Isaiah 32:20
Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.
Original Language Analysis
אַשְׁרֵיכֶ֕ם
Blessed
H835
אַשְׁרֵיכֶ֕ם
Blessed
Strong's:
H835
Word #:
1 of 9
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
זֹרְעֵ֖י
are ye that sow
H2232
זֹרְעֵ֖י
are ye that sow
Strong's:
H2232
Word #:
2 of 9
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מָ֑יִם
beside all waters
H4325
מָ֑יִם
beside all waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
5 of 9
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
מְשַׁלְּחֵ֥י
that send forth
H7971
מְשַׁלְּחֵ֥י
that send forth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
6 of 9
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
רֶֽגֶל
thither the feet
H7272
רֶֽגֶל
thither the feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
7 of 9
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern agriculture depended on water access—irrigation from rivers, rainfall, wells. 'Beside all waters' indicates multiple water sources, ensuring reliable irrigation regardless of drought. Using both ox (powerful for heavy plowing) and donkey (versatile for lighter work) shows wise resource deployment. The blessing isn't prosperity gospel but covenant faithfulness: obedience yields provision (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'sowing beside all waters' picture investing in Kingdom work with generous, faith-filled effort?
- What 'oxen and donkeys'—resources and abilities—has God given you to deploy for fruitful sowing?
- How does patient, diligent sowing contrast with seeking quick results or minimal investment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters (אַשְׁרֵיכֶם זֹרְעֵי עַל־כָּל־מָיִם, ashreykem zor'ey al-kol-mayim)—אַשְׁרֵי (ashrey, blessed, happy) are those who זָרַע (zara, sow) beside כָּל־מַיִם (kol-mayim, all waters). That send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass (מְשַׁלְּחֵי רֶגֶל הַשּׁוֹר וְהַחֲמוֹר, meshaleychey regel hashor veha chamor)—who send forth (שָׁלַח, shalach) the רֶגֶל (regel, foot) of ox and donkey.
The chapter concludes with agricultural blessing—those who sow beside irrigated land and use oxen/donkeys for plowing experience blessing. This contrasts with failed harvests (v. 10) and thorns/briers (v. 13). Well-watered fields represent abundant provision. The ox and ass imagery suggests diligent labor—using all resources for cultivation. Ecclesiastes 11:1 counsels: 'Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days'—generous, faith-filled sowing yields future harvest. Luke 8:5-15's parable of sower shows varied responses to gospel seed. Second Corinthians 9:6: 'He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.'