Isaiah 41:3
Isaiah 41:3 in Multiple Translations
He pursues them, going on safely, hardly touching the path with his feet.
He pursued them, and passed safely; even by the way that he had not gone with his feet.
He pursueth them, and passeth on safely, even by a way that he had not gone with his feet.
He goes after them safely, not touching the road with his feet.
He chases them down, and goes on unharmed, not following the usual routes.
He pursued them, and passed safely by the way that he had not gone with his feete.
He pursueth them, he passeth over in safety A path with his feet he entereth not.
He pursues them and passes by safely, even by a way that he had not gone with his feet.
He pursued them, and passed safely; even by the way that he had not gone with his feet.
He shall pursue them, he shall pass in peace, no path shall appear after his feet.
Even though they march through areas where they have not gone previously, they pursue their enemies and continue to march, and nothing stops them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:3
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 41:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִרְדְּפֵ֖/ם
יַעֲב֣וֹר
שָׁל֑וֹם
אֹ֥רַח
בְּ/רַגְלָ֖י/ו
לֹ֥א
יָבֽוֹא
יִרְדְּפֵ֖/ם
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יַעֲב֣וֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שָׁל֑וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
N-ms
אֹ֥רַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
N-cs
בְּ/רַגְלָ֖י/ו
regel
H7272
foot
Prep | N-fd | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָבֽוֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:3
יִרְדְּפֵ֖/ם
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
יַעֲב֣וֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
שָׁל֑וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
אֹ֥רַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
בְּ/רַגְלָ֖י/ו
regel
H7272
"foot"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
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.
יָבֽוֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Isaiah 41:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 41:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:3
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:3
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:3
- Sermons on Isaiah 41:3
Context — God’s Help to Israel
1“Be silent before Me, O islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come forward and testify; let us together draw near for judgment.
2Who has aroused one from the east and called him to his feet in righteousness ? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.
3He pursues them, going on safely, hardly touching the path with his feet.
4Who has performed this and carried it out, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—the first and the last— I am He.” 5The islands see and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 5:24 | You will know that your tent is secure, and find nothing amiss when inspecting your home. |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:2 | Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death. |
Isaiah 41:3 Summary
[This verse, Isaiah 41:3, is saying that God is all-powerful and can easily overcome any nation or challenge that comes His way, which is a comforting thought for believers who are facing difficulties (as seen in Psalms 46:1). The phrase 'he pursues them, going on safely' means that God is unstoppable and always victorious, which should give us confidence in His power and love for us (as stated in Romans 8:37). The fact that God 'hardly touches the path with his feet' is a metaphor for how effortlessly He moves and overcomes obstacles, which should inspire us to trust in His power and provision in our own lives (as seen in Matthew 19:26).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'pursue' nations in Isaiah 41:3?
This verse suggests that God is actively pursuing and overcoming nations, which is a testament to His power and authority, as seen in Isaiah 40:10 where it says 'Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm rules for Him'
How can someone 'go on safely' in a world filled with danger and uncertainty?
According to Isaiah 41:3, when God is the one going on safely, it means He is unstoppable and unthreatened, much like the Psalmist who wrote in Psalms 23:4 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me'
What does it mean to 'hardly touch the path with his feet' in this verse?
This phrase is a metaphor for how easily and effortlessly God moves and overcomes nations, much like how Jesus walked on water in Matthew 14:25, demonstrating His mastery over the physical world
How does this verse relate to God's character and nature?
Isaiah 41:3 showcases God's omnipotence and sovereignty, highlighting His ability to effortlessly overcome any obstacle, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, such as in Jeremiah 32:17 where it says 'Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm being pursued by challenges or difficulties, and how can I apply the truth of God's power and sovereignty to those situations?
- In what ways can I trust God to 'go on safely' in the midst of uncertainty, just like the one described in Isaiah 41:3?
- How does the image of God 'hardly touching the path with his feet' inspire me to trust in His power and provision in my own life?
- What are some ways I can renew my strength and draw near to God, as the surrounding verses suggest, in order to experience His power and safety in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:3
He pursued them, and passed safely..... Went on in his work, pursued his great design in subduing the souls of men, and bringing them to the obedience of Christ; and though he had so many enemies, he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:3
He pursued them, and passed safely; even by the way that he had not gone with his feet. He pursued them ... by the way (that) he had not gone with his feet.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:3
He pursued them, and passed safely; went on in the pursuit with great ease, and safety, and success. Even by the way that he had not gone with his feet; which is added as further evidence of God’ s wonderful providence, in encouraging and enabling him to march by unknown paths; which hath oft proved dangerous and destructive to great armies. This also was verified both in Abraham and in Cyrus, as is well known.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:3
Isaiah 41:3 He pursued them, [and] passed safely; [even] by the way [that] he had not gone with his feet.Ver. 3. He pursued them, and passed in safety.] He got an unbloody victory over the four kings, not losing a man of all those unexpert soldiers. This was a great mercy, if not a miracle. War is usually utrique triste; no matter who wins a sorrow, victory is oft like a golden fishhook, which, lost or broken, cannot be paid for with that it taketh.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:3
(3) He pursued . . .—Tenses in the present, as before. By the way that he had not gone—i.e., by a new untrodden path. So Tiglath-Pileser and other Assyrian kings continually boast that they had led their armies by paths that none had traversed before them. (Records of the Past, i. 15, v. 16.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:3
Verse 3. And passed safely - "He passeth in safety"] The preposition seems to have been omitted in the text by mistake; the Septuagint and Vulgate seem to have had it in their copies; ενειρηνη, to pace, בשלום beshalom, "prosperously." It is so in one of De Rossi's MSS.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:3
3. by the way … feet] The easiest and most acceptable rendering is: the path with his feet he does not tread,—a picture of the celerity of his movements. Other interpretations, such as: “by a path which he had not gone (before) with his feet,” or, “disdaining made roads,” or “not returning on his tracks,” are forced, if not impossible.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:3
He pursued them - When they were driven away. He followed on, and devoted them to discomfiture and ruin.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:3
2, 3. Ideally, the parties in controversy are now together, and Jehovah opens. Who raised up the righteous — The verb is in the prophetic past tense — not as actually past, but actually certain to take place.
Sermons on Isaiah 41:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Life and Times of Isaiah by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Isaiah and its structure. The book is divided into several sections, each with a different focus. The first section denounces Juda |
|
Death Brings the Soul to a State of Eternal Rest by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a believer's last day is their best day, as death brings the soul into a state of eternal rest. He explains that death provides relief from the troubl |
|
Who Has Seen Him? by Alan Redpath | Paul, in his letter to Timothy, uses the metaphor of 'Departure' to describe death as a release from toil, a liberation, and a journey to God. He expresses his desire to depart and |
|
On Heaven by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about the joys and glories of heaven, emphasizing the rest, peace, perfect holiness, unmixed happiness, and never-ending bliss that await believers. He descri |