Isaiah 50:2
Isaiah 50:2 in Multiple Translations
Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst.
Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.
Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst.
Why, then, when I came, was there no man? and no one to give answer to my voice? has my hand become feeble, so that it is unable to take up your cause? or have I no power to make you free? See, at my word the sea becomes dry, I make the rivers a waste land: their fish are dead for need of water, and make an evil smell.
When I came, why wasn't anyone there? When I called, why didn't anyone answer? Is it because I don't have the strength to save you, or the power to rescue you? Can't you see that if I order it, the sea will dry up? I can turn rivers into a desert. Their fish stink because they've died of thirst since there's no water.
Wherefore came I, and there was no man? I called, and none answered: is mine hand so shortened, that it cannot helpe? or haue I no power to deliuer? Beholde, at my rebuke I drie vp the Sea: I make the floods desert: their fish rotteth for want of water, and dieth for thirst.
Wherefore have I come, and there is no one? I called, and there is none answering, Hath My hand been at all short of redemption? And is there not in me power to deliver? Lo, by My rebuke I dry up a sea, I make rivers a wilderness, Their fish stinketh, for there is no water, And dieth with thirst.
Why, when I came, was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can’t redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea. I make the rivers a wilderness. Their fish stink because there is no water, and die of thirst.
Why, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish becometh putrid, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.
Because I came, and there was not a man: I called, and there was none that would hear. Is my hand shortened and become little, that I cannot redeem? or is there no strength in me to deliver? Behold at my rebuke I will make the sea a desert, I will turn the rivers into dry land: the fishes shall rot for want of water, and shall die for thirst.
When I came to you to rescue you, why did no one answer when I called out to you [RHQ]? Was there no one there [RHQ]? Or, did you think that I do not have the power [MTY] to rescue you [DOU]? Think about this: I can speak to a sea and cause it to become dry! I can cause rivers to become deserts, with the result that the fish in the rivers die from thirst and they rot.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 50:2
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 50:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַדּ֨וּעַ
בָּ֜אתִי
וְ/אֵ֣ין
אִ֗ישׁ
קָרָֽאתִי֮
וְ/אֵ֣ין
עוֹנֶה֒
הֲ/קָצ֨וֹר
קָצְרָ֤ה
יָדִ/י֙
מִ/פְּד֔וּת
וְ/אִם
אֵֽין
בִּ֥/י
כֹ֖חַ
לְ/הַצִּ֑יל
הֵ֣ן
בְּ/גַעֲרָתִ֞/י
אַחֲרִ֣יב
יָ֗ם
אָשִׂ֤ים
נְהָרוֹת֙
מִדְבָּ֔ר
תִּבְאַ֤שׁ
דְּגָתָ/ם֙
מֵ/אֵ֣ין
מַ֔יִם
וְ/תָמֹ֖ת
בַּ/צָּמָֽא
מַדּ֨וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
why?
Part
בָּ֜אתִי
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
קָרָֽאתִי֮
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
עוֹנֶה֒
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal
הֲ/קָצ֨וֹר
qâtsar
H7114
be short
Part | V-Qal-Ptc
קָצְרָ֤ה
qâtsar
H7114
be short
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
יָדִ/י֙
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
מִ/פְּד֔וּת
pᵉdûwth
H6304
redemption
Prep | N-fs
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
בִּ֥/י
Prep | Suff
כֹ֖חַ
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms
לְ/הַצִּ֑יל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
בְּ/גַעֲרָתִ֞/י
gᵉʻârâh
H1606
rebuke
Prep | N-fs | Suff
אַחֲרִ֣יב
chârab
H2717
to dry
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
יָ֗ם
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms
אָשִׂ֤ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
נְהָרוֹת֙
nâhâr
H5104
river
N-mp
מִדְבָּ֔ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
N-ms
תִּבְאַ֤שׁ
bâʼash
H887
to stink
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
דְּגָתָ/ם֙
dâgâh
H1710
fish
N-fs | Suff
מֵ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Prep | Part
מַ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
וְ/תָמֹ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
בַּ/צָּמָֽא
tsâmâʼ
H6772
thirst
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 50:2
מַדּ֨וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
"why?"
Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
בָּ֜אתִי
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
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.
אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
קָרָֽאתִי֮
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
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.
עוֹנֶה֒
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal
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.
הֲ/קָצ֨וֹר
qâtsar
H7114
"be short"
Part | V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.
קָצְרָ֤ה
qâtsar
H7114
"be short"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.
יָדִ/י֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
מִ/פְּד֔וּת
pᵉdûwth
H6304
"redemption"
Prep | N-fs
Peduth means redemption or ransom, referring to the act of delivering or setting someone free. It is often translated as redemption or division.
Definition: ransom
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: division, redeem, redemption. See also: Exodus 8:19; Psalms 130:7; Psalms 111:9.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
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.
