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Isaiah 51:10

Isaiah 51:10 in Multiple Translations

Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?

Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

Is it not thou that driedst up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that madest the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed to pass over?

Did you not make the sea dry, the waters of the great deep? did you not make the deep waters of the sea a way for the Lord's people to go through?

Weren't you the one who dried up the sea, making a way through the deep waters for the redeemed to cross over?

Art not thou the same, which hath dried the Sea, euen the waters of the great deepe, making the depth of the Sea a way for the redeemed to passe ouer?

Art not Thou it that is drying up a sea, Waters of a great deep? That hath made deep places of a sea A way for the passing of the redeemed?

Isn’t it you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; who made the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed to pass over?

Art thou not that which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

Hast not thou dried up the sea, the water of the mighty deep, who madest the depth of the sea a way, that the delivered might pass over?

Surely you are [RHQ] the one who caused the Red Sea to become dry and made a path through that deep water in order that your people could cross it!

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 51:10

BAB
Word Study

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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 51:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הֲ/ל֤וֹא אַתְּ הִיא֙ הַ/מַּחֲרֶ֣בֶת יָ֔ם מֵ֖י תְּה֣וֹם רַבָּ֑ה הַ/שָּׂ֨מָה֙ מַֽעֲמַקֵּי יָ֔ם דֶּ֖רֶךְ לַ/עֲבֹ֥ר גְּאוּלִֽים
הֲ/ל֤וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part
אַתְּ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron
הִיא֙ hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
הַ/מַּחֲרֶ֣בֶת chârab H2717 to dry Art | V-Hiphil
יָ֔ם yâm H3220 West N-ms
מֵ֖י mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
תְּה֣וֹם tᵉhôwm H8415 abyss N-cs
רַבָּ֑ה rab H7227 many Adj
הַ/שָּׂ֨מָה֙ sûwm H7760 to set Part | V-Qal-Perf-3fs
מַֽעֲמַקֵּי maʻămâq H4615 deep N-mp
יָ֔ם yâm H3220 West N-ms
דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs
לַ/עֲבֹ֥ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
גְּאוּלִֽים gâʼal H1350 to redeem V-Qal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 51:10

הֲ/ל֤וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | 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.
אַתְּ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
הִיא֙ hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הַ/מַּחֲרֶ֣בֶת chârab H2717 "to dry" Art | V-Hiphil
To slay or destroy is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to dry up or desolate something. It is used to describe fighting, attacking, or laying waste.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be dried up 1a) (Qal) to be dried, be dried up 1b) (Pual) to be dried 1c) (Hiphil) to dry up 1d) (Hophal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste. See also: Genesis 8:13; Isaiah 50:2; Psalms 106:9.
יָ֔ם yâm H3220 "West" N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
מֵ֖י 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.
תְּה֣וֹם tᵉhôwm H8415 "abyss" N-cs
Tehom refers to the deep waters of the ocean or sea, including the subterranean water supply. It can also describe the primeval ocean or the abyss.
Definition: 1) deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea 1a) deep (of subterranean waters) 1b) deep, sea, abysses (of sea) 1c) primeval ocean, deep 1d) deep, depth (of river) 1e) abyss, the grave
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: deep (place), depth. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 78:15; Psalms 33:7.
רַבָּ֑ה rab H7227 "many" Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
הַ/שָּׂ֨מָה֙ sûwm H7760 "to set" Part | V-Qal-Perf-3fs
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.
מַֽעֲמַקֵּי maʻămâq H4615 "deep" N-mp
This word describes something that is very deep, like a profound thought or a deep body of water. It is used in the Bible to describe the depths of the ocean or a person's emotions.
Definition: depths
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: deep, depth. See also: Psalms 69:3; Psalms 130:1; Psalms 69:15.
יָ֔ם yâm H3220 "West" N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" 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.
לַ/עֲבֹ֥ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
גְּאוּלִֽים gâʼal H1350 "to redeem" V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.

Study Notes — Isaiah 51:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 43:16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters,
2 Isaiah 63:11–12 Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them, who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown,
3 Isaiah 50:2 Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst.
4 Exodus 15:13 With loving devotion You will lead the people You have redeemed; with Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling.
5 Exodus 14:21–22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.
6 Psalms 74:13 You divided the sea by Your strength; You smashed the heads of the dragons of the sea;
7 Isaiah 42:15 I 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.

