to.”

Isaiah 19:25

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Quote: Blessed be Egypt, my people; Assyria, the work of my hands; and Israel, my inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Active or Passive)

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Quote: the work of my hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hands” refers to God’s power and action.

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

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Quote: Tartan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

the name of the chief commander of the armies of Assyria

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Quote: Sargon (0)

the name of the king of Assyria

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Quote: he fought against Ashdod and took it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Ashdod refers to the army of Ashdod. Alternate translation: “he fought against the army of Ashdod and defeated it”

Isaiah 20:2

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Quote: walking naked and barefoot (0)

“walking around without clothes and without sandals.” Here the word “naked” probably refers to wearing only his undergarments.

Isaiah 20:3

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Quote: an omen (0)

Alternate translation: “a warning”

Isaiah 20:4

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Quote: the king of Assyria will lead away the captives (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The king orders his army to do this task. Alternate translation: “the king of Assyria will have his army lead away the captives”

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Quote: will lead away the captives of Egypt, and the exiles of Cush (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: to the shame of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Egypt refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “which will bring shame on the people of Egypt”

Isaiah 20:5

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Quote: dismayed and ashamed (0)

Alternate translation: “afraid and put to shame”

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Quote: because of Cush their hope and of Egypt their glory (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 20:6

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Quote: The inhabitants of these coasts (0)

the people who lived in the lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea

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Quote: where we fled for help to be rescued (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: now, how can we escape? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The author uses this question to emphasize how hopeless their situation was. Alternate translation: “now there is no way for us to escape!”

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

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Quote: A declaration (0)

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares” or “This is Yahweh’s message”

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Quote: about the desert by the sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Predictive Past)

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Quote: Like stormwinds sweeping through the Negev (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Isaiah compares the army that will attack the people to a storm with strong winds. They will be quick and powerful.

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Quote: from the wilderness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here “wilderness” refers to the wilderness of Judea.

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Quote: from a terrible land (0)

The army is from a people that cause great fear.

Isaiah 21:2

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Quote: A distressing vision has been given to me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: the treacherous man deals treacherously (0)

Alternate translation: “those who deceive will deceive”

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Quote: the destroyer destroys (0)

Alternate translation: “those who destroy will destroy”

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Quote: Go up and attack, Elam; besiege, Media (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

In the vision given to Isaiah, Yahweh speaks to the armies of Elam and Media as if they are there listening to him.

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Quote: Go up and attack, Elam; besiege, Media (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

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Quote: Elam … Media (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Elam” and “Media” represent the soldiers from these places.

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Quote: I will stop all her groaning (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

Isaiah 21:3

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Quote: my loins are filled with pain (0)

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.

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Quote: pains like the pains of a woman in labor have taken hold of me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Isaiah compares his pain to the pain of a woman giving birth. This emphasizes the great pain he is feeling.

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Quote: I am bowed down by what I heard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: I am disturbed by what I saw (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 21:4

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Quote: My heart pounds; I shake with fear (0)

Alternate translation: “My heart beats fast and I am shaking”

Isaiah 21:5

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Quote: They prepare (0)

Here “They” refers to the leaders of Babylon.

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Quote: prepare the table (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “table” represents the food that people will eat at the feast.

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Quote: arise, princes (0)

Here “princes” refers in general to men with authority and not necessarily to sons of kings.

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Quote: anoint your shields with oil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Soldiers would put oil on their leather shields so they would stay soft and not crack during battle.

Isaiah 21:6

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Quote: post a watchman (0)

Alternate translation: “tell a watchman to stand on the wall of Jerusalem”

Isaiah 21:7

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Quote: a chariot, a pair of horsemen (0)

Alternate translation: “a soldier riding in a chariot, a pair of horses pulling it”

Isaiah 21:8

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Quote: Lord, on the watchtower I stand (0)

Here “Lord” refers to the person with authority that commanded the watchman to stand on the wall of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 21:9

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Quote: Babylon has fallen, fallen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Metonymy)

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Quote: fallen, fallen (0)

The word “fallen” is repeated to emphasize that the people of Babylon were completely defeated by their enemies.

Isaiah 21:10

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Quote: My threshed and winnowed ones, children of my threshing floor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The people of Israel suffering because of the Babylonians is spoken of as if the people were grain that was threshed and winnowed.

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Quote: My threshed (0)

The word “my” refers to Isaiah.

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Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 21:11

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Quote: A declaration (0)

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares” or “This is a message from Yahweh”

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Quote: about Dumah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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 also: Metonymy)

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Quote: One calls to me (0)

Here “me” refers to Isaiah.

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Quote: Seir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of mountains west of Edom.

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Quote: Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This is repeated to emphasize that the person asking the question is worried and nervous.

Isaiah 21:12

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Quote: If you want to ask, then ask; and come back again (0)

Alternate translation: “Ask me now what you want to know, but also come back later and ask again”

Isaiah 21:13

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Quote: A declaration (0)

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares” or “This is the message of Yahweh”

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Quote: about Arabia (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Arabia refers to the population of Arabia. Alternate translation: “about the people of Arabia”

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Quote: In the wilderness of Arabia (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Arabia does not have a forest. Alternate translation: “Far off from the road in Arabia” or “Out in the bushes of Arabia”

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Quote: caravans (0)

a group of people traveling together

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Quote: Dedanites (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is a people group that lived in Arabia.

Isaiah 21:14

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Quote: land of Tema (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city in Arabia.

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Quote: fugitives (0)

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.

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Quote: with bread (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “bread” represents food in general.

Isaiah 21:15

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Quote: from the sword, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: from the weight of war (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 21:16

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Quote: as a laborer hired for a year would see it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

“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.

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Quote: of Kedar (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is a region in Arabia. Kedar represents the population of Kedar. Alternate translation: “of the people of Kedar” (See also: 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

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Quote: A declaration (0)

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares” or “This is Yahweh’s message”

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Quote: about the Valley of Vision (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: What is the reason that you have all gone up to the housetops? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Isaiah uses a question to scold the people of Judah. Alternate translation: “You should not go and stand on the tops of your houses.”

Isaiah 22:2

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Quote: a town full of revelry (0)

Alternate translation: “a town full of people celebrating”

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Quote: Your dead were not killed with the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: with the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “sword” represents the soldiers who fight in battle.

Isaiah 22:3

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Quote: but they were captured without using a bow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: all of them were captured together (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 22:4

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Quote: Therefore I said (0)

Here “I” refers to Isaiah.

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Quote: of the daughter of my people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 22:5

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Quote: For there is a day (0)

Alternate translation: “For there will be a time”

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Quote: of tumult, treading down, and confusion for the Lord Yahweh of hosts (0)

Alternate translation: “when the Lord Yahweh of hosts will cause panic, treading down, and confusion”

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Quote: treading down (0)

This could mean: (1) this refers to soldiers marching or (2) people in general are running in panic and not sure where to go.

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Quote: in the Valley of Vision (0)

This refers to Jerusalem. See how you translated this in Isaiah 22:1.

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Quote: people crying out to the mountains (0)

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

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Quote: Elam takes up the quiver (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: Kir lays the shield bare (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Kir” represents the soldiers. Alternate translation: “the soldiers of Kir will take their shields out of their covers”

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Quote: Kir (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Kir is a city in Media.

Isaiah 22:7

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Quote: your choicest valleys (0)

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

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Quote: He took away the protection of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word protection, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will take away everything that has protected the people of Judah”

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Quote: you looked in that day to the weapons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the phrase “to look to” means to trust in something. Alternate translation: “to defend yourselves you will get the weapons”

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Quote: Palace of the Forest (0)

This was a part of the temple in Jerusalem where they stored their weapons.

Isaiah 22:9

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Quote: you collected the water of the lower pool (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The people will store water so that they will have enough to drink while their enemies surround the city.

Isaiah 22:10

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Quote: You counted the houses (0)

Here “counted” means they inspected the houses to find material to help them rebuild the city wall.

Isaiah 22:11

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Quote: You made a reservoir (0)

Alternate translation: “You made a storage place”

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Quote: between the two walls (0)

It is unclear what two walls Isaiah meant. The main point is that they built the reservoir within the city walls.

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Quote: the city’s maker (0)

This could mean: (1) this refers to the original human builder of the city or (2) this refers to Yahweh.

Isaiah 22:12

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Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

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Quote: for shaved heads (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

This was a sign of mourning and repenting.

Isaiah 22:13

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Quote: let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 22:14

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Quote: This was revealed in my ears by Yahweh of hosts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Active or Passive)

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Quote: Surely this iniquity will not be forgiven you, even when you die (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: even when you die (0)

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

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Quote: Shebna (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of the manager of the king’s palace in Jerusalem.

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Quote: who is over the house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house” represents those in the king’s palace. Alternate translation: “who is in charge of all those who work in the palace”

Isaiah 22:16

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Quote: What are you doing here and who gave you permission … in the rock? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses this question to scold Shebna. Alternate translation: “You have no right … in the rock!”

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Quote: cut out a tomb … hewing out a grave … carving out a resting place (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These three phrases all refer to making a burial tomb.

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Quote: on the heights (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The most important people in Israel had tombs in the highest places.

Isaiah 22:18

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Quote: He will surely wind you round and round, and toss you like a ball into a vast country (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: you will be the shame of your master’s house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 22:19

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Quote: I will thrust you from your office and from your station. You will be pulled down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh causing Shebna to no longer work in the king’s palace is spoken of as if Yahweh will throw him to the ground.

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Quote: You will be pulled down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 22:20

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Quote: It will come about on that day (0)

Alternate translation: “It will happen at that time”

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Quote: Eliakim … Hilkiah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of men.

Isaiah 22:21

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Quote: I will clothe him with your tunic and put on him your sash (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: your tunic … your sash (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the tunic and sash represent authority in the king’s palace.

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Quote: sash (0)

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.

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Quote: into his hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “to him”

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Quote: He will be a father (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: to the house of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house” represents the people. Alternate translation: “to the people of Judah”

Isaiah 22:22

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Quote: I will place the key of the house of David on his shoulder … none will open (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 22:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will fasten him, a peg in a secure place (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will become a seat of glory for his father’s house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “seat of glory” represents a place of honor. Alternate translation: “Eliakim will bring honor to his family”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his father’s house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “his father’s family” or “his family”

Isaiah 22:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will hang on him all the glory of his father’s house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: every small container from the cups to all the jugs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the cups to all the jugs (0)

A cup is a small container that holds water. A jug is a larger container that holds water.

Isaiah 22:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the peg driven in a firm place … will be cut off (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the weight that was on it will be cut off (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: 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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A declaration about Tyre (0)

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares about Tyre”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Howl, you ships of Tarshish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Apostrophe)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: harbor (0)

an area of the sea that is near land and safe for ships

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the land of Cyprus it has been revealed to them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the men heard about Tyre when they were in the land of Cyprus” (See also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 23:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Be silent, you inhabitants of the coast (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

Isaiah speaks to the people who live on the coast as if they could hear him.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Be silent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Here silence is meant to signal shock and amazement. Alternate translation: “Be shocked”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of the coast (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the merchant of Sidon, who travels over the sea, has filled you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Here “merchant” means “many merchants.” Alternate translation: “the merchants of Sidon, who travel over the sea, have made you rich”

Isaiah 23:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Upon the great waters was the grain of Shihor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the harvest of the Nile was her produce (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her produce (0)

Alternate translation: “its produce.” It was common to refer to the river as “her.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it became the commerce of the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 23:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for the sea has spoken, the mighty one of the sea … nor brought up young women (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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.

Isaiah 23:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Cross over to Tarshish (0)

“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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Has this happened to you, the joyful city, whose origin is from ancient times … to settle? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the joyful city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the joyful people who live in the city of Tyre”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whose feet carried her far away to foreign places to settle (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “feet” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “who went to distant places to live and make money”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her far away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “her” refers to the city of Tyre which represents the people of Tyre.

Isaiah 23:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who has planned this against Tyre … of the earth? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “It was Yahweh who has planned to destroy the people of Tyre … of the earth.” (See also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the giver of crowns (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whose merchants are princes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whose traders are the honored ones of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 23:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to dishonor her pride and all her glory (0)

Alternate translation: “to dishonor them because they were proud of their own glory”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her pride … her glory … her honored ones (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “her” refers to the city of Tyre which represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “their pride … their glory … their honored one”

Isaiah 23:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Plow your land, as one plows the Nile, daughter of Tarshish. There is no longer a marketplace in Tyre (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: daughter of Tarshish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The “daughter” of a city represents the people of the city. Alternate translation: “the people of Tarshish” or “the people who live in Tarshish”

Isaiah 23:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh has reached out with his hand over the sea, and he has shaken the kingdoms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has reached out with his hand over the sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “hand” refers to God’s power and control. Alternate translation: “has shown his power over the sea”

Isaiah 23:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “virgin daughter” represents the people of Sidon. Alternate translation: “people of Sidon, because other people will oppress you”

Isaiah 23:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: See the land of the Chaldeans (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: siege towers (0)

Soldiers built towers or dirt ramps to attack over the walls of a city.

Isaiah 23:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Howl, you ships of Tarshish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “ships” represents the men on the ships. See how you translated this in Isaiah 23:1.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for your refuge has been destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 23:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In that day (0)

Alternate translation: “At that time” or “Then”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for seventy years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“for 70 years”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like the days of a king (0)

Alternate translation: “like the years of a king” or “which is about as long as a king lives”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like in the song of the prostitute (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks about the people of Tyre as if they were a prostitute.

Isaiah 23:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Take a harp, go about the city, you forgotten prostitute … so that you may be remembered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that you may be remembered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 23:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will come about that (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seventy years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“70 years”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will help Tyre (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Tyre” represents the people who live in Tyre. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will help the people of Tyre”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: she will start making money again by doing the work of a prostitute … of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 23:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will not be stored up or kept (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who live in Yahweh’s presence (0)

Alternate translation: “those who obey and serve Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to supply them with abundant food (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to empty the earth (0)

Alternate translation: “to make the earth desolate” or “to destroy everything on the earth”

Isaiah 24:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will come about that (0)

This phrase marks an important event. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as with … so with (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the priest … the giver of interest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the receiver of interest (0)

“the one who owes money.” The word “interest” means the extra money someone has to pay so that he may borrow money.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the giver of interest (0)

Alternate translation: “the one who is owed money”

Isaiah 24:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The earth will be completely devastated and completely stripped (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh has spoken this word (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh has said he would”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

everything that is on the earth

Isaiah 24:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The earth dries up and withers, the world shrivels up and fades away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “Everything on earth will dry up and die”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The earth … the world (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Both of these represent everything that is on the earth.

Isaiah 24:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The earth is polluted by its inhabitants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant (0)

Alternate translation: “they have not obeyed God’s laws and statutes, and they have broken God’s eternal covenant”

Isaiah 24:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a curse devours the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: its inhabitants are found guilty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 24:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: tambourines … lyre (0)

These are musical instruments. See how you translated these in Isaiah 5:12.

Isaiah 24:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The city of chaos has been broken down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The city of chaos (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: every house is closed up and empty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 24:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because of the wine (0)

Alternate translation: “because there is no wine”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all joy is darkened, the gladness of the land has disappeared (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “all joy will be gone from the earth”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gladness of the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “land” represents the people of the earth.

Isaiah 24:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In the city is left a desolation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word desolation, you can 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In the city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This is not a specific city but cities in general.

Isaiah 24:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as when an olive tree is beaten, as the gleanings when the grape harvest is done (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

Isaiah 24:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will lift up their voices and shout the majesty of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will (0)

Here “They” refers to those who are still alive after Yahweh devastates the earth.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and will joyfully shout from the sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 24:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Therefore in the east glorify Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Apostrophe and Predictive Past)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the isles of the sea give glory (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Apostrophe and Predictive Past)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to Yahweh”

Isaiah 24:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: we have heard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

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 also: Predictive Past)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have wasted away, I have wasted away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The treacherous have dealt treacherously; yes, the treacherous have dealt very treacherously (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 24:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Terror, the pit, and the snare are upon you, inhabitants of the earth (0)

Alternate translation: “You people of the earth will experience terror, the pit, and the snare”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the pit, and the snare (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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.

Isaiah 24:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: caught in the snare (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the sound of terror (0)

Alternate translation: “the terrifying sound”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will be caught in the snare (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The windows of the heavens will be opened (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the foundations of the earth will shake (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The earth will be completely broken, the earth ripped apart; the earth will be violently shaken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

These passive clauses can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The earth will break and split apart; the earth will shake violently”

Isaiah 24:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The earth will stagger like a drunken man and it will sway back and forth like a hut (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

These similes emphasize how the earth will shake back and forth.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Its sin will be heavy on it and it will fall and never rise again (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 24:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: On that day (0)

Alternate translation: “At that time”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the host of the heaven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the heavens (0)

Alternate translation: “in the sky”

Isaiah 24:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will be gathered together, prisoners in a pit, and will be shut up in a prison (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will be punished (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 24:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then the moon will be ashamed, and the sun disgraced (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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.

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, deliverer, deliverance, delivered 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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: praise your name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “praise you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: things planned long ago (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in perfect faithfulness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful.” Alternate translation: “because you are perfectly faithful”

Isaiah 25:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This is not referring to a certain city. It means cities in general.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a fortress of strangers (0)

Alternate translation: “a fortress belonging to foreigners”

Isaiah 25:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a city of ruthless nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “city” and “nations” represent the people who live there.

Isaiah 25:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have been a place of safety … a shelter … a shelter from the storm … a shade from the heat (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh protecting his people is spoken of as if he were a place that the people could go to be safe and comforted.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When the breath of the ruthless was like a storm against a wall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Ruthless people oppressing the people of God is spoken of as if they were a storm beating against a wall.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When the breath (0)

Alternate translation: “When the wind” or “When the blast”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ruthless (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This is a nominal adjective. Alternate translation: “ruthless people” or “those who are ruthless”

Isaiah 25:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like heat in a dry land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as the heat is subdued … ruthless ones is answered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as the heat is subdued by the shade of a cloud (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the song of the ruthless ones is answered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 25:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: On this mountain (0)

This refers to Jerusalem or Mount Zion.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a feast of fat things (0)

Here “fat things” means the best food.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a feast on the lees (0)

“the oldest wine.” This means the best wine.

Isaiah 25:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the covering over all peoples, the web woven over all the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Death, suffering, and sadness are spoken of as if they were a dark cloud or web that covers everyone on the earth. (See also: Parallelism)

Isaiah 25:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will swallow up death forever (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh causing people to live forever is spoken of as if he would swallow death.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh causing the people to never be ashamed again is spoken of as if disgrace were an object that Yahweh would take away.

Isaiah 25:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will be said (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on that day (0)

Alternate translation: “at that time”

Isaiah 25:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For on this mountain the hand of Yahweh will rest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Moab will be trampled down in his place, even as straw is trampled down in a pit filled with manure (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Moab will be trampled down in his place (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 25:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will spread their hands … his hands to swim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will spread their hands in the midst of it (0)

Alternate translation: “The people of Moab will push their hands through the dung”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a swimmer spreads his hands to swim (0)

Alternate translation: “as if they were swimming”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will bring down their pride (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh humiliating a proud person is spoken of as if pride were something high and Yahweh would cause it to be low.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in spite of the skill of their hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 25:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your high fortress walls he will bring down to the ground, to the dust (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your high fortress (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In that day (0)

Alternate translation: “At that time”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this song will be sung in the land of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We have a strong city (0)

This refers to the city of Jerusalem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: God has made salvation its walls and ramparts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

God’s power to protect and save his people is spoken of as if his salvation were walls around a city.

Isaiah 26:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the righteous nation that keeps faith (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “nation” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the righteous and faithful people”

Isaiah 26:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The mind that is stayed on you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Idiom)

Isaiah 26:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yah, Yahweh (0)

Yah is another name for Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh, is an everlasting rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 26:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will bring down those who live proudly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fortified city (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This means fortified cities in general not a specific city.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will lay low … he will level (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh causing an army to destroy fortified cities is spoken of as if Yahweh would do it himself.

