Isaiah 42:16

Isaiah 42:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.

King James Version KJV

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

American Standard Version ASV

And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I will take the blind by a way of which they had no knowledge, guiding them by roads strange to them: I will make the dark places light before them, and the rough places level. These things will I do and will not give them up.

Free Bible Version FBV

I will lead the blind along a road they don't know; I will guide them along paths they don't know. I will turn darkness into light before them, and smooth out the rough places. This is what I'm going to do for them; I won't let them down.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I will bring the blinde by a way, that they knewe not, and lead them by paths that they haue not knowen: I will make darkenesse light before them, and crooked thinges straight. These thinges will I doe vnto them, and not forsake them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I have caused the blind to go, In a way they have not known, In paths they have not known I cause them to tread, I make a dark place before them become light, And unlevelled places become a plain, These [are] the things I have done to them, And I have not forsaken them.

World English Bible WEB

I will bring the blind by a way that they don’t know. I will lead them in paths that they don’t know. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. I will do these things, and I will not forsake them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I will lead the blind into the way which they know not: and in the paths which they were ignorant of I will make them walk: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight: these things have I done to them, and have not forsaken them.

Translation for Translators T4T

My people who have been taken to Babylonia are like [MET] blind people, but I will lead them along a road on which they have not walked before, on a road that they have not seen before. They have felt very helpless, as though they were walking in the darkness, but I will take away that darkness and I will make smooth the road that is in front of them. Those are the things that I will do for them; I will not abandon them.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 42:16

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 42:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הוֹלַכְתִּ֣י עִוְרִ֗ים בְּ/דֶ֨רֶךְ֙ לֹ֣א יָדָ֔עוּ בִּ/נְתִיב֥וֹת לֹֽא יָדְע֖וּ אַדְרִיכֵ֑/ם אָשִׂים֩ מַחְשָׁ֨ךְ לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֜ם לָ/א֗וֹר וּ/מַֽעֲקַשִּׁים֙ לְ/מִישׁ֔וֹר אֵ֚לֶּה הַ/דְּבָרִ֔ים עֲשִׂיתִ֖/ם וְ/לֹ֥א עֲזַבְתִּֽי/ם

וְ/הוֹלַכְתִּ֣י yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

עִוְרִ֗ים ʻivvêr H5787 blind Adj

בְּ/דֶ֨רֶךְ֙ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָדָ֔עוּ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-3cp

בִּ/נְתִיב֥וֹת nâthîyb H5410 path Prep | N-cp

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָדְע֖וּ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אַדְרִיכֵ֑/ם dârak H1869 to tread V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff

אָשִׂים֩ sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

מַחְשָׁ֨ךְ machshâk H4285 darkness N-ms

לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֜ם pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

לָ/א֗וֹר ʼôwr H216 light Prep | N-cs

וּ/מַֽעֲקַשִּׁים֙ maʻăqâsh H4625 crooked place Conj | N-mp

לְ/מִישׁ֔וֹר mîyshôwr H4334 plain Prep | N-ms

אֵ֚לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Pron

הַ/דְּבָרִ֔ים dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-mp

עֲשִׂיתִ֖/ם ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

עֲזַבְתִּֽי/ם ʻâzab H5800 Forsaken V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

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 42:16

וְ/הוֹלַכְתִּ֣י yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

עִוְרִ֗ים ʻivvêr H5787 "blind" Adj

This word describes someone who is blind, either physically or unable to see spiritually. In the Bible, it is used in Matthew 9:27 to describe the two blind men who followed Jesus. The word is also used in Romans 2:19 to describe spiritual blindness.

Definition: 1) blind 1a) blind (physically) 1b) blind (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: blind (men, people). See also: Exodus 4:11; Isaiah 35:5; Psalms 146:8.

בְּ/דֶ֨רֶךְ֙ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

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.

יָדָ֔עוּ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

בִּ/נְתִיב֥וֹת nâthîyb H5410 "path" Prep | N-cp

In the Bible, this word means a path or road that people walk on, like a beaten track. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, referring to a traveler's journey. The word is used to describe a way or pathway.

Definition: 1) trodden with the feet, path, pathway 2) path, pathway, traveller

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: path(-way), [idiom] travel(-ler), way. See also: Judges 5:6; Proverbs 3:17; Psalms 78:50.

לֹֽא 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.

יָדְע֖וּ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

אַדְרִיכֵ֑/ם dârak H1869 "to tread" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff

To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.

Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread

Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.

