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Isaiah 51:18

Isaiah 51:18 in Multiple Translations

Among all the sons she bore, there is no one to guide her; among all the sons she brought up, there is no one to take her hand.

There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.

There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand among all the sons that she hath brought up.

She has no one among all her children to be her guide; not one of the sons she has taken care of takes her by the hand.

Of all your children you had, there's not one left to guide you. Of all the children you raised, there's not one to take you by the hand.

There is none to guide her among all the sonnes, whome she hath brought foorth: there is none that taketh her by the hand of all the sonnes that she hath brought vp.

There is not a leader to her Out of all the sons she hath borne, And there is none laying hold on her hand Out of all the sons she hath nourished.

There is no one to guide her among all the sons to whom she has given birth; and there is no one who takes her by the hand among all the sons whom she has brought up.

There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.

There is none that can uphold her among all the children that she hath brought forth: and there is none that taketh her by the hand among all the children that she hath brought up.

Now you do not have any children who are alive [DOU] and able to take your hand and guide you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 51:18

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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 51:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֵין מְנַהֵ֣ל לָ֔/הּ מִ/כָּל בָּנִ֖ים יָלָ֑דָה וְ/אֵ֤ין מַחֲזִיק֙ בְּ/יָדָ֔/הּ מִ/כָּל בָּנִ֖ים גִּדֵּֽלָה
אֵין ʼayin H369 nothing Part
מְנַהֵ֣ל nâhal H5095 to guide V-Piel
לָ֔/הּ Prep | Suff
מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
בָּנִ֖ים bên H1121 son N-mp
יָלָ֑דָה yâlad H3205 to beget V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וְ/אֵ֤ין ʼayin H369 nothing Conj | Part
מַחֲזִיק֙ châzaq H2388 to strengthen V-Hiphil
בְּ/יָדָ֔/הּ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff
מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
בָּנִ֖ים bên H1121 son N-mp
גִּדֵּֽלָה gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Piel-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 51:18

אֵין 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.
מְנַהֵ֣ל nâhal H5095 "to guide" V-Piel
To guide or lead someone, like a shepherd leading his flock, as seen in Psalm 23. This verb describes leading with care and protection. It is used to describe God's guidance and care for his people.
Definition: 1) to lead, give rest, lead with care, guide to a watering place or station, cause to rest, bring to a station or place of rest, guide, refresh 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to lead to a watering-place or station and cause to rest there 1a2) to lead or bring to a station or goal 1a3) to lead, guide 1a4) to give rest to 1a5) to refresh (with food) 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to lead on 1b2) to journey by stations or stages
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: carry, feed, guide, lead (gently, on). See also: Genesis 33:14; Psalms 23:2; Psalms 31:4.
לָ֔/הּ "" Prep | Suff
מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בָּנִ֖ים bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יָלָ֑דָה yâlad H3205 "to beget" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
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.
וְ/אֵ֤ין 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.
מַחֲזִיק֙ châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" V-Hiphil
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בְּ/יָדָ֔/הּ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | 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/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בָּנִ֖ים bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
גִּדֵּֽלָה gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Piel-Perf-3fs
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.

Study Notes — Isaiah 51:18

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 49:21 Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. So who has reared them? Look, I was left all alone, so where did they come from?’”
2 Psalms 88:18 You have removed my beloved and my friend; darkness is my closest companion.
3 Psalms 142:4 Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul.
4 Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
5 Isaiah 45:1 This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut:
6 Mark 8:23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then He spit on the man’s eyes and placed His hands on him. “Can you see anything?” He asked.
7 Matthew 9:36 When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
8 Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.
9 Isaiah 3:4–8 “I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them.” The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, and the base against the honorable. A man will seize his brother within his father’s house: “You have a cloak—you be our leader! Take charge of this heap of rubble.” On that day he will cry aloud: “I am not a healer. I have no food or clothing in my house. Do not make me leader of the people!” For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence.
10 Hebrews 8:9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not abide by My covenant, and I disregarded them, declares the Lord.

Isaiah 51:18 Summary

[Isaiah 51:18 describes a desperate situation where the city of Jerusalem, represented as a mother, has many children but lacks guidance and support. This picture illustrates the consequences of sin and the judgment of God, as seen in Isaiah 3:1-5. In simple terms, when we turn away from God, we can find ourselves lost and alone, in need of His guidance and care, much like the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 who returns to his father after realizing his mistakes.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by the phrase 'Among all the sons she bore' in Isaiah 51:18?

This phrase refers to the city of Jerusalem, which is personified as a mother who has given birth to many children, but now finds herself without guidance or support, as seen in Isaiah 51:18, a situation that echoes the feelings of abandonment described in Lamentations 1:1-2.

Why does the verse say there is no one to guide her or take her hand?

