Isaiah 21:14
Isaiah 21:14 in Multiple Translations
Bring water for the thirsty, O dwellers of Tema; meet the refugees with food.
The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.
Unto him that was thirsty they brought water; the inhabitants of the land of Tema did meet the fugitives with their bread.
Give water to him who is in need of water; give bread, O men of the land of Tema, to those in flight.
People of Tema, take water to the thirsty, meet the refugees with food.
O inhabitants of the lande of Tema, bring foorth water to meete the thirstie, and preuent him that fleeth with his bread.
To meet the thirsty brought water have Inhabitants of the land of Tema, With his bread they came before a fugitive.
They brought water to him who was thirsty. The inhabitants of the land of Tema met the fugitives with their bread.
The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they met with their bread him that fled.
Meeting the thirsty bring him water, you that inhabit the land of the south, meet with bread him that fleeth.
And you people who live in Tema city in northwest Arabia, must bring food for the ◄refugees/people who are fleeing from their enemies►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 21:14
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 21:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לִ/קְרַ֥את
צָמֵ֖א
הֵתָ֣יוּ
מָ֑יִם
יֹשְׁבֵי֙
אֶ֣רֶץ
תֵּימָ֔א
בְּ/לַחְמ֖/וֹ
קִדְּמ֥וּ
נֹדֵֽד
לִ/קְרַ֥את
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
צָמֵ֖א
tsâmêʼ
H6771
thirsty
Adj
הֵתָ֣יוּ
ʼâthâh
H857
to come
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
יֹשְׁבֵי֙
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
תֵּימָ֔א
Têymâʼ
H8485
Tema
N-proper
בְּ/לַחְמ֖/וֹ
lechem
H3899
food
Prep | N-cs | Suff
קִדְּמ֥וּ
qâdam
H6923
to meet
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
נֹדֵֽד
nâdad
H5074
to wander
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 21:14
לִ/קְרַ֥את
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
צָמֵ֖א
tsâmêʼ
H6771
"thirsty"
Adj
This word describes someone or something that is thirsty, like a person in a desert or a soul searching for God, as seen in Matthew 5:6 where Jesus talks about those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. It can also mean being thirsty for knowledge or fulfillment.
Definition: thirsty
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: (that) thirst(-eth, -y). See also: Deuteronomy 29:18; Isaiah 21:14; Psalms 107:5.
הֵתָ֣יוּ
ʼâthâh
H857
"to come"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To arrive or come to a place, it can also mean to bring something. It is used in the Bible to describe the coming of people, events, or things.
Definition: 1) to come, arrive 1a) (Qal) to come (of men, time, beasts, calamity) 1b) (Hiphil) to bring Aramaic equivalent: a.tah (אֲתָה "to come" H0858)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be-, things to) come (upon), bring. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 41:5; Psalms 68:32.
מָ֑יִם
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.
יֹשְׁבֵי֙
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
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.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
תֵּימָ֔א
Têymâʼ
H8485
"Tema"
N-proper
Tema refers to a son of Ishmael and the desert region he settled. It appears in Genesis as a place name. This area is associated with Ishmael's descendants.
Definition: § Tema = "desert" the land settled by Tema the son of Ishmael
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Tema. See also: Genesis 25:15; Job 6:19; Isaiah 21:14.
בְּ/לַחְמ֖/וֹ
lechem
H3899
"food"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
קִדְּמ֥וּ
qâdam
H6923
"to meet"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To meet or go before someone, often for help, as seen in the Bible when God meets his people in Exodus. This word can also mean to anticipate or hasten something. In the book of Psalms, it is used to describe God coming to the aid of his people.
Definition: 1) to meet, come or be in front, confront, go before 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to meet, confront, come to meet, receive 1a2) to go before, go in front, be in front 1a3) to lead, be beforehand, anticipate, forestall 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to come in front 1b2) to confront, anticipate
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: come (go, (flee)) before, [phrase] disappoint, meet, prevent. See also: Deuteronomy 23:5; Psalms 59:11; Psalms 17:13.
נֹדֵֽד
nâdad
H5074
"to wander"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to wander or flee, and is used in the Bible to describe people moving from place to place, like the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 14:3. It can also mean to chase someone away or to flutter like a bird.
