Isaiah 41:18
Isaiah 41:18 in Multiple Translations
I 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.
I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
I will make rivers on the dry mountain-tops, and fountains in the valleys: I will make the waste land a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
I will open up rivers in the desolate highlands and springs in the valleys. I will make pools in the wilderness and springs in the desert.
I will open riuers in the toppes of the hils, and fountaines in the middes of the valleis: I will make the wildernesse as a poole of water, and the waste land as springs of water.
I open on high places rivers, And in midst of valleys fountains, I make a wilderness become a pond of water, And a dry land become springs of water.
I will open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the middle of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
I will open rivers in the high bills, and fountains in the midst of the plains: I will turn the desert into pools of waters, and the impassable land into streams of waters.
I will cause rivers to flow for them on the barren hills. I will give them fountains in the valleys. I will fill [HYP] the desert with pools of water. Water from springs will flow into rivers, and the rivers will flow across the dry ground.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:18
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 41:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶפְתַּ֤ח
עַל
שְׁפָיִים֙
נְהָר֔וֹת
וּ/בְ/ת֥וֹךְ
בְּקָע֖וֹת
מַעְיָנ֑וֹת
אָשִׂ֤ים
מִדְבָּר֙
לַ/אֲגַם
מַ֔יִם
וְ/אֶ֥רֶץ
צִיָּ֖ה
לְ/מוֹצָ֥אֵי
מָֽיִם
אֶפְתַּ֤ח
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁפָיִים֙
shᵉphîy
H8205
bareness
N-mp
נְהָר֔וֹת
nâhâr
H5104
river
N-mp
וּ/בְ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Conj | Prep | N-ms
בְּקָע֖וֹת
biqʻâh
H1237
valley
N-fp
מַעְיָנ֑וֹת
maʻyân
H4599
spring
N-mp
אָשִׂ֤ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
מִדְבָּר֙
midbâr
H4057
mouth
N-ms
לַ/אֲגַם
ʼăgam
H98
pool
Prep | N-ms
מַ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
וְ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Conj | N-cs
צִיָּ֖ה
tsîyâh
H6723
dryness
N-fs
לְ/מוֹצָ֥אֵי
môwtsâʼ
H4161
exit
Prep | N-mp
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:18
אֶפְתַּ֤ח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׁפָיִים֙
shᵉphîy
H8205
"bareness"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a bare or smooth place, like a hill with no trees. It is used to describe the landscape of Israel. The word appears in descriptions of the country's geography.
Definition: 1) bareness, smooth or bare height, bare place, high places, barren height 1a) bareness 1b) bare place, bare height
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: high place, stick out. See also: Numbers 23:3; Jeremiah 3:21; Isaiah 41:18.
נְהָר֔וֹת
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
N-mp
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
וּ/בְ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
בְּקָע֖וֹת
biqʻâh
H1237
"valley"
N-fp
A valley is a low area of land between hills or mountains, and in the Bible, it can also mean a plain or level area, as seen in Ezekiel 3:22-23.
Definition: 1) valley 2) plain, level valley Aramaic equivalent: biq.a (בִּקְעָא "plain" H1236)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: plain, valley. See also: Genesis 11:2; Isaiah 40:4; Psalms 104:8.
מַעְיָנ֑וֹת
maʻyân
H4599
"spring"
N-mp
A mayan was a spring or fountain, and can also refer to a source of satisfaction. It is mentioned in the Bible as a physical spring, but also figuratively as a source of joy or comfort.
Definition: spring
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: fountain, spring, well. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 87:7; Psalms 74:15.
אָשִׂ֤ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
מִדְבָּר֙
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
לַ/אֲגַם
ʼăgam
H98
"pool"
Prep | N-ms
A pool or marsh, often used to describe a body of calm or troubled water, like a pond or swamp, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of natural settings.
Definition: 1) pool, troubled pool 1a) troubled or muddy (gloomy) pools, marshes 1b) any pool, pond 1c) swamp reeds, reeds, rush(es)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: pond, pool, standing (water). See also: Exodus 7:19; Isaiah 14:23; Psalms 107:35.
מַ֔יִם
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.
וְ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Conj | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
צִיָּ֖ה
tsîyâh
H6723
"dryness"
N-fs
This word describes a dry and barren place, like a desert or wilderness, often used in the Bible to depict a lack of water or fertility in a land.
Definition: dryness, drought, desert
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: barren, drought, dry (land, place), solitary place, wilderness. See also: Job 24:19; Isaiah 53:2; Psalms 63:2.
לְ/מוֹצָ֥אֵי
môwtsâʼ
H4161
"exit"
Prep | N-mp
Exit refers to a way out or a place of departure, like a gate or a door. In 1 Samuel 17:52, it describes the Israelites' escape route from the Philistines. This term can also mean the rising of the sun or the source of a river.
Definition: 1) act or place of going out or forth, issue, export, source, spring 1a) a going forth 1a1) rising (sun), going forth of a command 1a2) goings forth, those going forth 1a3) way out, exit 1b) that which goes forth 1b1) utterance 1b2) export 1c) place of going forth 1c1) source or spring (of water) 1c2) place of departure 1c3) east (of sun) 1c4) mine (of silver)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: brought out, bud, that which came out, east, going forth, goings out, that which (thing that) is gone out, outgoing, proceeded out, spring, vein, (water-) course (springs). See also: Numbers 30:13; Psalms 75:7; Psalms 19:7.
