Isaiah 26:18

KJV

We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.

KJV (with Strong's)

We have been with child {H2029}, we have been in pain {H2342}, we have as it were {H3644} brought forth {H3205} wind {H7307}; we have not wrought {H6213} any deliverance {H3444} in the earth {H776}; neither {H1077} have the inhabitants {H3427} of the world {H8398} fallen {H5307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

we have been pregnant and been in pain. But we, as it were, have given birth to wind; we have not brought salvation to the land, and those inhabiting the world have not come to life.

Berean Standard Bible

We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world.

American Standard Version

We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:18 encapsulates the poignant lament of God's faithful remnant, expressing their profound and agonizing efforts to bring about righteousness and divine deliverance in the world. Despite their intense spiritual labor, depicted through the vivid metaphor of childbirth, their endeavors have yielded nothing substantial—only "wind"—underscoring humanity's inherent inability to achieve ultimate transformation or establish God's kingdom through its own power. This confession of futility sets the stage for the absolute necessity of God's sovereign intervention to bring true salvation and justice to the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the "Isaiah Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), a distinct and highly poetic section of the book characterized by its eschatological vision, vivid imagery of cosmic judgment, and promises of future restoration for God's people. Chapter 26 specifically presents a "Song of Salvation" (Isaiah 26:1-6), celebrating the security and peace found in trusting the Lord, followed by a communal prayer or lament from the righteous remnant (Isaiah 26:7-19). Verse 18 serves as the climactic expression of this lament, articulating the deep frustration and perceived failure of God's people in their earnest longing for justice and the establishment of His righteous reign on earth. Its placement immediately precedes a powerful declaration of God's ultimate power to resurrect the dead and execute final judgment (Isaiah 26:19-21), thereby creating a stark and purposeful contrast between human impotence and divine omnipotence, emphasizing that the ultimate victory belongs to God alone.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the "Isaiah Apocalypse" often transcends specific historical moments, its themes resonate profoundly with periods of Israel's national oppression, exile, or post-exilic struggles, where the people felt powerless against dominant world empires and pervasive unrighteousness. The imagery of childbirth and labor pains was a common and potent metaphor in ancient Near Eastern cultures to describe intense suffering, arduous struggle, and the eager anticipation of a significant, often transformative, outcome. However, in this context, the outcome is devastatingly "wind," symbolizing utter emptiness, disappointment, and barrenness. The "inhabitants of the world" (Hebrew: *têbêl*) refer to the broader gentile nations, whose continued resistance to God's rule and justice was a source of profound anguish for the faithful. The lament reflects the historical reality of Israel's limited political and military power, and their spiritual struggle to witness God's righteousness prevail in a world seemingly dominated by evil and rebellion.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 26:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Isaiah's prophecy and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Effort** to bring about ultimate spiritual or societal transformation without divine intervention. The vivid and painful metaphor of a barren birth underscores that genuine and lasting [deliverance cannot be 'wrought' by human hands alone](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Futility of Human Effort Without God"). Secondly, it expresses a deep sense of **Disappointment and Unfulfilled Expectation** among God's people, who have earnestly longed for justice and the downfall of unrighteousness but have seen no tangible results from their own striving or suffering. This leads to the crucial third theme: the absolute **Necessity of Divine Intervention**. By emphasizing human weakness and failure, the verse implicitly points to the sovereign power of God as the sole source of true salvation and the one who will ultimately establish His righteous kingdom, as further elaborated in [Isaiah's prophecies of the Messiah](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hârâh (Hebrew, _hârâh'_):** This primitive root means "to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)." In the phrase "We have been with child," this term vividly describes the initial state of expectation, effort, and internal struggle. It implies a period of gestation, preparation, and anticipation of a significant birth or outcome, making the subsequent "brought forth wind" all the more devastating and ironic.
* **chûwl (Hebrew, _chûwl'_):** Meaning "to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner)," this root specifically refers to "to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear." The phrase "we have been in pain" emphasizes the intense, agonizing labor associated with childbirth. This highlights the severe suffering and arduous struggle that accompanied the people's efforts, making the barren outcome even more tragic and indicative of profound futility.
* **rûwach (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This word signifies "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In the context of "brought forth wind," it powerfully conveys emptiness, unsubstantiality, and futility. It is the opposite of a tangible, life-giving birth. The metaphor implies that despite all the pain and effort, nothing of substance, no real change or deliverance, was produced.