בִּ֥/י
""
Prep | Suff
כֹ֖חַ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
לְ/הַצִּ֑יל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
בְּ/גַעֲרָתִ֞/י
gᵉʻârâh
H1606
"rebuke"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
A rebuke is a stern warning or correction, often given to someone who has done wrong. It is a way of reproof, aiming to guide the person back to the right path.
Definition: a rebuke, reproof
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: rebuke(-ing), reproof. See also: 2 Samuel 22:16; Proverbs 13:8; Psalms 18:16.
אַחֲרִ֣יב
chârab
H2717
"to dry"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To slay or destroy is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to dry up or desolate something. It is used to describe fighting, attacking, or laying waste.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be dried up 1a) (Qal) to be dried, be dried up 1b) (Pual) to be dried 1c) (Hiphil) to dry up 1d) (Hophal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste. See also: Genesis 8:13; Isaiah 50:2; Psalms 106:9.
יָ֗ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
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.
נְהָרוֹת֙
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.
מִדְבָּ֔ר
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.
תִּבְאַ֤שׁ
bâʼash
H887
"to stink"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to smell bad or stink, and can also mean to be morally offensive. It is used to describe something or someone that is disgusting or wicked.
Definition: 1) to have a bad smell, stink, smell bad 1a) (Qal) to stink, smell bad 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to become odious 1b2) to make oneself odious 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stink, emit a stinking odour 1c2) to cause to stink 1c3) of wickedness (fig.) 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself odious 2) (TWOT) to abhor
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink(-ing savour), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Samuel 27:12; Psalms 38:6.
דְּגָתָ/ם֙
dâgâh
H1710
"fish"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word also means fish, similar to H1709, and is used to describe fish in the Bible, often in stories about fishing and the sea.
Definition: fish
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: fish. See also: Genesis 1:26; Psalms 105:29; Isaiah 50:2.
מֵ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Prep | 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.
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/תָמֹ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
בַּ/צָּמָֽא
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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 50:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 50:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 50:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 50:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 50:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 50:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 50:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 50:2
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 50:2
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 50:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 50:2
- Sermons on Isaiah 50:2
Context — Israel’s Sin
1This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
2Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst.
3I clothe the heavens in black and make sackcloth their covering.” 4The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 59:1 | Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. |
| 2 | Isaiah 66:4 | So I will choose their punishment and I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” |
| 3 | Numbers 11:23 | The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.” |
| 4 | Joshua 3:16 | the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. |
| 5 | Genesis 18:14 | Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 1:24 | Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, |
| 7 | Exodus 14:21 | Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, |
| 8 | Hosea 11:7 | My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them. |
| 9 | Nahum 1:4 | He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts. |
| 10 | Isaiah 43:16 | Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters, |
Isaiah 50:2 Summary
[Isaiah 50:2 is a verse where God is expressing His sadness and surprise that His people are not responding to Him, despite His power and ability to deliver them. He is asking if His hand is too short to redeem them, but this is a rhetorical question, emphasizing the people's lack of faith. God is all-powerful, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17 and Psalm 115:3, and He can deliver us from any situation, just like He parted the Red Sea in Exodus 14:21-22. We can trust in God's power and authority to overcome any challenge we may face, and respond to Him in faith, as seen in Hebrews 11:6 and James 1:6-8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when God says 'Why was no one there when I arrived?' in Isaiah 50:2?
This question expresses God's surprise and sadness that His people did not respond to His presence, highlighting their spiritual apathy and lack of faith, as seen in Isaiah 1:2-3 and Deuteronomy 31:16-18.
Is God's hand really too short to redeem us, as stated in Isaiah 50:2?
No, God's hand is not too short to redeem us, for He is all-powerful, as stated in Jeremiah 32:17 and Psalm 115:3, but this rhetorical question emphasizes the people's lack of faith in His power to deliver them.
What does the image of the sea drying up and the rivers turning into a desert signify in Isaiah 50:2?
This image signifies God's power and authority over creation, as seen in Exodus 14:21-22 and Joshua 3:13-17, and serves as a reminder of His ability to deliver His people from any situation, no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is always present and willing to deliver us, but we must respond to Him in faith, as seen in Hebrews 11:6 and James 1:6-8, and trust in His power and authority to overcome any challenge we may face.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have failed to respond to God's presence, and how can I become more attentive to His voice?
- How does the image of God's power in Isaiah 50:2 encourage me to trust in His ability to deliver me from my current challenges?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my faith in God's power and authority, as expressed in Isaiah 50:2, in my daily life?