Isaiah 26:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will be trampled down by the feet of the poor and the treading of the needy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 26:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The path of the righteous is level … the path of the righteous you make straight (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 26:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the path of your judgments, Yahweh, we wait for you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of your judgments (0)

Alternate translation: “of your laws” or “of your teachings”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: we wait (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “we” refers to Isaiah and all righteous people who are speaking to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your name and your reputation are our desire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” and “reputation” represent Yahweh’s character which represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “our only desire is to honor you”

Isaiah 26:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my spirit within me seeks you earnestly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my spirit within me seeks you earnestly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “spirit” represents the speaker as a whole.

Isaiah 26:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let favor be shown to the wicked one, but he will not learn righteousness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the wicked one (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This means wicked people in general.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In the land of uprightness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “land” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “In the land where the people do what is right”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: does not see the majesty of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “see” represents realizing something. Alternate translation: “does not realize that Yahweh is great”

Isaiah 26:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your hand is lifted up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh preparing to punish wicked people is spoken of as if his hand were raised and about to hit the wicked people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but they do not notice (0)

Alternate translation: “but the wicked people do not notice”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will see your zeal for the people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “see” represents realizing something. Alternate translation: “they will realize that you are eager to bless your people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be put to shame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fire of your adversaries will devour them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh punishing and completely destroying his adversaries is spoken of as if he would send a fire that will completely burn them up.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fire of your adversaries (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “us” refers to Isaiah and includes all the righteous people.

Isaiah 26:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but we praise your name alone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” represents the person of God. Alternate translation: “but we praise you alone”

Isaiah 26:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will not arise (0)

Alternate translation: “they will not come back to life”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: made every memory of them to perish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh causing people to no longer remember those he destroyed is spoken of as if Yahweh made their memory perish or die.

Isaiah 26:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You have increased the nation, Yahweh, you have increased the nation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 26:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they looked to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Here “they” refers to the people of Israel. This would include Isaiah. Alternate translation: “we looked to you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: looked to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means they asked Yahweh for help.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when your discipline was on them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word discipline, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “when you disciplined them”

Isaiah 26:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As a pregnant woman … cries out in her labor pains (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This compares the people to a woman giving birth. This emphasizes their suffering and crying when Yahweh disciplined them.

Isaiah 26:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but it is as if we have only given birth to wind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

“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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We have not brought salvation to the earth, and the inhabitants of the world have not fallen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We have not brought salvation to the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word salvation, you can express the same idea with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “We have not saved the inhabitants of the earth”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and the inhabitants of the world have not fallen (0)

Alternate translation: “nor have we caused the wicked people of the world to fall in battle”

Isaiah 26:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your dead will live (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your dead (0)

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Awake (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks of dead people coming back to life as if they were waking up from sleep.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you who live in the dust (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This is a polite way of referring to those who have died. Alternate translation: “those who are dead and buried”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for your dew is the dew of light (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for your dew (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dew of light (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the earth will bring forth its dead (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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”

Isaiah 26:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my people (0)

Here “my” refers to Isaiah. Also “people” refers to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until the indignation has passed by (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word indignation, you can express the same idea with the adjective “angry.” Alternate translation: “until Yahweh is no longer angry with us”

Isaiah 26:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the earth will uncover her bloodshed, and will no longer conceal her slain (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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.

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

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Quote: On that day (0)

Alternate translation: “At that time”

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Quote: Yahweh with his hard, great and fierce sword will punish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh having the power to destroy his enemies is spoken of as if he had strong, large sword.

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Quote: the monster that is in the sea (0)

This refers to Leviathan.

Isaiah 27:2

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Quote: A vineyard of wine, sing of it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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”

Isaiah 27:3

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Quote: I, Yahweh, am its protector (0)

Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, protect the vineyard”

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Quote: night and day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The words “night” and “day” are combined here to mean “all the time.” Alternate translation: “all the time” or “continually”

Isaiah 27:4

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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

This continues to speak about the people of Israel as if they were a vineyard (Isaiah 27:2–3).

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Quote: I am not angry, Oh, that there were briers and thorns! In battle I would march against them (0)

Alternate translation: “I am not angry. If there were briers and thorns I would march against them in battle”

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Quote: I am not angry (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

It is understood that Yahweh is not angry with his people any longer. Alternate translation: “I am not angry with my people any longer”

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Quote: that there were briers and thorns (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The enemies of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were briers and thorns growing in the vineyard.

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Quote: briers and thorns (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 5:6.

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Quote: In battle I would march against them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh fighting his enemies is spoken of as if he were a warrior in an army.

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Quote: I would march against them; I would burn them all together (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

Isaiah 27:5

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Quote: unless they grasp my protection (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word protection, you can express the same idea with the verb “protect.” Alternate translation: “unless they ask me to protect them”

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Quote: make peace with me; let them make peace with me (0)

Alternate translation: “they ask to live peacefully with me; I want them to live peacefully with me”

Isaiah 27:6

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Quote: In the coming day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks about a day as if it travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate translation: “In the future”

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Quote: Jacob will take root; Israel will blossom and bud (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: Jacob … Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Jacob” and “Israel” are metonyms that represent the descendants of Jacob.

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Quote: they will fill the surface of the ground with fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 27:7

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Quote: Has Yahweh attacked Jacob and Israel as he attacked those nations who attacked them? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

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Quote: Jacob … Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

These represent the descendants of Jacob.

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Quote: Have Jacob and Israel been killed as in the slaughter of those nations that were killed by them? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 27:8

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Quote: In exact measure you have contended (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

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 also: Metaphor)

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Quote: sending Jacob and Israel away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This represents the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “sending the Israelites away”

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Quote: he drove them away with his fierce breath in the day of the east wind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 27:9

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Quote: So in this way (0)

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.

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Quote: the iniquity of Jacob will be atoned for (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: iniquity of Jacob … removal of his sin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Jacob” represents the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “iniquity of the Israelites … removal of their sins”

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Quote: for this will be (0)

Here “this” refers to the actions that Isaiah will describe in the next part of verse 9.

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Quote: the full fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: he will make all the altar stones as chalk and crushed to pieces, and no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 27:10

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Quote: For the fortified city is … consumes its branches (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

Here Isaiah describes an event that will happen in the future as if it already happened. This emphasizes that it certainly will happen.

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Quote: For the fortified city is desolate, the habitation is deserted and forsaken like the wilderness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: the fortified city … the habitation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This does not refer to a specific city or habitation but to cities and habitations in general.

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Quote: a calf feeds, and there he lies down and consumes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Here “calf” represents calves or cattle in general. Alternate translation: “calves feed, and there they lie down and consume”

Isaiah 27:11

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Quote: When the boughs … not a people of understanding (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: When the boughs are withered, they will be broken off. Women will come and make fires with them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: this is not a people of understanding (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: “this is not a people who understands Yahweh or his law”

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Quote: a people (0)

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.

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Quote: Therefore their Maker will not have compassion on them, and he who made them will not be merciful to them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

Isaiah 27:12

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Quote: It will come about (0)

This phrase marks an important event that will happen.

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Quote: on that day (0)

Alternate translation: “at that time”

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Quote: Yahweh will thresh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: from the Euphrates River to the Wadi of Egypt (0)

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.

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Quote: the Wadi of Egypt (0)

Alternate translation: “the brook of Egypt”

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Quote: you … will be gathered together one by one (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 27:13

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Quote: a great trumpet will be blown (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: the perishing ones in the land of Assyria will come, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

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Quote: holy mountain (0)

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

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Quote: Woe to the proud garland … on the head of the lush Valley of those who are overcome with wine (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: who are overcome with wine (0)

Alternate translation: “who are drunk with wine”

Isaiah 28:2

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Quote: Behold (0)

Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention”

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Quote: the Lord sends one who is mighty and strong (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “one” refers to a mighty king who also represents his powerful army. Alternate translation: “the Lord sends a king with his powerful army”

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Quote: storm of hail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

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Quote: he will throw each garland crown down to the ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 28:3

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Quote: The proud garland of the drunkards of Ephraim will be trodden underfoot (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: proud garland … of Ephraim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 28:4

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Quote: that is on the head of the rich valley (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The city of Samaria, the capital of Israel, sits above a fertile valley.

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Quote: will be as the first ripe fig … gulps it down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

Isaiah 28:5

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Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

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Quote: will become a beautiful crown and a diadem of beauty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: a beautiful crown and a diadem of beauty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “a beautiful crown”

Isaiah 28:6

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Quote: a spirit of justice for him who sits in judgment, and strength for those who (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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”

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Quote: a spirit of justice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

A person who has a “spirit of justice” is someone who has the characteristic of justice and is a just person.

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Quote: sits in judgment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means the person has the authority to judge.

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Quote: strength for those who turn back their enemies at their gates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 28:7

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Quote: But even these (0)

Alternate translation: “But even the leaders”

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Quote: The priest and the prophet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This does not mean a specific priest or prophet. It refers to priests and prophets in general. Alternate translation: “The priests and the prophets”

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Quote: reel with wine, and stagger with strong drink (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

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Quote: they are swallowed up by wine (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

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Quote: staggering in vision and reeling in decision (0)

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

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Quote: To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!’”

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Quote: To those who are weaned from milk or to those just taken from the breasts? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 28:10

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Quote: For it is command upon command, command upon command; rule upon rule, rule upon rule; here a little, there a little (0)

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

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Quote: with mocking lips and a foreign tongue he will speak to this people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Active or Passive)

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Quote: mocking lips (0)

Alternate translation: “stammering lips”

Isaiah 28:12

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Quote: This is the rest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rest, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “This is the resting place”

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Quote: give rest to him who is weary (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rest, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “let whoever is tired come and rest”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is the refreshing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word refreshing, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “this is the place where you can be refreshed”

Isaiah 28:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: So the word of Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “So Yahweh’s message”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: command upon command, command upon command; rule upon rule, rule upon rule; here a little, there a little (0)

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.

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Quote: so that they may go and fall backward, and be broken, ensnared, and captured (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: go and fall backward, and be broken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

People losing in battle to the enemy army is spoken of as if the people will fall down and break.

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Quote: ensnared (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The enemy soldiers capturing the people of Israel is spoken of as if they were hunters that catch an animal in a snare.

Isaiah 28:14

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Quote: So listen to the word of Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “So listen to Yahweh’s message”

Isaiah 28:15

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Quote: We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have reached an agreement (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

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Quote: So when the overwhelming whip passes through, it will not reach us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: For we have made a lie our refuge, and taken shelter in falsehood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a lie our refuge … taken shelter in falsehood (0)

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

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Quote: See (0)

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

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Quote: I will lay in Zion a foundation stone … sure foundation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: a tried stone (0)

Alternate translation: “a stone that is solid”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a sure foundation (0)

Alternate translation: “a firm support”

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Quote: He who believes will not be ashamed (0)

Alternate translation: “Anyone who trusts in this foundation stone will not be sorry”

Isaiah 28:17

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Quote: I will make justice the measuring stick, and righteousness the plumbline (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the measuring stick (0)

A builder uses a measuring stick to determine if something is the correct length.

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Quote: the plumbline (0)

A builder uses a plumbline to determine if something is straight and level.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Hail will sweep away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: Hail … the floodwaters (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Hail (0)

hard pieces of ice that fall from the sky

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Quote: the refuge of lies … the hiding place (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 28:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your covenant with death will be dissolved, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: covenant with death … agreement with Sheol (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: will not stand (0)

Alternate translation: “will not last”

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Quote: When the raging flood passes through (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Metaphor)

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Quote: you will be overwhelmed by it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 28:19

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Quote: morning by morning (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “every day”

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Quote: by day and night (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This means “throughout the entire day”

Isaiah 28:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For the bed is too short for a man to stretch out on, and the blanket too narrow for him to wrap himself in (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs

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.

Isaiah 28:21

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Quote: Yahweh will rise up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Yahweh preparing to act is spoken of as if he were sitting and then rising up.

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Quote: Mount Perazim … Valley of Gibeon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

These refer to places where God miraculously defeated enemy armies. (See also: How to Translate Names)

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Quote: he will rouse himself (0)

Alternate translation: “he will become very angry”

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Quote: his strange work … his strange deed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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.

Isaiah 28:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Now (0)

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

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Quote: your bonds will be tightened (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

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Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:9.

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Quote: a decree of destruction on the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you can express the same idea with the verb “destroy.” Alternate translation: “that he is going to destroy people throughout the land”

Isaiah 28:23

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables

General Information:

This begins a parable that ends in 28:29.

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Quote: Pay attention and listen to my voice; be attentive and listen to my words (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second phrase is used to strengthen the first.

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Quote: to my voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “voice” represents what Isaiah says. Alternate translation: “to what I say”

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Quote: to my words (0)

Alternate translation: “to my message”

Isaiah 28:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Does a farmer who plows all day to sow, only plow the ground? Does he continually break up and harrow the field? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 28:25

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Quote: When he has prepared the ground (0)

Alternate translation: “When the farmer has plowed the soil”

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Quote: does he not scatter caraway seed, sow the cumin, put in the wheat in rows and the barley in the right place, and the spelt at its edges? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

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Quote: caraway … cumin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These are names of plants that are spices. Translators may represent them in general as seeds of spices used to spice food.

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Quote: wheat … barley … spelt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These are all names of plants that are grains. Translators may represent them in general as seeds of grains.

Isaiah 28:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: His God instructs him; he teaches him wisely (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “Yahweh helps the farmer know how to care for each kind of plant”

Isaiah 28:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the caraway seed is not threshed with a sledge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: caraway (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 28:25.

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Quote: nor is a cartwheel rolled over the cumin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cumin (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 28:25.

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Quote: but caraway is beaten with a stick, and cumin with a rod (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

Isaiah 28:28

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Quote: Grain is ground for bread but not too finely (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 28:29

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Quote: This too comes … excellent in wisdom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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.

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Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

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

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Quote: Woe to Ariel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Ariel” represents the people who live in the city of Ariel. Alternate translation: “How terrible it will be for the people of Ariel”

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Quote: Ariel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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.

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Quote: David encamped (0)

Alternate translation: “David dwelled” or “David lived”

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Quote: Add year to year; let the festivals come round (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

“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.

Isaiah 29:2

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Quote: But I will besiege (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “I” refers to Yahweh. This represents Yahweh causing an enemy army to besiege Jerusalem.

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Quote: she will (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “she” refers to Ariel, which represents the people of Ariel. Alternate translation: “the people of Ariel will”

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Quote: mourning and lamenting (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “mourning” and “lamenting” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of mourning. Alternate translation: “they will mourn deeply”

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Quote: like Ariel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Translators may add a footnote that says, “The name Ariel means ‘altar.’”

Isaiah 29:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will encamp against you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: palisade … siege works (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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.

Isaiah 29:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will be brought down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will speak from the ground; your speech will be low from the dust. Your voice will sound like a spirit that speaks from the ground, and out of the dust your speech will whisper (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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 also: Parallelism)

Isaiah 29:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The great number of your invaders will become like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones as chaff that passes away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: great number of your invaders (0)

Alternate translation: “many soldiers that will attack you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ruthless ones as chaff (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The translator can supply the verb “will become.” Alternate translation: “the soldiers who show you no mercy will become as chaff”

Isaiah 29:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts will come to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

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.”

Isaiah 29:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will be like a dream, a vision of the night (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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 also: Simile)

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Quote: A horde of all the nations (0)

Alternate translation: “Large armies from all the nations”

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Quote: fight against Ariel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her stronghold. They will attack her and her fortifications to press upon her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 29:8

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Quote: It will be like when a hungry man dreams he is eating … his thirst not quenched (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

These similes mean that the enemy will expect victory but they will fail because God will not allow them to conquer Jerusalem.

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Quote: Yes, so will be the great number of nations that fights against Mount Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 29:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Astonish yourselves and be astonished (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Doublet)

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Quote: blind yourselves and be blind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: Be drunk, but not with wine; stagger, but not with beer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 29:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For Yahweh has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: He has closed your eyes, the prophets, and has covered your heads, the seers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 29:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All revelation has become to you as the words of a book that is sealed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: is sealed, which men might give to one who is learned (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If the book is given to one who cannot read (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 29:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This people comes close to me with their mouths and honors me with their lips (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: but their heart is far from me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their honor for me is only a commandment of men that has been taught (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 29:14

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Quote: Therefore, see, I will proceed to do a marvelous thing among this people, wonder after wonder (0)

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”

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Quote: The wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the understanding of their prudent men will disappear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 29:15

General Information:

This may be Isaiah speaking or it may continue Yahweh’s speech in 29:13–14.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who deeply hide their plans from Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whose deeds are in darkness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who sees us, and who knows us? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

Isaiah 29:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You turn things upside down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Should the potter be considered like clay, so that the thing that is made should say about him who made it & “He does not understand”? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.’”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Should the potter be considered like clay & “He does not understand”? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.’”

Isaiah 29:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lebanon will be turned into a field, and the field will become a forest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lebanon will be turned into a field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 29:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the deaf will hear the words of a book, and the eyes of the blind will see out of the deep darkness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the eyes of the blind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “those who are blind”

Isaiah 29:19

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Quote: The oppressed will again rejoice in Yahweh, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

Isaiah 29:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For the ruthless will cease (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the scoffer will vanish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All those who love to do evil will be eliminated (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 29:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who by a word make a man out to be an offender (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They lay a snare for him who seeks justice at the gate and put the righteous down with empty lies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who seeks justice at the gate (0)

The city gate was often the place where the city leaders made official decisions.

Isaiah 29:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who redeemed Abraham (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This possibly refers to when Yahweh called Abraham from his home country and sent him to the promised land.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jacob will no longer … his face (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Jacob” represents his descendants. Alternate translation: “Jacob’s descendants will no longer … their faces”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor will his face be pale (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom that means he will no longer be afraid. Alternate translation: “nor will he be afraid”

Isaiah 29:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he sees his children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But when he sees his children, the work of my hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will make my name holy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “they will honor me”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will make holy the name of the Holy One of Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: First, Second or Third Person)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of the God of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh refers to himself as “the God of Israel.” Alternate translation: “of me, the God of Israel”

Isaiah 29:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Those who err in spirit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will gain understanding (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This can be made more explicit to explain what they will understand. Alternate translation: “will begin to understand Yahweh and his laws”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: complainers will learn knowledge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the rebellious children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks about his people as if they were his children.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They make plans, but not from me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

This can be reworded so that If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word plans, you can 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but they were not directed by my Spirit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they add sin to sin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 30:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They seek protection from Pharaoh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word protection, you can express the same idea with the verb “protect.” Alternate translation: “They ask Pharaoh to protect them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: take refuge in the shadow of Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 30:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Therefore Pharaoh’s protection will be your shame, and the refuge in Egypt’s shade, your humiliation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the refuge in Egypt’s shade (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 30:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their princes (0)

Here “princes” mean an official or ambassador, not necessarily sons of the king.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their … their (0)

belonging to the people of Judah

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Zoan … Hanes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These were cities in the northern part of Egypt.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: have come to Hanes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

Here “come” can be stated as “gone.”

Isaiah 30:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They … them (0)

These words refer to the people of Judah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because of a people (0)

Alternate translation: “because of the people of Egypt”

Isaiah 30:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A declaration (0)

Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of the lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

This refers to these types of animals in general. Alternate translation: “where lionesses and lions dwell, and where there are vipers and serpents”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fiery flying serpent (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they carry their riches (0)

Alternate translation: “the people of Judah carry their riches”

Isaiah 30:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have called her Rahab, who sits still (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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”

Isaiah 30:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Now (0)

This word is used here to mark a break in Yahweh’s declaration about Judah. Here he tells Isaiah to do something.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in their presence (0)

Alternate translation: “in the presence of the people of Judah”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for the time to come (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks of time as if it travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate translation: “for a future time”

Isaiah 30:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lying children, children who will not hear the instruction of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 30:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Turn aside from the way, stray off the path (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this name in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 30:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this name in Isaiah 1:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you reject this word (0)

Alternate translation: “you reject this message”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: trust in oppression and deceit and lean on it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lean on it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Here the word “it” refers to “oppression and deceit.” Alternate translation: “lean on them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lean on (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom that means to trust or rely on something.

