Isaiah 54:3
Isaiah 54:3 in Multiple Translations
For you will spread out to the right and left; your descendants will dispossess the nations and inhabit the desolate cities.
For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
For thou shalt spread abroad on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall possess the nations, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
For I will make wide your limits on the right hand and on the left; and your seed will take the nations for a heritage, and make the waste towns full of people.
You're going to be spreading out right and left; your descendants will take over the land of other nations and live in towns that were once abandoned.
For thou shalt increase on the right hande and on the left, and thy seede shall possesse the Gentiles, and dwell in the desolate cities.
For right and left thou breakest forth, And thy seed doth nations possess,
For you will spread out on the right hand and on the left; and your offspring will possess the nations and settle in desolate cities.
For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
For thou shalt pass on to the right hand, and to the left: and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and shall inhabit the desolate cities.
You will need to make your city much larger because soon you and your descendants will spread all over the land. They will force the people of other nations who now live in your cities to leave, and you will live again in those cities that were previously abandoned.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 54:3
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 54:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
יָמִ֥ין
וּ/שְׂמֹ֖אול
תִּפְרֹ֑צִי
וְ/זַרְעֵ/ךְ֙
גּוֹיִ֣ם
יִירָ֔שׁ
וְ/עָרִ֥ים
נְשַׁמּ֖וֹת
יוֹשִֽׁיבוּ
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָמִ֥ין
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs
וּ/שְׂמֹ֖אול
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
left
Conj | N-ms
תִּפְרֹ֑צִי
pârats
H6555
to break through
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
וְ/זַרְעֵ/ךְ֙
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
Conj | N-ms | Suff
גּוֹיִ֣ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
יִירָ֔שׁ
yârash
H3423
to possess
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/עָרִ֥ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | N-fp
נְשַׁמּ֖וֹת
shâmêm
H8074
be desolate
V-Niphal
יוֹשִֽׁיבוּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 54:3
כִּי
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.
יָמִ֥ין
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
וּ/שְׂמֹ֖אול
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
"left"
Conj | N-ms
This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.
Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.
תִּפְרֹ֑צִי
pârats
H6555
"to break through"
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
To break through means to burst out or force one's way, like when a baby is born or a wall is broken down. This word is used in many situations, like when God breaks through to help someone or when a crowd breaks out in violence.
Definition: 1) to break through or down or over, burst, breach 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to break or burst out (from womb or enclosure) 1a2) to break through or down, make a breach in 1a3) to break into 1a4) to break open 1a5) to break up, break in pieces 1a6) to break out (violently) upon 1a7) to break over (limits), increase 1a8) to use violence 1a9) to burst open 1a10) to spread, distribute 1b) (Niphal) to be broken through 1c) (Pual) to be broken down 1d) (Hithpael) to break away
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abroad, (make a) breach, break (away, down, -er, forth, in, up), burst out, come (spread) abroad, compel, disperse, grow, increase, open, press, scatter, urge. See also: Genesis 28:14; 2 Chronicles 25:23; Psalms 60:3.
וְ/זַרְעֵ/ךְ֙
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
גּוֹיִ֣ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
יִירָ֔שׁ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
וְ/עָרִ֥ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
נְשַׁמּ֖וֹת
shâmêm
H8074
"be desolate"
V-Niphal
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.
יוֹשִֽׁיבוּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 54:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 54:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 54:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 54:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 54:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 54:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 54:3
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 54:3
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 54:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 54:3
- Sermons on Isaiah 54:3
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.
4Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; do not be intimidated, for you will not be humiliated. For you will forget the shame of your youth and will remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. 5For your husband is your Maker— the LORD of Hosts is His name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 36:35–36 | Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations around you that remain will know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt what was destroyed, and I have replanted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it. |
| 2 | Genesis 28:14 | Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. |
| 3 | Isaiah 43:5–6 | Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth— |
| 4 | Isaiah 60:3–13 | Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm. Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters? Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you. Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy. Your gates will always stand open; they will never be shut, day or night, so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led in procession. For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed. The glory of Lebanon will come to you— its cypress, elm, and boxwood together— to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet. |
| 5 | Isaiah 49:18–19 | Lift up your eyes and look around. They all gather together; they come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “you will wear them all as jewelry and put them on like a bride. For your ruined and desolate places and your ravaged land will now indeed be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away. |
| 6 | Psalms 72:8–11 | May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. |
| 7 | Isaiah 52:9 | Break forth in joy, sing together, O ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted His people; He has redeemed Jerusalem. |
| 8 | Isaiah 2:2–4 | In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Then He will judge between the nations and arbitrate for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor train anymore for war. |
| 9 | Isaiah 49:12 | Behold, they will come from far away, from the north and from the west, and from the land of Aswan. ” |
| 10 | Genesis 49:10 | The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. |
Isaiah 54:3 Summary
Isaiah 54:3 is a promise from God that His people will experience growth and expansion, both physically and spiritually. This means that we can trust God to bless us and increase our influence, just like He did with the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land (Joshua 1:3-4). As we trust God, we can expect to see Him work in our lives and in the lives of those around us, bringing hope and redemption to 'desolate cities' and fulfilling His plan to redeem the nations (Revelation 11:15). By obeying God's commands and sharing the gospel with others, we can be a part of this expansion and blessing, and see God's kingdom grow and flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'spread out to the right and left' in Isaiah 54:3?
