Isaiah 55:9
Isaiah 55:9 in Multiple Translations
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
In the same way the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
For as ye heauens are higher then the earth, so are my wayes higher then your wayes, and my thoughtes aboue your thoughts.
For high have the heavens been above the earth, So high have been My ways above your ways, And My thoughts above your thoughts.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.
Just as the sky is far above the earth, what I do is far greater than what you do, and what I think is much greater than what you think.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 55:9
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 55:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
גָבְה֥וּ
שָׁמַ֖יִם
מֵ/אָ֑רֶץ
כֵּ֣ן
גָּבְה֤וּ
דְרָכַ/י֙
מִ/דַּרְכֵי/כֶ֔ם
וּ/מַחְשְׁבֹתַ֖/י
מִ/מַּחְשְׁבֹתֵי/כֶֽם
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גָבְה֥וּ
gâbahh
H1361
to exult
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שָׁמַ֖יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
מֵ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
גָּבְה֤וּ
gâbahh
H1361
to exult
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
דְרָכַ/י֙
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
מִ/דַּרְכֵי/כֶ֔ם
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וּ/מַחְשְׁבֹתַ֖/י
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
Conj | N-fp | Suff
מִ/מַּחְשְׁבֹתֵי/כֶֽם
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 55:9
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גָבְה֥וּ
gâbahh
H1361
"to exult"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To exult means to feel proud or haughty, like being lofty or high, as described in Psalms where God's ways are lofty and good.
Definition: 1) to be high, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, lofty, tall 1a2) to be exalted 1a3) to be lofty 1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense) 1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense) 1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward. See also: 1 Samuel 10:23; Isaiah 7:11; Psalms 103:11.
שָׁמַ֖יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
מֵ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
גָּבְה֤וּ
gâbahh
H1361
"to exult"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To exult means to feel proud or haughty, like being lofty or high, as described in Psalms where God's ways are lofty and good.
Definition: 1) to be high, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, lofty, tall 1a2) to be exalted 1a3) to be lofty 1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense) 1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense) 1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward. See also: 1 Samuel 10:23; Isaiah 7:11; Psalms 103:11.
דְרָכַ/י֙
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
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.
מִ/דַּרְכֵי/כֶ֔ם
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
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.
וּ/מַחְשְׁבֹתַ֖/י
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
מִ/מַּחְשְׁבֹתֵי/כֶֽם
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
Study Notes — Isaiah 55:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 55:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 55:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 55:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 55:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 55:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 55:9
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 55:9
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 55:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 55:9
- Sermons on Isaiah 55:9
Context — Invitation to the Needy
7Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
8“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.
9“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
10For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 11:31–36 | so they too have now disobeyed, in order that they too may now receive mercy through the mercy shown to you. For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone. O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. |
| 2 | Psalms 103:11 | For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. |
| 3 | Matthew 11:25 | At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. |
| 4 | Psalms 77:19 | Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were not to be found. |
| 5 | Psalms 36:5 | Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds. |
| 6 | Psalms 89:2 | For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.” |
Isaiah 55:9 Summary
[This verse means that God's ways of thinking and doing things are much higher and better than ours, and we should trust in His goodness and love, even when we don't understand what's happening. It's like the difference between the heavens and the earth - God's ways are far above ours, and we can trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 103:19. We can seek to align our thoughts and ways with God's by reading His Word and seeking to live a life that honors Him, as seen in John 14:15. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can have peace and confidence, even in uncertain times.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's ways are higher than our ways?
This means that God's thoughts, plans, and actions are far superior to ours, and we should trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 55:9 and also in Romans 11:33, which says that God's ways are past finding out.
Why can't we understand God's thoughts and ways?
Our finite minds cannot fully comprehend God's infinite wisdom and plans, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9, but we can trust in His goodness and love, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, which says that God has plans to prosper us.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by learning to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't understand what's happening, and by seeking to align our thoughts and ways with His, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all our hearts.