Isaiah 30:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so this sin will be to you like a broken part … in an instant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This simile means that God will destroy the people of Judah suddenly because of their sin.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a broken part ready to fall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whose fall will happen suddenly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fall, you can express the same idea with the verb “fall.” Alternate translation: “that will suddenly fall”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: suddenly, in an instant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These mean the same thing and emphasize how quickly the wall will fall.

Isaiah 30:14

General Information:

Isaiah describes how Yahweh will destroy the people of Judah (Isaiah 30:12–13).

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will break it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a potter’s vessel is broken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This simile means that the piece of wall will break as quickly and completely as a clay jar that falls to the ground.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: potter (0)

A potter is a person who makes pots and jars out of clay.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there will not be found (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a shard with which to scrape (0)

Alternate translation: “a shard big enough to scrape”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fire from the hearth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “fire” here refers here to ashes. Alternate translation: “ashes from the fireplace”

Isaiah 30:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this name in Isaiah 1:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In returning and resting you will be saved (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: resting (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is implied that the people rest because they trust that Yahweh will take care of them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in quietness and in trust will be your strength (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 30:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: we will flee on horses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Apparently these are horses that the people of Judah received from the Egyptians.

Isaiah 30:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: One thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will flee (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: One thousand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“1,000”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until your remnant will be like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, or like a flag on a hill (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This simile means there will be so few people left that they will be like a single flag on top of a hill.

Isaiah 30:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will … to you … answer you (0)

Here “you” refers to the people who will live in Zion.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will answer you (0)

Alternate translation: “he will help you”

Isaiah 30:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the bread of adversity and the water of affliction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your teacher (0)

This refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will see your teacher with your own eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “you yourselves will see your teacher”

Isaiah 30:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your ears will hear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “ears” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “You will hear”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a word behind you saying (0)

Alternate translation: “him speaking behind you saying”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This is the way, walk in it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Disobeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person turned left or right off of Yahweh’s path.

Isaiah 30:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will throw them away like a menstrual rag (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This simile means they will throw away their idols like they were garbage.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will say to them, “Get out of here.” (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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.

Isaiah 30:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will give (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will give”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: bread with abundance from the ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “bread” represents food in general. Alternate translation: “he will cause the ground to produce plenty of food for you to eat”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In that day (0)

Alternate translation: “At that time”

Isaiah 30:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that has been winnowed with a shovel and a fork (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

Isaiah 30:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: On every high mountain … every high hill (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the day of the great slaughter when the towers fall (0)

Alternate translation: “when Yahweh slaughters your enemies and causes their strong towers to fall”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the day (0)

Alternate translation: “at the time”

Isaiah 30:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the sunlight of seven days (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the sunlight of seven days (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will bind up the breaking of his people and heal the bruises of his wounding them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh comforting his people and causing their suffering to end is spoken of as if he would put bandages on their wounds.

Isaiah 30:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the name of Yahweh … like a devouring fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh being extremely angry is spoken of as if he were a large fire.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the name of Yahweh comes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Yahweh comes”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: His lips are full of fury, and his tongue is like a devouring fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Simile)

Isaiah 30:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: His breath is like an overflowing torrent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This compares the air coming out of Yahweh’s mouth to a flood to emphasize its power to destroy.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: His breath is a bridle in the jaws of the peoples to cause them to wander away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a bridle in the jaws of the peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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”

Isaiah 30:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will have a song (0)

This can be reworded so the noun “song” is stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “You will sing”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as in the night when a holy feast is observed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This simile emphasizes how happy the people will be.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when a holy feast is observed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gladness of heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “heart” represents a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “you will be glad”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as when one goes … Rock of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This simile emphasizes how happy the people will be.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the Rock of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 30:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: show the motion of his arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in storming anger and flames of fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with windstorm, rainstorm, and hailstones (0)

Alternate translation: “with storms full of wind, rain, and hail”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hailstones (0)

hard pieces of ice that fall from the sky like rain

Isaiah 30:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For at the voice of Yahweh, Assyria will be shattered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Assyria will be shattered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Isaiah speaks of Assyria’s fear as if Assyria is an object that Yahweh’s voice shatters. Alternate translation: “Assyria will be terrified”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Assyria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here this represents the soldiers of Assyria.

Isaiah 30:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Every stroke of the appointed rod that Yahweh will lay on them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh causing an army to defeat the Assyrians is spoken of as if Yahweh would hit the Assyrians with a rod.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will be accompanied (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: tambourines (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he battles and fights with them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 30:33

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For a place of burning was prepared long ago (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a place of burning (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it is prepared for the king (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The pile is ready with a fire and much wood (0)

Alternate translation: “The pile is ready with much wood to make a fire”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The breath of Yahweh, like a stream of brimstone, will set it on fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This speaks of Yahweh’s breath as if it were a river of fire that will set the pile on fire.

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: go down to Egypt (0)

The phrase “go down” is used here because Egypt is lower in Elevation than Jerusalem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who go down (0)

Alternate translation: “those people of Judah who go down”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lean on horses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this name in Isaiah 1:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor do they seek Yahweh (0)

Alternate translation: “nor do they ask Yahweh to help them”

Isaiah 31:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will bring disaster (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the word “bring” means to “cause.” Alternate translation: “he will cause disasters to happen”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will not retract his words (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: arise against (0)

Alternate translation: “punish”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: evil house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to evil people who live there. Alternate translation: “all who do evil things”

Isaiah 31:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Egypt is a man (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Egypt refers to the soldiers of Egypt. Alternate translation: “The soldiers of Egypt are men”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their horses flesh and not spirit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This means that their horses are only horses and not spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “their horses are only horses; they are not powerful spirits”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When Yahweh reaches out with his hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The term “hand” is often used in reference to God’s power and action. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh uses his power against them”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: both the one who helps will stumble, and the one who is helped will fall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Metaphor and Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the one who is helped (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 31:4

General Information:

Yahweh speaks to Isaiah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As a lion … thus Yahweh of hosts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

“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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: thus Yahweh of hosts will descend … that hill (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a lion, even a young lion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

“a female lion or killer lion.” This is a doublet with both phrase referring to a fierce lion. Alternate translation: “a lion”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: growls (0)

warns others to stay away

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when a group of shepherds is called out against it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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 also: or Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from their sound (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The shepherds would make loud noises to try and chase away the lion. Alternate translation: “from the loud noises that they make”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will descend (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

“will come down.” This refers to descending from heaven. Alternate translation: “will come down from heaven”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on Mount Zion, on that hill (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Both of the phrases refer to Mount Zion. Alternate translation: “on Mount Zion”

Isaiah 31:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Like birds in flight, so Yahweh of hosts will protect Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Here the way that Yahweh protects Jerusalem is compared to the way that a mother bird protects her baby birds in their nest.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will protect and rescue as he passes over it and preserves it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the people of Jerusalem”

Isaiah 31:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Return to him from whom you have deeply turned away (0)

Alternate translation: “Return to the one against whom you have rebelled”

Isaiah 31:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that your own hands have sinfully made (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

Isaiah 31:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Assyria will fall by the sword; a sword not wielded by man will consume him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will flee (0)

Alternate translation: “The Assyrians will flee”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his young men will be forced to do hard labor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 31:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will lose all confidence because of terror (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his princes (0)

Alternate translation: “their leaders”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whose fire is in Zion and whose firepot is in Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: 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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

This word is used here to draw peoples’ attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

Isaiah 32:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like streams of water in a dry place (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like the shade of a great rock in a land of weariness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 32:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then the eyes … attentively (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Both of these phrases emphasize that the leaders will enable the people to understand God’s truth.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will not be dim (0)

Alternate translation: “will see clearly”

Isaiah 32:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The rash … the stutterer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This refers to people who act rashly and people who stutter. Alternate translation: “The rash person … the stuttering person”

Isaiah 32:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The fool will no longer be called honorable (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor the deceiver called principled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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 also: Nominal Adjectives)

Isaiah 32:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For the fool speaks folly, and his heart plans evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

“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 also: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his heart plans evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the foolish person is referred to by his heart to emphasize his inner thoughts. Alternate translation: “he plans evil things in his heart”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He makes (0)

The word “he” refers to the foolish person.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hungry empty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

“The hungry” refers to hungry people. They are hungry because they have empty stomachs. Alternate translation: “the hungry person have an empty stomach” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the thirsty he causes to lack drink (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

“The thirsty” refers to people who are thirsty. Alternate translation: “he causes the thirsty person to have nothing to drink”

Isaiah 32:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The deceiver’s (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This refers to a person who deceives others. Alternate translation: “The deceptive person’s”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to ruin the poor with lies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

“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”

Isaiah 32:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will stand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This means that he will be successful. Alternate translation: “he will be successful”

Isaiah 32:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Rise up (0)

Alternate translation: “Stand up” or “Pay attention”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: at ease (0)

Alternate translation: “secure” or “carefree”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Isaiah refers to himself by his voice to emphasize what he says. Alternate translation: “me speak”

Isaiah 32:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your confidence will be broken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the grape harvest will fail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This means that there would not be good grapes to harvest. Alternate translation: “there will be no grapes for you to harvest”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ingathering will not come (0)

Alternate translation: “the time for gathering crops will not happen”

Isaiah 32:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Tremble (0)

shake from fear

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: at ease (0)

Alternate translation: “secure” or “carefree”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: take off your fine clothes and make yourselves bare (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: put on sackcloth around your waists (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

This is an act of grieving or mourning. Alternate translation: “put sackcloth around waists as you grieve”

Isaiah 32:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will wail for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 32:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: thorns and briers (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 5:6.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the once joyful houses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here the houses are described as joyful because of the joyful people in them. Alternate translation: “your houses where you were once joyful”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the city of revelry (0)

“your joyful city.” The word “revelry” means celebrating and partying.

Isaiah 32:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For the palace will be forsaken, the crowded city will be deserted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hill (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the fort built on the top of the hill. Alternate translation: “the fort on the hill”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hill and the watchtower will become caves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forever (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

This is an exaggeration for a very long time. Alternate translation: “an extremely long time”

Isaiah 32:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until the Spirit is poured (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Spirit is poured on us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from on high (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here heaven is referred to as “on high.” Alternate translation: “from heaven”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fruitful field is considered as a forest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Simile)

Isaiah 32:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: justice will reside … righteousness will live (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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

Isaiah 32:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The work of righteousness will be peace; and the result of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

Isaiah 32:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: habitation (0)

place where people live

Isaiah 32:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hails (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 28:2.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the forest is destroyed, and the city is completely annihilated (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 32:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you who sow beside all the streams will be blessed, you who send out your ox and donkey to graze (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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 also: 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

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Isaiah speaks in poetry for Yahweh to the Assyrians.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who has not been destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will be destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will betray (0)

Alternate translation: “others will betray”

Isaiah 33:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be our arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: every morning (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

This refers to the whole day, not just the morning. Alternate translation: “every day”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our salvation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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 also: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the time of trouble (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

This refers to the times when they are experiencing trouble. Alternate translation: ““when we have troubles”

Isaiah 33:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: At the loud noise the peoples flee (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: arise (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This means to begin doing something. Alternate translation: “begin acting”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the nations are scattered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “the nations scatter”

Isaiah 33:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your spoil is gathered as the locusts gather; as locusts leap, men leap on it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 33:5

General Information:

Isaiah speaks to the people of Judah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh is exalted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 33:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will be the stability in your times (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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 can 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 also: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fear of Yahweh is his treasure (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 33:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: envoys (0)

messengers

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the diplomats hoping for peace weep bitterly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 33:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The highways are deserted; there are no more travelers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Covenants are broken, witnesses are despised, and mankind is not respected (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

Isaiah 33:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The land mourns and withers away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lebanon is ashamed and withers away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sharon … Bashan … Carmel (0)

Many trees and flowers once grew in these places.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sharon is like a desert plain (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This compares how dry Sharon is to a desert plain. Alternate translation: “Sharon is as dry as a desert plain”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here Bashan and Carmel are represented by their trees. Alternate translation: “there are no more leaves on the trees in Bashan and Carmel”

Isaiah 33:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will I arise (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: now I will be lifted up; now I will be elevated (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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 also: Parallelism)

Isaiah 33:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You conceive chaff, and you give birth to stubble (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stubble (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your breath is a fire that will consume you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 33:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The peoples will be burned to lime, as thornbushes are cut down and are burned (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lime (0)

the ashes from burned bones

Isaiah 33:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You who are far away, hear what I have done; and, you who are near, acknowledge my might (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

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 also: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 33:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: trembling has seized the godless ones (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who among us … burnings? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

It is implied that the sinners in Zion ask these questions. Alternate translation: “They say, ‘Who among us … burnings?’”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who among us can sojourn with a raging fire? Who among us can sojourn with everlasting burnings? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sojourn (0)

live in a place that is not one’s home

Isaiah 33:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He who walks (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here walking refers to living. Alternate translation: “He who lives”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who despises the gain of oppression (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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”

Isaiah 33:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is the man who will dwell on the heights, his place of defense will be the fortress among the cliffs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the heights (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to a high hill or mountainside. Alternate translation: “the high hill” or “the mountainside”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fortress among the cliffs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks of rocky areas that are easy to defend as if they were actually fortresses. Alternate translation: “the large piles of rocks”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will be in steady supply (0)

Alternate translation: “will always be available”

Isaiah 33:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your eyes will see … they will see (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

This refers the audience by their “eyes.” Alternate translation: “You will see … you will see”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the king in his beauty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The king’s royal robes are referred to as “his beauty.” Alternate translation: “the king in his beautiful robes”

Isaiah 33:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your heart will recall the terror (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: where is the scribe, where is he who weighed the money? Where is he who counted the towers? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: weighed the money (0)

Money was valuable metal; its value was determined by its weight.

Isaiah 33:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the defiant people, a people of a strange language that you do not understand (0)

Alternate translation: “a fierce people who speak a language that you do not understand”

Isaiah 33:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the city of our feasts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your eyes will see (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The people are referred to by their “eyes” to emphasize what they are seeing. Alternate translation: “you will see”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a tent that will not be removed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whose stakes will never be pulled up nor will any of its cords be broken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 33:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh in majesty will be with us, in a place of broad rivers and streams (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will travel it (0)

Alternate translation: “will travel the river”

Isaiah 33:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our … us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

This refers to Isaiah and includes the people of Judah.

Isaiah 33:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your riggings are slack; they cannot hold the mast in place; they cannot spread the sail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 33:17–22.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mast (0)

tall poles that support the sail

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sail (0)

a large cloth that fills with wind and moves a boat through the water

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when the great spoil is divided (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the lame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This refers to people who are cannot walk. Alternate translation: “those who are lame”

Isaiah 33:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the people who live there will be forgiven for their iniquity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

General Information:

Yahweh is speaking in poetry.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The earth and all that fills it must listen, the world, and all things that come from it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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 also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the world, and all things that come from it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

Isaiah 34:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has completely destroyed them, he has handed them over to the slaughter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

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”

Isaiah 34:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The bodies of their dead will be thrown out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their dead (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This refers to the dead people. Alternate translation: “those who died”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the mountains will soak up their blood (0)

Alternate translation: “the mountains will be covered in their blood”

Isaiah 34:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the sky will be rolled up like a scroll (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all their stars will fade away, as the leaf fades from off the vine, and as the overripe figs from the fig tree (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 34:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when my sword will have drunk its fill in heaven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: look (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will now come down on Edom, on the people I am setting apart for destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on Edom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Edom refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “on the people of Edom”

Isaiah 34:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The sword of Yahweh is dripping with blood and covered with fat … of rams (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For Yahweh has a sacrifice in Bozrah and a great slaughter in the land of Edom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Bozrah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is an important city in Edom.

Isaiah 34:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will fall (0)

Alternate translation: “will die”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their land will be drunk with blood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their dust made fat with fatness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 34:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will be a day of vengeance for Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will pay them back for the cause of Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 34:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The streams of Edom will be turned into pitch … become burning pitch (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her dust … her land (0)

Alternate translation: “Edom’s dust … Edom’s land”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: pitch (0)

a thick, black substance that burns for a long time

Isaiah 34:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will burn night and day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from generation to generation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 34:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will live there (0)

Alternate translation: “will live in the land of Edom”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: owl (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 13:21.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: raven (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in it (0)

“there.” This refers to Edom.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will stretch over it the measuring line of ruin and the plumbline of destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: measuring line … plumbline (0)

These are builders’ tools. See how you translated similar words in Isaiah 28:17.

Isaiah 34:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Her nobles … her princes (0)

Alternate translation: “The nobles of Edom … the princes of Edom”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all her princes will be nothing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

This exaggerates the princes losing their royal status by saying that they will become nothing. Alternate translation: “all her princes will no longer rule”

Isaiah 34:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Thorns … nettles … thistles (0)

These are all weeds with thorns. Nettles’ thorns have poison that causes itching.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: jackals (0)

Translate the name of this animal the same as you did in Isaiah 13:22.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ostriches (0)

Translate the name of this animal the same as you did in Isaiah 13:21.

Isaiah 34:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wild animals (0)

Translate this the same as you did in Isaiah 13:21.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hyenas (0)

Translate the name of this animal as you did in Isaiah 13:22.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Nocturnal animals (0)

animals that are awake and active at night

Isaiah 34:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Owls (0)

Translate this word the same as you did in Isaiah 13:21.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hawks (0)

birds that kill small animals for food

Isaiah 34:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Search through the scroll of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: not one of these (0)

Alternate translation: “not one of the animals”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: None will lack for a mate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

This can be written as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “Each animal will have a mate”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for his mouth has commanded it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Yahweh is referred to by his “mouth” to emphasize what he has said. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh has commanded it”

Isaiah 34:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He has cast lots for their places (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his hand has measured it out for them by a cord (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This refers to the way that people measured things in biblical times. Alternate translation: “he has given the animals their places”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from generation to generation they will (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The wilderness and the Arabah will be glad; and the desert will rejoice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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 also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: blossom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

This speaks of the plants in the desert blossoming as if the desert itself were blossoming. Alternate translation: “its plants will blossom”

Isaiah 35:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will blossom abundantly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and rejoice with joy and singing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the glory of Lebanon will be given to it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the splendor of Carmel and Sharon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Ellipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the glory of Yahweh, the splendor of our God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize Yahweh’s appearance.

Isaiah 35:3

General Information:

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Strengthen the weak hands, and steady the knees that shake. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

Isaiah 35:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those with a fearful heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here people are referred to by their hearts, which emphasize their inner feelings. Alternate translation: “to those who are fearful”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

This is used here to draw the listeners’ attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

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 also: Doublet)

Isaiah 35:5

General Information:

These verses begin a description of the glorious future for God’s people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the eyes of the blind will see (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

“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 also: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ears of the deaf will hear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

“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 also: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 35:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the lame man will leap like a deer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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 also: Hyperbole)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the mute tongue will sing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

This refers to people who cannot speak. They are referred to by their “tongues” to emphasize their healing. Alternate translation: “mute people will sing”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: streams in the wilderness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: “streams will flow in the wilderness”

Isaiah 35:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The burning sand will become a pool (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the thirsty ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here the dry ground is described as being thirsty. Alternate translation: “the dry ground”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the thirsty ground springs of water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: jackals (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 13:22.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: reeds and rushes (0)

These are plants that grow in wet areas.

Isaiah 35:8

General Information:

These verses continue the description of the glorious future for God’s people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A highway will be there called The Holy Way (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: highway (0)

See how you translated this word in Isaiah 11:16.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The unclean (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: him who walks in it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 35:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will not be found there (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the redeemed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

This refers to people who God has redeemed. Alternate translation: “those who are redeemed” or “those who God has redeemed”

Isaiah 35:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The ransomed of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

To “ransom” means to “rescue.” This refers to people whom Yahweh has rescued. Alternate translation: “Those whom Yahweh has rescued”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: everlasting joy will be on their heads (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

This uses a person’s head to mean the person as a whole. Alternate translation: “they will have everlasting joy”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gladness and joy … sorrow and sighing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “gladness” and “joy” mean basically the same thing, as do “sorrow” and “sighing.” Together they emphasize the intensity of these emotions.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gladness and joy will overtake them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sorrow and sighing will flee away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fourteenth year (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

“year 14”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: King Hezekiah (0)

See how you translated the name of this king in Isaiah 1:1.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sennacherib (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of the king of Assyria.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sennacherib … attacked all the fortified cities (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here Sennacherib represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “Sennacherib and his army … attacked all the fortified cities”

Isaiah 36:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the chief commander (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lachish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is a city southwest of Jerusalem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: conduit (0)

man-made ditch or tunnel through which water flows. See how you translated this in Isaiah 7:3.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the launderers’ field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the launderers’ field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/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.

