Isaiah 32:20

KJV

Blessed [are] ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth [thither] the feet of the ox and the ass.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H835} are ye that sow {H2232} beside all waters {H4325}, that send forth {H7971} thither the feet {H7272} of the ox {H7794} and the ass {H2543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Happy are you who sow by all streams, letting oxen and donkeys roam freely.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed are those who sow beside abundant waters, who let the ox and donkey range freely.

American Standard Version

Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth the feet of the ox and the ass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 32:20 presents a vivid prophetic vision of profound blessing and flourishing, portraying an era of divine favor marked by abundant agricultural prosperity and unhindered, secure labor. Set within a larger prophecy of a righteous king's reign and the outpouring of the Spirit, this verse depicts a transformed land where divine provision ensures fertile ground and stable conditions, allowing farmers to sow effortlessly and deploy their working animals freely, symbolizing comprehensive peace, provision, and spiritual flourishing under God's righteous and benevolent rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 32 is strategically placed within a section of Isaiah (chapters 28-33) that masterfully weaves together pronouncements of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations with glorious promises of future restoration and divine blessing. Specifically, chapter 32 marks a significant shift from the preceding warnings of spiritual blindness, desolation, and the consequences of unfaithfulness to a vibrant prophetic vision of a righteous king's reign and the subsequent transformation of the land and its people. Verses [Isaiah 32:1-2](/isaiah/32-1-2 "Isaiah 32:1-2 - The Righteous King and His Princes") introduce the just ruler who will govern with equity and provide refuge, while verses [Isaiah 32:15-20](/isaiah/32-15-20 "Isaiah 32:15-20 - The Spirit Poured Out and Its Effects") describe the transformative outpouring of the Spirit, leading to a new era characterized by righteousness, peace, and security. Verse 20 serves as a culminating, tangible image of the agricultural prosperity and unhindered freedom that will characterize this blessed era, standing in stark contrast to the fear, famine, and desolation often associated with periods of divine judgment or foreign invasion described elsewhere in the book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where the rhythms of life, economic stability, and even religious festivals were intricately tied to the agricultural seasons. Water was, without question, the most vital resource in a land prone to drought and dependent on seasonal rains. The ability to "sow beside all waters" would have signified not just exceptional fertility but also extraordinary divine favor, implying a constant, reliable water supply that transcended normal climatic limitations. Oxen and asses were the indispensable backbone of agricultural labor—oxen for heavy plowing and threshing, and asses for lighter work, transport, and treading out grain. The freedom to "send forth the feet of the ox and the ass" without restraint implies a secure and stable environment, entirely free from the pervasive threats of war, raiding parties, or oppressive taxation that could otherwise disrupt, hinder, or utterly destroy agricultural efforts. This imagery would have profoundly resonated with an audience whose very livelihood and survival depended entirely on the land's fruitfulness and the security of their labor.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it vividly underscores the theme of **Divine Blessing and Abundance**, portraying a future where God's favor results in unparalleled material prosperity and ease, a stark contrast to the scarcity and hardship often experienced due to sin or judgment. Secondly, it highlights **Peace and Security**, as the unhindered deployment of essential farm animals implies a land free from the ravages of invasion and internal strife, aligning perfectly with the broader vision of a just and stable society flourishing under the righteous king described in [Isaiah 32:1](/isaiah/32-1 "Isaiah 32:1 - The Righteous King"). Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, it speaks to **Spiritual Transformation and Renewal**, as this agricultural flourishing is explicitly linked in Isaiah to the outpouring of the Spirit and a renewed, vibrant relationship with God, as clearly articulated in [Isaiah 32:15](/isaiah/32-15 "Isaiah 32:15 - The Spirit Poured Out from On High"). The verse ultimately paints a holistic picture of comprehensive well-being—material, social, and spiritual—all realized under God's benevolent and sovereign rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _ʼesher'_):** This term, derived from a root signifying "happiness" or "prosperity," is used here in an interjectional form, emphasizing "how happy!" or "oh, the happiness of you!" It conveys a profound state of well-being, contentment, and divine favor, indicating a deep, comprehensive satisfaction that flows from God's provision and the peace He bestows. This is not merely good fortune, but a divinely bestowed state of flourishing that encompasses all aspects of life.
* **sow (Hebrew, _zâraʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to sow," but also figuratively "to disseminate," "plant," or "fructify." In this agricultural context, it refers to the essential act of planting seeds, signifying productive and diligent labor. The blessing is specifically directed towards those engaged in this foundational work, implying that their efforts will be met with extraordinary and unprecedented fruitfulness, far beyond typical yields.