* **yᵉshûwʻâh (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** A feminine passive participle meaning "something saved," this term denotes "deliverance," "aid," "victory," or "salvation." The declaration "we have not wrought any deliverance" directly states the absence of any saving act or victory achieved by human effort. This word underscores the theological weight of the people's failure, as they could not bring about the very salvation they longed for, emphasizing their dependence on divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We have been with child, we have been in pain":** This opening clause employs a powerful and emotionally charged metaphor of pregnancy and childbirth to describe the intense, prolonged, and agonizing efforts of the faithful remnant. It speaks to their deep longing for righteousness and justice, and the suffering endured in their striving, implying a significant, anticipated outcome that is yet to materialize.
* **"we have as it were brought forth wind":** This is the devastating climax of the metaphor, revealing the utter futility and barrenness of their labor. Despite the immense pain and expectation, their efforts yielded nothing substantial or lasting, only empty air. It signifies a complete failure to achieve their desired outcome, a profound barrenness in their spiritual and societal endeavors to bring about change.
* **"we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth":** This clause explicitly states the consequence of their barren labor: they have failed to bring about any salvation, victory, or lasting change in the world. This is a humble confession of human impotence in the face of widespread unrighteousness and a recognition that the world's inhabitants have not been brought low or converted by their efforts.
* **"neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen":** This final clause reinforces the previous one, specifying the desired but unachieved outcome. The "falling" of the inhabitants can imply their defeat, their submission to God's rule, or their conversion to His ways. The fact that they have not "fallen" highlights the continued dominance of evil and the unyielding nature of the world's rebellion against God, deepening the lament of the faithful and emphasizing their perceived lack of impact.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:18 is profoundly rich in literary devices that amplify its message of human futility and the absolute necessity of divine intervention. The most prominent is the extended **Metaphor** of childbirth. The phrases "been with child," "been in pain," and "brought forth wind" vividly portray the intense struggle, suffering, and ultimate barrenness of the people's efforts. This metaphor is particularly potent because childbirth is typically associated with new life, hope, and a tangible outcome, making the production of "wind" a stark and devastating image of profound disappointment and unfulfilled expectation. The use of "wind" itself is a powerful form of **Symbolism**, representing emptiness, nothingness, and futility, contrasting sharply with the anticipated "deliverance." The entire verse functions as a heartfelt **Lament** or **Confession**, articulating the collective despair and acknowledgment of human limitations in the face of overwhelming global unrighteousness. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the declaration "we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth," emphasizing the perceived absolute failure of their efforts to bring about any significant, global change, thereby underscoring the magnitude of their disappointment and the depth of their reliance on God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological truth of humanity's inherent inability to achieve ultimate salvation or establish God's perfect kingdom through its own strength, wisdom, or suffering. It serves as a stark reminder that while God calls His people to participate in His redemptive work, the ultimate power for transformation and deliverance rests solely with Him. The lament of Isaiah 26:18 sets the stage for the glorious acts of God that follow, particularly His promise to raise the dead and bring final judgment, underscoring that true victory over sin, death, and global unrighteousness is a divine prerogative, not a human accomplishment. This confession of impotence is not an invitation to passivity, but rather a call to humble reliance on God's sovereign power and a deepening of faith in His ultimate, unfailing plan for salvation and justice.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 26:18 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful perspective on our efforts in a fallen world. It calls us to a profound humility, acknowledging that despite our sincerest desires and most arduous labors for justice, righteousness, or spiritual revival, true and lasting transformation is ultimately God's work. This verse prevents us from falling into the trap of self-reliance, or into despair when our efforts seem to yield "wind" rather than tangible results. It encourages us to persevere in doing good, speaking truth, and striving for justice, but always with a deep-seated trust that the ultimate victory belongs to God. Our role is to be faithful laborers, sowing seeds and working diligently, but the power to bring forth true "deliverance" and to see the "inhabitants of the world fallen" (in submission to Christ) rests with the Lord alone. This truth frees us from the crushing burden of outcome-based ministry and directs our hope squarely to the one who is able to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")). It invites us to rest in His sovereignty, even as we faithfully participate in His mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you find yourself "in pain" or "with child," laboring intensely but feeling as though you are "bringing forth wind"?**
* **How does the recognition of human futility in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty and your role in His kingdom work?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's power rather than your own in your pursuit of righteousness and justice?**