Isaiah 36:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Hilkiah … Eliakim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

See how you translated these men’s names in Isaiah 22:20.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Shebna (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 22:15.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Asaph … Joah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of men.

Isaiah 36:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: said to them (0)

Alternate translation: “said to Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What is the source of your confidence? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The king of Assyria uses this question to challenge Hezekiah and to say that he does not have a good source for confidence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have no reliable source for your confidence.”

Isaiah 36:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there is counsel and strength for war (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Now in whom are you trusting? Who has given you courage to rebel against me? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The king of Assyria uses questions to ridicule Hezekiah for believing he has the strength to rebel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No matter in whom you trust, you will not have the courage to rebel against me.”

Isaiah 36:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

Sennacherib uses this word to draw Hezekiah’s attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: trusting in Egypt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Egypt” refers to the Egyptian army. Alternate translation: “trusting in the Egyptian army”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that splintered reed that you use as a walking staff, but if a man leans on it, it will stick into his hand and pierce it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: splintered reed (0)

A reed is the long, thin stem of a plant like tall grass. If it is splintered or damaged it cannot carry any weight.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: walking staff (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: is not he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah has taken away … Jerusalem”? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question 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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: has said to Judah and to Jerusalem, “You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem”? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 36:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: two thousand horses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“2,000 horses”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if you are able to find riders for them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

The chief commander continues to ridicule Hezekiah and his army by implying that he did not have many soldiers.

Isaiah 36:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How could you resist even one captain … servants? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your army could not even defeat one captain … servants.” (See also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 36:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Now then, have I traveled up here without Yahweh to fight against this land and destroy it? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The chief commander uses another question to ridicule Hezekiah and the people of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I came here with Yahweh’s command to destroy Jerusalem.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: without Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Yahweh” refers to Yahweh’s orders. Alternate translation: “without Yahweh’s command”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against this land and destroy it … Attack this land and destroy it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 36:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Eliakim … Hilkiah … Shebnah (0)

See how you translated these men’s names in Isaiah 22:20.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Shebnah (0)

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 22:15.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Joah (0)

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 36:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: chief commander (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 36:2.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Please speak to your servants (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Aramean language, Aramaic (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

“Aramean” is the name of a people group. “Aramaic” is the name of their language.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the ears of the people who are on the wall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who are on the wall (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 36:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Has my master sent me to your master and to you to speak these words? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The chief commander uses this question to emphasize that his message is for all the people of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Certainly, my master has sent me to speak this message to you and to all who can hear.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Has he not sent me to the men who sit on the wall, who will have to … you? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The chief commander uses this question to emphasize his insult. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “My master has sent me to everyone who hears this, who will have to … you.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will have to eat their own dung and drink their own urine with you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 36:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the chief commander (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 36:2.

Isaiah 36:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hand of the king (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The king’s “hand” refers to his “control.” Alternate translation: “the control of the king”

Isaiah 36:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Make peace with me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means to agree officially to act peacefully towards one another. Alternate translation: “Let us agree to have peace”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: come out to me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means to surrender. Alternate translation: “surrender to me”

Isaiah 36:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until I come and take (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the king of Assyria is referring to his army as himself. Alternate translation: “until my army comes and takes”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrase have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize how prosperous the land will be.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a land of grain … a land of bread (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

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”

Isaiah 36:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Has any of the gods of the peoples rescued them from … Assyria? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The chief commander uses this question to ridicule the people of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “None of the gods of the peoples rescued them from … Assyria.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hand of the king (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The king’s control is referred to as his “hand.” Alternate translation: “the control of the king”

Isaiah 36:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they rescued Samaria from my power? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Hamath … Arpad (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Translate the names of these cities the same as you did in Isaiah 10:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sepharvaim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a city.

Isaiah 36:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: is there any god who has rescued … as if Yahweh could save Jerusalem from my power? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The chief commander uses this question to ridicule the people of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “there is no god who has rescued … and Yahweh will not save you in Jerusalem from my power.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “his people”

Isaiah 36:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Eliakim … Hilkiah … Shebna … Joah … Asaph (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in Isaiah 36:3.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: over the household (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means that he was in charge of the affairs of the palace household. Alternate translation: “in charge of the palace”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with their clothes torn (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It came about that (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

This is a sign of mourning and distress. Alternate translation: “he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth because he was very distressed”

Isaiah 37:2

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Quote: Eliakim … Shebna (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Translate the names of these men the same as you did in Isaiah 36:3.

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Quote: over the household (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

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Quote: all covered with sackcloth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

This is a sign of mourning and distress.

Isaiah 37:3

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Quote: They said to him (0)

Alternate translation: “The men sent by Hezekiah said to Isaiah”

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Quote: like when a child is ready to be born, but the mother has no strength to give birth to her child (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

Isaiah 37:4

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Quote: It may be Yahweh your God will hear the words (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the chief commander (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 36:2.

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Quote: his master (0)

This phrase means that the king is the chief commander’s master.

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Quote: will rebuke the words which Yahweh your God has heard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lift up your prayer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: for the remnant that is still here (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the people who are left in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “for the few of us that are still here”

Isaiah 37:7

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Quote: I will put a spirit in him, and he will hear a certain report and go back to his own land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

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Quote: Look (0)

This word is used here to draw the peoples’ attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

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Quote: I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 37:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lachish (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

See how you translated the name of this city in Isaiah 36:2.

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Quote: Libnah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is a city in southern Judah.

Isaiah 37:9

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Quote: Sennacherib (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 36:1.

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Quote: Tirhakah king of Cush and Egypt had mobilized to fight against him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to fight against him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The word “him” represents Sennacherib. Here Sennacherib represents his army. Alternate translation: “to fight against the army of Sennacherib”

Isaiah 37:10

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Quote: Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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. 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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 37:11

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Quote: See, you have heard (0)

The word “see” here is used to add emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: “You have certainly heard”

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Quote: So will you be rescued? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

Isaiah 37:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Have the gods of the nations rescued them … Tel Assar? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that my fathers destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Gozan … Haran … Rezeph … Eden … Tel Assar (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are places that the Assyrians had conquered.

Isaiah 37:13

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Quote: Hena … Ivvah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are places that the Assyrians had conquered.

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Quote: Where is the king … Ivvah? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The king of Assyria uses this question to ridicule Hezekiah and his army. Alternate translation: “We also conquered the king … Ivvah!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Hamath … Arpad … Sepharvaim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Translate the names of these cities the same as you did in Isaiah 36:19.

Isaiah 37:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from hand of the messengers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

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Quote: he went up to the house of Yahweh (0)

The house of Yahweh was at the highest place in Jerusalem, so it is spoken of as “up.”

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Quote: spread it before him (0)

“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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you who sit above the cherubim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: you are God alone (0)

Alternate translation: “only you are God”

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Quote: over all the kingdoms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means to have authority and to rule over all the kingdoms. Alternate translation: “have authority over all the kingdoms”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You made the heavens and the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This means that he created everything. Alternate translation: “You made everything”

Isaiah 37:17

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Quote: which he has sent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Hezekiah is referring to the letter from Sennacherib. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “in the message he has sent”

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Quote: Turn your ear (0)

“Incline your ear” or “Turn your head.” This means to turn your head so that you can hear something better.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sennacherib (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 36:1.

Isaiah 37:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the nations and their lands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

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”

Isaiah 37:19

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Quote: for they were not gods but the work of men’s hands, just wood and stone (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

Isaiah 37:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from his power (0)

Alternate translation: “from the king of Assyria’s power”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the kingdoms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the people in the kingdoms. Alternate translation: “all the people in the kingdoms”

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Quote: you are Yahweh alone (0)

Alternate translation: “only you, Yahweh, are God”

Isaiah 37:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sent a message (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This means that he sent a messenger to give a message to the king. Alternate translation: “sent someone to give a message”

Isaiah 37:22

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Quote: is the word that Yahweh has spoken (0)

Alternate translation: “is what Yahweh has said”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: laughs you to scorn (0)

Alternate translation: “laughs at you” or “makes fun of you”

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Quote: shakes her head (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

This is a gesture of scorn.

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Quote: The virgin daughter of Zion … the daughter of Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 37:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Whom have you defied and insulted? & Against the Holy One of Israel. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: have you exalted your voice (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This refers to speaking loudly as if the person’s voice were an object that they lifted high. Alternate translation: “have you shouted”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lifted up your eyes in pride (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 37:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: By your servants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have gone … I will cut … I will enter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

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Quote: its tall cedars (0)

Alternate translation: “Lebanon’s tall cedars”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: its most fruitful forest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

Isaiah 37:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have dug … I dried … my feet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I dried up all the rivers of Egypt under the soles of my feet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

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”

Isaiah 37:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Have you not heard how … times? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to remind Sennacherib of information that he should already be aware of. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Certainly you have heard how … times.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You are here to reduce impregnable cities into heaps of ruins (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: impregnable (0)

strong and heavily guarded

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am bringing it to pass (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 37:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of little strength (0)

Alternate translation: “who are weak”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: shattered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

broken into small pieces. This is a metaphor for being greatly discouraged.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They are plants in the field, green grass, the grass on the roof or in the field, before the east wind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before the east wind (0)

The east wind is hot and dry from the desert and plants die when it blows.

Isaiah 37:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But I know your sitting down, your going out, your coming in (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

This refers to all activities of life. Alternate translation: “I know everything you do”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and your raging against me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The word “raging” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “how you rage against me”

Isaiah 37:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your arrogance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the king’s “arrogance” refers to his arrogant speech. Alternate translation: “your arrogant speech”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your arrogance has reached my ears (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will put my hook in your nose, and my bit in your mouth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will turn you back the way you came (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 37:30

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sign for you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

“sign for you, Hezekiah.” Here “you” is singular and refers to Hezekiah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will eat … you must plant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Judah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the second year what grows (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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 also: Ordinal Numbers)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what grows from that (0)

Alternate translation: “what grows wild from that” or “what grows wild”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the third year (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

This refers to the year after the second year. Alternate translation: “the year after that” or “in the following year”

Isaiah 37:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: remnant (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the house of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Judah’s “house” refers to his descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Judah”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will again take root and bear fruit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 37:32

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For from Jerusalem a remnant will come out; from Mount Zion survivors will come (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize the remnant of people who will survive.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The zeal of Yahweh of hosts will do this (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 37:33

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will not come … He will not come (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the Assyrian king refers to both him and his army. Alternate translation: “His army will not come … They will not come”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with shield (0)

Alternate translation: “with shields”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: siege ramp (0)

a large mound of dirt built against the wall of a city that better enables an army to attach the city

Isaiah 37:34

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he came … he will not enter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the Assyrian king refers to both him and his army. Alternate translation: “they came … they will not enter”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 37:35

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for my own sake and for David my servant’s sake (0)

Alternate translation: “so that things will be better for me and for my servant David”

Isaiah 37:36

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: putting to death (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means to kill. Alternate translation: “killing”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: 185,000 soldiers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“one hundred and eighty-five thousand soldiers”

Isaiah 37:37

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sennacherib king of Assyria left Israel and went home and stayed in Nineveh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sennacherib (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

See how you translated this man’s name in Isaiah 36:1.

Isaiah 37:38

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as he was worshiping (0)

Alternate translation: “as Sennacherib was worshiping”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Nisrok (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a false god.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Adrammelek … Sharezer … Esarhaddon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are the names of men.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with the sword (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Set your house in order (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 38:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This idiom means to remember. Alternate translation: “remember”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: faithfully walked before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with my whole heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what was good in your sight (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh’s judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what pleases you” or “what you consider to be good”

Isaiah 38:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the word of Yahweh came (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 38:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: See (0)

This is used to ask the listener to pay attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fifteen years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“15 years”

Isaiah 38:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hand of the king of Assyria (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the king’s “hand” refers to his power. Alternate translation: “the power of the king of Assyria”

Isaiah 38:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

Yahweh uses this word to draw the listener’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stairs of Ahaz (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

These stairs are referred to this way because they were built while Ahaz was king. You can make this information clear.

Isaiah 38:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that halfway through my life (0)

“that before I have grown old.” This refers to dying at middle age, before growing old.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will go through the gates of Sheol (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am sent there for the rest of my years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 38:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the land of the living (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

“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”

Isaiah 38:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My life is removed and carried away from me like a shepherd’s tent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My life is removed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have rolled up my life like a weaver; you are cutting me off from the loom (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you are cutting (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” is singular and refers to God.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: loom (0)

a device used to weave thread together to make cloth

Isaiah 38:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a lion he breaks all my bones (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

Isaiah 38:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Like a swallow I chirp; I coo like a dove (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here Hezekiah refers to himself my his “eyes” to emphasize that he is looking for something. Alternate translation: “I”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with looking upward (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am oppressed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 38:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What shall I say? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Hezekiah uses a question to emphasize he has nothing left to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have nothing left to say.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will walk slowly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Here “walking” refers to living. Alternate translation: “I will like humbly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all my years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the rest of his life. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “the rest of my life”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because I am overcome with grief (0)

Alternate translation: “because I am full of grief” or “because I am very sad”

Isaiah 38:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: may my life be given back to me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 38:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the pit of destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for you have thrown all my sins behind your back (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 38:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For Sheol does not thank you; death does not praise you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Sheol” and “death” refer to “dead people.” Alternate translation: “For those in Sheol do not thank you; dead people do not praise you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who go down into the pit (0)

Alternate translation: “those who go down to the grave”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do not hope in your trustworthiness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

“do not have hope in your faithfulness.” Here “your” is singular and refers to Yahweh.

Isaiah 38:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The living person, the living person (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Hezekiah repeats this phrase to emphasize that only a living person, not a dead person, can give thanks to Yahweh.

Isaiah 38:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: save me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to him being saved from dying. It can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: “save me from dying”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: we will celebrate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “we” refers to Hezekiah and the people of Judah.

Isaiah 38:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Now (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. This gives background information about Isaiah and Hezekiah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let them (0)

Alternate translation: “Let Hezekiah’s servants”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a lump of figs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This was used as an ointment. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “use an ointment of mashed figs”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: boil (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Marduk-Baladan … Baladan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of men.

Isaiah 39:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Hezekiah was pleased by these things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: “When the king’s messengers arrived, Hezekiah was pleased with what they brought to him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: showed the messengers his storehouse of valuable things (0)

Alternate translation: “he showed the messengers everything of value he had”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: storehouse (0)

a building where goods are kept

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all that was found in his storehouses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There was nothing in his house, nor in all his kingdom, that Hezekiah did not show them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

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 also: Hyperbole)

Isaiah 39:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They have seen everything in my house. There is nothing among my valuable things that I have not shown them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two sentences mean the same thing and are used together to emphasize how much Hezekiah showed the men.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: everything in my house (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

This is a generalization, as Hezekiah showed them many things, but not necessarily everything in the palace. Alternate translation: “almost everything in my house”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There is nothing among my valuable things that I have not shown them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I showed them all the valuable things in my palace”

Isaiah 39:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the word (0)

Alternate translation: “the message”

Isaiah 39:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

This word is used here to draw Hezekiah’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when everything in your palace … will be carried to Babylon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “when the enemy army will take everything in your palace … back to Babylon”

Isaiah 39:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The sons born from you (0)

Alternate translation: “Your sons”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will take them (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Comfort, comfort (0)

The word “comfort” is repeated for emphasis.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: says your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “your” is plural and refers to those whom the prophet tells to comfort God’s people.

Isaiah 40:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Speak tenderly to Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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 also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: proclaim to her … her warfare … her iniquity … she has received … her sins (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her warfare (0)

Possible meanings are that the word warfare refers: (1) to military battle or (2) to forced labor.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her iniquity is pardoned (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from Yahweh’s hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “from Yahweh”

Isaiah 40:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A voice cries out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “voice” represents the person who cries out. Alternate translation: “Someone cries out”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In the wilderness prepare the way of Yahweh; make straight in the Arabah a highway for our God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Arabah (0)

See how you translated this word in Isaiah 35:1.

Isaiah 40:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be leveled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Every valley will be lifted up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and the rugged land will be made level, and the rough places a plain (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 40:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the glory of Yahweh will be revealed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “mouth” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh has spoken it”

Isaiah 40:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All flesh is grass (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all their covenant faithfulness is like the flower of the field (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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 can 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 also: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: covenant faithfulness (0)

This could mean: (1) covenant faithfulness or (2) beauty.

Isaiah 40:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when the breath of Yahweh blows on it (0)

This could mean: (1) “when Yahweh blows his breath on it” or (2) “when Yahweh sends a wind to blow on it.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: humanity is grass (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The speaker speaks of humans as if they are grass, because they both die quickly. Alternate translation: “people die as quickly as grass”

Isaiah 40:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the word of our God will stand forever (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 40:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Go up on a high mountain, Zion, bearer of good news (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The writer speaks of Zion as if it were a messenger who declares good news from a mountain top.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Go up on a high mountain (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Messengers would often stand on elevated land, such as mountains, so that many people could hear what they proclaimed.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the people who live in Zion. Alternate translation: “you people of Zion”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jerusalem. You who bring good news (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The writer speaks of Jerusalem as if it were a messenger who declares good news.

Isaiah 40:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his strong arm rules for him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word “arm” represents God’s power. Alternate translation: “he rules with great power”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his reward is with him … those he has rescued go before him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

Isaiah 40:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will feed his flock like a shepherd (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 40:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who has measured … or the hills in a balance? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: measured the waters in the hollow of his hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh knowing how much water is in the oceans is spoken of as if Yahweh held the water in his hand.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: measured the sky with the span of his hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: held the dust of the earth in a basket (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh knowing how much dust there is on the earth is spoken of as if he carried it in a basket.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: weighed the mountains in scales, or the hills in a balance? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh knowing how heavy the mountains are is spoken of as if he weighed them in scales and balances.

Isaiah 40:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who has comprehended the mind of Yahweh, or instructed him as his counselor? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: comprehended the mind of Yahweh (0)

Here the word “mind” refers not only to Yahweh’s thoughts, but also to his desires and motivations.

Isaiah 40:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: From whom did he ever receive instruction? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who taught him the correct way to do things, and taught him knowledge, or showed to him the way of understanding? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 40:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look … see (0)

These words add emphasis to what follows.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are regarded like the dust on the scales (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a drop in a bucket (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: are regarded like the dust on the scales (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 40:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they are regarded by him as nothing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 40:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: To whom then will you compare God? To what idol will you liken him? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

This is plural and refers to all of God’s people.

