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Isaiah 49:9

Isaiah 49:9 in Multiple Translations

to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill.

That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.

saying to them that are bound, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and on all bare heights shall be their pasture.

Saying to those who are in chains, Go free; to those who are in the dark, Come out into the light. They will get food by the way wherever they go, and have grass-lands on all the dry mountain-tops.

Tell the prisoners, “Come out!” Tell those living in darkness, “Come into the light!” Like sheep they will feed along the roads and in the pastures on hills that once were barren.

That thou maiest say to the prisoners, Goe foorth: and to them that are in darkenesse, Shewe your selues: they shall feede in the waies, and their pastures shall bee in all the toppes of the hilles.

To say to the bound, Go out, To those in darkness, Be uncovered. On the ways they feed, And in all high places is their pasture.

saying to those who are bound, ‘Come out!’; to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves!’ “They shall feed along the paths, and their pasture shall be on all treeless heights.

That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.

That thou mightest say to them that are bound: Come forth: and to them that are in darkness: Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in every plain.

I will say to those who were captured and ◄exiled/taken to Babylonia►, ‘Leave Babylonia and return to your own country!’ And I will say to those who are in dark prisons, ‘Come out into the light!’ When that happens, they will again be like [MET] sheep that eat grass in green pastures, on hills where previously there was no grass.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 49:9

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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 49:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לֵ/אמֹ֤ר לַֽ/אֲסוּרִים֙ צֵ֔אוּ לַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּ/חֹ֖שֶׁךְ הִגָּל֑וּ עַל דְּרָכִ֣ים יִרְע֔וּ וּ/בְ/כָל שְׁפָיִ֖ים מַרְעִיתָֽ/ם
לֵ/אמֹ֤ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לַֽ/אֲסוּרִים֙ ʼâçar H631 to bind Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c
צֵ֔אוּ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
בַּ/חֹ֖שֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 darkness Prep | N-ms
הִגָּל֑וּ gâlâh H1540 to reveal V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
דְּרָכִ֣ים derek H1870 way N-cp
יִרְע֔וּ râʻâh H7462 House of Shepherds V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וּ/בְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | Prep | N-ms
שְׁפָיִ֖ים shᵉphîy H8205 bareness N-mp
מַרְעִיתָֽ/ם mirʻîyth H4830 pasturing N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 49:9

לֵ/אמֹ֤ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לַֽ/אֲסוּרִים֙ ʼâçar H631 "to bind" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-c
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.
צֵ֔אוּ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/חֹ֖שֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 "darkness" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
הִגָּל֑וּ gâlâh H1540 "to reveal" V-Niphal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דְּרָכִ֣ים derek H1870 "way" N-cp
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.
יִרְע֔וּ râʻâh H7462 "House of Shepherds" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
וּ/בְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שְׁפָיִ֖ים shᵉphîy H8205 "bareness" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a bare or smooth place, like a hill with no trees. It is used to describe the landscape of Israel. The word appears in descriptions of the country's geography.
Definition: 1) bareness, smooth or bare height, bare place, high places, barren height 1a) bareness 1b) bare place, bare height
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: high place, stick out. See also: Numbers 23:3; Jeremiah 3:21; Isaiah 41:18.
מַרְעִיתָֽ/ם mirʻîyth H4830 "pasturing" N-fs | Suff
Refers to the act of caring for sheep or goats, like a shepherd. It can also mean the animals themselves, as in a flock. This word is used in the Bible to describe the work of a shepherd.
Definition: 1) pasturing, pasturage, shepherding 1a) pasturing, shepherding 1b) pasturage 1c) flock (meton)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: flock, pasture. See also: Psalms 74:1; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 79:13.

Study Notes — Isaiah 49:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 42:7 to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.
2 Isaiah 42:16 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.
3 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
4 Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,
5 Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
6 Psalms 102:20 to hear a prisoner’s groaning, to release those condemned to death,
7 Zechariah 9:11–12 As for you, because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore to you double.
8 Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,
9 Psalms 69:33 For the LORD listens to the needy and does not despise His captive people.
10 Isaiah 41:18 I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs.

Isaiah 49:9 Summary

[Isaiah 49:9 is a beautiful promise of freedom and spiritual nourishment for those who are trapped in sin and darkness. God calls out to prisoners, saying 'Come out,' and to those in darkness, 'Show yourselves,' offering them a chance to feed on His word and find pasture in His presence (Psalm 119:130). This verse reminds us that God is always ready to guide us and provide for us, even in the toughest times (Matthew 6:33). By trusting in Him, we can experience true freedom and satisfaction, no matter what challenges we face.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a prisoner in this context?