אָשִׂים֩ sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

מַחְשָׁ֨ךְ machshâk H4285 "darkness" N-ms

This word means darkness, either literal or figurative, and can refer to a physical place or a state of being. It appears in several places in the Bible, including Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 9:2, where it is used to describe a lack of light or understanding.

Definition: 1) darkness, dark place, secrecy 1a) hiding-place 1b) dark region 1c) grave Aramaic equivalent: cha.shokh (חֲשׁוֹךְ "darkness" H2816)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness, place). See also: Psalms 74:20; Psalms 143:3; Psalms 88:7.

לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֜ם pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

לָ/א֗וֹר ʼôwr H216 "light" Prep | N-cs

Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.

Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light

Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.

וּ/מַֽעֲקַשִּׁים֙ maʻăqâsh H4625 "crooked place" Conj | N-mp

This word describes a crooked place, like a bend in a road. It can also mean something twisted or wrong, as seen in the book of Proverbs. The Bible uses it to warn against crooked things.

Definition: crooked place, twisted, crooked things

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: crooked thing. See also: Isaiah 42:16.

לְ/מִישׁ֔וֹר mîyshôwr H4334 "plain" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a level or plain area, often used to describe a geographical region. It can also mean uprightness or justice, and is sometimes used to describe a place of equity or fairness. In the Bible, it appears in various translations, including plain and straight.

Definition: 1) level place, uprightness 1a) level country, table-land, plain 1b) level place 1c) uprightness

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: equity, even place, plain, right(-eously), (made) straight, uprightness. See also: Deuteronomy 3:10; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 26:12.

אֵ֚לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

הַ/דְּבָרִ֔ים dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-mp

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

עֲשִׂיתִ֖/ם ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

עֲזַבְתִּֽי/ם ʻâzab H5800 "Forsaken" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.

Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.

Study Notes — Isaiah 42:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 42:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:16
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 42:16
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:16
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:16
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:16
Sermons on Isaiah 42:16

Context — A New Song of Praise

14“I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant. 15I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes.

16I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.

17But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame. 18Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see!

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 30:21	And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”
2	Luke 3:5	Every valley shall be filled in, and every mountain and hill made low. The crooked ways shall be made straight, and the rough ways smooth.
3	Isaiah 60:19–20	No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease.
4	Isaiah 35:8	And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it— only those who walk in the Way— and fools will not stray onto it.
5	Isaiah 40:4	Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.
6	Luke 1:78–79	because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
7	Ephesians 5:8	For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
8	Isaiah 32:3	Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.
9	Jeremiah 32:39–41	I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me. Yes, I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.
10	Hebrews 13:5	Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”

Isaiah 42:16 Summary

[Isaiah 42:16 is a beautiful promise from God that He will lead and guide those who are spiritually blind or uncertain. He will help them navigate unfamiliar paths and turn darkness into light, just like in Psalm 23:4, where God is our shepherd who leads us through the valley of the shadow of death. This means that no matter what challenges or uncertainties we face, God is always with us, guiding and directing us, and we can trust Him to do what is best for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'blind' in Isaiah 42:16?

In this context, being 'blind' refers to spiritual blindness, where individuals are unaware of God's ways and plans for their lives, as seen in Isaiah 6:9-10 and Matthew 15:14. God promises to lead and guide those who are spiritually blind.

How does God 'turn darkness into light' for the blind?

This phrase symbolizes God's power to bring spiritual understanding and illumination to those who are lost or uncertain, much like in Psalm 119:105, where God's word is a lamp to our feet, and in 2 Corinthians 4:6, where God shines light into our hearts.

What does it mean for God to 'not forsake' His people?

This promise is rooted in God's covenant love and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5, where God assures His people that He will never leave or abandon them, providing comfort and reassurance in times of uncertainty.

How can we trust God to guide us on unfamiliar paths?

We can trust God by having faith in His sovereignty and goodness, as proclaimed in Romans 8:28 and Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

In what areas of my life do I feel 'blind' or uncertain, and how can I trust God to lead me?
How have I experienced God's guidance and provision in the past, and what can I learn from those experiences?
What are some 'unfamiliar paths' that God may be calling me to walk, and what steps can I take to trust Him in those areas?
In what ways can I apply the promise of God's presence and guidance in my daily life, especially in times of darkness or uncertainty?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:16

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not,.... The Targum interprets this of the people of Israel, thus, "I will lead the house of Israel, which are like to the blind, in a way which

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:16

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:16

The blind; the Gentiles, who were blind, and were called so, above, , and in many other places of Scripture, and were so accounted by the Jews. By a way that they know not; by the way of truth, which hitherto hath been hidden from them, until by my word and Spirit I revealed it to them. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight; I will take away all hinderances, and give them all advantages and conveniences for their journey. I will direct them in the right way. I will enlighten their dark minds, and rectify their perverse wills and affections. And not forsake them, until I have brought them with safety and comfort to the end of their journey.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:16