Isaiah 40:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A craftsman casts it: The goldsmith overlays it with gold and forges silver chains for it (0)

Alternate translation: “A skilled worker forms it, another covers it with gold and makes a silver chain for it”

Isaiah 40:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Has it not been told you from the beginning? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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?”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the foundations of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 40:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He is the one who sits above the horizon of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The prophet speaks of Yahweh ruling the earth as if Yahweh were seated on a throne above the earth.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the inhabitants are like grasshoppers before him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out as a tent to live in (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Simile)

Isaiah 40:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He reduces (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh reduces”

Isaiah 40:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They are barely planted … and they wither (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They are barely planted, barely sown (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he blows upon them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the wind carries them away like straw (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

Isaiah 40:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: To whom then will you compare me, whom do I resemble? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Parallelism)

Isaiah 40:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who has created all these stars? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This is a leading question that anticipates the answer, Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has created all these stars!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He leads out their formations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word “formations” refers to military formations. The prophet speaks of the stars as if they were soldiers whom Yahweh commands to appear.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: By the greatness of his might and by the strength of his power (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: not one is missing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This negative statement emphasizes the positive. Alternate translation: “every one is present”

Isaiah 40:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Why do you say, Jacob, and declare, Israel … vindication”? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The question emphasizes that they should not say what they say. Alternate translation: “‘You should not say, O people of Israel … vindication’.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Why do you say, Jacob, and declare, Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases both refer to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Why do you say, O people of Israel”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My way is hidden from Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my God is not concerned about my vindication (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Have you not known? Have you not heard? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 “the farthest places of the earth” or “the entire earth” (See also: Merism)

Isaiah 40:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He gives strength to the tired; and to the weak he gives renewed energy (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two lines share similar meanings and emphasize that Yahweh strengthens those who have no strength.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He gives strength (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh gives strength”

Isaiah 40:31

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will soar with wings like eagles (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will run and not be weary; they will walk and not faint (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: 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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Listen before me in silence (0)

Here “me” refers to God.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you coastlands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the people who live on the islands and in the lands bordering or beyond the Mediterranean Sea. (See also: Apostrophe)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: renew their strength (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 40:31.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: let them come near and speak; let us come near together to argue a dispute (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

Isaiah 41:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He hands nations over to him (0)

Alternate translation: “I give the nations over to him” or “The one who does these things hands nations over to him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He turns them to dust with his sword, like windblown stubble with his bow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Simile and Hyperbole)

Isaiah 41:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He pursues them and passes by safely (0)

Alternate translation: “The ruler from the east pursues the nations”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by a swift path that his feet scarcely touch (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Synecdoche)

Isaiah 41:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who has performed and accomplished these deeds? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who has summoned the generations from the beginning? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: performed and accomplished (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh is the one who has done these things.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the first, and with the last ones (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The isles … the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The isles (0)

You can translate “isles” the same way you translated “coastlands” in Isaiah 41:1.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they approach and come (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

This doublet means that the people gather together. Alternate translation: “they come together”

Isaiah 41:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: anvil (0)

an iron block on which a person shapes metal with a hammer

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: saying of the welding (0)

Here the word “welding” refers to the process of fastening the gold to the wood as the workers finish making the idol.

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Quote: They fasten it with nails so it will not topple over. (0)

Here “it” refers to the idol that they have made.

Isaiah 41:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you whom I am bringing back from the ends of the earth, and whom I called from the far away places (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have chosen you and not rejected you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second states in negative terms what the first states in positive terms. (See also: Litotes)

Isaiah 41:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh strengthening his people is spoken of as if he were holding them with his hand.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my righteous right hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 41:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will be ashamed and disgraced, all who have been angry with you (0)

Alternate translation: “all who have been angry with you will be ashamed and disgraced”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ashamed and disgraced (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of their shame.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will be as nothing and will perish, those who oppose you (0)

Alternate translation: “those who oppose you will be as nothing and will perish”

Isaiah 41:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I … will hold your right hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh helping the people of Israel is spoken of as if he were holding their right hand.

Isaiah 41:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jacob you worm, and you men of Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here “Jacob” and “men of Israel” mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “you people of Israel who are like worms”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jacob you worm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 41:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am making you like a sharp threshing sledge … you will make the hills like chaff (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of enabling Israel to defeat their enemies as if he were making the nation a threshing sledge that will level mountains.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a sharp threshing sledge (0)

A threshing sledge was a board with sharp spikes that someone would drag over the wheat to separate the grain from the chaff.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: two-edged (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will thresh the mountains and crush them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Hyperbole)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will make the hills like chaff (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Simile)

Isaiah 41:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to use the metaphor of separating grain from chaff to describe how Israel will defeat their enemies.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will winnow them … the wind will scatter them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the wind will carry them away; the wind will scatter them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “the wind will blow them away”

Isaiah 41:17

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

General Information:

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.

Isaiah 41:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the myrtle … the pines and the cypress box trees (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These are types of trees.

Isaiah 41:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hand of Yahweh has done this (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has done this”

Isaiah 41:21

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

General Information:

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.

Isaiah 41:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to mock the idols and the people who worship them (Isaiah 41:21–22).

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do something good or evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The words “good” and “evil” form a merism and represent anything. Alternate translation: “do anything at all”

Isaiah 41:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the one who chooses you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” is plural and refers to the idols. Alternate translation: “the person who chooses you idols”

Isaiah 41:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have raised up one (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of appointing a person as if he raised that person up. Alternate translation: “I have appointed one”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the sun’s rising (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This refers to the east, the direction from which the sun rises. Alternate translation: “from the east”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: him who calls on my name (0)

This could mean: (1) that this person invokes Yahweh for his success or (2) that this person worships Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will trample the rulers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Conquering the rulers of other nations is spoken of as if it were trampling them under foot. Alternate translation: “he will conquer the rulers”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a potter who is treading on the clay (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

Isaiah 41:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who announced this from the beginning, that we might know? Before this time, that we may say, “He is right”? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: andEllipsis)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Indeed none of them decreed it, yes, none heard you say anything (0)

Alternate translation: “Indeed, none of the idols decreed it. Indeed, no one heard you idols say anything”

Isaiah 41:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: not one among them (0)

Alternate translation: “not one idol”

Isaiah 41:29

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their cast metal figures are wind and emptiness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Behold, my servant (0)

Alternate translation: “Look, my servant” or “Here is my servant”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in him I take delight (0)

Alternate translation: “with whom I am very happy”

Isaiah 42:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A crushed reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of weak and helpless people as if they were crushed reeds and dimly burning wicks.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: crushed reed (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will not break (0)

Alternate translation: “My servant will not break”

Isaiah 42:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the coastlands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 42:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the one who created the heavens and stretched them out, the one who made the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The prophet speaks of Yahweh creating the heavens and the earth as if the heavens and earth were fabric which Yahweh stretched out.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gives breath to the people on it and life to those who live on it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 42:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: have called you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” is singular and refers to Yahweh’s servant.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will … set you as a covenant for the people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a light for the Gentiles (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 42:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to open the eyes of the blind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to release the prisoners from the dungeon, and from the house of confinement those who sit in darkness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 42:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor my praise with carved idols (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “nor will I share my praise with carved idols”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my praise (0)

This refers to the praise that Yahweh receives from people.

Isaiah 42:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will tell you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel.

Isaiah 42:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the sea, and all that is in it, the coastlands, and those who live there (0)

Alternate translation: “and all the creatures that live in the sea, and all those who live on the coastlands”

Isaiah 42:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let the desert and the cities cry out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the people who live in the desert and the cities.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Kedar (0)

This is a city north of Arabia. See how this was translated in Isaiah 21:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sela (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

a city in Edom

Isaiah 42:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let them give glory (0)

Here “them” refers to the people along the coastlands.

Isaiah 42:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will go out as a warrior; as a man of war (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Yahweh is compared with a warrior who is ready to defeat his people’s enemies. (See also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will stir up his zeal (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 42:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have kept quiet for a long time; I have been still and restrained myself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two lines share similar meanings. Yahweh’s inactivity is described as quietness and stillness.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have been still and restrained myself (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will cry out like a woman in labor; I will gasp and pant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

Isaiah 42:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will lay waste mountains … will dry up the marshes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh uses this metaphorical language to describe his great power to conquer his enemies.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the marshes (0)

A marsh is an area of soft, wet land with pools of water.

Isaiah 42:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will bring the blind by a way that they do not know; in paths that they do not know I will lead them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “I will lead the blind in paths that they do not know”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the blind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of his people being helpless as if they could not see because they were blind.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that they do not know (0)

This could mean: (1) “that they have never traveled” or (2) “with which they are unfamiliar.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will turn the darkness into light before them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 42:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will be turned back, they will be completely put to shame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 42:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you deaf … you blind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 42:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who is blind but my servant? Or deaf like my messenger I send? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who is as blind as my covenant partner, or blind as Yahweh’s servant? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 42:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You see many things, but do not comprehend (0)

Alternate translation: “Although you see many things, you do not understand what they mean”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ears are open, but no one hears (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 42:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It pleased Yahweh to praise his justice and to make his law glorious (0)

“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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But this is a people robbed and plundered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: robbed and plundered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how badly the enemy had plundered them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they are all trapped in pits, held captive in prisons (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 42:23

General Information:

Here Isaiah begins speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who among you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel.

Isaiah 42:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who gave Jacob over to the robber, and Israel to the looters? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Was it not Yahweh … refused to obey? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: against whom we have sinned (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here the word “we” refers to the people of Israel and to Isaiah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in whose ways they refused to walk, and whose law they refused to obey (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 42:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Therefore he (0)

Alternate translation: “Therefore Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he poured out on them his fierce anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on them (0)

“against us.” Here “them” refers to the people of Israel, but Isaiah still included himself as part of the people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and the violence of war (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The word “devastation” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “by devastating them with war”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Its flames encircled them … it consumed them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Isaiah speaks of Yahweh’s fierce anger as if it were a fire that burned the people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they did not take it to heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Both clauses mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “the one who created you, O people of Israel”

Isaiah 43:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you pass through the waters … the flames will not destroy you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Merism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two statements mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people will experience no harm because Yahweh is with them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will not be burned (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 43:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that Yahweh will allow Israel’s enemy to conquer these nations instead of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Seba (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the name of a nation.

Isaiah 43:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Since you are precious and special in my sight (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: therefore I will give people in exchange for you, and other peoples in exchange for your life (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Both phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “therefore I will let the enemy conquer other peoples instead of you”

Isaiah 43:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

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”

Isaiah 43:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: say to the north … to the south (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh speaks to “the north” and “the south” as if commanding the nations in those locations. (See also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my sons … my daughters (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the people who belong to him as if they were his children.

Isaiah 43:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: everyone who is called by my name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whom I have formed, yes, whom I have made (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Both of these mean the same thing and emphasize that it is God who made the people of Israel.

Isaiah 43:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the people who are blind … the deaf (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of those who do not listen to him or obey him as if they were blind and deaf.

Isaiah 43:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who among them could have declared this and announced to us earlier events? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “None of their gods could have declared this or announced to us earlier events.” (See also: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: announced to us earlier events (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let them bring their witnesses to prove themselves right, let them listen and affirm, ‘It is true.’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

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’”

Isaiah 43:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You … my servant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. The phrase “my servant” refers to the nation, as a whole.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Before me … after me (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Before me there was no god formed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there will be none after me (0)

Alternate translation: “none of those gods will exist after me”

Isaiah 43:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I, I am Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The word “I” is repeated to emphasize the focus on Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I alone am Yahweh” or “I myself am Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there is no savior but me (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: no one can rescue anyone from my hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word “hand” represents Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “no one can rescue anyone from my power”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who can turn it back? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses this question to say that no one can turn back his hand. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question 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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 43:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I send to Babylon and lead them all down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The object of the verb “send” may be supplied in translation. Alternate translation: “I send an army to Babylon”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lead them all down as fugitives (0)

Alternate translation: “lead all of the Babylonians down as fugitives”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fugitives (0)

A fugitive is a person who runs away so that his enemy will not capture him.

Isaiah 43:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who opened a way … mighty waters (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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.

Isaiah 43:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who led out … a burning wick (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They fell down together; they will never rise again (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Euphemism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they are extinguished, quenched like a burning wick (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 43:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not think about these former things, nor consider the things of long ago. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that they are not to worry about what happened in the past.

Isaiah 43:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

This word is used to draw attention to the important information that follows. Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: do you not perceive it? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses a question to teach the people of Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “surely you have noticed it.”

Isaiah 43:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: wild animals of the field will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Here animals honor Yahweh as if they were people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the jackals and the ostriches (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

Isaiah 43:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sweet-smelling cane (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: burdened me with your sins, you have wearied me with your evil deeds (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These both mean the same thing and emphasize the complaint Yahweh has with his people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: burdened me with your sins (0)

Alternate translation: “troubled me with your sins”

Isaiah 43:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I, yes, I (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The word “I” is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “I alone”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who blots out your offenses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for my own sake (0)

Alternate translation: “for my own honor” or “for my own reputation”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call to mind (0)

Alternate translation: “remember”

Isaiah 43:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: present your cause, that you may be proved innocent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that you may be proved innocent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 43:27

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your first father sinned (0)

This refers to the founder of Israel and may represent either Abraham or Jacob.

Isaiah 43:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will hand Jacob over to complete destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Abstract Nouns)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Israel to abusive humiliation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: 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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jacob my servant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to Jacob’s descendants. Alternate translation: “descendants of Jacob, my servants”

Isaiah 44:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he who made you and formed you in the womb (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen, do not fear”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jeshurun (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This also refers to the people of Israel.

Isaiah 44:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will pour water on the thirsty ground, and flowing streams on the dry ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the thirsty ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Dry ground is spoken of as if it were a thirsty person. Alternate translation: “the dry ground” (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will pour my Spirit on your offspring (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my blessing on your children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

Isaiah 44:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will spring up among the grass, like willows by the streams of water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The people of Israel being prosperous and multiplying is spoken of as if they were plants that grow because they have plenty of water.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: willows (0)

A willow is a tree with thin branches that grows near the water.

Isaiah 44:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: another will call out the name of Jacob (0)

Alternate translation: “another person will say he is a descendant of Jacob”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: name himself by the name of Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “call himself a descendant of Israel”

Isaiah 44:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his Redeemer (0)

Alternate translation: “Israel’s Redeemer”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am the first, and I am the last (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

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.”

Isaiah 44:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who is like me? Let him announce (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no one like him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “If anyone thinks he is like me, let him announce”

Isaiah 44:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not fear or be afraid (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Yahweh uses two similar expressions in order to strengthen his encouragement. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Have I not declared to you long ago, and announced it? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who predicted the events that have now happened. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. The word “announced” means basically the same thing as “declared.” Alternate translation: “I declared these things to you long ago.” (See also: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is there any God besides me? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses a question again to emphasize that there is no other God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no God besides me.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There is no other Rock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 44:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the things they delight in are worthless (0)

Alternate translation: “the idols they delight in are worthless”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their witnesses cannot see or know anything (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will be put to shame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 44:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who would form a god or cast an idol that is worthless? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh is using this question to rebuke those who make idols. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Only fools would form a god or cast an idol that is worthless.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cast an idol that is worthless (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

The word “worthless” does not distinguish worthless idols from idols that have worth, because all idols are worthless. Alternate translation: “cast worthless idols”

Isaiah 44:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all his associates (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be put to shame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let them take their stand together (0)

Alternate translation: “Let them all come together before me”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will cower (0)

“they will be terrified.” To “cower” is to bend over in fear.

Isaiah 44:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: forming it (0)

Alternate translation: “forming the idol” or “creating the idol”

Isaiah 44:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with a line (0)

A string was used to outline the shape of the idol in the wood.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stylus (0)

This is a sharp tool to scratch the wood so the craftsman can see where to cut.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a compass (0)

This is a tool with two points that spread out used to help mark the wood to make the idol.

Isaiah 44:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He cuts down (0)

Alternate translation: “The carpenter cuts down” or “the woodcarver cuts down”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cypress tree (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

a tall evergreen tree

Isaiah 44:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then a man uses it (0)

Alternate translation: “The man uses the wood”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he makes an idol and bows down to it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This part of the sentence says basically the same as the first to emphasize it.

Isaiah 44:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for their eyes are blind and cannot see (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of those who cannot understand the foolishness of worshiping idols as if they were blind.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for their eyes are blind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “their eyes” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “for they are blind”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their hearts cannot perceive (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the people are represented by their “hearts.” Alternate translation: “they cannot understand”

Isaiah 44:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Now should I make … something disgusting to worship? Should I bow down to a block of wood? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind these questions as statements. Alternate translation: “I should not now make … something disgusting to worship. I should not bow down to a block of wood.”

Isaiah 44:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It is as if he were eating ashes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his deceived heart misleads him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The heart represents the inner person. Alternate translation: “he misleads himself because he is deceived”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He cannot rescue himself (0)

Alternate translation: “The person who worships idols cannot save himself”

Isaiah 44:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jacob, and Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to people descended from Jacob, Israel. Alternate translation: “you descendants of Israel” (See also: Doublet)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will not be forgotten by me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 44:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your rebellious deeds, and like a cloud, your sins (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a cloud, your sins (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “like a cloud, I have blotted out your sins”

Isaiah 44:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sing, you heavens … glory in Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

Here Isaiah speaks various parts of creation as if they were people and commands them to praise Yawheh. (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you depths of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

“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.

Isaiah 44:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Redeemer (0)

See how you translated this word in Isaiah 41:14.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he who formed you from the womb (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who alone stretched out the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

Isaiah 44:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: omens (0)

These are signs that people used to attempt to predict the future.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the empty talkers (0)

This refers to people who say things that are meaningless.

Isaiah 44:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who confirmed the words of his servant and brings to pass the predictions of his messengers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Yahweh is saying the same thing twice to emphasize that it is only he, Yahweh, who causes the prophesies to be fulfilled.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the words of his servant … the predictions of his messengers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract nouns “words” and “predictions” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “what his servant declares … what his messengers announce”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: She will be inhabited (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will be built again (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will raise up their ruins (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 44:28

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He is my shepherd (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of Cyrus ruling and protecting the people of Israel as if Cyrus is their shepherd.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: She will be rebuilt (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let its foundations be laid (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: whose right hand I hold (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh helping Cyrus and causing him to be successful is spoken of as if he were holding his right hand.

Isaiah 45:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: level the mountains (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of removing obstacles that would hinder Cyrus’s success as if it were leveling mountains before him.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the mountains (0)

The Hebrew word used in the text is rare and is of an uncertain meaning. Some modern versions have “rough places” or “crooked places.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their iron bars (0)

This refers to the iron bars on the bronze gates.

Isaiah 45:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the treasures of darkness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here “darkness” refers to places that are secret. Alternate translation: “treasures in dark places” or “the treasures in secret places”

Isaiah 45:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jacob … Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These both refer to the descendants of Israel. (See also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 45:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will arm you for battle (0)

This could mean: (1) “I will strengthen you for battle” or (2) “I will equip you for battle.”

Isaiah 45:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the rising of the sun, and from the west (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Since the sun rises in the east, this phrase forms a merism and means everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: “from every place on earth”

Isaiah 45:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I form the light and create darkness; I bring peace and create disaster (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Both of these expressions form merisms that emphasize that Yahweh is sovereign creator of everything.

Isaiah 45:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You heavens, rain down from above … righteousness spring up together with it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

Yahweh momentarily turns his attention from his people and begins to speak to the heavens.

Isaiah 45:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: any other earthen pot among all the earthen pots in the ground (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: earthen pot (0)

This could mean: (1) “clay pot” or (2) “piece of broken clay pottery.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Does the clay say to the potter … on it’? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!’”

Isaiah 45:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Woe to him who says to a father, & ‘What are you giving birth to?’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of those who would argue him as if they were unborn children who argue with their own parents.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: What are you fathering? & What are you giving birth to? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 45:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Why do you ask questions about what I will do for my children? Do you tell me what to do concerning the work of my hands? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my children (0)

This refers to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the work of my hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the word “hands” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the things that I have made”

Isaiah 45:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It was my hands that (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the word “hands” represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: “It was I who”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stretched out the heavens (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I stirred Cyrus up in righteousness (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I stirred Cyrus (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of causing Cyrus to act as if it were stirring him from slumber.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will smooth out all his paths (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of removing obstacles and causing Cyrus to be successful as if he were making the paths smooth on which Cyrus walks.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He will build my city (0)

This refers to Jerusalem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: not for price nor bribe (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 45:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The earnings of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush with the Sabeans, men of tall stature, will be brought to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The earnings of Egypt (0)

Alternate translation: “The profits of Egypt”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sabeans (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are people from the nation of Seba.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” refers to the people of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 45:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will all be ashamed and disgraced together; those who carve idols will walk in humiliation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two lines share similar meanings, with the second clarifying the subject of the first.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will all be ashamed and disgraced together (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will walk in humiliation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Living in continual humiliation is spoken of as if it were walking in humiliation. Alternate translation: “will be continually humiliated”

Isaiah 45:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Israel will be saved by Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will never again be ashamed or humiliated (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Doublet)

Isaiah 45:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: not as a waste (0)

“not to be empty.” Here the word “waste” refers to an empty, barren place.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but designed it to be inhabited (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 45:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: refugees (0)

people who have fled from their homes so the enemy will not capture or kill them

Isaiah 45:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let them conspire together (0)

Here the word “them” refers to the refugees from among the nations who worship idols.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who has shown this from long ago? Who announced it? Was it not I, Yahweh? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 45:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Turn to me and be saved (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 “all the farthest places of the earth” or “the entire earth” (See also: Merism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 45:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: To me every knee will bend, every tongue will swear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The words “knee” and “tongue” represent the people. Alternate translation: “Every person will kneel before me, and everyone will swear”

Isaiah 45:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will say (0)

All the people on the earth are speaking.

