Isaiah 58:11
And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָחֲךָ֣
shall guide
H5148
וְנָחֲךָ֣
shall guide
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
1 of 17
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
יְהוָה֮
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֮
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
תָּמִיד֒
thee continually
H8548
תָּמִיד֒
thee continually
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
וְהִשְׂבִּ֤יעַ
and satisfy
H7646
וְהִשְׂבִּ֤יעַ
and satisfy
Strong's:
H7646
Word #:
4 of 17
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ
thy soul
H5315
נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ
thy soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְעַצְמֹתֶ֖יךָ
thy bones
H6106
וְעַצְמֹתֶ֖יךָ
thy bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
7 of 17
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
יַחֲלִ֑יץ
and make fat
H2502
יַחֲלִ֑יץ
and make fat
Strong's:
H2502
Word #:
8 of 17
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
וְהָיִ֙יתָ֙
H1961
וְהָיִ֙יתָ֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וּכְמוֹצָ֣א
and like a spring
H4161
וּכְמוֹצָ֣א
and like a spring
Strong's:
H4161
Word #:
12 of 17
a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex
מֵימָֽיו׃
of water
H4325
מֵימָֽיו׃
of water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
13 of 17
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
John 4:14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.Jeremiah 31:12Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.Psalms 32:8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.Isaiah 49:10They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.John 16:13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.Psalms 25:9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.Song of Solomon 4:15A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.Proverbs 3:8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.Proverbs 11:25The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.Ezekiel 36:35And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's geography made water imagery powerful—the difference between desert and garden was water availability. Watered gardens (like Eden) represented paradise, while drought meant death. Unfailing springs were treasured landmarks, gathering places, and life-sources for communities. Isaiah contrasts hypocritical religious practice (mere external fasting) with genuine righteousness demonstrated through justice, mercy, and compassion. Those who live authentically righteous lives experience God's continual guidance, provision, and blessing, regardless of external circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between external religious performance and the genuine righteousness God desires that unlocks these promises?
- In what ways do you need God's guidance, soul satisfaction, and strength right now, and how might pursuing genuine righteousness position you to receive these promises?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse promises God's continual guidance and provision to those who live righteously (context: genuine fasting, caring for the poor, avoiding sin). 'The LORD shall guide thee continually'—not occasional direction but constant leading, moment by moment divine guidance for life's journey. 'Satisfy thy soul in drought'—even in difficult seasons (spiritual, emotional, or physical 'drought'), God provides deep soul satisfaction. 'Make fat thy bones'—a Hebrew idiom for health, vitality, and strength; God provides vigor and wellness. The similes conclude the verse: 'like a watered garden'—flourishing, fruitful, beautiful versus barren; 'like a spring of water, whose waters fail not'—a reliable, unfailing source of life, refreshment, and blessing to others.