Isaiah 42:16 And I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.Ver. 16. And I will bring the blind by a way.] This was fulfilled, in the letter, to the Jews brought back from Babylon, where they had been close prisoners, and, in the mystery, to all Christ’ s converts - more especially to that blind boy presented to Bishop Hooper, martyr, the day before his death, at Gloucester, where the boy had not long before suffered imprisonment for confessing the truth. I will make darkness light before.] By bringing them out of darkness into my marvellous light. Acts and Mon.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 42:16

Verse 16. In paths] The Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, and nine MSS., (two ancient,) read ובנתיבות ubenotiboth. Will I do unto them] עשיתם asitem. This word, so written as it is in the text, means "thou wilt do," in the second person. The Masoretes have indeed pointed it for the first person; but the י yod in the last syllable is absolutely necessary to distinguish the first person; and so it is written in forty MSS., עשיתים asithim. Jarchi, Kimchi, Sal. ben Melec, c., agree that the past time is here put for the future, עשיתי asithi for אעשה and indeed the context necessarily requires that interpretation. Farther it is to be observed that עשיתים asithim is put for עשיתי להם asithi lahem, "I have done them," for "I have done for them;" as עשיתני asitheni is for עשיתי לי asiti li, "I have made myself," for "I have made for myself," Ezekiel 29:2; and in the celebrated passage of Jephthah's vow, Judges 11:31, והעליתיהו עולה veheelitihu olah for העליתי לו עולה heelithi lo olah, "I will offer him a burnt-offering," for "I will offer unto him (that is, unto JEHOVAH) a burnt-offering;" by an ellipsis of the preposition of which Buxtorf gives many other examples, Thes. Grammat. lib. ii. 17. See also Clarke's note on "Isaiah 65:5". A late happy application of this grammatical remark to that much disputed passage has perfectly cleared up a difficulty which for two thousand years had puzzled all the translators and expositors, had given occasion to dissertations without number, and caused endless disputes among the learned on the question, whether Jephthah sacrificed his daughter or not; in which both parties have been equally ignorant of the meaning of the place, of the state of the fact, and of the very terms of the vow; which now at last has been cleared up beyond all doubt by my learned friend Dr. Randolph, Margaret Professor of Divinity in the University of Oxford, in his Sermon on Jephthah's Vow, Oxford, 1766. - L.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:16

16. The prophet hastens on to the gracious issue of God’s interposition, the homebringing of the captives through the trackless desert. the blind here are hardly the spiritually blind, those who cannot discern God’s purpose (as Isaiah 42:18); what is meant is that the travellers cannot see their path, just as the desert is the region of “darkness” because it has no track (cf. Jeremiah 2:6; Jeremiah 2:31). For knew and have known, render know, with R.V. crooked things straight] crooked places a plain (cf. ch. Isaiah 40:4). these things … forsake them] Better: These are the things I have determined to do (perf. of resolution) and not leave undone.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:16

And I will lead the blind - Having said in the previous verses what he would do to his enemies, God now speaks of his people.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:16

16. And — Antithetic continuance, equivalent to but. The result of catastrophes in preceding verse is the redemption of God’s people, and of others not incorrigible.

Sermons on Isaiah 42:16

	Sermon	Description
	How to Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit by Al Henson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of acknowledging our spiritual blindness in order to be led by God. He emphasizes that being man-centered rather than God-cente
	Isaiah (Part 6) - the Character of the Servant by Ron Bailey	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the overwhelming amount of information and messages they receive from God while meditating on scriptures. They describe how these messages s
	A Light in the Darkness by Ian Paisley	This sermon emphasizes the theme of light in the darkness, highlighting the struggles faced by the upright, the dangers of apostasy, and the need for God's intervention and guidanc
	God's Terribleness and Gentleness by Joseph Parker	Joseph Parker preaches about the contrasting truths of God's power and restraint, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing both aspects. He illustrates how God's p
	Thy Love to Me Was Wonderful by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon on blindness, the preacher delves into the concept of 'tuphlos' which can refer to both literal and spiritual blindness. It is used to describe one's mind as ignoran
	A Sure Guide by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound grace of God as a Guide for the spiritually blind, illustrating how, in our natural state, we are unable to find the way to salvation. He high
	Darkness Cannot Stop the Light! by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite the increasing darkness and moral decline in society, the light of the gospel will always prevail. He reflects on his early warnings about t