Isaiah 45:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In Yahweh all the descendants of Israel will be justified (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols … for weary animals (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Bel … Nebo (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These were the two primary gods whom the Babylonians worshiped.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their idols (0)

the idols that represented Bel and Nebo

Isaiah 46:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they cannot rescue the images (0)

Alternate translation: “Bel and Nebo cannot rescue their images”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they themselves have gone off into captivity (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Isaiah speaks of people carrying off these idols as if the false gods whom they represent are being carried off to captivity.

Isaiah 46:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Listen to me (0)

Here “me” refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who have been carried by me from before your birth, carried from the womb (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who have been carried by me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 46:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Even to your old age I am he, and until your hair is gray I will carry you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the nation of Israel becoming very old as if it were an old man with gray hair.

Isaiah 46:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: To whom will you compare me? Who do you think I resemble, so that we may be compared? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that we may be compared (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 46:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They lift it (0)

“They” refers to the people who make idols and “it” refers to the idol that they have created.

Isaiah 46:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I announce the end from the beginning, and beforehand what has not yet happened (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 46:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I call a bird of prey from the east (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have spoken; I will also accomplish it; I have purposed, I will also do it. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This repeats the same idea for emphasis.

Isaiah 46:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who are far from doing what is right (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the people stubbornly doing wrong as if they were physically far away from doing the right thing.

Isaiah 46:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my salvation does not wait (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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 can express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “I will not wait to save you” (See also: 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

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

General Information:

In this chapter, Yahweh speaks to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground … daughter of the Chaldeans. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Sitting in the dust was a sign of humiliation. (See also: Symbolic Action)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: virgin daughter of Babylon … daughter of the Chaldeans (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: without a throne (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “throne” refers to the power to rule. Alternate translation: “without the power to rule”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will no longer be called dainty and delicate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: dainty and delicate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words share similar meanings. They describe one who is beautiful and lives in luxury. Alternate translation: “very beautiful” or “very luxurious”

Isaiah 47:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: millstone (0)

a large stone used to grind grain

Isaiah 47:3

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your nakedness will be uncovered (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your shame will be seen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 47:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Our Redeemer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

“Our” refers to Isaiah and the people of Israel. See how you translated “Redeemer” in Isaiah 41:14.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:24.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 5:16.

Isaiah 47:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: daughter of the Chaldeans (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for you will no longer be called (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: queen of kingdoms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of Babylon being the capital city of the Babylonian empire as if it were a queen who ruled many kingdoms.

Isaiah 47:6

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I was angry (0)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I defiled my heritage (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gave them over into your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word “hand” represents Babylon’s power or control. Alternate translation: “I put them under your power”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you placed a very heavy yoke on the old people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 47:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will rule forever as sovereign queen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Babylon speaks of permanently ruling over many nations as if she were a queen who would rule forever.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You did not take these things to heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 47:8

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you who love pleasure (0)

“you luxurious one.” This refers to the many luxuries that Babylon enjoyed.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sit securely (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will never sit as a widow … loss of children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will never sit as a widow (0)

Alternate translation: “I will never become a widow”

Isaiah 47:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in a moment in one day (0)

Alternate translation: “suddenly at the same time”

Isaiah 47:10

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you say in your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word “heart” refers to the inner person. Alternate translation: “you say to yourself”

Isaiah 47:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Disaster will overcome you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of disaster as if it were a person who captures Babylon. Alternate translation: “You will experience disaster”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Destruction will fall on you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Calamity will strike you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of Babylon experiencing calamity as if calamity were a person who strikes Babylon. Alternate translation: “You will experience calamity”

Isaiah 47:12

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Persist in casting your spells … perhaps you will scare away disaster (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

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.

Isaiah 47:14

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated. (See also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will become like stubble. The fire will burn them up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hand of the flame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word “hand” represents strength. Alternate translation: “the power of the flame”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There are no coals to warm them and no fire for them to sit by (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Hear this (0)

“Listen to my message.” Yahweh is speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: house of Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “house” refers to the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “descendants of Jacob”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who are called by the name Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: have come from the sperm of Judah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This phrase emphasizes that they are the direct, physical descendants of Judah. Alternate translation: “are the descendants of Judah”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: invoke the God of Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “call on the God of Israel”

Isaiah 48:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they call themselves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “you call yourselves”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the holy city (0)

This refers to Jerusalem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 48:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they came out from my mouth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

“Mouth” refers to someone speaking. Alternate translation: “I spoke these things”

Isaiah 48:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your neck muscles tight as iron, and your forehead like bronze (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 48:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I declared these things to you beforehand; before they happened I informed you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This is saying the same thing twice for emphasis.

Isaiah 48:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will you not admit what I said is true? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 48:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: these things were not unfolded to your ears beforehand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Synecdoche and Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from birth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the nation’s beginning as if it were its birth.

Isaiah 48:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For the sake of my name I will defer my anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word “name” refers to Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “For the sake of my reputation I will delay my anger”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for my honor I will hold back from destroying you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This part of the sentence means basically the same thing as the first part.

Isaiah 48:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look, I refined you, but not as silver; I have purified you in the furnace of affliction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 48:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for how can I allow my name to be profaned? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 48:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Jacob, and Israel (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Both of these refer to the people of Israel. (See also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am the first, I also am the last (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

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.

Isaiah 48:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “hand” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I laid the foundation of the earth, and I spread out the heavens”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the foundation of the earth (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: spread out the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when I call to them, they stand up together (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when I call to them (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who among you has announced these things? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh’s ally will accomplish his purpose against Babylon. He will carry out Yahweh’s will against the Chaldeans (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Here “ally” refers to Cyrus. Both of these sentences mean the same thing and are used for emphasis.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his purpose (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s purpose”

Isaiah 48:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I, I (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The word “I” is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “I myself”

Isaiah 48:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have not spoken in secret (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I have spoken plainly and clearly”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sent me (0)

Here “me” refers to an unknown servant of Yahweh, maybe Isaiah or Cyrus or the promised Messiah.

Isaiah 48:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your Redeemer … your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “your” refers to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Redeemer (0)

See how you translated this word in Isaiah 41:14.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who leads you by the way that you should go (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh teaching the people how they should live is spoken of as if he were leading them to walk on the correct paths.

Isaiah 48:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: If only you had obeyed my commandments (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Yahweh describes something that could have happened but did not.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then your peace and prosperity would have flowed like a river, and your salvation like the waves of the sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

These two phrases share similar meanings. In both, Yahweh speaks of Israel’s experiencing abundant blessings as if those blessings flowed like water. (See also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your salvation like the waves of the sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “your salvation would have flowed like the waves of the sea”

Isaiah 48:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your descendants would have been as numerous as the sand, and the children from your womb as numerous as the grains of sand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These both mean that the people would have had more descendants than they could count.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the children from your womb (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the descendants of the people of Israel as if they were children to which the nation gives birth.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their name would not have been cut off nor blotted out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word “name” refers to the descendants who would carry on the name of Israel. Alternate translation: “they”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: cut off nor blotted out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two expressions in this context refer to destroying the people. Alternate translation: “destroyed”

Isaiah 48:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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. Alternate translation: “to all the farthest places of the earth” or “to the entire earth” (See also: Merism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his servant Jacob (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel, his servants”

Isaiah 48:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They did not thirst … the waters gushed out (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Listen to me (0)

Here “me” refers to Yahweh’s servant.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you coastlands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the people who live on the coastlands. Alternate translation: “you who live on the coastlands”

Isaiah 49:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He has made my mouth like a sharp sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he hid me in the shadow of his hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh protecting his servant and keeping his purpose secret is spoken of as if Yahweh’s hand cast a shadow over him.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has made me into a polished arrow; in his quiver he has hidden me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in his quiver he has hidden me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh protecting his servant and keeping his purpose secret is spoken of as if Yahweh kept him hidden in a quiver.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: quiver (0)

a case used to carry arrows

Isaiah 49:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He said (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh said”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You are my servant, Israel (0)

Alternate translation: “You are my servant, whom I call Israel”

Isaiah 49:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that Israel would be gathered to him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I am honored in the eyes of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 49:6

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Quote: I will make you a light to the Gentiles (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: to the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Merism)

Isaiah 49:7

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Quote: Redeemer (0)

See how you translated this word in Isaiah 41:14.

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Quote: to the one whose life is despised, hated by the nations, and a slave of rulers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this phrase in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 49:8

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Quote: At a time I decide to show my favor I will answer you, and in a day of salvation I will help you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing.

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Quote: I will answer you (0)

Here “you” refers to Yahweh’s servant.

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Quote: in a day of salvation (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The word “salvation” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “when the time comes for me to save you”

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Quote: give you as a covenant for the people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

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Quote: to rebuild the land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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Quote: to reassign the desolate inheritance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 49:9

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Quote: They will graze along the roads, and on all the bare slopes will be their pasture (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the people living freely and prosperously as if they were sheep that had plenty of pasture in which to graze.

Isaiah 49:10

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Quote: They will not (0)

Here “they” refers to God’s people.

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Quote: nor will the heat or sun beat on them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

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 also: Metaphor)

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Quote: for he who has mercy on them … he will guide them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 49:11

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Quote: I will make all my mountains into a road, and make my highways level (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of guiding his people safely and removing obstacles from their path as if he turned mountains into roads and level highways.

Isaiah 49:12

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Quote: the land of Sinim (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The location of this place is uncertain, but it may refer to a region in the southern part of Egypt.

Isaiah 49:13

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Quote: Sing, heavens, and be joyful, earth; break into singing, you mountains! (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

Isaiah turns his attention from the people of Israel and speaks to the heavens, earth, and mountains as if they were people. (See also: Personification)

Isaiah 49:14

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Quote: But Zion said (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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.

Isaiah 49:15

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Quote: Can a woman forget her baby, nursing at her breast, so she does not have compassion on the son she has borne? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 49:16

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Quote: I have inscribed your name on my palms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of his unwavering devotion to Zion as if he had written her name on the palms of his hands.

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Quote: your walls are continually before me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 49:17

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Quote: Your children are hurrying back (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 49:18

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Quote: you will surely wear them like jewelry, and you will put them on like a bride (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the inhabitants of Zion as if they were jewelry that the city wears to show her beauty and joy.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will put them on like a bride (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

Isaiah 49:19

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Quote: Though you were a waste and desolate (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who devoured you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The enemy destroying Zion is spoken of as if they had devoured it. Alternate translation: “those who destroyed you”

Isaiah 49:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The children born during the time of your bereavement (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The place is too cramped for us (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who has borne these children for me? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I was bereaved and barren, exiled and divorced (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zion describes herself as a woman incapable of having more children. She indicates the reasons for her great surprise.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I was bereaved and barren (0)

Alternate translation: “I was mourning over my dead children and unable to have more”

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Quote: exiled and divorced (0)

Alternate translation: “I was sent away, without a husband”

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Quote: Who has raised these children? Look, I was left all alone; where did these come from? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 49:22

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Quote: I will raise my hand to the nations; I will raise my signal flag to the peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

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Quote: They will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 49:23

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Quote: Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursemaids (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: they will bow down to you with their faces to the earth and lick the dust of your feet (0)

These phrases describe gestures that people used to express complete submission to a superior.

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Quote: lick the dust of your feet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will not be put to shame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 49:24

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Can the spoils be taken from the warrior, or captives be rescued from the fierce? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: spoils (0)

valuable items taken from the losers in a battle

Isaiah 49:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the captives will be taken away from the warrior, and spoils will be rescued (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will … save your children (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of the people who will inhabit Zion as if they were the city’s children.

Isaiah 49:26

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will get drunk on their own blood, as if it were wine (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

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

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Quote: Where is the certificate of divorce with which I divorced your mother? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Where is the certificate of divorce with which I divorced your mother? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: To which of my creditors did I sell you? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh speaks of sending the people into exile as if he were selling them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: To which of my creditors did I sell you? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you were sold because of your sins, and because of your rebellion, your mother was sent away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 50:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Why did I come but there was no one there? Why did I call but no one answered? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Was my hand too short to ransom you? Was there no power in me to rescue you? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Rhetorical Question)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Was my hand too short (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Was there no power in me (0)

Alternate translation: “Did I not have the power”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I make the rivers a desert (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their fish die for lack of water and rot (0)

“their fish die and rot for lack of water.” The word “their” refers to the sea and the rivers.

Isaiah 50:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I clothe the sky with darkness; I cover it with sackcloth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Parallelism)

Isaiah 50:4

General Information:

Yahweh’s servant begins to speak.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The Lord Yahweh has given me a tongue as one of those who are taught (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he awakens my ear to hear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like those who are taught (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 50:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away backward (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 50:6

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Quote: I gave my back to those who beat me, and my cheeks to those who plucked out my beard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I did not hide my face from acts of shame and spitting (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Hiding one’s face means to protect oneself. Alternate translation: “I did not defend myself when they mocked me and spat on me”

Isaiah 50:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: therefore I am not disgraced (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so I have made my face like flint (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for I know that I will not be put to shame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

Isaiah 50:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who will oppose me? Let us stand … Who is my accuser? Let him come (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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”

Isaiah 50:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who will declare me guilty? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will all wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 50:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who among you fears Yahweh? Who obeys the voice of his servant? Who walks in deep darkness without light? He should … his God. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: obeys the voice of his servant (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word “voice” represents what the servant says. Alternate translation: “obeys his servant”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: walks in deep darkness without light (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: trust in the name of Yahweh and lean on his God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Isaiah 50:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all you who light fires … flames that you have ignited (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will lie down in a place of pain (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

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 also: 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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Listen to me (0)

Here the word “me” refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: look at the rock … and to the quarry (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Looking at something represents thinking about it. Alternate translation: “think about the rock … and the quarry”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the rock from which you were chiseled and to the quarry from which you were cut (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the rock from which you were chiseled (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: chiseled (0)

Alternate translation: “cut with a chisel” or “cut”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the quarry from which you were cut (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 51:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Abraham, your father (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

God speaks of their ancestor as if he were their father. Alternate translation: “Abraham, your forefather” or “Abraham, your ancestor”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sarah, who bore you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when he was a lone individual (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This means when he did not have any children yet. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “when he had no children”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: made him many (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 51:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh will comfort Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The city of Zion, which is also called Jerusalem, here represents the people of Zion. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will comfort the people of Zion”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will comfort all her waste places (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her waste places … her wilderness … her desert plains (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

The word “her” refers to Zion. Cities are often spoken of as if they were women.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: waste places (0)

places that have been destroyed

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: her wilderness he made like Eden, and her desert plains … like the garden of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Predictive Past)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: joy and gladness will be found in her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 51:4

General Information:

Yahweh speaks to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Be attentive to me … listen to me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean the same thing. Together they strengthen the command to listen.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will make my justice to be a light for the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 51:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My righteousness is near (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my salvation will go out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my arm will judge the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here God’s arm represents his power, and judging represents ruling. Alternate translation: “I will rule the nations with my power”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the coastlands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for my arm they will eagerly wait (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 51:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lift up your eyes to the sky (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Lifting the eyes represents looking at something above. Alternate translation: “Look up at the sky”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like smoke … like a garment … like flies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

All of these refer to things that quickly and easily disappear or become useless.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my salvation will continue forever (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

God’s “salvation” here represents the result of his salvation, which is freedom. Alternate translation: “I will save you, you will be free forever”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my righteousness will never stop working (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

God’s “righteousness” here represents him ruling righteously. Alternate translation: “my righteous rule will never end” or “I will rule righteously forever”

Isaiah 51:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who have my law in your heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor be disheartened by their abuse (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 51:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my righteousness will be forever (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

God’s “righteousness” here represents him ruling righteously. Alternate translation: “my righteous rule will be forever” or “I will rule righteously forever”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: and my salvation to all generations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 51:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, arm of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Awake, awake … arm of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: clothe yourself with strength (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is it not you who crushed Rahab, you who pierced the monster? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Rahab … the monster (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Rahab was the name of this mythological serpent in the sea. Rahab can symbolize either the nation of Egypt or evil and chaos.

Isaiah 51:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Did you not dry up the sea … for the redeemed to pass through? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

Isaiah 51:11

General Information:

This is very similar to Isaiah 35:10.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The ransomed of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

To “ransom” means to “rescue.” This refers to people whom Yahweh has rescued. Alternate translation: “Those whom Yahweh has rescued”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with gladness forever on their heads (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

This uses a person’s head to mean the person as a whole. Alternate translation: “they will be glad forever”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gladness and joy … sorrow and mourning (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words “gladness” and “joy” mean basically the same thing, as do “sorrow” and “mourning.” Together they emphasize the intensity of these emotions.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: gladness and joy will overtake them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sorrow and mourning will flee away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

Isaiah 51:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I, I, am he (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Why are you afraid of men … like grass? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

This rhetorical question emphasizes that people who have the Lord’s protection should not be afraid of human beings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid of men … like grass.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who are made like grass (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who are made like (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 51:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Why have you forgotten Yahweh … earth? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that they should not forget Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You should not have forgotten Yahweh … earth.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Maker (0)

See how you translated this name for Yahweh in Isaiah 17:7.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who stretched out the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the foundations of the earth (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hot fury of the oppressor when he decides to destroy (0)

Alternate translation: “the oppressor’s hot fury when he decides to cause destruction”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: hot fury (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the word “hot” means “strong” or “great.” Alternate translation: “great fury”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Where is the fury of the oppressor? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

Isaiah 51:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The one who is bent down (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to the people of Israel who are slaves of the Babylonians. This phrase describes how they work. Alternate translation: “The slave”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the pit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to Sheol. Alternate translation: “the pit of Sheol” or “the grave”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor will he lack bread (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “bread” represents food in general. This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “nor will he be without food”

Isaiah 51:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who churns up the sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this name for Yahweh in Isaiah 1:9.

Isaiah 51:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have placed my words in your mouth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have covered you in the shadow of my hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that I may plant the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: lay the foundations of the earth (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Awake, awake, stand up, Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Apostrophe)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Awake, awake, stand up (0)

“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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you who have drunk out of the hand of Yahweh … from the cup of staggering (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: down to the dregs (0)

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: out of the hand of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the cup of staggering (0)

Alternate translation: “from the cup that caused you to stagger as if you were drunk on wine”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: staggering (0)

not walking straight, or stumbling while walking

Isaiah 51:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: There is no one … to guide her; there is no one … to take her by the hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 51:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who will grieve with you? & Who will comfort you? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: These two troubles (0)

The two troubles refer to the following two phrases: “desolation and destruction” and “the famine and the sword.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: desolation and destruction (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the famine and the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 51:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they lie at every street corner (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

This is generalization. Many children will lie in the street, but not necessarily on every street corner. Alternate translation: “they lie on the street”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like an antelope in a net (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: antelope (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

This is an animal, similar to a deer, that has horns and runs very fast. Alternate translation: “deer”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they are filled with the anger of Yahweh, the rebuke of your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 51:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you oppressed one and drunken one (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Yahweh uses the word “one” here to refer to all of the oppressed people. Alternate translation: “you oppressed people and drunken people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: drunken one, but not drunk with wine (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 51:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: See, I have taken the cup of staggering from your hand—the bowl, which is the cup of my anger—so that (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: See (0)

This is used to draw the listeners’ attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the cup of staggering (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the bowl, which is the cup of my anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

Isaiah 51:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will put it into the hand of your tormentors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This speaks of Yahweh punishing their enemies as if he were going to force them to drink from the cup filled with his anger.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will put it into the hand of your tormentors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your tormentors (0)

The word “tormentors” may be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: “those who have tormented you” or “those who have caused you to suffer”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you made your back like the ground and like the street for them to walk on (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Awake, awake (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: put on your strength (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Being strong again is spoken of as if strength were clothing that a person puts on. Alternate translation: “be strong”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Zion … Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Apostrophe)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the uncircumcised or the unclean (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

These nominal adjectives can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “Those who are uncircumcised or those who are unclean”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the unclean (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: enter you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Ellipsis)

Isaiah 52:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Shake yourself off from the dust; arise and sit, Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Jerusalem” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “People of Jerusalem, sit up and shake the dirt off of yourself”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: take off the chain from your neck, captive (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: daughter of Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 52:3

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Quote: You were sold for nothing, and you will be redeemed without money (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 52:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In the beginning (0)

Here “beginning” refers to the start of Israel’s history as they were first becoming a people.