In Isaiah 49:9, being a prisoner refers to those held captive by sin, darkness, and spiritual blindness, as seen in Isaiah 61:1, where Jesus proclaims freedom for the captives.

How can those in darkness show themselves?

This phrase is an invitation for those in spiritual darkness to come into the light of God's presence, as described in Psalm 27:1, where God is the light that overcomes darkness.

What kind of feeding and pasture is being described here?

The feeding and pasture mentioned in Isaiah 49:9 symbolize spiritual nourishment and satisfaction, similar to what is described in Psalm 23:2-3, where God leads His people to green pastures and still waters.

Is this verse only for Israel, or does it apply to all people?

Although Isaiah 49:9 is part of a larger passage addressed to Israel, its themes of liberation and spiritual nourishment are echoed in the New Testament, such as in Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus applies these principles to all people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the 'prisons' in my own life that I need to be freed from, and how can I hear God's voice calling me out of them?
  2. In what ways can I 'show myself' to God, being honest and open about my struggles and doubts?
  3. How can I trust God to provide spiritual nourishment and satisfaction in the 'barren hills' of my life, where things seem dry and empty?
  4. What are some practical ways I can 'feed along the pathways' of my daily life, seeking God's guidance and provision?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 49:9

That thou mayest say to the prisoners, go forth,.... God's covenant people, while unconverted, are prisoners; they are in the prison of sin, under the power and dominion of it, and under the guilt of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 49:9

That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 49:9

That thou mayest say, to wit, with power and effect, as when God said, Let there be light, &c. To the prisoners; to the Gentiles, who are fast bound by the cords of their sins, and taken captive by the devil at his will, as this same phrase is understood, . Go forth; come forth to the light, receive Divine illumination and consolation. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places; they shall have abundant provision in all places, yea, even in those which commonly are barren and unfruitful, and such are both common roads and high grounds.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 49:9

Isaiah 49:9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that [are] in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures [shall be] in all high places.Ver. 9. That thou mayest say to the prisoners,] i.e., To such as lie hampered and enthralled in the invisible chains of the kingdom of darkness. To these Christ saith, Be refreshed with the light of saving knowledge, and with the liberty of the sons of God. They shall feed in the ways.] As cattle do, that are removed from place to place; they shall have a subsistence till they get home to their Father’ s house, where is "bread enough."

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 49:9

(9) That thou mayest say to the prisoners . . .—Comp. Isaiah 42:6-7. Here, perhaps, the thought of the deliverance of Israel is more exclusively prominent; but the words have obviously a yet wider and higher application.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 49:9

Verse 9. To them that are in darkness - "And to those that are in darkness"] Fifteen MSS. (five ancient) of Dr. Kennicott's, eleven of De Rossi's, and one ancient of my own, and the two old editions of 1486 and 1488, and three others, add the conjunction ו vau at the beginning of this member. Another MS. had it so at first, and two others have a rasure at the place: and it is expressed by the Septuagint, Syriac, Chaldee, and Vulgate.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 49:9

9. That thou mayest say] Rather, Saying (R.V.) or possibly (continuing the previous infs.) “To say.” the prisoners … them that are in darkness] i.e. the exiles; cf. Isaiah 42:7. The second half of the verse introduces a new figure, that of the flock, (see ch. Isaiah 40:11) led by Jehovah, the Good Shepherd. they shall feed in the ways] Or perhaps as LXX., in all the ways, wherein they go. high places] bare heights; ch. Isaiah 41:18.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 49:9

That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth - This language occurs also in Isaiah 42:7. For an explanation of it, see the notes on that place.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 49:9

8-10. In an acceptable time — Better, in a time of favour; that is, in the far future times, when Providence shall guide to changes in favour of men’s hearing, pondering, and accepting the Gospel.

Sermons on Isaiah 49:9

SermonDescription
Charles E. Cowman It Must Be Bought by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches on the concept that the greatest achievements in life come with a cost, often requiring sacrifice and bloodshed. The pursuit of holy heights and true her
Carter Conlon Returning to God in Enemy Territory by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher invites the congregation to come forward and receive freedom and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that anyone who wants to be free from
Horatius Bonar Rev. 3:8. the Church's Little Strength, and the Lord's Great Love by Horatius Bonar Horatius Bonar emphasizes the tender love and gracious character of Christ as depicted in Revelation 3:8, where He acknowledges the Church's little strength while offering an open
D.L. Moody The Blind Child by D.L. Moody D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of a mother whose child is declared blind, illustrating the deep sorrow and anguish that accompanies such a loss. He emphasizes that while physic
Al Henson 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
Ron Bailey 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
Ian Paisley 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

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