Is this verse saying that we should never question God?
No, this verse is not saying that we should never question God, but rather that we should approach Him with humility and trust, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, which says to trust in the Lord and commit our way to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I'm trying to understand God's ways, but struggling to trust in His sovereignty?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and love, even when I don't understand what's happening?
- What are some ways that I can align my thoughts and ways with God's, and seek to live a life that honors Him?
- What does it mean for me to 'return to the Lord' and seek His compassion and pardon, as seen in Isaiah 55:7?
- How can I apply the truth of Isaiah 55:9 to my relationships and interactions with others, and seek to reflect God's love and character to them?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 55:9
For as the heavens, are higher than the earth,.... Than which there cannot be conceived a greater distance: so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts; which may denote
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 55:9
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 55:9
Higher than the earth; inexpressibly and infinitely; for the distance between the earth and the highest heavens is unmeasurable by any man upon earth.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 55:9
Isaiah 55:9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.Ver. 9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth.] And that is no small deal; see the note on Psalms 103:11-12. Lo, such is the proportion that my mercy beareth to your mercy, even the very best of you, that the heaven doth to the earth - i.e., that a most vast circumference doth to one little point or centre.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 55:9
Verse 9. For as the heavens are higher] I am persuaded that כ caph, the particle of comparison, is lost in this place, from the likeness of the particle כי ki, immediately preceding it. So Houbigant and Secker. And their remark is confirmed by all the ancient Versions, which express it; and by the following passage of Ps 103:11, which is almost the same: - הארץ על שמים כגבה כי haarets al shamayim chigboah ki יראיו על חסדו גבר yereaiv al chasdo gabar "For as the heavens are high above the earth, So high is his goodness over them that fear him." Where, by the nature of the sentence, the verb in the second line ought to be the same with that in the first; גבה gabah, not גבר gabar: so Archbishop Secker conjectured; referring however to Psalms 117:2.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 55:9
8, 9. Jehovah’s thoughts transcend those of man as much as the heaven is higher than the earth. The point of the contrast is not the moral quality of the Divine thoughts as opposed to those of the “wicked”; the thoughts and ways of Jehovah are His purposes of redemption, which are too vast and sublime to be measured by the narrow conceptions of despairing minds (Isaiah 40:27 f.). Comp. Jeremiah 29:11 (“I know the thoughts that I entertain towards you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”), Micah 4:12. The verses, therefore, furnish a motive not merely for repentance but also for eager and expectant hope.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 55:9
For as the heavens ... - This verse is designed merely to illustrate the idea in the former. There is as great a difference between the plans of God and those of people, as between the heavens and the earth.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 55:9
6-9. Seek ye the Lord — Now. This time of spiritual restoration, when God is more manifestly near than usual, is the best time, because a crisis time.
Sermons on Isaiah 55:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Lead Me in the Way Everlasting by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and effectiveness of God's word in our lives. He encourages listeners to cry out to God and acknowledge that His ways and thoughts |
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The Five Senses by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of Logos in biology and how we experience our environment. He emphasizes the importance of our senses, including the sixth sense |
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Studies in 1 Corinthians-02 1 Cor 1:26-2:5 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the folly and weakness of the message of the Gospel according to the world's perspective. He emphasizes that Christians are often seen as a f |
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Proverbs 19- Lord, Why Is This Happening? by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, acknowledging the struggles and unknown hindrances that hold us back. It highlights the need for God to reveal and sea |
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Hidden Treasure & Strange Gods & Mountain Peaks - Part 1 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon transcript, the speaker begins by praising and adoring God for his goodness, mercy, and unchanging love. They express gratitude for the opportunity to serve as witne |
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How to Read God's Word by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of reading God's Word with reverence, careful attention, and the expectation of the Holy Spirit's guidance. He encourages believers to medit |
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The Larger Outlook by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of expanding our perspective and thoughts to align with God's grand purposes and will. Using Abraham as an example, he illustrates how G |