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Quote: went down to … Egypt (0)

“went to … Egypt.” It was common to use the phrase “went down” when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.

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Quote: Assyria has oppressed them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Assyria refers to the people of Assyria. Alternate translation: “the people of Assyria have treated them badly”

Isaiah 52:5

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Quote: Now what do I have here … seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses a question to make the people pay attention to what he is about to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Now look at what is happening … my people are again taken away for nothing.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: seeing that my people are taken away for nothing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for nothing (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: Those who rule over them mock (0)

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.

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Quote: my name is blasphemed continually all day long (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 52:6

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Quote: Therefore my people will know my name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “Therefore my people will truly know who I am”

Isaiah 52:7

General Information:

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel.

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Quote: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

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Quote: to Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Zion” represents the people of Zion. Alternate translation: “to the people of Zion”

Isaiah 52:8

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Quote: raise their voices (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “shout loudly”

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Quote: every eye of theirs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here “eye” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “every one of them”

Isaiah 52:9

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Quote: you ruins of Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

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”

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Quote: he has redeemed Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “Jerusalem” represents the people. Alternate translation: “he has redeemed the people of Jerusalem”

Isaiah 52:10

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Quote: bared his holy arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Metaphor)

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Quote: all the nations; all the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “nations” and “earth” represent the people of all the nations all over the earth.

Isaiah 52:11

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Quote: Leave, leave (0)

This word is repeated to emphasize that the people must indeed leave, although not necessarily right away.

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Quote: go out from there (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

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Quote: touch nothing unclean (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: leave from her midst (0)

Here “her” represents Babylon.

Isaiah 52:12

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Quote: Yahweh will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearguard (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 52:13

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Quote: he will be high and lifted up, and he will be exalted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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 also: Parallelism)

Isaiah 52:14

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Quote: his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 52:15

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Quote: my servant will sprinkle many nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

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Quote: will sprinkle (0)

The Hebrew word translated “sprinkle” here can also be translated as “surprise” or “startle,” which some versions of the Bible do.

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Quote: many nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “nations” represents the people of the nations.

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Quote: kings will shut their mouths (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase “shut their mouths” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “kings will stop talking” or “kings will be silent”

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Quote: that which they had not been told (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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

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Quote: Who has believed what they heard from us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

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 also: Rhetorical Question)

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Quote: to whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Active or Passive and Rhetorical Question)

Isaiah 53:2

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Quote: For he grew up before Yahweh like a sapling (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Here “he” refers to God’s servant whom Isaiah compares to a very young tree. This emphasizes that he will appear weak.

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Quote: out of parched earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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”

Isaiah 53:3

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Quote: He was despised and rejected by people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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Quote: a man of sorrows (0)

Alternate translation: “a man knowing all kinds of sadness”

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Quote: from whom men hide their faces (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he was despised (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 53:4

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Quote: he has borne our sicknesses and carried our sorrows (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

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Quote: yet we thought he was being punished by God, struck by God, and afflicted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 53:5

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Quote: But he was pierced because of our rebellious deeds; he was crushed because of our sins (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The punishment for our peace was on him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to peace with God. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “He accepted this punishment so we could live in harmony”

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Quote: with his wounds we are healed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 53:6

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Quote: We all like sheep have gone astray (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Sheep often leave the path on which the shepherd leads them. Isaiah means that we do what we want instead of what God commands.

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Quote: the iniquity of us all (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Our “iniquity” here represents the guilt for our sin. Alternate translation: “the guilt for the sin of every one of us”

Isaiah 53:7

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Quote: He was oppressed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he did not open his mouth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“Mouth” represents what a person says. Opening one’s mouth means to speak. Alternate translation: “he did not protest”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is silent (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Isaiah compares the servant to a lamb and a sheep to emphasize that he will remain silent as people harm and humiliate him.

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Quote: as a lamb that is led to the slaughter (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 53:8

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Quote: By coercion and judgment he was condemned (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: coercion (0)

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.

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Quote: who from that generation thought anymore about him? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who from that generation thought anymore about him? (0)

Many versions interpret this passage in Hebrew differently: “Who can say anything about his descendants?” or “Who can say anything about his fate?”

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Quote: But he was cut off from the land of the living (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

“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 also: Idiom)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: of my people (0)

Alternate translation: “of the people of Israel”

Isaiah 53:9

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Quote: nor had there been any deceit in his mouth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“Mouth” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “nor did he deceive anyone when he spoke”

Isaiah 53:10

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Quote: he will see his offspring (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, “offspring” means those people that Yahweh has forgiven because of the servant’s sacrifice.

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Quote: he will prolong his days (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This speaks of making him live for more time. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make his servant live again”

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Quote: Yahweh’s purpose will be accomplished through him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 53:11

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Quote: After the suffering of his life (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “his life” refers to the servant. Alternate translation: “After the servant has suffered”

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Quote: he will see light (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Many versions understand “light” here to stand for life. That is, the servant will become alive again.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My righteous servant (0)

Here “my” refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will bear their iniquities (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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” * 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

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Quote: Therefore will I give him his portion among the multitudes, and he will divide the spoils with the many (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the multitudes (0)

Many versions interpret this expression as “the many” or “the strong.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: because he exposed himself to death (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: was numbered with the transgressors (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

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

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Quote: you barren woman … children of the married woman (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: break into joyful singing and cry aloud, you who have never been in birth labor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

This statement means the same thing as the first part of the sentence.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For the children of the desolate one are more (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the desolate one (0)

Here “desolate” means that the woman’s husband had rejected and abandoned her

Isaiah 54:2

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Quote: Make your tent larger … strengthen your stakes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 54:3

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Quote: For you will spread out (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

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 also: Synecdoche)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will conquer nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “nations” represents the people. Alternate translation: “will conquer the people of other nations”

Isaiah 54:4

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Quote: you will forget the shame of your youth and the disgrace of your abandonment (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 54:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For your Maker is your husband (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh loving and taking care of his people is spoken of as if he were their husband.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Maker (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 17:7.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh of hosts (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:24.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 5:16.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Redeemer (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 41:14.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he is called the God of the whole earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 54:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh has called you back as a wife … like a woman married young and rejected (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: grieved in spirit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “spirit” represents a person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “grieved” or “made sad”

Isaiah 54:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In a flood of anger (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh being very angry is spoken of as if his anger were a flood that overwhelms people. Alternate translation: “When I was very angry”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I hid my face from you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “hid my face” is an idiom that means God abandoned his people and let them suffer. Alternate translation: “I abandoned you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but with everlasting covenant faithfulness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you can 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: says Yahweh, the one who rescues you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 54:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the waters of Noah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to the flood that Yahweh caused during the time of Noah.

Isaiah 54:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Though the mountains may fall and the hills be shaken, yet my steadfast love (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the hills be shaken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my steadfast love will not turn away from you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor will my covenant of peace be shaken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: says Yahweh, who has mercy on you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 54:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Afflicted one (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

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 also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: storm-driven (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: uncomforted one (0)

Alternate translation: “without comfort”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will set your pavement in turquoise … lay your foundations with sapphires (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: turquoise … sapphires (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These are precious gemstones. Turquoise is light blue-to-green, sapphires are typically dark blue.

Isaiah 54:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will make … beautiful stones (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: rubies (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These precious gemstones are red to pink.

Isaiah 54:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then all your children will be taught by Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh speaks of himself in the third person. It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “by me, Yahweh”

Isaiah 54:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In righteousness you will be established (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you can 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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will not come near to you (0)

No one in the city or outsiders will ever terrify the inhabitants of Jerusalem again.

Isaiah 54:15

General Information:

Yahweh continue speaking to the people of Jerusalem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: stirs up trouble (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “causes trouble” or “troubles you”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will fall in defeat (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you will defeat them in battle”

Isaiah 54:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: No weapon that is formed against you will succeed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: This is the heritage of the servants of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The reward that Yahweh will give to those who serve him is spoken of as if the reward were something they would inherit.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

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

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

General Information:

Yahweh speaks of blessing the people freely as if he were selling food and drink to needy people for free.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Jerusalem in exile through Isaiah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Come … Come (0)

The repetition of this word four times adds a sense of urgency to the invitation.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: buy wine and milk without money and without cost (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

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.

Isaiah 55:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Why do you weigh out … bread, and why do you labor … satisfy? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: weigh out silver (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This refers to counting silver coins in order to pay someone for something. Alternate translation: “pay money”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for what is not bread (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: eat what is good, and delight yourselves in fatness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The people trusting Yahweh for blessing and happiness is spoken of as if they are eating good food that is making them happy.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in fatness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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”

Isaiah 55:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Turn your ears (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Listening to or paying attention to someone is spoken of as if it were turning one’s ears to someone. Alternate translation: “Pay attention”

Isaiah 55:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have placed him (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 55:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Seek Yahweh while he may be found (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 55:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Let the wicked leave his path (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the man of sin his thoughts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “let the sinful man leave his thoughts”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his thoughts (0)

This could mean: (1) “the way he thinks” or (2) “his plans”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he will pity him (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh will pity him”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to our God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The verb may be supplied from the first phrase in this sentence. Alternate translation: “let him return to our God”

Isaiah 55:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 55:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For as the rain and snow … do not return there (0)

This is likely a description of the rain and snow evaporating.

Isaiah 55:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so also my word … it will achieve the purpose for which I sent it (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh speaks of his word as if it were a person whom he sends out as his messenger to accomplish a task. (See also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my word will be that goes from my mouth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the word “mouth” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “the word that I speak”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: it will not return to me empty (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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”

Isaiah 55:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be led along peacefully (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the mountains and the hills will break out in joyful shouts before you, and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh speaks of the mountains, hills, and trees as if they were people with voices and hands, celebrating as Yahweh rescues his people.

Isaiah 55:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Instead of the thornbushes, the cypress will grow; and instead of the brier, the myrtle tree will grow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for his name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word “name” represents Yahweh’s fame. Alternate translation: “for his fame” or “for his honor”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that will not be cut off (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: 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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for my salvation is near, and my righteousness is about to be revealed. (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 56:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who holds it tightly (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here “holds it tightly” is an idiom that means to continue to observe something. Alternate translation: “who is careful to always do this”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: keeps his hand from doing any evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the “hand” represents the whole person and emphasizes the person’s actions or behaviors. Alternate translation: “does not do evil things”

Isaiah 56:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: See, I am a dry tree (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 56:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in my house and within my walls (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “inside the walls of my temple”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that will never be cut off (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 56:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who love the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh’s “name” represents himself. Alternate translation: “who love Yahweh”

Isaiah 56:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: holy mountain (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will be accepted on my altar (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my house will be called a house of prayer (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 56:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All you wild beasts of the field, come and devour, all you beasts in the forest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

God is calling armies of other nations by comparing them to animals to come and attack the people of Israel.

Isaiah 56:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All their watchmen are blind (0)

This means Israel’s leaders cannot or perhaps do not want to see what is going on in society.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They are all silent dogs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They dream, and lying down they love to sleep (0)

This means the leaders are not bringing God’s word of warning to Israel but prefer their own comfort.

Isaiah 56:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The dogs have big appetites (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh continues comparing Israel’s bad leaders to dogs.

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the people of covenant faithfulness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you can 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: are gathered away … is gathered away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

“die and go away … dies and goes away”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that the righteous is gathered away from the evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 57:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He enters into peace (0)

Alternate translation: “The righteous enter into peace”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they rest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

they die

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who walk in their uprightness (0)

Alternate translation: “those who have done what is right”

Isaiah 57:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But come here (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sons of the sorceress (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This is a strong insult against the people who practice sorcery because sorcery and magic includes idolatry.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: children of the adulterer and the woman who has prostituted herself (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Whom are you merrily mocking? Against whom are you opening the mouth and sticking out the tongue? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Are you not children of rebellion, children of deceit? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

Isaiah 57:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You heat yourselves … under the rocky overhangs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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.

Isaiah 57:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that have been assigned to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: In these things should I take pleasure? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: “Certainly, these things do not please me.”

Isaiah 57:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You prepared your bed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

This refers to sleeping with prostitutes as a part of worshiping false gods.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: on a high mountain (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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.

Isaiah 57:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You made a covenant with them (0)

Alternate translation: “You made a contract with them”

Isaiah 57:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you went down to Sheol (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

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.

Isaiah 57:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You found life in your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

After trying so hard, the idolators found they still had strength to keep going. Here “hand” equals “strength” or “capacity.”

Isaiah 57:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Whom are you worried about? Whom do you fear so much that has caused you to act so deceitfully … about me? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses these questions to scold the people. Alternate translation: “You must really fear these idols for you to act so deceitfully … about me!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so much that you would not remember me or think about me (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that, although the people should have remembered Yahweh, they did not.

Isaiah 57:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will proclaim all your righteous acts and tell all that you have done (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

Yahweh is being sarcastic, calling their evil deeds so-called righteousness.

Isaiah 57:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: let your collection of idols rescue you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony

Yahweh is mocking the people and their idols. He tells the idols to save the people though he knows they cannot.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the wind will carry them all away, a breath will carry them all away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: holy mountain (0)

The “holy mountain” is Mount Zion, in Jerusalem. See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:9.

Isaiah 57:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Build, build! Clear a way! Remove all the stumbling blocks from the path of my people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 57:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For this is what the high and elevated One says (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to revive the spirit of the humble ones, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will strengthen and encourage those who humble themselves before him.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: spirit … heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here these refer to a person’s thoughts and emotions, not the spirit and heart literally.

Isaiah 57:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I hid my face (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This means God gave up on his people and no longer helped or blessed them.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he went backward in the way of his heart (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This means the Israelites kept rejecting the true God for false ones. Here “backward” and “way” are location words representing motivations and feelings.

Isaiah 57:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his ways (0)

“their ways.” Here “his” refers to the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: comfort and console those who mourn for him (0)

Alternate translation: “I will soothe and calm those who feel sad for the people’s suffering because of their sinful behavior”

Isaiah 57:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I create the fruit of the lips (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “fruit of the lips” refers to what a person says. Alternate translation: “I cause them to praise and thank me”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Peace, peace, to those who are far off (0)

“I have made peace with them who are far off.” The word “Peace” is repeated for emphasis.

Isaiah 57:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But the wicked are like the tossing sea … mire and mud (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This compares the wicked to rough water on the shore that makes the water dirty.

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Lift up your voice like a trumpet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means shout loudly. Here “your” refers to Isaiah. (See also: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Confront my people with their rebellion, and the house of Jacob with their sins (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Together they strengthen the urgency to confront Yahweh’s people.

Isaiah 58:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘but you do not see it? Why have we humbled ourselves, but you do not notice?’ (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The people of Israel use questions to complain to God because they feel he is ignoring them.

Isaiah 58:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

“Behold!” or “Pay attention.” Yahweh confronts their questioning by telling them to pay attention.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fist of wickedness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“wicked fist.” This shows that they fight viciously. “Fist” represents anger that is physically violent.

Isaiah 58:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is this really the kind of fast that I would want … under himself? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A day for anybody to humble himself, for him to bow down his head like a reed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means the person is bowing down, but he is not truly humble. “A reed” represents a weak plant that bends easily.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do you really call this a fast, a day that pleases Yahweh? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: “Surely you do not think this kind of fast pleases me!”

Isaiah 58:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is not this the fast that I choose … break every yoke? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: To release wicked bonds, to undo the ropes of the yoke, to set the crushed ones free, and to break every yoke (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

All of these phrases mean they should help those people whom the wicked are hurting and oppressing. (See also: Parallelism)

Isaiah 58:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Is it not to … your house? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses another question to teach the people. Alternate translation: “It is to … your house.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: break your bread (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This phrase represents starting the meal by the host tearing the loaf of bread apart.

Isaiah 58:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then your light would be broken open like the sunrise (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

“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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your healing would quickly sprout up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means God will bless and restore them quickly, as a wound heals quickly.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your righteousness would go before you, and the glory of Yahweh would be your rearguard (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your righteousness (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: then your light will rise in the darkness, and your darkness will be like the noonday (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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.

Isaiah 58:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: satisfy you in regions where there is no water (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“Water” represents all they need for an abundant life even when their surroundings do not have enough.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will be like a watered garden (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

“A watered garden” represents abundance and plenty so they will have all they need.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a spring of water, whose waters never fail (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

“A spring of water” represents a source of abundance in a land where water is precious.

Isaiah 58:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will be called (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 58:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you turn back your feet from traveling on the Sabbath day, and from doing your own pleasure on my holy day (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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”

Isaiah 58:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will make you ride on the heights of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This refers to God exalting the nation in reputation and power in response to living righteously.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The word “mouth” symbolizes what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh has spoken it”

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, deliverer, deliverance, delivered and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Isaiah 59:1

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

“Behold!” or “You should know!” Yahweh tells the people to pay attention.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh’s hand is not so short (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“Hand” represents power and ability. A “short” hand does not have power and ability. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is fully able” (See also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 59:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your … you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

These plural pronouns refer to the people of Israel as a single group.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your sins have made him hide his face from you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

“Face” represents being present and looking upon. Alternate translation: “your sins have made him turn away from you”

Isaiah 59:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For your hands are stained with blood and your fingers with sin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Forms of You)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your lips speak lies and your tongue speaks maliciously (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The parts of the body that make speech represent what people say. Alternate translation: “You speak lies and malicious things”

Isaiah 59:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they conceive trouble and give birth to sin (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“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”

Isaiah 59:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They hatch eggs of a poisonous snake (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: weave a spider’s web (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This represents the deeds of the people that are useless. Alternate translation: “produce things and activities that are useless”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Whoever eats of their eggs dies, and if an egg is crushed, it hatches into a poisonous snake (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if an egg is crushed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 59:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their webs cannot be used for garments, nor can they cover themselves with their works (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their webs cannot be used for garments (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: deeds of violence are in their hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

“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”

Isaiah 59:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their feet run to evil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: are their roads (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“roads” represents their way of life. Alternate translation: “are all they do”

Isaiah 59:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: there is no justice in their paths (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“paths” represents their way of life. Alternate translation: “they never do what is just” or “everything they do is unjust”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They have made crooked paths (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“Crooked paths” represents the way of life that is corrupt. Alternate translation: “They say and do dishonest things. They are devious”

Isaiah 59:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: justice is far from us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We wait for light, but see darkness; we look for brightness, but we walk in darkness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Each of these phrases means that the people are waiting for God’s goodness, but it seems like he has abandoned them. (See also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 59:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We grope for the wall like the blind … like dead men (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

Isaiah 59:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We growl like bears and moan like doves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

These refer to the sounds the people made because they were distressed and mourning.

Isaiah 59:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our many transgressions (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “our” refers to Isaiah and the people of Israel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: before you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our sins testify against us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Isaiah describes the sins as a person who goes before God to declare that the people are guilty.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for our transgressions are with us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“With us” represents being aware of them. Alternate translation: “for we are aware of our transgressions”

Isaiah 59:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Justice is driven back (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Justice … righteousness … truth … right (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

These are ideas that Isaiah describes as acting like persons. (See also: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 59:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Trustworthiness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Isaiah describes this idea as acting like a person. (See also: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 59:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intervene. (0)

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.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Therefore his own arm brought salvation for him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh’s “arm” represents his ability and power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh used his own power to save the people”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his righteousness sustained him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

“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 also: Abstract Nouns)

Isaiah 59:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He put on righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation upon his head. He clothed himself with garments of vengeance and wore zeal as a mantle (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

“breastplate,” “helmet,” “garments,” and “mantle” are clothing for war and fighting. Isaiah describes Yahweh as putting these on to punish his people. (See also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mantle (0)

a loose, flowing robe

Isaiah 59:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He repaid them (0)

Isaiah is describing a future event as if it happened in the past. This means that it will certainly happen.

