Isaiah 54:1
Isaiah 54:1 in Multiple Translations
“Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith Jehovah.
Let your voice be loud in song, O woman without children; make melody and sounds of joy, you who did not give birth: for the children of her who had no husband are more than those of the married wife, says the Lord.
Sing for joy, childless woman, you who haven't had a baby! Shout aloud, and sing happily, Jerusalem, you who have never given birth! For the abandoned woman now has more children than the married woman, says the Lord.
Rejoice, O barren that diddest not beare: breake forth into ioy and reioyce, thou that diddest not trauaile with childe: for the desolate hath moe children then the married wife, sayeth the Lord.
Sing, O barren, she hath not borne! Break forth with singing, and cry aloud, She hath not brought forth! For more [are] the sons of the desolate, Than the sons of the married one, said Jehovah.
“Sing, barren, you who didn’t give birth! Break out into singing, and cry aloud, you who didn’t travail with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife,” says the LORD.
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
Give praise, O thou barren, that bearest not: sing forth praise, and make a joyful noise, thou that didst not travail with child: for many are the children of the desolate, more than of her that hath a husband, saith the Lord.
Yahweh says, “You people of Jerusalem [MET], start to sing! You who are like [MET] women who have never given birth to children, sing loudly and shout joyfully, because you, who are like [MET] childless women who have been abandoned by their husbands, will soon have more children than women who have never had any children.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 54:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Isaiah 54:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רָנִּ֥י
עֲקָרָ֖ה
לֹ֣א
יָלָ֑דָה
פִּצְחִ֨י
רִנָּ֤ה
וְ/צַהֲלִי֙
לֹא
חָ֔לָה
כִּֽי
רַבִּ֧ים
בְּֽנֵי
שׁוֹמֵמָ֛ה
מִ/בְּנֵ֥י
בְעוּלָ֖ה
אָמַ֥ר
יְהוָֽה
רָנִּ֥י
rânan
H7442
to overcome
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
עֲקָרָ֖ה
ʻâqâr
H6135
barren
Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָלָ֑דָה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
פִּצְחִ֨י
pâtsach
H6476
to break out
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
רִנָּ֤ה
rinnâh
H7440
cry
N-fs
וְ/צַהֲלִי֙
tsâhal
H6670
to cry out
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חָ֔לָה
chûwl
H2342
to twist
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רַבִּ֧ים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
בְּֽנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
שׁוֹמֵמָ֛ה
shâmêm
H8074
be desolate
V-Qal
מִ/בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
בְעוּלָ֖ה
bâʻal
H1166
rule
V-Qal-Inf-c
אָמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 54:1
רָנִּ֥י
rânan
H7442
"to overcome"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This Hebrew verb means to sing or shout for joy, often used to express praise or triumph, as seen in Psalm 98:4 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also mean to cry aloud in distress or to summon others. This word is used to describe a loud, vocal expression of emotion.
Definition: 1) to overcome 1a) (Hithpolel) to be overcome
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph. See also: Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 132:9; Psalms 5:12.
עֲקָרָ֖ה
ʻâqâr
H6135
"barren"
Adj
Means sterile or barren, describing someone unable to have children, as seen in the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:6-8. This word is used to describe a woman who cannot bear children. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of longing for a child.
Definition: barren, sterile
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] male or female) barren (woman). See also: Genesis 11:30; Judges 13:2; Psalms 113:9.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
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.
פִּצְחִ֨י
pâtsach
H6476
"to break out"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This word describes breaking out in joyful sound, like music or singing. It's used in the Bible to describe happy noises, like celebration or praise.
Definition: 1) to cause to break or burst forth, break forth with, break out 1a) (Qal) to break out, break forthwith 1b) (Piel) to break up
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: break (forth, forth into joy), make a loud noise. See also: Psalms 98:4; Isaiah 52:9; Isaiah 14:7.
רִנָּ֤ה
rinnâh
H7440
"cry"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a loud, ringing cry, often used to express joy, praise, or triumph, as seen in Psalm 100:1 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also be a cry of supplication or entreaty. This word is used to describe a loud, joyful noise.
Definition: 1) ringing cry 1a) of entreaty, supplication 1b) in proclamation, joy, praise
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph. See also: 1 Kings 8:28; Psalms 126:5; Psalms 17:1.
וְ/צַהֲלִי֙
tsâhal
H6670
"to cry out"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To shine means to gleam or be cheerful, and can also be used to describe the clear sounds of animals or humans, such as shouting or neighing. This word is used to describe something that is radiant and full of life.
Definition: 1) to neigh, cry shrilly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to neigh (of men as stallions-fig.) 1a2) (Piel) to cry shrilly (in distress)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bellow, cry aloud (out), lift up, neigh, rejoice, make to shine, shout. See also: Esther 8:15; Isaiah 24:14; Psalms 104:15.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חָ֔לָה
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רַבִּ֧ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
בְּֽנֵי
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.
שׁוֹמֵמָ֛ה
shâmêm
H8074
"be desolate"
V-Qal
The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.
מִ/בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | 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.
