Isaiah 35:3
Isaiah 35:3 in Multiple Translations
Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!
¶ Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
Make strong the feeble hands, give support to the shaking knees.
Make the weak hands strong, and make the trembling knees firm!
Strengthen the weake handes, and comfort the feeble knees.
Strengthen ye the feeble hands, Yea, the stumbling knees strengthen.
Strengthen the weak hands, and make the feeble knees firm.
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
Strengthen ye the feeble hands, and confirm the weak knees.
So, encourage those who are tired and weak.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 35:3
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 35:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חַזְּק֖וּ
יָדַ֣יִם
רָפ֑וֹת
וּ/בִרְכַּ֥יִם
כֹּשְׁל֖וֹת
אַמֵּֽצוּ
חַזְּק֖וּ
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
יָדַ֣יִם
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd
רָפ֑וֹת
râpheh
H7504
weak
Adj
וּ/בִרְכַּ֥יִם
berek
H1290
knee
Conj | N-fd
כֹּשְׁל֖וֹת
kâshal
H3782
to stumble
V-Qal
אַמֵּֽצוּ
ʼâmats
H553
to strengthen
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 35:3
חַזְּק֖וּ
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
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.
יָדַ֣יִם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd
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.
רָפ֑וֹת
râpheh
H7504
"weak"
Adj
This word describes someone or something that is weak, either physically or mentally. It is often translated as 'weak' in the KJV Bible and is related to other Hebrew words for healing and restoration. The word is used to describe a state of being frail or feeble.
Definition: slack
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: weak. raphah, Raphah. See H7497 (רָפָא), H7498 (רָפָא). riphah. See H7383 (רִיפָה). See also: Numbers 13:18; Job 4:3; Isaiah 35:3.
וּ/בִרְכַּ֥יִם
berek
H1290
"knee"
Conj | N-fd
The knee represents a part of the body used for movement and flexibility. In the Bible, kneeling is often a sign of respect, fear, or weakness. The word for knee is also related to feelings of fear or trembling.
Definition: 1) knee 2) weak from fear (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: be.rekh (בְּרַךְ "knee" H1291)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: knee. See also: Genesis 30:3; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 109:24.
כֹּשְׁל֖וֹת
kâshal
H3782
"to stumble"
V-Qal
To stumble means to lose your balance and almost fall, often because of weakness. In the Bible, it can also mean to falter or fail spiritually. This word is used in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to stumble, stagger, totter 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stumble 1a2) to totter 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to stumble 1b2) to be tottering, be feeble 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to stumble, bring injury or ruin to, overthrow 1c2) to make feeble, make weak 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stumble 1e) (Piel) bereave
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: bereave (from the margin), cast down, be decayed, (cause to) fail, (cause, make to) fall (down, -ing), feeble, be (the) ruin(-ed, of), (be) overthrown, (cause to) stumble, [idiom] utterly, be weak. See also: Leviticus 26:37; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 9:4.
אַמֵּֽצוּ
ʼâmats
H553
"to strengthen"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to be strong or courageous, like in Deuteronomy 31:6, where Moses tells the Israelites to be brave. It can also mean to strengthen or secure something. English Bibles often translate it as 'be courageous' or 'strengthen'.
Definition: 1) to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard 1a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold 1b) (Piel) to strengthen, secure (for oneself), harden (heart), make firm, make obstinate, assure 1c) (Hithpael) to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to 1d) (Hiphil) to exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: confirm, be courageous (of good courage, stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed). See also: Genesis 25:23; 2 Chronicles 13:18; Psalms 18:18.
Study Notes — Isaiah 35:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 35:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 35:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 35:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 35:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 35:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 35:3
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 35:3
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 35:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 35:3
- Sermons on Isaiah 35:3
Context — The Glory of Zion
1The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.
2It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.
3Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!
4Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” 5Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 12:12 | Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. |
| 2 | Job 4:3–4 | Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands. Your words have steadied those who stumbled; you have braced the knees that were buckling. |
| 3 | Luke 22:32 | But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 57:14–16 | And it will be said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, take every obstacle out of the way of My people.” For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me, with the breath of those I have made. |
| 5 | Judges 7:11 | and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp. |
| 6 | Job 16:5 | But I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation of my lips would bring relief. |
| 7 | Luke 22:43 | Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. |
| 8 | Acts 18:23 | After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. |
| 9 | Isaiah 52:1–2 | Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter you. Shake off your dust! Rise up and sit on your throne, O Jerusalem. Remove the chains from your neck, O captive Daughter of Zion. |
| 10 | Isaiah 40:1–2 | “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.” |
Isaiah 35:3 Summary
[Isaiah 35:3 is a call to trust in God's power and promises, even when we feel weak or fearful. This means recognizing our own limitations and asking God to strengthen us, as seen in scriptures like Psalm 28:7, which says, 'The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.' We can trust that God will give us the strength we need to face any challenge, and that He will help us to overcome our fears and weaknesses. By trusting in God's power, we can be strong and courageous, even in the face of uncertainty.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have 'limp hands' and 'feeble knees' in Isaiah 35:3?
This phrase is a metaphor for spiritual weakness and fear, as seen in other scriptures like Hebrews 12:12, where believers are encouraged to strengthen their weak hands and knees, and 2 Timothy 1:7, which reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love.
Why is it important to strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees?
It's essential because, as believers, we are called to trust in God's power and promises, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties, as seen in Isaiah 41:10, where God says, 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
How can we apply Isaiah 35:3 to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing our own areas of spiritual weakness and asking God to strengthen us, as seen in Ephesians 6:10, which encourages us to 'be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.'
Is Isaiah 35:3 only for believers who are struggling with fear or weakness?
No, this verse is for all believers, as we all face challenges and uncertainties in life, and we all need to be reminded to trust in God's power and promises, as seen in Philippians 4:13, which says, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel spiritually weak or fearful, and how can I ask God to strengthen me in those areas?
- How can I trust in God's power and promises when faced with challenges or uncertainties, and what scriptures can I turn to for encouragement?
- What does it mean to 'be strong in the Lord' in my daily life, and how can I apply this principle in my relationships and decisions?
- How can I use Isaiah 35:3 to encourage and support fellow believers who are struggling with fear or weakness?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 35:3
Strengthen ye the weak hands,.... These are the words of the prophet, as the Targum, "the prophet said, strengthen the weak hands;'' or rather of God, by the prophet, to the converted Gentiles, to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 35:3
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Strengthen ye the weak hands ... confirm the feeble knees.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 35:3
Ye prophets and ministers of God, comfort and encourage God’ s people, who are now ready to faint, with hopes and assurance of that salvation which, in due time, I will work for them. He mentions hands and knees, because the strength and weakness of any man eminently appears in those parts.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 35:3
Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.Ver. 3. Strengthen ye the weak hands,] q.d., Cheer up, my hearts; be of good courage, and God shall strengthen your hearts, all ye that hope in the Lord. Comfort ye also one another with these words, and build up each other in your most holy faith; and I will show you how, and in what terms, you shall do it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 35:3
(3) Strengthen ye the weak hands . . .—Here the words are obviously, as they are quoted in Hebrews 12:12, figurative and not literal, and so far suggest a like interpretation for what follows.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 35:3
3, 4. An exhortation to the despondent. For the figures of Isa 35:3 see Job 4:3-4.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 35:3
Strengthen ye - That is, you who are the religious teachers and guides of the people. This is an address made by the prophet in view of what he had said and was about to say of the proraised blessings.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 35:3
3, 4. Strengthen… hands… confirm… knees — The officials of the nation are here addressed.
Sermons on Isaiah 35:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Isaiah 35 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience of feeling melancholy and alone while carrying the burden of understanding the mystery of Israel. He emphasizes the im |
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K-069 the Wilderness Call by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of delivering a message on Elijah in Jerusalem. Despite misinterpreting a note and speaking for longer than intended, the s |
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Wilderness Testing by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of passing through difficult and perplexing situations in order to glorify God. He highlights the confidence and faith that be |
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Dvd 21 the Time of Jacobs Trouble by Art Katz | This sermon delves into the prophetic insight regarding the restoration and salvation of Israel, emphasizing the need for a prepared people to speak prophetic and divine words of h |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 35:10 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the destructive nature of sin and its consequences on individuals and nations. He emphasizes that sin is a rebellion against God's law |
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Holiness by Stewart Custer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the nature of God and the nature that believers should strive for. The sermon begins by reminding listeners that God sees everything, even wh |
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Real Courage by Thaddeus Barnum | Thaddeus Barnum emphasizes the theme of real courage in his sermon, drawing parallels between the biblical story of David and Goliath and the personal struggles with fear and anxie |