Isaiah 48:21
Isaiah 48:21 in Multiple Translations
They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He made water flow for them from the rock; He split the rock, and water gushed out.
And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.
And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts; he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them; he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.
They had no need of water when he was guiding them through the waste lands: he made water come out of the rock for them: the rock was parted and the waters came flowing out.
They weren't thirsty when he led them through the desert—he made water come out of the rock for them. He split the rock open and water poured out.
And they were not thirstie: hee led them through the wildernesse: hee caused the waters to flowe out of the rocke for them: for he claue the rocke, and the water gushed out.
And they have not thirsted in waste places, He hath caused them to go on, Waters from a rock he hath caused to flow to them, Yea, he cleaveth a rock, and flow do waters.
They didn’t thirst when he led them through the deserts. He caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them. He also split the rock and the waters gushed out.
And they thirsted not, when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he cleaved the rock also, and the waters gushed out.
They thirsted not in the desert, when he led them out: he brought forth water out of the rock for them, and he clove the rock, and the waters gushed out.
They were not thirsty when he led them through the desert, because he split open the rock and caused water to gush/flow out for them to drink.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 48:21
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 48:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹ֣א
צָמְא֗וּ
בָּ/חֳרָבוֹת֙
הֽוֹלִיכָ֔/ם
מַ֥יִם
מִ/צּ֖וּר
הִזִּ֣יל
לָ֑/מוֹ
וַ/יִּ֨בְקַע
צ֔וּר
וַ/יָּזֻ֖בוּ
מָֽיִם
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
צָמְא֗וּ
tsâmêʼ
H6770
to thirst
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בָּ/חֳרָבוֹת֙
chorbâh
H2723
desolation
Prep | N-fp
הֽוֹלִיכָ֔/ם
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
מַ֥יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
מִ/צּ֖וּר
tsûwr
H6697
rock
Prep | N-ms
הִזִּ֣יל
nâzal
H5140
to flow
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
לָ֑/מוֹ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּ֨בְקַע
bâqaʻ
H1234
to break up/open
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
צ֔וּר
tsûwr
H6697
rock
N-ms
וַ/יָּזֻ֖בוּ
zûwb
H2100
to flow
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 48:21
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
צָמְא֗וּ
tsâmêʼ
H6770
"to thirst"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to feel thirsty, either physically or spiritually, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or longing, like in Psalm 42:2 where David thirsts for God. It can also refer to a lack of something, like water or satisfaction. It is often used figuratively.
Definition: (Qal) to be thirsty
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (be a-, suffer) thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Psalms 42:3; Psalms 63:2.
בָּ/חֳרָבוֹת֙
chorbâh
H2723
"desolation"
Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a place that has been laid waste or destroyed, often due to war or disaster. In the Bible, it is used to describe the consequences of sin and disobedience. The prophet Ezekiel used this word to describe a desolate city.
Definition: a place laid waste, ruin, waste, desolation
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: decayed place, desolate (place, -tion), destruction, (laid) waste (place). See also: Leviticus 26:31; Jeremiah 27:17; Psalms 9:7.
הֽוֹלִיכָ֔/ם
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
מַ֥יִם
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.
מִ/צּ֖וּר
tsûwr
H6697
"rock"
Prep | N-ms
A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.
Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.
הִזִּ֣יל
nâzal
H5140
"to flow"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to flow or drip, like a stream or flood, and is used to describe the movement of water. It appears in descriptions of natural wonders, like rivers and waterfalls. In the Bible, it is used in Isaiah 44:3 to describe God's blessings flowing like a river.
Definition: 1) to flow, distil, flow forth or down, trickle, drop 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flow 1a1a) streams, floods (participle) 1a2) to distil 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to flow
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: distil, drop, flood, (cause to) flow(-ing), gush out, melt, pour (down), running water, stream. See also: Exodus 15:8; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 78:16.
לָ֑/מוֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּ֨בְקַע
bâqaʻ
H1234
"to break up/open"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to break or open something, like a door or a wall, and is used in the Bible to describe God breaking through to help his people, as seen in Psalm 107:16.
