Isaiah 42:14
Isaiah 42:14 in Multiple Translations
“I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant.
I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry out like a travailing woman; I will gasp and pant together.
I have long been quiet, I have kept myself in and done nothing: now I will make sounds of pain like a woman in childbirth, breathing hard and quickly.
“I didn't say anything for a long time, I kept quiet and restrained myself. But now like a woman giving birth, I will moan and gasp and pant.
I haue a long time holden my peace: I haue beene still and refrained my selfe: nowe will I crie like a trauailing woman: I will destroy and deuoure at once.
I have kept silent from of old, I keep silent, I refrain myself, As a travailing woman I cry out, I desolate and swallow up together.
“I have been silent a long time. I have been quiet and restrained myself. Now I will cry out like a travailing woman. I will both gasp and pant.
I have long time held my peace; I have been still, and restrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
I have always held my peace, I have I kept silence, I have been patient, I will speak now as a woman in labour: I will destroy, and swallow up at once.
He will say, “I have remained silent [DOU] for a long time; I have restrained myself from doing what I need to do. But now, like [SIM] a woman who is giving birth to a baby, I will cry out and gasp and pant.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 42:14
BAB
Word Study
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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 42:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֶחֱשֵׁ֨יתִי֙
מֵֽ/עוֹלָ֔ם
אַחֲרִ֖ישׁ
אֶתְאַפָּ֑ק
כַּ/יּוֹלֵדָ֣ה
אֶפְעֶ֔ה
אֶשֹּׁ֥ם
וְ/אֶשְׁאַ֖ף
יָֽחַד
הֶחֱשֵׁ֨יתִי֙
châshâh
H2814
be silent
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
מֵֽ/עוֹלָ֔ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
אַחֲרִ֖ישׁ
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֶתְאַפָּ֑ק
ʼâphaq
H662
to refrain
V-Hithpael-Imperf-1cs
כַּ/יּוֹלֵדָ֣ה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Prep | V-Qal
אֶפְעֶ֔ה
pâʻâh
H6463
to groan
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֶשֹּׁ֥ם
nâsham
H5395
to pant
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֶשְׁאַ֖ף
shâʼaph
H7602
to long for
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
יָֽחַד
yachad
H3162
unitedness
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 42:14
הֶחֱשֵׁ֨יתִי֙
châshâh
H2814
"be silent"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be silent or quiet, and is used in the Bible to describe stillness or inactivity, as seen in the book of Psalms. It can also mean to hold peace or keep silence. In some cases, it is used to show respect or reverence.
Definition: 1) to be silent, quiet, still, inactive 1a) (Qal) to be silent, be still 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to be silent, exhibit silence 1b2) to show inactivity, be inactive 1b3) to make silent, make quiet, cause to be still
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: hold peace, keep silence, be silent, (be) still. See also: Judges 18:9; Psalms 107:29; Psalms 28:1.
מֵֽ/עוֹלָ֔ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
אַחֲרִ֖ישׁ
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
אֶתְאַפָּ֑ק
ʼâphaq
H662
"to refrain"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to restrain or abstain from something, often used in the context of self-control or discipline. It can also mean to force oneself to do something, as seen in the actions of those who persevere through difficult times.
Definition: 1) to hold, be strong, restrain, hold back 1a) (Hithpael) 1a1) to restrain oneself, refrain 1a2) to force, compel oneself
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: force (oneself), restrain. See also: Genesis 43:31; Esther 5:10; Isaiah 42:14.
כַּ/יּוֹלֵדָ֣ה
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Prep | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
אֶפְעֶ֔ה
pâʻâh
H6463
"to groan"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To groan or scream is a loud cry of pain or sadness, like in Exodus 2:23 where the Israelites groaned under slavery in Egypt. It expresses strong emotions, often in response to suffering or distress.
Definition: (Qal) to groan, cry out, scream
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cry. See also: Isaiah 42:14.