בְעוּלָ֖ה
bâʻal
H1166
"rule"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This word means to rule or have dominion over something, and is often used to describe marriage or ownership. In the Bible, it is used to describe a husband's role in a marriage.
Definition: 1) to marry, possess, own, rule over 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to marry, be lord (husband) over 1b) (Niphal) to be married
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: have dominion (over), be husband, marry(-ried, [idiom] wife). See also: Genesis 20:3; Isaiah 54:1; Proverbs 30:23.
אָמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Isaiah 54:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 54:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 54:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 54:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 54:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 54:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 54:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 54:1
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 54:1
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 54:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 54:1
- Sermons on Isaiah 54:1
Context — Future Blessings for Zion
1“Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.
2“Enlarge the site of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not hold back. Lengthen your ropes and drive your stakes in deep. 3For you will spread out to the right and left; your descendants will dispossess the nations and inhabit the desolate cities.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 4:27 | For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 62:4 | No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 2:5 | The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away. |
| 4 | Hebrews 11:11–12 | By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. |
| 5 | Psalms 113:9 | He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah! |
| 6 | Zechariah 9:9 | Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. |
| 7 | Isaiah 49:13 | Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; break forth in song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and He will have compassion on His afflicted ones. |
| 8 | Zephaniah 3:14 | Sing for joy, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! |
| 9 | Psalms 98:3–9 | He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth—let your cry ring out, and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King. Let the sea resound, and all that fills it, the world, and all who dwell in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity. |
| 10 | Psalms 67:3–5 | Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. |
Isaiah 54:1 Summary
Isaiah 54:1 is a beautiful promise from God to those who feel unfruitful or unproductive in their faith. The Lord is saying that even if we feel like we have nothing to offer, He can still use us to bear spiritual children and bring joy to others, as seen in John 15:1-17. This verse reminds us that our value and worth come from God, not from our circumstances or abilities, as expressed in Psalm 139:13-16 and Jeremiah 1:5. By trusting in God's plan and promises, we can 'shout for joy' and live a life of faith and obedience, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a 'barren woman' in this verse?
In Isaiah 54:1, the 'barren woman' refers to someone who is unable to have children, but in a spiritual sense, it can also represent those who feel unfruitful or unproductive in their faith, as seen in Genesis 11:30 and Exodus 23:26, where God promises to open the wombs of the barren.
Why is the Lord telling the barren woman to 'shout for joy'?
The Lord is telling the barren woman to 'shout for joy' because He has a plan to bless her with spiritual children, as seen in Isaiah 54:1, and this promise is rooted in His faithfulness and love, as expressed in Deuteronomy 7:9 and Psalm 36:5.
How can the 'desolate woman' have more children than the woman with a husband?
This is a spiritual paradox, where the 'desolate woman' represents those who have put their trust in God, and as a result, they will have a multitude of spiritual descendants, as seen in Isaiah 54:1, and this is reminiscent of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3 and Galatians 3:29.
What is the significance of the Lord speaking directly in this verse?
The fact that the Lord is speaking directly in Isaiah 54:1 emphasizes the importance and authority of the message, as seen in other instances where God speaks directly, such as in Genesis 12:1-3 and Exodus 20:1-17, and it serves as a reminder of God's personal involvement in the lives of His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel 'barren' or unfruitful, and how can I apply the promise of Isaiah 54:1 to those areas?
- In what ways can I 'shout for joy' and express my gratitude to God for the spiritual blessings He has given me, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5?
- How can I trust God's plan to bless me with spiritual children, even when it seems impossible or unlikely, as seen in the stories of Sarah and Elizabeth in Genesis 11:30 and Luke 1:5-25?
- What does it mean for me to be a part of the 'desolate woman's' spiritual descendants, and how can I live out this identity in my daily life, as seen in Romans 8:14-17 and Galatians 3:26-29?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 54:1
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear,.... The Targum interprets this of Jerusalem, paraphrasing the words thus, "sing praise, O Jerusalem, which was as a barren woman that bears not;'' and so the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 54:1
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 54:1
ISAIAH CHAPTER 54 The blessings and fulness of the gospel church, ; the Gentiles becoming Christ’ s spouse; to whom his love is everlasting, . Her glories, ,12. The gifts of the Holy Ghost, . Her sure preservation, . Sing, O barren. The prophet having largely discoursed of the sufferings of Christ, and of the blessed fruits or effects thereof, among which one is, that he should have a numerous seed that should believe on him, and that when the Jews rejected him, the Gentiles should gladly receive him, and here foreseeing by the Spirit of God that glorious state of the church, he rejoiced in it, as Abraham did upon the like occasion, , and breaks forth into this song of triumph. He turneth his speech to the church and spouse of God, or of Christ, as is manifest from the following words, and especially from , and from , where it is so expounded. And although this chapter is by some understood of the flourishing condition of the Jewish church and state after their return from Babylon, yet the magnificent and glorious promises here following do so vastly exceed their condition at that time, which was full of uncertainties, and distractions, and troubles, as all the histories of those times assure us, and far from that glory and lasting tranquillity which is here assured to her, that it must necessarily be referred to the times of the gospel, in which all that is here said was or will be remarkably fulfilled. And therefore as the foregoing chapter doth directly and literally speak of Christ, so doth this literally speak of the church of Christ, or of the kingdom of the Messiah, of whom the ancient Hebrew doctors understood it. And this church, consisting at first of the Jews, and afterwards of the Gentiles, who were incorporated with them into the same body, he calleth barren, not because it now was so, but because before and until the coming of Christ it had been so; as Simon is called the leper, , after he was cured.