Isaiah 59:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: fear the name of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name” refers to Yahweh’s reputation and character. Alternate translation: “fear Yahweh”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: from the west … from the sun’s rising (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Isaiah combines these words to mean people in all places of the world.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for he will come as a rushing stream (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: driven by the breath of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 59:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 59:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my words which I have put in your mouth (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of Yahweh has risen on you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 60:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Though darkness will cover the earth, and thick darkness the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metaphor)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: yet Yahweh will arise upon you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his glory will be seen on you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 60:4

General Information:

Here Yahweh begins speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They all gather themselves (0)

“They” refers to the rest of the people of Israel who will come together to return to Jerusalem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your daughters will be carried in their arms (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 60:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart shall rejoice and overflow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that they will be very happy because of what will happen in Jerusalem.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the abundance of the sea (0)

This refers to the riches and goods that will come to Jerusalem by way of shipping, perhaps from along the Mediterranean Sea.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be poured out to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This describes that the abundance will be like water that gushes out.

Isaiah 60:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the dromedaries (0)

Alternate translation: “the young camels”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Ephah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

an area in Arabia

Isaiah 60:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Kedar … Nebaioth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are the names of areas in Arabia.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered together to you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the rams of Nebaioth will serve your needs (0)

This refers to their need for sacrifices.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will be acceptable offerings on my altar (0)

Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, will accept them on my altar”

Isaiah 60:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who are these who fly along like a cloud, and like the doves to their shelters? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 also: Simile)

Isaiah 60:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The coastlands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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 also: Personification)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ships of Tarshish (0)

This expression usually means large merchant ships suitable for long voyages.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:4.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he has honored you (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh has honored you, the people of Israel”

Isaiah 60:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will not be shut day or night (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Merism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so that the wealth of the nations may be brought, with their kings being led (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 60:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those nations will be completely destroyed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 60:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The glory of Lebanon (0)

This refers to Lebanon being famous for its beautiful trees, especially cypress and cedar. The exact identification of all the trees is not known.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the place of my feet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This refers to Yahweh’s temple.

Isaiah 60:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Holy One of Israel (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:4.

Isaiah 60:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with no one passing through you (0)

Alternate translation: “with everyone avoiding your land” or “with all the foreigners avoiding your land”

Isaiah 60:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will also drink the milk of the nations, and will nurse at the breast of kings (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This refers to the wealth and plenty that will be drained from foreign nations. Both clauses repeat the same idea for emphasis. (See also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Redeemer (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 41:14.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the Mighty One of Jacob (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 49:26.

Isaiah 60:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: instead of wood, bronze, and instead of stones, iron (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will appoint peace as your governors, and justice your rulers (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh describes “peace” and “justice” as human rulers. This means there will be complete peace and justice in the land of Israel.

Isaiah 60:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Violence will no longer be heard in your land (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but you will call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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.

Isaiah 60:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for Yahweh will be your everlasting light (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Both verses repeat this same idea for emphasis.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your sun will no longer set, nor will your moon withdraw and disappear (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Hyperbole)

Isaiah 60:21

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the branch of my planting, the work of my hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These phrases mean approximately the same and are repeated for emphasis.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the branch of my planting (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the work of my hands (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh compares the people of Israel to something made by the skill of his handicraft.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that I may be glorified (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 60:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a thousand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“1,000”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me (0)

“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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the afflicted (0)

This refers to poor people, those in great sorrow, or oppressed people who have problems they cannot overcome by themselves.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison for those who are bound (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean the same thing. They state that God will certainly give freedom to captives.

Isaiah 61:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the year of Yahweh’s favor, the day of vengeance (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Both of these phrases refer to the same span of time. “Year” and “day” are both specific examples that represent the greater whole. (See also: Parallelism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: year of Yahweh’s favor (0)

Alternate translation: “time when Yahweh will act kindly toward his people”

Isaiah 61:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to give … to give (0)

Isaiah repeats this for emphasis.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a turban (0)

“a headdress” or “a beautiful head covering.” This is a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the head.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: oil of joy … a mantle of praise (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

People put oil on themselves and dressed in beautiful, long robes during times of celebration and joy.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in place of a spirit of dullness (0)

Alternate translation: “in place of sadness” or “in place of mourning”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: oaks of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means Yahweh has caused the people to be strong and sturdy.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: that he may be glorified (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 61:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will be called (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 61:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will have double (0)

This probably refers to a double portion of land.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will rejoice over their share … they will … their land … will be theirs (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 61:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their offspring among the peoples (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

This clause assumes the same verb as the previous one. Alternate translation: “their offspring will be known among the peoples”

Isaiah 61:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh (0)

“I” refers to the people of God speaking as one person whom Yahweh has restored.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has clothed me with the robe of righteousness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a bridegroom adorns himself with a turban, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This comparison emphasizes that the speaker is extremely happy, joyful, celebrating.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: turban (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 61:3.

Isaiah 61:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For as the earth produces its sprouting plants, and as the garden makes its planting grow (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Simile)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: righteousness and praise to sprout up (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This expression describes these virtues as growing from seed like plants do.

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will not be silent (0)

It is most likely that “I” refers to Isaiah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: until her righteousness proceeds brightly, and her salvation as a burning torch (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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 also: Parallelism)

Isaiah 62:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of Yahweh, and a turban of kingship in the hand of your God (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 62:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will no more … will it be said, “Desolate.” (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These mean the same thing are combined for emphasis.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It will no more be said of you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor of your land any longer will it be said (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your land will be married (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means Yahweh will love the people of Israel and will always be with them as is a husband.

Isaiah 62:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, your God will rejoice over you (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This emphasizes God’s happiness about his relationship with his people.

Isaiah 62:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have put (0)

Here “I” may refer to Isaiah or to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: watchmen on your walls (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they are not silent day or night (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

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 also: Merism)

Isaiah 62:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do not allow him to rest (0)

Here “him” refers to Yahweh.

Isaiah 62:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: by his right hand and by the arm of his strength (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The right hand and arm represent power and authority. Alternate translation: “by his power and authority”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Surely I will no longer give your grain as food for your enemies (0)

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will no longer give your grain as food for your enemies … Foreigners will not drink your new wine (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These statements are set together for emphasis and completion.

Isaiah 62:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: those who harvest the grain … those who pick the grapes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These statements are set together for emphasis and completion.

Isaiah 62:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Come through, come through the gates (0)

The phrase “come through” is repeated to show urgency.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Build it, build the highway (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Gather out the stones (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

“Take the stones out of the road to make it smooth.” Stones represent all the obstacles to quick travel.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Raise up a signal flag for the nations (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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.

Isaiah 62:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look (0)

Alternate translation: “Take notice!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the ends of the earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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. See how you translated this in Isaiah 40:28. AT “the farthest places of the earth” or “the entire earth” (See also: Merism)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the daughter of Zion (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

“Daughter” represents the people of Jerusalem (Zion). See how you translated this in Isaiah 1:8.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: See, his reward is with him, and his recompense is going before him (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These clauses represent the same idea for emphasis. See how you translated a similar phrase in Isaiah 40:10.

Isaiah 62:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you will be called (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can be stated actively, “they will call you”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who is this who comes from Edom … Bozrah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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 it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am coming from Edom, clothed in red from Bozrah”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Bozrah (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This is the capital city of Edom.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: It is I (0)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

Isaiah 63:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Why are your clothes red, and why … winepress? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The red on your clothing looks makes you look like you have been treading on grapes in a winepress.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: winepress (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have trodden grapes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “I” refers to Yahweh. This imagery refers to Yahweh destroying his enemies.

Isaiah 63:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the day of vengeance (0)

Alternate translation: “the time of vengeance” or “the time for vengeance”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: vengeance (0)

Yahweh will punish in an appropriate way to bring about justice. His kind of vengeance differs from man’s vengeance.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the year for my redemption (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “year” refers to a specific time appointed by Yahweh for restoring Israel. Alternate translation: “the time for my redemption”

Isaiah 63:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but my own arm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “arm” represents power.

Isaiah 63:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: made them drunk in my wrath (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means Yahweh made them stunned and senseless by his full wrath and punishment.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I poured out their blood (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here “blood” represents the life of Yahweh’s enemies that was gushing out so they would die.

Isaiah 63:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will tell of the acts of Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you can 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will tell (0)

Here “I” refers to Isaiah.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: done for us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here “us” refers to Isaiah and the people of Israel.

Isaiah 63:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Through all their suffering (0)

“Through all our suffering.” Here “their” refers to the people of Israel. Isaiah included himself as a member of the people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he suffered too (0)

Here “he” refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the angel from his presence (0)

This is a representative who is sent from God’s presence.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: he lifted them up and carried them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 63:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But they rebelled (0)

“but we rebelled.” Here “they” refers to the people of Israel. Isaiah included himself as a member of the people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: his Holy Spirit (0)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s Holy Spirit”

Isaiah 63:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They said (0)

“we said.” Here “they” refers to the people of Israel. Isaiah included himself as a member of the people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who brought them up out of the sea (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the shepherds of his flock (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Leaders are sometimes referred to as “shepherds.” Alternate translation: “the leaders of his people”

Isaiah 63:12

General Information:

The people of Israel continue speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who made his glorious power go with the right hand of Moses (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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.

Isaiah 63:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Like a horse running on flat land, they did not stumble (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This means that the people of Israel were sure-footed as horses in open country on their travels toward Israel from Egypt.

Isaiah 63:14

General Information:

The people of Israel continue speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As the cattle that go down into the valley … rest (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: to make yourself a name of praise (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here “name of praise” refers to honor and one’s reputation. Alternate translation: “to make sure you have an honored reputation for yourself”

Isaiah 63:15

General Information:

The people of Israel continue speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Where are your zeal and your mighty acts? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The writer uses a question to express deep emotion and concern because it seems God is not helping them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “We do not see your zeal and your mighty acts!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your pity and your compassionate actions are kept from us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 63:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not recognize us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Israel (0)

This refers to the name also called “Jacob.”

Isaiah 63:17

General Information:

The people of Israel continue speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Yahweh, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts, so we do not obey you? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Here the writer uses a question to express a complaint of the people to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, you have made us wander from your ways and become stubborn so that we do not obey you.”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: why do you make us wander from your ways (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: harden our hearts (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means to become resistant to Yahweh’s teaching by refusing to listen and obey. Here “heart” represents their motives, feelings and desires.

Isaiah 63:18

General Information:

The people of Israel continue speaking.

Isaiah 63:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who were never called by your name (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not 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 also: Metonymy)

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We have become … called by your name (0)

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

General Information:

The people of Israel continue speaking to Yahweh (Isaiah 63:11).

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Oh, if you had (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Isaiah introduces this desire for Yahweh’s presence in their past history with a strong exclamation.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: if you had split open the heavens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

If Yahweh had shown himself very dramatically by tearing open the sky. The words “split open” refer to ripping a piece of cloth apart.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mountains would have shaken (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

The mountains would have trembled as in an earthquake.

Isaiah 64:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: as when fire kindles the brushwood, or the fire makes water boil (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

This possibly emphasizes how easily God’s presence would have caused the mountains and the people to tremble. (See also: Hypothetical Situations)

Isaiah 64:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: nor eye seen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here the “eye” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “nor has anyone seen”

Isaiah 64:5

General Information:

The people of Israel continue speaking to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom that means “remember.”

Isaiah 64:6

General Information:

The people of Israel continue speaking to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all our righteous deeds are like a menstrual rag (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: We have all withered like leaves (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Isaiah compares the people of Israel to leaves that dry up when dead.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: our iniquities, like the wind, carry us away (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-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.

Isaiah 64:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: you have hidden your face from us (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This means God gave up on his people and let them suffer.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in the hand of our iniquities (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

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”

Isaiah 64:8

General Information:

The people of Israel continue speaking to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: we are the clay. You are our potter; and we all are the work of your hand (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means God created the people of Israel.

Isaiah 64:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: call to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This refers to remembering the past.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: look at us all (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Isaiah asks Yahweh to pay attention to their situation.

Isaiah 64:10

General Information:

The people of Israel continue speaking to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Your holy cities have become a wilderness (0)

This emphasizes that the cities have been destroyed and no one lives there.

Isaiah 64:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Our holy and beautiful temple, where our fathers praised you, has been destroyed by fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 64:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: How can you still hold back, Yahweh? How can you remain silent and continue to humiliate us? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

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!”

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I was ready (0)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

Isaiah 65:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I have spread out my hands all day to a stubborn people (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

“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”

Isaiah 65:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: in gardens … on brick tiles (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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.

Isaiah 65:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: sit among the graves and keep watch all night (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This is a reference to consulting the dead, a practice that Yahweh prohibited.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: eat pork (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Yahweh did not allow the people of Israel to eat meat from pigs.

Isaiah 65:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: These things are smoke in my nose (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh compares these people who are continually annoying him to smoke that irritates a person’s breathing.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: a fire that burns all day long (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh compares the people of Israel to a slow-burning fire that sends out smoke without stopping as it irritates.

Isaiah 65:6

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look, it is written (0)

Alternate translation: “Take notice and pay attention”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: into their laps (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

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 also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 65:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: As when juice is found in a cluster of grapes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh compares the people of Israel to a cluster of grapes that still has some good juice in it.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when juice is found in a cluster (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can be stated in an active way. Alternate translation: “when you find juice in a cluster”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: I will not ruin them all (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I will spare some of them who are righteous” (See also: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Isaiah 65:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: my mountains (0)

This refers to the highest locations of Jerusalem and all of Judea.

Isaiah 65:10

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Sharon (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

This was a fertile grazing area.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Valley of Achor (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/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.

Isaiah 65:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: holy mountain (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:9.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: who prepare a table … and fill wine glasses of mixed wine (0)

People would bring food and drink and place it in front of the idol as part of their worship.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: mixed wine (0)

wine mixed with spices

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Fortune … Destiny (0)

These are names of false gods. They are also called “Gad” and “Meni.”

Isaiah 65:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: appoint you for the sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

“The sword” represents various weapons of war that Yahweh will use to punish those who do not respond to Yahweh’s call.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Both clauses mean the same and are repeated for emphasis.

Isaiah 65:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Look, my servants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

“Take notice and pay attention” Yahweh repeats this for emphasis.

Isaiah 65:14

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but you will cry because of the pain of the heart, and will wail because of the crushing of the spirit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These clauses mean the same and the repetition is for emphasis.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: crushing of the spirit (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This expression compares the feeling of terrible disappointment and sorrow to something becoming deformed due to high pressure.

Isaiah 65:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will be blessed by me, the God of truth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the former troubles will be forgotten … will be hidden (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they will be hidden from my eyes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

“hidden from my eyes” represents the attention and memory of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will not even think about them again” (See also: Personification)

Isaiah 65:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For see (0)

Alternate translation: “Notice! Pay attention!”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: new heavens and a new earth (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Both are extremes that also represent everything between.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the former things will not be remembered or be brought to mind (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 65:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: But you will be glad (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

Here “you” refers to all of God’s servants.

Isaiah 65:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: weeping and cries of distress will no longer be heard in her (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will hear weeping and cries of distress any longer in her”

Isaiah 65:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: one hundred years (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers

“100 years”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will be considered a young person (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will be considered cursed (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

This can be stated this in active form. Alternate translation: “people will consider this person as cursed”

Isaiah 65:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: for as the days of trees will be the days of my people (0)

Alternate translation: “for my people will live as long as trees live”

Isaiah 65:23

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: they are the children of those blessed by Yahweh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 65:25

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: holy mountain (0)

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

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh compares heaven to a throne and the earth to a footstool to emphasize how great he is.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Where then is the house you will build for me? Where is the place where I may rest? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that humans cannot build a place for him to dwell.

Isaiah 66:2

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: My hand has made all these things (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Yahweh is represented by his hand which emphasizes his power and authority. Alternate translation: “I have made all these things”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the broken and contrite in spirit (0)

Here “broken” and “contrite” refers to a person who is truly humble and who suffers for his faith.

Isaiah 66:3

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: He who slaughters … also blesses wickedness (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These four clauses all describe different ways evil people act and come to the same meaning for emphasis.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They have chosen their own ways (0)

Alternate translation: “They have chosen to do evil things that violate the ways of Yahweh”

Isaiah 66:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: what was evil in my sight (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what I consider to be evil” or “what is evil in my judgement”

Isaiah 66:5

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: May Yahweh be glorified (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: but they will be put to shame (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 66:6

General Information:

Yahweh describes the punishment for the hypocrisy of the worshipers.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: A sound of battle tumult (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The sound represents the real fighting that is going on in the temple as Yahweh is carrying out the punishment.

Isaiah 66:7

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before pain is upon her, she gave birth to a son (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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.

Isaiah 66:8

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Will a land be born in one day? Can a nation be established in one moment? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses questions to emphasize how unique this event will be. The series of questions builds tension until Zion is finally mentioned.

Isaiah 66:9

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Do I bring a baby to the birth opening … born? (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that he will not fail to fulfill his promises to the people of Jerusalem. (See also: Metaphor)

Isaiah 66:11

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For you will nurse and be satisfied; with her breasts you will be comforted (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

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 also: Active or Passive)

Isaiah 66:12

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like a river … like an overflowing stream (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

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.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: You will nurse at her side, be carried in her arms, and be dandled on her knees (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This means Jerusalem will be a place of safety and comfort for God’s people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: be carried in her arms, and be dandled on her knees (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 66:13

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: so I will comfort you, and you will be comforted in Jerusalem (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 66:14

General Information:

Isaiah is speaking to God’s faithful people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: your bones will sprout (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

“Bones” refers to the whole body.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will sprout like the tender grass (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

“Tender grass” grows fast and strong and compares to the health and vigor of God’s faithful people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: The hand of Yahweh will be made known to his servants (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

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 also: Metonymy)

Isaiah 66:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: coming with fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh’s appearances in the Old Testament are often accompanied by fire that represents Yahweh’s anger and judgment.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: like the windstorm (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Storms represent Yahweh’s powerful actions to make his judgment effective.

Isaiah 66:16

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: with his sword (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

“Sword” is one weapon that represents all of warfare and killing.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Those killed by Yahweh will be many (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use the 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”

Isaiah 66:17

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They consecrate themselves (0)

“They” are those who worship Yahweh but go against his laws.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: enter the gardens (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This is a place where people would go to worship idols.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the one in the middle (0)

This describes the leader of those of go to worship idols.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: this is Yahweh’s declaration (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

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”

Isaiah 66:18

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: For I know (0)

Here “I” refers to Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: their deeds … their thoughts (0)

Here “their” refers to the worshipers that are hypocrites whom Yahweh has described before.

Isaiah 66:19

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Put … Lud … Tubal … Javan (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

These are names of areas that are far from the land of Israel.

Isaiah 66:20

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will bring (0)

Here “they” refers to the foreigners who survived and witnessed to the nations. They will return to Jerusalem with exiled Israelites.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: holy mountain (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 11:9.

Isaiah 66:22

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the new heavens and the new earth (0)

See how you translated this in Isaiah 65:17.

Isaiah 66:24

General Information:

Yahweh finishes speaking.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: They will go out (0)

Here “they” refers to all the people, the faithful Israelites and foreigners, who come to worship Yahweh.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the worms … and the fire (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

Both clauses describe the same idea to emphasize Yahweh’s punishment.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the worms that eat them (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The worms represent the horror of decay and rot that are Yahweh’s punishment on the wicked.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: the fire that consumes (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Fire also represents Yahweh’s judgment.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: will not be quenched (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “will burn forever”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: all flesh (0)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

This expression represents all created living beings that shrink from the dead.