Isaiah 41:16
Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
תִּזְרֵם֙
Thou shalt fan
H2219
תִּזְרֵם֙
Thou shalt fan
Strong's:
H2219
Word #:
1 of 12
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
וְר֣וּחַ
them and the wind
H7307
וְר֣וּחַ
them and the wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
2 of 12
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
תִּשָּׂאֵ֔ם
shall carry them away
H5375
תִּשָּׂאֵ֔ם
shall carry them away
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
3 of 12
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
תָּפִ֣יץ
shall scatter
H6327
תָּפִ֣יץ
shall scatter
Strong's:
H6327
Word #:
5 of 12
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
אוֹתָ֑ם
H853
אוֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תָּגִ֣יל
them and thou shalt rejoice
H1523
תָּגִ֣יל
them and thou shalt rejoice
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
in the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
in the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בִּקְד֥וֹשׁ
in the Holy One
H6918
בִּקְד֥וֹשׁ
in the Holy One
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
10 of 12
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
Cross References
Jeremiah 51:2And will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about.Jeremiah 15:7And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways.Habakkuk 3:18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Historical Context
This anticipated the joy of return from exile and victory over opposition. Ezra-Nehemiah records this fulfillment as the returned community celebrated despite continued challenges.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you ensure victories lead to worship of God rather than self-congratulation?
- What does it mean to rejoice in the LORD rather than merely rejoicing in changed circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The winnowing and whirlwind imagery describes separating grain from chaff—enemies are scattered like chaff while Israel remains. Yet the ultimate result is rejoicing in the LORD and glorying in the Holy One of Israel. Victory produces worship, not pride. The Hebrew 'giyl' (rejoice) and 'halal' (glory/praise) indicate exuberant celebration directed toward God.