Now this church of the Jews might well be called, and had been, barren, because the sincere converts brought forth to God by her ministry had been but few among the Jews comparatively, and simply few among the Gentiles.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 54:1
Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou [that] didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou [that] didst not travail with child: for more [are] the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.Ver. 1. Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear.] O Church Christian, O Jerusalem that art above, the mother of us all, the purchase of Christ’ s passion, to whom thou hast been a bloody spouse, an Aceldama or field of blood, he hath paid dear for thy fruitfulness. As the blood of beasts applied to the roots of trees maketh them sprout and bear more fruit, so doth the blood of Christ, sprinkled on the roots of men’ s hearts, make them more fruitful Christians, as it did the Gentiles whose hearts were purified by faith. The grain of wheat that fell into the ground and died there, abode not alone, but brought forth much fruit. For more are the children of the desolate.] The Christian Church, made up of Jews and Gentiles, shall have a more numerous and glorious offspring than ever the synagogue had. Sarah shall have more issue than Hagar, Hannah than Peninnah.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 54:1
LIV. (1) Sing, O barren . . .—The words seem to carry on the jubilant strain of Isaiah 51, Isaiah 52:1-12, leaving the section Isaiah 52:13 to Isaiah 53:12, as a mysterious episode. inserted, it may be, by the prophet to show how it was that the restoration of Israel and the victory of righteousness had become possible. We note, as bearing on Isaiah’s studies, the parallelism with 1 Samuel 2:5. The “children of the desolate” are primarily the returning exiles, ultimately all the citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 54:1
CHAPTER LIV Some suppose this chapter to have been addressed to the Gentiles; some, to the Jewish Church; and some, to the Christian, in its first stage. On comparing the different parts of it, particularly the seventh and eighth verses, with the remainder, the most obvious import of the prophecy will be that which refers it to the future conversion of the Jews, and to the increase and prosperity of that nation, when reconciled to God after their long rejection, when their glory and security will far surpass what they were formerly in their most favoured state, 1-17. NOTES ON CHAP. LIV Verse 1. Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear - "Shout for joy, O thou barren, that didst not bear"] The Church of God under the Old Testament, confined within the narrow bounds of the Jewish nation, and still more so in respect of the very small number of true believers, and which sometimes seemed to be deserted of God her husband, is the barren woman, that did not bear, and was desolate. She is exhorted to rejoice, and to express her joy in the strongest manner, on the reconciliation of her husband, (see Isaiah 54:6,) and on the accession of the Gentiles to her family. The converted Gentiles are all along considered by the prophet as a new accession of adopted children, admitted into the original Church of God, and united with it. See Isaiah 49:20; Isaiah 49:21.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 54:1
1–3. The ideal Zion is called upon to rejoice in the multitude of her children. As in ch. Isaiah 49:21, the children are conceived as already born, and waiting to be acknowledged by their mother. more are the children of the desolate (2 Samuel 13:20) &c.] The contrast is not between Zion and other cities, but between Zion’s present and her past: even now in her widowhood and barrenness she has more children than she had before her separation from her Husband. the married wife] Cf. ch. Isaiah 62:4; Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 22:22. The image of the verse is applied by St Paul to the contrast between the spiritual and the earthly Jerusalem; i.e. the church of Christ and the Jewish community (Galatians 4:27).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 54:1
Sing, O barren - That is, shout for joy, lift up the voice of exultation and praise.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 54:1
1. Sing, O barren, etc. — These words seem to be addressed to Jerusalem, the true metropolis of the renewed nation, the ancient seat of the Church of the Old Testament.
Sermons on Isaiah 54:1
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Gospel by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three results of the gospel that flow into our lives: restructuring of the heart, removal of sin, and reversal of values. The restructurin |
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Breaking Out of the Boundaries by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the tendency of Christians to resist change and cling to the familiar. He uses the analogy of bears on a canoe trip to illustrate this point. |
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The Arm of the Lord - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of resurrection and its significance in the Bible. He highlights various instances in the New Testament where the resurrection of J |
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The Arm of the Lord - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the new prospect and hope that comes with the foundation laid by the cross. The Lord is focused on recovering, restoring, and rebuilding His p |
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Isaiah Chapter 62 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the church from God's perspective, despite our current circumstances. He reminds the audience that God is working to |
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(Galatians) Ch4:8-Ch5:13 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of being a child of God and the responsibility that comes with it. He emphasizes that although we may call God our Father and liv |
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Back to Jerusalem Vision by Brother Yun | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's promises and being obedient to His calling, even in the face of challenges and persecution. It encourages believers t |