Definition: 1) to split, cleave, break open, divide, break through, rip up, break up, tear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cleave, cleave open 1a2) to break through, break into 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleft, be rent open, be split open 1b2) to be broken into 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cleave, cut to pieces, rend open 1c2) to break through, break down 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be ripped open, be torn open 1d2) to be rent 1d3) to be broken into 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to break into 1e2) to break through 1f) (Hophal) to be broken into 1g) (Hithpael) to burst (themselves) open, cleave asunder
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: make a breach, break forth (into, out, in pieces, through, up), be ready to burst, cleave (asunder), cut out, divide, hatch, rend (asunder), rip up, tear, win. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 78:13; Psalms 74:15.
צ֔וּר
tsûwr
H6697
"rock"
N-ms
A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.
Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.
וַ/יָּזֻ֖בוּ
zûwb
H2100
"to flow"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To flow means to have a continuous movement, like water, and can also refer to wasting away or overflowing. It is used in the Bible to describe various physical and emotional states.
Definition: : flowing 1) to flow, gush, issue, discharge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flow, gush 1a2) to die, pine away (fig.) 1a3) to flow (of issue from woman), have an issue, flux 1a4) flowing (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: flow, gush out, have a (running) issue, pine away, run. See also: Exodus 3:8; Numbers 13:27; Psalms 78:20.
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 48:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 48:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 48:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 48:21
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:21
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:21
- Sermons on Isaiah 48:21
Context — Deliverance Promised to Israel
19Your descendants would have been as countless as the sand, and your offspring as numerous as its grains; their name would never be cut off or eliminated from My presence.”
20Leave Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! Declare it with a shout of joy, proclaim it, let it go out to the ends of the earth, saying, “The LORD has redeemed His servant Jacob!”
21They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He made water flow for them from the rock; He split the rock, and water gushed out.
22“There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 17:6 | Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Psalms 105:41 | He opened a rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert. |
| 4 | Isaiah 41:17–18 | 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. 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. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Numbers 20:11 | Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Psalms 78:20 | When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?” |
| 9 | Isaiah 49:10 | They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 9:15 | In their hunger You gave them bread from heaven; in their thirst You brought them water from the rock. You told them to go in and possess the land which You had sworn to give them. |
Isaiah 48:21 Summary
[Isaiah 48:21 reminds us that God is our provider and caretaker, even in the toughest times. Just like He made water flow from a rock for the Israelites, He can meet our deepest needs and satisfy our spiritual thirst (John 4:14). This verse encourages us to trust in God's goodness and provision, knowing that He is always with us, even in the desert places of life (Deuteronomy 31:6). By trusting in Him, we can experience the same kind of spiritual refreshment that the Israelites did, and be a source of hope and encouragement to others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God made water flow from the rock in Isaiah 48:21?
This refers to the miraculous event in Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11, where God provided water for the Israelites in the desert, demonstrating His care and provision for His people.
Why is the desert mentioned in this verse?
The desert represents a place of hardship and testing, but also a place where God's people can experience His presence and provision, as seen in Isaiah 48:21 and other scriptures like Deuteronomy 8:2-3.
How does this verse relate to the idea of spiritual thirst?
Just as the Israelites did not thirst physically, believers can also experience spiritual satisfaction and quenched thirst through Jesus Christ, as promised in John 4:14 and Jeremiah 2:13.
What is the significance of the rock in this verse?
The rock is a symbol of God's presence and provision, and is also a type of Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:4, where it is written that the rock that followed the Israelites was Christ.
Reflection Questions
- How have you experienced God's provision and care in times of spiritual or physical dryness?
- What are some ways you can trust God to provide for your needs, just as He did for the Israelites in the desert?
- How can you apply the promise of Isaiah 48:21 to your life, and trust that God will quench your spiritual thirst?