This phrase is a metaphor for expansion and growth, indicating that God's people will increase in numbers and influence, much like the Israelites did when they entered the Promised Land, as described in Joshua 1:3-4. This expansion is a result of God's blessing and promise to His people.
Who are the 'descendants' mentioned in Isaiah 54:3?
The descendants refer to the children of God's people, who will be born and raised to serve the Lord, as promised in Psalm 102:28. These descendants will play a crucial role in fulfilling God's plan to redeem and restore the nations.
What does it mean to 'dispossess the nations' in Isaiah 54:3?
To dispossess the nations means that God's people will take possession of the land and the spiritual strongholds of the nations, much like the Israelites did when they conquered Canaan, as described in Joshua 12:1-24. This is not a call to violence, but rather a promise of spiritual victory and redemption, as seen in Revelation 11:15.
How can we apply Isaiah 54:3 to our lives today?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's promise to bless and expand our influence, and by being faithful to share the gospel with others, as commanded in Matthew 28:18-20. As we obey God's commands, we can expect to see His blessing and expansion in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has expanded your influence and reach in your life, and how can you continue to trust Him for more?
- How can you be a part of God's plan to 'dispossess the nations' and bring spiritual victory to those around you?
- What are some 'desolate cities' in your life or community that God might be calling you to inhabit and redeem?
- How can you trust God to fulfill His promise to bless and expand your family, whether that's your biological family or your spiritual family?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 54:3
For thou shall break forth on the right hand and on the left,.... To the south, and to the north, as the Targum, like an inundation of water, that breaks through and overflows the banks of the river,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 54:3
For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 54:3
Thou shalt break forth; thou shalt bring forth a multitude of children; for this word is commonly used of any great and extraordinary propagation of living creatures, whether beasts or men, . On the right hand and on the left; on every side, in all the parts of the world. Thy seed; either, 1. Thy spiritual seed, the church of the new testament, which is accounted Abraham’ s seed, or children, ,29. Or, 2. Thy natural seed, Christ and his apostles, and other ministers, who were Jews, by whom this work was first and most eminently done. Shall inherit the Gentiles; shall subdue the Gentile world to the church, and to the obedience of the faith. The desolate cities; those cities and countries which in a spiritual sense were desolate and forsaken by God.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 54:3
Isaiah 54:3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.Ver. 3. For thou shalt break forth,] i.e., Bring forth abundantly, and beyond belief. Margaret Countess of Henneberg, brought forth at a birth in Holland three hundred and sixty-five children, one skull whereof I have seen, saith mine author, no bigger than a bead or bean. The Church brought forth three thousand at one birth, and some whole nations at another. And thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles.] Shall spiritually become lords of the world, peopling it with a new and holy generation of such as "seek God’ s face, this is Jacob." This text the Jews and millenaries carnally construe. Fuller’ s Hist. of Cambridge, p. 28.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 54:3
(3) On the right hand and on the left.—Comp. Genesis 28:14. Strictly speaking, the words indicate specially the north and the south, in relation to one who stands looking towards the East. Here, of course, they mean “on every side.” The words that follow have, like others, a lower or material and a higher or spiritual meaning.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 54:3
3. The tent must be larger than of old, for the new community shall spread abroad (cf. Genesis 28:14; Genesis 30:30; Genesis 30:43) on the right hand and on the left, i.e. in all directions. inherit the Gentiles] take possession of nations (cf. Genesis 22:17; Genesis 24:60). The reference is not to be limited to the heathen who had occupied the soil of Palestine; although the desolate cities in the parallel clause are no doubt primarily those of the holy land.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 54:3
For thou shalt break forth - (See the notes at Isaiah 49:19-20). And make the desolate cities - (See the notes at Isaiah 44:26).
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 54:3
2, 3. Enlarge… thy tent — It is now due that Zion be alert to extend her dwelling-place, her tabernacle area, in every direction. Spare not — Spare no pains, grudge no labour.
Sermons on Isaiah 54:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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I Will Build My Church by Doc Greenway | In this sermon, the speaker recalls a prophetic message received during a time of prayer and fasting. The message stated that the group of believers would be scattered and sent to |
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The More Sure Word by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Skip leads a study on Isaiah 44 through 46. He highlights the richness and significance of these chapters and expresses his excitement to delve into them. Th |
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Time to Wake Up - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the mysteries of God's timing and the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, emphasizing the concept of timelessness in God's perspective. It discusses the pat |
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Ezekiel 38 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the prophetic implications of Ezekiel 38, emphasizing the necessary conditions for Israel's restoration as a nation and the significance of the coming war inv |
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Jacob's Ladder by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson explores the life of Jacob, a flawed yet beloved figure in the Old Testament, who deceived his brother Esau to obtain his birthright and blessing. Despite Jacob's m |
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Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Genesis by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the foundational themes of Genesis, emphasizing its unique character as the beginning of the Bible and the introduction of key principles regarding God's |
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Obtain the Divine Blessing by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of faith and righteousness in receiving God's blessings by reflecting on the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Abraham was blessed for h |