- How can I apply the lesson of God's power and faithfulness in Isaiah 50:2 to my relationships with others, and how can I be a source of encouragement and hope to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 50:2
Wherefore, when I came, was there no man?.... The Targum is, "why have I sent my prophets, and they are not converted?'' And so Aben Ezra and Kimchi interpret it of the prophets that prophesied unto
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 50:2
Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 50:2
The general accusation delivered in the last words he now proveth by particular instances. When I came; when I, first by my prophets, and at last by my Son, came unto them, to call them to repentance, and to redeem and deliver them, as it is explained in the following clauses of this verse. No man that regarded and received me, that complied with my call and offer of grace, as it follows; whereby he implies that the generality of the Jews were guilty of gross infidelity and obstinate disobedience, and therefore might justly be rejected. When I called; called them to repentance, or to come unto me, or to do my will, as masters call their servants. None to answer; to come at my call, to obey my commands. Have I no power to deliver? what is the reason of this horrible contempt and rebellion? Is it because you expect no good from me, but think that I am either unwilling or unable to save you? Because you see no miracles wrought for you to save you from the Babylonians; and because my Son, your Messiah, cometh not with pomp and power, as you expect, but in the form of a servant, poor, and exposed to contempt and death; do you therefore believe that my power to deliver you is less than it was? At my rebuke: this phrase is borrowed from , and it is used . At my word or command, whereby I rebuke and check its proud waves.
I dry up, Heb. I will dry up; or, I can dry up; the future verb being put potentially. As I did it once, so I can and will do it again, when occasion requires it. I make the rivers a wilderness; as dry and fit for travel as a wilderness.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 50:2
Isaiah 50:2 Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst.Ver. 2. Wherefore, when I came, was there no man?] Christ "came unto his own, but his own received him not." This was condemnation, their rebelling against the light of the gospel; this was the great offence, the damning sin, the very cause of their utter rejection. Is my hand shortened at all?] Or rather, Have not you, by your obstinace and incredulity, transfused, as it were, a dead palsy into the hand of Omnipotence? "He could do there no mighty work because of their unbelief": of so venomous a nature is that cursed sin. Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea.] I have done it, you know, and can do it again. Be not therefore "faithless, but believing."
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 50:2
(2) Wherefore, when I came . . .?—The “coming” of Jehovah must be taken in all its width of meaning. He came in the deliverance from Babylon, in a promise of still greater blessings, in the fullest sense, in and through His Servant, and yet none came to help in the work, or even to receive the message. (Comp. Isaiah 63:3.) Not that He needed human helpers. In words that remind us, in their sequence, of the phenomena of the plagues of Egypt, the prophet piles up the mighty works of which He is capable. The words are echoed in Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:9; Revelation 8:12.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 50:2
Verse 2. Their fish stinketh - "Their fish is dried up"] For תבאש tibaosh, stinketh, read תיבש tibash, is dried up; so it stands in the Bodl. MS., and it is confirmed by the Septuagint, ξηρανθησονται, they shall be dried up.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 50:2
2. Jehovah expresses surprise that His message of redemption (delivered through the prophet) has been received with so little enthusiasm by the people. was there no man?] The expression occurs again in Isaiah 59:16; in both places the indefinite “man” is explained by the second member of the parallelism; here, therefore, it means “no man to answer.” Is my hand shortened at all &c.] Is it the case that my hand is too short to redeem? (cf. Isaiah 59:1). And the unreasonableness of such doubts as to Jehovah’s power is then proved by an appeal to His mighty works in the natural sphere, probably with a special allusion to the miracles of the Exodus period. at (by) my rebuke] Cf. ch. Isaiah 17:13; esp. Psalms 104:7; Psalms 106:9. I make [the] rivers a wilderness] Psalms 107:33. their fish stinketh &c.] Exodus 7:18.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 50:2
Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? - That is, when I came to call you to repentance, why was there no man of the nation to yield obedience? The sense is, that they had not been punished without warning.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 50:2
2. Wherefore, when I came… no man — No man of you answers to my call when I come to my people. Guilt is timid, and shrinks out of sight. It feels condemnation, not confidence. Is this your case?
Sermons on Isaiah 50:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Prophecy for Russia and America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses frustration and anger towards the wickedness in the world, particularly highlighting a case where a young man who had beaten up an elderly ma |
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Carry His Burden by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for the world that is without God. He encourages the audience to bear the burden and care for others, belie |
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God Is Willing to Save Wicked, Hardened Sinners! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes God's unwavering willingness and power to save even the most hardened sinners, as seen in the plight of Judah who doubted His ability to redeem them from |
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John 12:34-41 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the deceitfulness of the Jews who questioned Christ's statement about being lifted up, revealing their lack of understanding and deliberate wrongdoin |
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A Revival Sermon (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the negative influence of worldly distractions, particularly television, on one's spiritual life. He argues that giving one's heart to world |
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God Is Deaf by John Rice by John R. Rice | This sermon emphasizes the hindrances to answered prayers, focusing on the impact of sin, unforgiveness, and unconfessed wrongs on our communication with God. It highlights the imp |
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The Power of One Man's Intercession by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of one person to make a difference in God's circumstances. He reflects on the difficulty of getting people to change and acknowledg |