Isaiah 41:17
Isaiah 41:17 in Multiple Translations
The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
The poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst; I, Jehovah, will answer them, I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
The poor and crushed are looking for water where no water is, and their tongue is dry for need of it: I the Lord will give ear to their prayer, I the God of Israel will not give them up.
The poor and needy search for water, but don't find any—their tongues are dry with thirst. I, the Lord, will respond to them; I, the God of Israel, won't abandon them.
When the poore and the needy seeke water, and there is none (their tongue faileth for thirst: I the Lord will heare them: I the God of Israel will not forsake them)
The poor and the needy are seeking water, And there is none, Their tongue with thirst hath failed, I, Jehovah do answer them, The God of Israel — I forsake them not.
The poor and needy seek water, and there is none. Their tongue fails for thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
The needy and the poor seek for waters, and there are none: their tongue hath been dry with thirst. I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
When poor and needy people need water and they have no water, and their tongues are very dry because they are very thirsty, I, Yahweh, will come and help them. I, the God to whom you Israeli people belong, will never abandon them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 41:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ/עֲנִיִּ֨ים
וְ/הָ/אֶבְיוֹנִ֜ים
מְבַקְשִׁ֥ים
מַ֨יִם֙
וָ/אַ֔יִן
לְשׁוֹנָ֖/ם
בַּ/צָּמָ֣א
נָשָׁ֑תָּה
אֲנִ֤י
יְהוָה֙
אֶעֱנֵ֔/ם
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
לֹ֥א
אֶעֶזְבֵֽ/ם
הָ/עֲנִיִּ֨ים
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Art | Adj
וְ/הָ/אֶבְיוֹנִ֜ים
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Conj | Art | Adj
מְבַקְשִׁ֥ים
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel
מַ֨יִם֙
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
וָ/אַ֔יִן
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
לְשׁוֹנָ֖/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs | Suff
בַּ/צָּמָ֣א
tsâmâʼ
H6772
thirst
Prep | N-ms
נָשָׁ֑תָּה
nâshath
H5405
be dry
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֲנִ֤י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶעֱנֵ֔/ם
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶעֶזְבֵֽ/ם
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:17
הָ/עֲנִיִּ֨ים
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Art | Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
וְ/הָ/אֶבְיוֹנִ֜ים
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Conj | Art | Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
מְבַקְשִׁ֥ים
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
מַ֨יִם֙
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וָ/אַ֔יִן
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לְשׁוֹנָ֖/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
בַּ/צָּמָ֣א
tsâmâʼ
H6772
"thirst"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to the feeling of thirst itself, whether physical or spiritual, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or need, like in Exodus 17:3 where the Israelites complain about lacking water in the desert. It can also symbolize a longing for God.
Definition: thirst
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Isaiah 5:13; Psalms 69:22.
נָשָׁ֑תָּה
nâshath
H5405
"be dry"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To dry up or be parched, often used to describe a lack of water or nourishment. In the Bible, it is used to describe the consequences of disobedience or neglect, as seen in Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be parched 1a) (Qal) to be dry, be parched 1b) (Niphal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: fail. See also: Isaiah 19:5; Isaiah 41:17; Jeremiah 51:30.
אֲנִ֤י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶעֱנֵ֔/ם
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֶעֶזְבֵֽ/ם
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
Study Notes — Isaiah 41:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 41:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:17
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:17
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:17
- Sermons on Isaiah 41:17
Context — God’s Help to Israel
15Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff.
16You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel.
17The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
18I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs. 19I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and boxwood together,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 55:1 | “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! |
| 2 | Isaiah 30:19 | O people in Zion who dwell in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will surely be gracious when you cry for help; when He hears, He will answer you. |
| 3 | Isaiah 44:3 | For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. |
| 4 | Matthew 5:6 | Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. |
| 5 | Isaiah 42:16 | I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. |
| 6 | John 4:10–15 | Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the woman replied, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where then will You get this living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I will not get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 61:1 | The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, |
| 8 | Psalms 72:12–13 | For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed. |
| 9 | Genesis 28:15 | Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” |
| 10 | Revelation 22:17 | The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely. |
Isaiah 41:17 Summary
This verse, Isaiah 41:17, is a beautiful promise from God to those who are poor and needy, saying that He will answer them and not forsake them. It's a reminder that God sees and cares for those who are struggling, and He will provide for their needs, just as He did for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1-7). We can trust that God is faithful and compassionate, and that He will always be with us, even in difficult times (Psalm 23:4). By trusting in God's promise, we can have hope and comfort, knowing that He will provide for us and never leave us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the poor and needy to seek water but find none?