The verse highlights the desperate state of Jerusalem, which has been devastated by the judgment of God, as mentioned in Isaiah 51:17, and now lacks the leadership and care it needs, much like the situation described in Isaiah 3:1-5 where God removes the support systems of His people.

Is this verse talking about a specific historical event or a spiritual condition?

While the verse has historical context, it also speaks to the spiritual condition of God's people, who can experience a sense of abandonment and desperation when they have strayed from God's ways, as seen in Isaiah 59:1-2, and are in need of His guidance and restoration.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah?

This verse contributes to the broader theme of Isaiah, which emphasizes the judgment and redemption of God's people, as seen in Isaiah 1:1-31, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and restoration, as described in Isaiah 44:21-23.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about the consequences of sin and the judgment of God?
  2. In what ways can we, like Jerusalem, find ourselves without guidance or support, and how can we seek God's help in such times?
  3. How does this verse encourage us to seek a personal relationship with God, who can guide and support us even in the midst of difficulty?
  4. What does this verse teach us about the importance of spiritual leadership and the role of God's people in caring for one another?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:18

There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth,.... Still alluding to drunken persons staggering in the streets, that can scarcely stand on their feet, and do not know

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:18

There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:18

When thou wast drunk with this cup, and not able to go, neither thy princes, nor prophets, nor priests were able or willing to lead and support thee.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:18

Isaiah 51:18 [There is] none to guide her among all the sons [whom] she hath brought forth; neither [is there any] that taketh her by the hand of all the sons [that] she hath brought up.Ver. 18. There is none to guide her.] This was a point next the worst, as we say. She was without prudent and pious magistrates and ministers, or other friends to advise her; and so she was δισκακοδαιμων - twice miserable. Christ hath promised all his, "I will not leave you destitute," or orphans. Among all her sons.] Who should see to their aged parents and sublevate them, as pious Aeneas did, and as Scipio, who therehence had his name; but Zion’ s sons were themselves in a dreadful plight, and in an ill case to relieve their mother.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:18

Ch. Isaiah 51:17 to Isaiah 52:12. The Lord will turn the Captivity of ZionThe three oracles into which this passage naturally falls are these:—(1) Isaiah 51:17-23. The prophet, returning to the thought with which the book opens (ch. Isaiah 40:2), announces that the period of Jerusalem’s degradation has expired. The city is figured as a woman lying prostrate and senseless, intoxicated with the cup of the Lord’s indignation which she has drunk to the dregs, her sons unable to help her (17–20). But the cup is now taken from her and passed to the enemies who had oppressed and insulted her (21–23). (2) Isaiah 52:1-6. In a new apostrophe, the image is carried on; let Zion lay aside her soiled raiment, and the emblems of her slavery, and put on her holiday attire (1, 2). Jehovah will no longer endure that His name should be blasphemed through the banishment of His people (3–6). (3) Isaiah 51:7-12. A description of the triumphal return of Jehovah to Zion, obviously based on the last section of the Prologue (ch. Isaiah 40:9-11). The writer pictures the scene of joy within the city when the heralds of the King arrive (7, 8); he calls on the waste places of Jerusalem to break forth into singing (9, 10); and finally, turning to the exiles (as in Isaiah 48:20 f.) he summons them to hasten their escape from the land of their captivity (11, 12).

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:18

There is none to guide her - The image here is taken from the condition of one who is under the influence of an intoxicating draught, and who needs some one to sustain and guide him.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:18

18-20. There is none to guide her — There is none like Messiah to guide and lead. The sons of Jerusalem — namely, the priests and prophets — have lost character, hence ability spiritually to guide.

Sermons on Isaiah 51:18

SermonDescription
William MacDonald Creation-Providence-Redemption - Part 3 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of surviving a car accident. The car was driving erratically in the rain and eventually rolled over, pinning the speaker'
William MacDonald Yosemite Bible Conference 1991-16 Incidents of the Providence of God by William MacDonald In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering demonic opposition while working on a commentary. They also recount a story of a young black man
John Bjorlie William Edwy Vine by John Bjorlie John Bjorlie preaches about the life and legacy of William Edwy Vine, the author of the Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Vine, unlike many detached scholars, was a pra
Keith Daniel 10 Vital Evidences of Salvation by Keith Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of
Bill McLeod By Love Serve by Bill McLeod This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving one another in love, drawing from Galatians 5:13. It highlights the need to show genuine care, exhort, comfort, and support fellow
G.W. North Jesus Is Here by G.W. North In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story in John chapter 5 where Jesus encounters a multitude of sick and disabled people at the pool of Bethesda. The pool was believed to
J. Wilbur Chapman No Man Cared for My Soul by J. Wilbur Chapman J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the importance of caring for the souls of others, drawing inspiration from the contrasting life of King David who wrote the Psalms. He emphasizes the

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