אֶשֹּׁ֥ם
nâsham
H5395
"to pant"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To pant or breathe heavily is the meaning of this word, often used to describe a woman in labor. It appears in the book of Jeremiah and other Old Testament books. The word is related to the idea of blowing away or destroying something.
Definition: 1) to pant 1a) (Qal) to pant 1a1) of a woman in travail or labour
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: destroy. See also: Isaiah 42:14.
וְ/אֶשְׁאַ֖ף
shâʼaph
H7602
"to long for"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To crush or trample something, also to desire or hasten eagerly, as seen in Psalm 7:2. It implies a strong emotional response, like anger or intense longing. This word is used to describe God's judgment in Isaiah 13:3.
Definition: 1) to gasp, pant, pant after, long for, breathe heavily 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gasp, pant after, snuff up 1a2) to gasp or pant (with desire), pant after, be eager for 1a3) to thirst for one's blood (from actions of animals) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: desire (earnestly), devour, haste, pant, snuff up, swallow up. See also: Job 5:5; Ecclesiastes 1:5; Psalms 56:2.
יָֽחַד
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
N-ms
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
Study Notes — Isaiah 42:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 42:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 42:14
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:14
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:14
- Sermons on Isaiah 42:14
Context — A New Song of Praise
12Let them give glory to the LORD and declare His praise in the islands.
13The LORD goes forth like a mighty one; He stirs up His zeal like a warrior. He shouts; yes, He roars in triumph over His enemies:
14“I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant.
15I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes. 16I 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 83:1–2 | O God, be not silent; be not speechless; be not still, O God. See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 8:11–12 | When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil. Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. |
| 3 | 2 Peter 3:15 | Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 3:9–10 | The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. |
| 5 | Luke 18:7 | Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? |
| 6 | Jeremiah 44:22 | So the LORD could no longer endure the evil deeds and detestable acts you committed, and your land became a desolation, a horror, and an object of cursing, without inhabitant, as it is this day. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 15:6 | You have forsaken Me, declares the LORD. You have turned your back. So I will stretch out My hand against you and I will destroy you; I am weary of showing compassion. |
| 8 | Job 32:18 | For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. |
| 9 | Psalms 50:2 | From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. |
| 10 | Job 32:20 | I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond. |
Isaiah 42:14 Summary
[In Isaiah 42:14, God says He has been silent for a long time, but now He is going to take action and make a big change, like a woman giving birth to a new baby. This means that God is getting ready to do something big and powerful, like in (Isaiah 40:5), where it says that all people will see His glory. God's silence is broken, and He is going to make His presence known. As we wait for God to act, we can trust that His timing is perfect, just like it says in (Psalm 27:14), 'Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to have 'kept silent from ages past' in Isaiah 42:14?
This phrase suggests that God has been patiently waiting and holding back His judgment, much like in Psalm 50:21, where God says, 'These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought I was just like you.'
Why does God compare Himself to a woman in labor in this verse?
The comparison to a woman in labor is a powerful metaphor for the intense effort and pain that God is about to exert in judgment and redemption, similar to the imagery used in Isaiah 13:8 and Jeremiah 4:31.
How does this verse relate to God's character and nature?
This verse highlights God's long-suffering and patience, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9, where it says, 'The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.'
What is the significance of God's silence being broken in this verse?
The breaking of God's silence signifies a turning point in His dealings with humanity, marking a shift from patience to action, as seen in Isaiah 40:5, where it says, 'And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God's patience and silence have been evident in my own life, and how can I respond to His mercy?
- How does the image of God groaning like a woman in labor challenge my understanding of His power and character?