Isaiah 51:10 Summary

[This verse is reminding us of God's amazing power and faithfulness, as seen in the parting of the Red Sea, where He made a way for the Israelites to escape from their enemies. It's a symbol of how God saves and redeems His people, and it encourages us to trust in Him for our own salvation and redemption, just like in Psalm 107:2. By looking back at God's past faithfulness, we can have confidence in His power and love for us, and trust Him to make a way for us in our own lives, even when things seem impossible, as promised in Jeremiah 32:17.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What event is being referred to when it says 'You who dried up the sea'?

This is a reference to the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31, where God miraculously allowed the Israelites to cross safely. This event is often seen as a symbol of salvation and redemption, as mentioned in Isaiah 51:10.

Who are the 'redeemed' mentioned in this verse?

The 'redeemed' are those who have been saved by God's power and mercy, similar to the Israelites who were redeemed from slavery in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 6:6 and Deuteronomy 7:8.

What is the significance of God making 'a road in the depths of the sea'?

This phrase highlights God's power and ability to create a way for His people to escape danger and reach safety, much like He did for the Israelites when they crossed the Red Sea, and as promised in Isaiah 43:2, where He says 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you'.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

This verse reminds us of God's power and faithfulness in our lives, just as He was faithful to the Israelites in the past, and it encourages us to trust in Him for our salvation and redemption, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that God has 'dried up the sea' or made a way for me in my own life, and how can I trust Him to do so again?
  2. How does remembering God's past faithfulness, like the parting of the Red Sea, help me to trust Him in difficult circumstances?
  3. In what ways can I apply the concept of being 'redeemed' to my own life, and how does that affect my relationship with God and others?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need God to 'make a road in the depths of the sea' and provide a way forward, and how can I pray for His guidance and provision?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 51:10

Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep,.... That is, the Red sea, and the deep waters of it; as it did, by causing a strong east wind to blow, which drove the sea

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 51:10

Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? (Art) thou not it - the arm. Art not thou the same Almighty power that, etc.?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 51:10

Art thou not it which hath dried the sea? art not thou the same God, and as potent now as then thou wast? For the ransomed; for thy people, whom thou didst redeem and bring out of Egypt.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 51:10

Isaiah 51:10 [Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?Ver. 10. Art not thou it which hath dried the sea?] And canst not thou do as much again for thy poor people? This is an excellent way of arguing with God in prayer - viz., from his ancient acts.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 51:10

10. the great deep] (Genesis 7:11; Amos 7:4; Psalms 36:6) is the primeval ocean of Gen 1:2, out of which the dry land appeared. The Hebrew (tìhôm) is connected etymologically with Tiâmat, the name of the Chaos-monster in the Babylonian creation tablets. a way for the ransomed to pass over] The reference to the Exodus is here unmistakeable. The transition is explained by the fact that every exhibition of Jehovah’s power over the sea was regarded as a repetition on a smaller scale of the original miracle of creation. Both alike are illustrations of what the “arm of the Lord” can do, and of the great miracle of redemption to which the prophet looks forward.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 51:10

Art thou not it - Art thou not still the same? The ground of the appeal is, that the same arm that dried up the sea, and made a path for the Jewish people, was still able to interpose and rescue them.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 51:10

9-11. Awake, awake — The fervour of the message in the preceding verses passes here to fervour of prayer (abrupt and strophical) to Jehovah, as if a slight sense of danger from delay seizes the people in exile.

Sermons on Isaiah 51:10

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson We Are Not Without Hope by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that those who know Christ's righteousness are never without hope, even amidst judgment and despair. He reminds us that God has blessed us with His love
Peter Maiden God Is Doing a New Thing by Peter Maiden In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering the Lord's greatness and power in our lives. He starts by reminding the audience of God's intervention at the R
Charles E. Cowman Step Out Boldly by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about the concept of faith as a bridge that is built by God under the feet of those who trust in Him. He emphasizes the importance of moving forward in f
Wesley Duewel The Prayer That Prepares the Way by Wesley Duewel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance and comfort of revival for God's people, the Church, and the community. He prays for the spread of revival news through minis
C.H. Spurgeon The God of Peace and Our Sanctification by C.H. Spurgeon The sermon transcript emphasizes the idea that our goodness comes from God and that we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. The sermon also highlights the im
David Wilkerson A Prophecy for Russia and America by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher expresses frustration and anger towards the wickedness in the world, particularly highlighting a case where a young man who had beaten up an elderly ma
Dennis Kinlaw Carry His Burden by Dennis Kinlaw In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for the world that is without God. He encourages the audience to bear the burden and care for others, belie

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