Definition: 1) to retreat, flee, depart, move, wander abroad, stray, flutter 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to retreat, flee 1a2) to flee, depart 1a3) to wander, stray 1a4) to flutter (of birds) 1b) (Poal) to flee away, be chased 1c) (Hiphil) to chase away 1d) (Hophal) to be chased away 1e) (Hithpolel) to flee away Aramaic equivalent: ne.dad (נְדַד "to flee" H5075)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: chase (away), [idiom] could not, depart, flee ([idiom] apace, away), (re-) move, thrust away, wander (abroad, -er, -ing). See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 16:2; Psalms 31:12.
Study Notes — Isaiah 21:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 21:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 21:14
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:14
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:14
- Sermons on Isaiah 21:14
Context — The Burden against Arabia
12The watchman replies, “Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.”
13This is the burden against Arabia: In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge, O caravans of Dedanites.
14Bring water for the thirsty, O dwellers of Tema; meet the refugees with food.
15For they flee from the sword— the sword that is drawn— from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle. 16For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 25:15 | Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. |
| 2 | Job 6:19 | The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it. |
| 3 | Romans 12:20 | On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 25:21 | If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 1:30 | Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, |
| 6 | Isaiah 16:3–4 | “Give us counsel; render a decision. Shelter us at noonday with shade as dark as night. Hide the refugees; do not betray the one who flees. Let my fugitives stay with you; be a refuge for Moab from the destroyer.” When the oppressor has gone, destruction has ceased, and the oppressors have vanished from the land, |
| 7 | 1 Peter 4:9 | Show hospitality to one another without complaining. |
| 8 | Judges 8:4–8 | Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit. So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?” “Very well,” Gideon replied, “when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with the thorns and briers of the wilderness!” From there he went up to Penuel and asked the same from them, but the men of Penuel gave the same response as the men of Succoth. |
Isaiah 21:14 Summary
[Isaiah 21:14 is a call to show compassion and kindness to those in need, providing them with the basic necessities of life, such as food and water. This verse reminds us that God cares deeply for the poor and the stranger, and He expects us to do the same, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18-19. By showing mercy and care to others, we demonstrate God's love and character, as encouraged in Matthew 25:40. As we seek to follow God's command to 'love our neighbors as ourselves', we can start by meeting the practical needs of those around us, just as the dwellers of Tema are called to do in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the dwellers of Tema in Isaiah 21:14?
The dwellers of Tema are being called to show compassion and provide for the needs of the thirsty and hungry refugees, as seen in Isaiah 21:14, reflecting the heartbeat of God for the poor and needy, as expressed in Deuteronomy 15:7-8 and Matthew 25:35.
Why are the refugees fleeing, according to the context of Isaiah 21:14?
The refugees are fleeing from the sword, the bow, and the stress of battle, as mentioned in Isaiah 21:15, indicating a time of war and violence, similar to the descriptions found in Jeremiah 4:19-20 and Ezekiel 21:28.
How does this verse relate to the broader message of the Bible?
Isaiah 21:14 demonstrates God's concern for the vulnerable and the importance of showing mercy, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Luke 10:25-37, emphasizing the need for believers to care for the poor and the stranger.
What does this verse teach us about our responsibility to others?
This verse teaches us that we have a responsibility to care for those in need, providing them with the basic necessities of life, such as food and water, as a demonstration of God's love and compassion, as encouraged in Proverbs 19:17 and Galatians 6:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show compassion and provide for the needs of the thirsty and hungry in my community?
- How can I balance my own needs and desires with the call to care for the poor and the stranger, as seen in Isaiah 21:14?
- What does it mean to 'meet the refugees with food' in a spiritual sense, and how can I apply this principle in my relationships with others?