- In what ways can I be sensitive to the times when God is 'giving birth' to something new in my life or in the world around me?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to wait patiently for God to act, and how can I trust in His timing?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:14
I have long time holden my peace,.... For many hundred years the Lord suffered the Gentile world to walk in their own ways, to worship their idols, and took no notice of them; he winked at and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:14
I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once. I have long time - namely, during the desolation of Israel (Isaiah 32:14).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:14
I have long time held my peace; I have for many ages suffered the devil and his servants, tyrants, and idolaters, and persecutors to prevail in the world, to afflict my people, and to hinder the entertainment of my doctrine and worship in the world. Now will I cry like a travailing woman; now I will bring forth and accomplish that glorious work which I have long conceived in my mind. I will destroy and devour at once; I will suddenly and utterly destroy the incorrigible enemies of my truth, and of my Son’ s kingdom. He alludes to those wild beasts which open their mouths wide, and devour all their prey at one morsel, or at one time.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:14
Isaiah 42:14 I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, [and] refrained myself: [now] will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.Ver. 14. I have long time holden my peace.] As a travailing woman biteth in her pain as long as she is able. So had God, for causes best known to himself, forborne a long while to appear for his people and to avenge them of their enemies. But now Patientia laesa fit furor: Deique patientia quo diuturnior, est minacior. Now down goeth Dagon and the devil’ s whole kingdom before this jealous giant. Now will I cry like a travailing woman.] Which when she can bear no longer, sets up her note, and is heard all the house over. This is very comfortable. God is pained, as it were, for his people - in all their afflictions he is afflicted; he longs for their deliverance, which therefore shall not be long ere it come.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:14
(14) I have long time holden my peace . . .—The change of person indicates that Jehovah is the speaker. “Long time,” literally, for an age, or an eternity. What is actually meant is the period of the exile, during which, till the advent of the deliverer, there had been no interposition on behalf of Israel. To the exiles this had seemed endless in its weariness. Now there were the travail-pangs of a new birth for the nation. (Comp. Matthew 24:8.) Was it strange that there should be the convulsions and catastrophes which are as the thunder-roaring of the voice of Jehovah? I will destroy and devour.—Better, I pant and gasp. The verbs express strong emotion, the cries of the travailing woman rather than destructive acts.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 42:14
Verse 14. I have been still - "Shall I keep silence for ever"] After מעולם meolam, in the copy which the Septuagint had before them, followed the word הלעולם, heleolam, εσιωπησααπ' αιωνος·Μηκαιαεισιωπησομαι· according to MSS. Pachom. and I. D. II. and Edit. Complut., which word, הלעולם haleolam, has been omitted in the text by an easy mistake of a transcriber, because of the similitude of the word preceding. Shall I always keep silence? like that of Juvenal: Semper ego auditor tantum? Shall I always be a hearer only?
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:14
14–17. Jehovah rouses Himself from His inactivity. The passage, which obviously continues the figure of Isa 42:13, is exceedingly bold in its anthropomorphism; it is Jehovah’s battle-song.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:14
I have long time holden my peace - This is the language of Yahweh, and it means that he had for a long time been patient and forbearing; but that now he would go forth as a warrior to overpower and destroy his foes.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:14
14. I have long… holden my peace — The tense of the first sentence is preterite; that of the sentences following is future.
Sermons on Isaiah 42:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Passion of God by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson passionately explores the 'Passion of God,' emphasizing God's longing to reveal His glory and power amidst a spiritually indifferent world. He draws parallels between |
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Isaiah Chapter 18 the Passion of God by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson passionately explores Isaiah Chapter 18, emphasizing the fervent heart of God as He longs to reveal His glory and deliver His people. He describes the intense spiritua |
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Holl-09 Israel in the Cosmic Drama by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a prophetic perspective that considers eternity and its impact on the present. He calls out the church in Holland to |
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The Battle to Think Right by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a woman who is married to a man named Saul. However, she helps David, who is being hunted by Saul, escape. As a result, she is a |
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Signs of the Times by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the discovery of an ancient book of Psalms in Dublin, Ireland. The manuscript was found open to Psalm 83, which talks about God's enemies and |
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Satan's Plan to Destroy God's Overcomers by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of knowing God amidst the chaos of competing voices and distractions in our lives. He urges believers to seek a deep, personal relationship |
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Psalm 83 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the power of faith in prayer, urging believers to approach the mercy-seat boldly and persistently, seeking God's intervention against His enemies. The enem |