- In what ways can you be a source of spiritual refreshment and provision for others, just as God was for the Israelites?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:21
And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts,.... As when he led the people of Israel through the wilderness to Canaan's land, though they sometimes thirsted for want of water, yet they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:21
And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out. And they thirsted not (when) he led them through the deserts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:21
This is part of the matter which the Jews are obliged to declare to all people, as they have opportunity, to wit, that God took the same care of them in their return from Babylon to Canaan, which was through many dry and desolate places, as he did in their march from Egypt to Canaan. They thirsted not, & c., i.e. they shall not thirst. He speaks of things to come, as if they were already past or present, as the prophets commonly do.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:21
Isaiah 48:21 And they thirsted not [when] he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.Ver. 21. And they thirsted not when he led, &c.] Your fathers did not of old: nor shall you now in your return homeward. The Jews tell us of many miracles then wrought also, but we read of no such matter in Ezra; and we know that God’ s pilgrims shall want no necessary accommodation: that he will be sure to see to.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 48:21
(21) He caused the waters to flow . . .—A dead prosaic literalism makes men wonder that there is no record of such wonders on the return from Babylon. A truer insight recognises that the “water out of the rock” is, as ever, the symbol of spiritual refreshment (Isaiah 41:17-19; Isaiah 43:19-20; John 4:10).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 48:21
Verse 21. They thirsted not - through the deserts] Kimchi has a surprising observation upon this place: "If the prophecy,' says he, "relates to the return from the Babylonish captivity, as it seems to do, it is to be wondered how it comes to pass, that in the Book of Ezra, in which he gives an account of their return, no mention is made that such miracles were wrought for them; as, for instance, that God clave the rock for them in the desert." It is really much to be wondered, that one of the most learned and judicious of the Jewish expositors of the Old Testament, having advanced so far in a large Comment on Isaiah, should appear to be totally ignorant of the prophet's manner of writing; of the parabolic style, which prevails in the writings of all the prophets, and more particularly in the prophecy of Isaiah, which abounds throughout in parabolical images from the beginning to the end; from "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth," to "the worm and the fire" in the last verse. And how came he to keep his wonderment to himself so long? Why did he not expect that the historian should have related how, as they passed through the desert, cedars, pines, and olive-trees shot up at once on the side of the way to shade them; and that instead of briers and brambles the acacia and the myrtle sprung up under their feet, according to God's promises, Isaiah 41:19; Isaiah 55:13? These and a multitude of the like parabolical or poetical images, were never intended to be understood literally. All that the prophet designed in this place, and which he has executed in the most elegant manner, was an amplification and illustration of the gracious care and protection of God vouchsafed to his people in their return from Babylon, by an allusion to the miraculous exodus from Egypt. See De S. Poesi, Hebr. Prael. ix.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:21
21. These are still words of the ransomed people. The allusions are to the miracles in the wilderness of Sinai (cf. Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:11) which are represented as having been repeated during the desert journey of the returning exiles.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:21
And they thirsted not - This is a part of that for which they would be called to celebrate his name.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:21
20-22. Go ye forth of Babylon — The message closes here. The exiled but redeemed ones get orders for a march to Zion.
Sermons on Isaiah 48:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Through the Bible - Isaiah - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of believers in preparing people for the second coming of Jesus, comparing it to the way John the Baptist prepared for his first co |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 68 by Don Courville | The video is titled "Desert Survival Series" and is based on the life of Moses. The pastor expresses a burden for the church, stating that it is currently in a subnormal state and |
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1 Kings 16-18 - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah and his encounter with King Ahab. He emphasizes the power of one person with God, using Elijah as an example. The preach |
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Esther #2 Ch. 3-4 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concern for the commitment and agenda of those who seek to wipe out Israel, specifically comparing the PLO to Haman's plan. The speaker th |
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John 7:37 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a period of 400 years of darkness and stillness without any prophetic voice. Suddenly, a man appears in the wilderness, wearing a piece of old |
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Let Him That Thinks He Stands Take Heed Lest He Fall by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his pain and asking God for relief. He then encourages the congregation to look to Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith |
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(Exodus) Exodus 17:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the smitten rock and its significance in relation to spiritual blessings. He emphasizes that although God has blessed us abund |