Isaiah 44:27

Authorized King James Version

PDF

That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:

Original Language Analysis

הָאֹמֵ֥ר That saith H559
הָאֹמֵ֥ר That saith
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 5
to say (used with great latitude)
לַצּוּלָ֖ה to the deep H6683
לַצּוּלָ֖ה to the deep
Strong's: H6683
Word #: 2 of 5
an abyss (of the sea)
חֳרָ֑בִי Be dry H2717
חֳרָ֑בִי Be dry
Strong's: H2717
Word #: 3 of 5
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
וְנַהֲרֹתַ֖יִךְ thy rivers H5104
וְנַהֲרֹתַ֖יִךְ thy rivers
Strong's: H5104
Word #: 4 of 5
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
אוֹבִֽישׁ׃ and I will dry up H3001
אוֹבִֽישׁ׃ and I will dry up
Strong's: H3001
Word #: 5 of 5
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

Analysis & Commentary

God's power over nature appears: 'That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers.' This recalls the Exodus (drying the Red Sea) and anticipates the return from exile. The Hebrew 'tsullah' (deep) echoes the waters of chaos subdued at creation and judgment, showing God's absolute sovereignty over all obstacles.

Historical Context

The drying of waters recalls Moses at the Red Sea and Joshua at the Jordan. For exiles, this promised that no natural barrier could prevent their return when God decreed it.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People