- How can I trust God to provide for my own needs, even as I seek to provide for the needs of others, as expressed in Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:33?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:14
The inhabitants of the land of Tema,.... This country had its name from Tema, one of the sons of Ishmael, Genesis 25:15. The Targum calls it the land of the south, as if it was Teman.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:14
The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled. Tema - a kindred tribe: an oasis in that region (Jeremiah 25:23). Brought water to him that was thirsty.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:14
Tema; a part of Arabia; of which see . They prevented with their bread him that fled; whereby he implies that those other Arabians, against whom this prophecy is principally directed, should be reduced to great scarcity of all necessary provisions, and forced to flee for their lives from a bloody enemy, as is more fully expressed in the next verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:14
Isaiah 21:14 The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.Ver. 14. Brought water to the thirsty.] Or, Bring forth water wherewith to meet the thirsty; with your bread prevent those that flee; be speedy and spontaneous in your beneficence. "Blessed is the man that considereth the poor and needy"; qui praeoccupat vocem petitari - which preventeth the request of the poor beggar; so Augustine rendereth it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:14
(14) The inhabitants of . . . Tema . . .—Another element of suffering comes into the picture. The Dedanites, driven out of their usual route into the desert, find their provisions fail them, and the men of Tema, fearing to invite them to their tents, lest they too should be smitten by the invader, are compelled to take out bread and water stealthily. The name of Tema (now Taima), is found on the pilgrim route from Damascus to Mecca, and again on that between Palmyra and Petra, on the east of the Haurân mountains. They prevented with their bread—i.e., they went out to welcome him (the fugitive), without waiting till he came as a suppliant. Their very hospitality, in strange contrast with Arab usage, had to be practised in secret.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 21:14
Verse 14. The land of Tema - "The southern country"] Θαιμαν, Sept.; Austri, Vulg. They read תימן teiman, which seems to be right; for probably the inhabitants of Tema might be involved in the same calamity with their brethren and neighbours of Kedar, and not in a condition to give them assistance, and to relieve them, in their flight before the enemy, with bread and water. To bring forth bread and water is an instance of common humanity in such cases of distress; especially in those desert countries in which the common necessaries of life, more particularly water, are not easily to be met with or procured. Moses forbids the Ammonite and Moabite to be admitted into the congregation of the Lord to the tenth generation. One reason which he gives for this reprobation is their omission of the common offices of humanity towards the Israelites; "because they met them not with bread and water in the way, when they came forth out of Egypt," Deuteronomy 23:4.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:14
14. The caravans are reduced to the direst straits through having to shun the stations on the regular route where alone their stock of food and water could be replenished. The prophet calls on the inhabitants of Tema to supply their necessities. The verse should be rendered: To the thirsty bring water, O ye inhabitants of the land of Tema, meet the fugitive with bread (suitable) for him. (See R.V. marg.) Tema (Genesis 25:14; Job 6:19) is the modern Teima in the northern highlands of Arabia, east of the great pilgrim route from Damascus to Mecca. In O.T. times it was the seat of an important commercial tribe, friendly therefore to the Dedanites.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:14
Of the land of Tema - Tema was one of the sons of Ishmael Genesis 25:15, and is supposed to have populated the city of Thema in Arabia Deserta. The word denotes hero one of the tribes of Ishmael, or of the Arabians.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:14
14. Tema — If this place has been identified, as is claimed, it lay on the present pilgrim road from Damascus to Mecca.
Sermons on Isaiah 21:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Testimony - Part 1 by Corrie Ten Boom | In this video, a woman shares her personal experience of being imprisoned by the Nazis for hiding Jewish people in Holland. She spent 11 months in prison, including time in solitar |
|
The Power of Kindness by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of kindness in our lives as Christians. He mentions that while people may know the Bible, speak in tongues, or preach, they ma |
|
Christ Overcame Evil With Good, Do the Same by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and the need to overcome evil with good. He highlights the concept of giving water and food to one's enemies and wanti |
|
The Man Who Hates by Steve Mays | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of love and obedience in the Christian faith. He references the parable of the servant who owed a large debt to the king and e |
|
(Pdf Book) True Salt by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes that Jesus calls His followers to be the 'salt of the earth,' highlighting the essential qualities of salt: it adds flavor, represents faithfulness, preserve |
|
Surrender by Mary Peckham | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the boldness of the appeal to present one's body to God. He urges individuals to come to God in light of His great mercy and make a personal |
|
Aggressive Kindness by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Exodus 23:4-5, which discusses the concept of aggressive kindness. The passage emphasizes the importance of helping even one's enemies in ti |