מָֽיִם
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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 41:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 41:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:18
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:18
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:18
- Sermons on Isaiah 41:18
Context — God’s Help to Israel
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, 20so that all may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 107:35 | He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs. |
| 2 | Isaiah 35:6–7 | Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground will become a pool, the thirsty land springs of water. In the haunt where jackals once lay, there will be grass and reeds and papyrus. |
| 3 | Isaiah 58:11 | The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. |
| 4 | Isaiah 30:25 | And from every high mountain and every raised hill, streams of water will flow in the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall. |
| 5 | Revelation 7:17 | For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ” |
| 6 | Ezekiel 47:1–8 | Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water. Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water. Once again he measured off a thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming—a river that could not be crossed on foot. “Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived, I saw a great number of trees along both banks of the river. And he said to me, “This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. |
| 7 | Isaiah 43:19–20 | Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The beasts of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I provide water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people. |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | Zechariah 14:8 | And on that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it toward the Eastern Sea and the other half toward the Western Sea, in summer and winter alike. |
| 10 | Revelation 22:1 | Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb |
Isaiah 41:18 Summary
[Isaiah 41:18 is a beautiful promise from God that He can bring life and nourishment to even the most desolate and barren places. Just like He provided water for the Israelites in the wilderness, He can provide for us in our own times of need (Exodus 17:6, Numbers 20:11). This verse reminds us that God is a God of abundance and provision, and He desires to bring joy and refreshment to our lives, as seen in Psalm 23:2-3, where He leads us to green pastures and still waters. As we trust in Him, we can experience the transformation of our own 'deserts' into 'pools of water', and we can be a part of bringing life to others around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'open rivers on the barren heights' in Isaiah 41:18?
This phrase symbolizes God's power to bring life and nourishment to desolate and barren places, much like He did for the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11.
How can we apply the promise of 'fountains in the middle of the valleys' to our own lives?
This promise reminds us that God can bring refreshment and joy to the lowest and darkest points in our lives, just as He did for the psalmist in Psalm 42:1-2, who longed for God like a deer pants for water.
What is the significance of turning 'the desert into a pool of water'?
This image represents God's ability to transform even the most hopeless and dry situations into abundant and thriving ones, as seen in Isaiah 35:1-2, where the desert blossoms like a rose.
How does this verse relate to God's overall plan of redemption?
Isaiah 41:18 is part of a larger promise of God's redemption and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 43:19, where He makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, ultimately pointing to the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'barren heights' in my own life where I need God to open rivers of blessing and provision?
- How can I trust God to turn the 'deserts' of my life into 'pools of water', and what does that look like in practical terms?
- What are some ways I can 'rejoice in the LORD' and 'glory in the Holy One of Israel', as mentioned in the surrounding verses, and how can I apply that to my daily life?
- In what ways can I be a part of God's plan to bring life and nourishment to the dry and barren places around me, whether that's in my community or in the lives of those I interact with?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:18
I will open rivers in high places,.... Which is not usual; but God will change the course of nature, and work miracles, rather than his people shall want what is necessary for them; thus he opens to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:18
I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:18
In high places; upon the mountains, where by the course of nature there are no rivers. In the midst of the valleys; or, in the valleys, to wit, in such of them as are not well watered. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water: these people, who are like a dry and barren wilderness, I will abundantly water with my blessing, and make them fruitful and beautiful, as the next verse showeth; which may be understood, either of the Jews, who were in a wilderness condition, till God brought them out of it; or of the Gentiles converted to the true religion under the gospel.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:18
Isaiah 41:18 I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.Ver. 18. I will open rivers in high places.] Rather work miracles, as once in the wilderness, than my poor people shall want necessary support and succour (help).
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:18
(18) I will open rivers.—The words have all the emphasis of varied iteration. Every shape of the physical contour of the country, bare hills, arid steppes, and the like, is to be transformed into a new beauty by water in the form adapted to each: streamlets, rivers, lakes, and springs. (Comp. Isaiah 35:7.)
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:18
18. Cf. ch. Isaiah 30:25. in high places] R.V. on the bare heights. The word occurs only in ch. Isaiah 49:9 and in Jeremiah (Isaiah 3:2 &c.). In Numbers 23:3 the text is doubtful.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:18
I will open rivers - That is, I will cause rivers to flow (see the note at Isaiah 35:7). The allusion here is doubtless to the miraculous supply of water in the desert when the Israelites had come out of Egypt.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:18
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 41:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Upper Springs by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the abundant blessings and refreshment that come from God, using the story of Caleb and Achsah to illustrate how God provides springs of water in t |
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The Never-Failing Springs by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's promises, likening them to springs that never run dry, but rather reveal a richer abundance in times of need. Just as Ap |
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Fresh Oil by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging the large crowd gathered in the building, including preachers from different states and countries. He prays for the Holy Spirit |
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The Miracle in a Dry Place by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett preaches about the miracles of grace, emphasizing how God can turn dry and difficult experiences into sources of blessing and consolation. He highlights the idea |
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Inexhaustible Resources in Christ by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of faith and acknowledges their own stubbornness. They believe that we are living in the end times and that Satan is |
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The Millenium by Charles Ryrie | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the millennium and its significance in the Bible. He references the book of Amos, specifically Amos chapter 9 verse 13, to illu |
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Finn-03 Israel in Flight by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the need for believers to have faith in God, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. He emphasizes that God will come to the aid of thos |