### FAQ
**What does the phrase "brought forth wind" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "brought forth wind" (Hebrew: *rûwach*) is a powerful and vivid metaphor signifying utter futility, emptiness, and the production of nothing of substance despite intense effort and pain. In the context of childbirth, it means a painful and agonizing labor that results in no actual birth or tangible outcome, only empty air. It conveys the profound disappointment and barrenness of the people's striving to bring about deliverance or justice in the world through their own strength, highlighting their perceived failure to achieve any lasting impact or change. It underscores that their efforts, though sincere and arduous, were ultimately unproductive in the face of global unrighteousness, pointing to the need for a divine intervention beyond human capacity.

**Who is the "we" referring to in Isaiah 26:18?**

Answer: The "we" in Isaiah 26:18 refers to the faithful remnant of Israel, or God's people, who are longing for the establishment of God's righteous kingdom and the defeat of evil. This collective voice expresses the shared experience of those who have suffered, striven, and prayed for justice and deliverance, but have not seen their hopes realized through human means. It represents the spiritual anguish of those who are committed to God's ways but feel powerless against the pervasive unrighteousness of the world, acknowledging their inability to bring about the divine transformation they yearn for. This "we" stands in contrast to the "inhabitants of the world" who have not "fallen" or submitted to God's rule, further emphasizing the lament's context of unfulfilled expectation and the stark reality of human limitations in the face of global rebellion.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of human responsibility and divine sovereignty?**

Answer: Isaiah 26:18 beautifully navigates the tension between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. It does not negate human effort or the call to strive for righteousness; indeed, the "pain" and "labor" imply significant human engagement and earnest desire. However, it powerfully asserts that ultimate "deliverance" and the complete triumph of God's justice are beyond human capacity. It highlights that while we are called to be faithful participants in God's work, the power to bring about true transformation and the final establishment of His kingdom belongs solely to Him. This understanding fosters humility, prevents self-exaltation in success, and guards against despair in perceived failure, directing all hope and glory to God, who alone can bring about what is truly substantial and eternal, as seen in [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever"). It reminds us that our labor is essential, but the fruit is God's to give.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:18, with its lament of human futility in bringing forth deliverance, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wind" that Israel brought forth, signifying empty efforts and unfulfilled hopes, stands in stark contrast to the true and ultimate salvation brought forth by God Himself through His Son. Where humanity labored in vain to "wrought any deliverance," Christ, by His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, accomplished the definitive act of salvation for all who believe. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one who truly brought forth "deliverance" (*yeshu'ah*) in its fullest and most redemptive sense. The "inhabitants of the world" who had not "fallen" under human efforts will ultimately fall before the resurrected Christ, for [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Jesus' Exaltation"), a cosmic submission that no human endeavor could achieve. The painful labor described in Isaiah 26:18 foreshadows the "birth pains" of the new creation, which are ultimately resolved not by human striving, but by the sovereign, finished work of God in Christ, who is [making all things new](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New"). Our hope for a transformed world and a righteous kingdom rests not in our own strength, but entirely in the finished work and ongoing reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, the true and only source of lasting deliverance and ultimate victory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 13:13

The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he [is] an unwise son; for he should not stay long in [the place of] the breaking forth of children.

Psalms 17:14

From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.

Isaiah 37:3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day [is] a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and [there is] not strength to bring forth.

2 Kings 19:3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day [is] a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and [there is] not strength to bring forth.

Isaiah 59:4

None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

Isaiah 33:11

Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, [as] fire, shall devour you.

Exodus 5:22

And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou [so] evil entreated this people? why [is] it [that] thou hast sent me?