This is a metaphor for those who are spiritually parched and seeking relief, as seen in Isaiah 41:17, where their tongues are parched with thirst, indicating a deep longing for God's presence and provision, much like the Israelites in Exodus 17:1-7 who sought water in the wilderness.
How can we be certain that God will answer the poor and needy?
We can trust that God will answer them because He is the LORD, the God of Israel, who has a history of faithfulness and compassion, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Psalm 27:10, where He promises to never forsake His people.
What is the significance of God calling Himself the God of Israel in this verse?
By calling Himself the God of Israel, God is emphasizing His covenant relationship with His people, as established in Genesis 17:1-14 and reiterated in Isaiah 45:3, where He reminds them of His promise to be their God and they His people.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' teachings on compassion and care for the poor?
This verse reflects the heart of God for the poor and needy, which is also seen in Jesus' teachings in Matthew 25:31-46, where He commands us to care for the least of these, demonstrating our love for Him by loving and serving others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced spiritual thirst in my own life, and how has God provided for me in those times?
- How can I be an instrument of God's provision and care for those around me who are poor and needy, as seen in Isaiah 58:10-11?
- What does it mean for me to trust that God will not forsake me, even in times of difficulty and uncertainty, as promised in Hebrews 13:5-6?
- In what ways can I rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel, as mentioned in Isaiah 41:16, and how can this bring hope and comfort to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:17
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst,.... This is to be understood not literally, but spiritually; not of their outward circumstances, though the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:17
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. (When) the poor and needy - primarily the exiles in Babylon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:17
When my poor people are come to the greatest extremity of danger and misery, then will I appear for their relief.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:17
Isaiah 41:17 [When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.Ver. 17. When the poor.] When such as are "poor in spirit," sensible of their utter indigence, shall blessedly hunger and thirst after righteousness, showing themselves restless and insatiated without it. And there is none.] None to be found in the doctrine of the Pharisees, philosophers, or friars.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:17
(17) When the poor and needy . . .—The promise may perhaps take as its starting-point the succour given to the return of the exiles, but it rises rapidly into the region of a higher poetry, in which earthly things are the parables of heavenly, and does not call for a literal fulfilment any more than “wines of the lees,” of Isaiah 25:6.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:17
17–20. With great pathos the prophet recalls to mind the miserable condition of Israel in the present, and adapts his glorious promise to their sense of need. He is thus led to a glowing description of the marvels of the desert journey, in which, however, a spiritual meaning is not lost sight of. When the poor …] Better: The afflicted and needy are seeking water where there is none, their tongue is parched with thirst. It may be a question whether such a description applies to all the exiles, or only to those, the true Israel, who were conscious of the religious privations of the Captivity.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:17
When the poor and needy seek water - Water is often used in the Scriptures as an emblem of the provisions of divine mercy.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:17
17, 18. Poor and needy — They of the now exiled ones, under the figure of crossing the desert toward Jerusalem and Zion, emblemizing all the dark desert journeyings which the good of this evil world
Sermons on Isaiah 41:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Arrogant, Overfed, and Unconcerned by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young girl named Karen who faces many challenges in her life. Despite her difficult circumstances, Karen takes on responsibilitie |
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The Glory of the Last Days by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a biblical story where the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea with the enemy army behind them. He compares this situation to the challeng |
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God's River by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus' incarnation and sacrifice for humanity. He explains that Jesus came to earth as God in human form, performed mira |
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(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 3. the Lord on the Side of the Poor and Needy by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the dramatic and thunderous opening of the sermon, comparing it to the witches in Hammett's play. The speaker then mentions a beaut |
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Consider (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher encourages believers to overcome the attacks of the enemy and walk in the wisdom and compassion of God. They emphasize the need to glorify Jesus Christ |
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The Beauty of Brokenness by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the speaker encourages listeners to find beauty in brokenness. He explains that in human society, broken things are often seen as worthless and set aside. However, |
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Isaac, a Man of the Wells by Don Courville | This sermon delves into the story of Isaac and the wells, highlighting the importance of living under the authority of God's presence, the consequences of compromise and strife, an |