* **waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** This is a dual form of a primitive noun, literally meaning "water." In an arid climate like ancient Israel, abundant and accessible water sources were synonymous with life, fertility, and prosperity. The phrase "beside all waters" suggests not just proximity to a single stream, but widespread, easily accessible irrigation, indicating an unparalleled level of agricultural ease and productivity that transcends normal limitations.
* **send forth (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out," often implying freedom of movement or deployment. Here, it signifies the free and unhindered deployment of the working animals. There is no restraint, no fear of danger, and no scarcity of resources preventing the full utilization of their labor. This word powerfully underscores the security, freedom, and uninhibited productivity enjoyed by the people in this blessed era.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [are] ye":** This opening declaration immediately establishes a tone of profound divine favor and deep happiness. It is a direct, emphatic pronouncement of blessing upon a specific group, highlighting their privileged status and the positive, comprehensive outcome of their actions. This blessing encompasses holistic well-being, material prosperity, and secure living conditions.
* **"that sow beside all waters":** This clause vividly describes the ideal and divinely provided conditions for agricultural success. "Sowing beside all waters" implies an abundance of water sources, making irrigation effortless and widespread across all fields. This imagery suggests highly fertile land that yields bountiful harvests with remarkable ease, standing in sharp contrast to the often arduous and uncertain farming practices in a rain-dependent, arid region. It speaks of divine provision that transcends normal environmental limitations.
* **"that send forth [thither] the feet of the ox and the ass":** This phrase depicts unhindered, secure, and highly productive labor. Oxen were essential for heavy plowing and threshing, while asses were used for lighter work, carrying burdens, and treading out grain. The ability to "send forth" these animals freely, without any fear of theft, invasion, or scarcity of fodder, signifies a state of profound peace and security. It means that the necessary resources for work are readily available and can be deployed fully, leading to flourishing endeavors and a secure livelihood for all involved in agricultural pursuits.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 32:20 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and idyllic picture of a flourishing agricultural landscape. The phrases "sow beside all waters" and "send forth... the feet of the ox and the ass" evoke clear mental images of fertile fields, abundant and easily accessible water, and industrious, unhindered farm animals. This imagery serves to convey a powerful sense of peace, prosperity, and profound divine favor. The verse employs **Metonymy** in the phrase "the feet of the ox and the ass," where "feet" stands in for the entire animals and, by extension, their labor and the full range of agricultural activities they facilitate. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the blessing, extending to all aspects of productive work. Furthermore, there is an element of **Idealism** or even **Hyperbole** in the expansive phrase "all waters," suggesting a utopian level of irrigation and abundance that surpasses typical natural conditions, thereby emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the promised blessing under God's righteous rule. This verse also implicitly employs **Contrast**, standing against the backdrop of desolation and hardship described elsewhere in Isaiah, thereby amplifying the profound and transformative nature of the promised restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 32:20 offers a profound theological statement about God's desire for the holistic flourishing of His people, particularly under the reign of a righteous king. It intrinsically connects the concepts of divine blessing, peace, and prosperity directly to diligent and unhindered labor. The vivid imagery of abundant water and freely deployed animals speaks to a restored creation where the effects of the curse are mitigated, and human effort is bountifully rewarded by God's grace. This vision of an ideal agricultural society is a tangible manifestation of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ultimate eschatological plan for a world characterized by shalom—a comprehensive, holistic peace and well-being that encompasses all dimensions of existence: spiritual, social, and material. It underscores that true blessing from God includes not only spiritual renewal but also tangible material provision and security, enabling humanity to thrive in their God-given vocations and experience the goodness of His creation.

* [Psalm 1:3](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Righteous Like a Tree")
* [Micah 4:4](/micah/4-4 "Micah 4:4 - Peace Under Vine and Fig Tree")
* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - Blessings of Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 32:20 offers a powerful and enduring encouragement for believers today, inviting us to consider our own "sowing" in both spiritual and practical realms. Just as the ancient farmer diligently worked the soil, we are called to be diligent in our vocations, our relationships, our stewardship of resources, and our pursuit of God's Kingdom. The promise of "sowing beside all waters" serves as a profound reminder that God, in His boundless grace, provides the fertile ground and abundant resources—His Word, His Spirit, His wisdom, and His sustaining presence—for our efforts to bear fruit. We are encouraged to "send forth the feet of the ox and the ass," which can be understood metaphorically as deploying our God-given gifts, talents, resources, and opportunities without fear, trusting that God will provide the security, freedom, and favorable conditions necessary for our labor to be productive for His glory. This verse calls us to cultivate a life of faithful obedience, diligent work, and expectant trust, knowing that true flourishing comes from aligning our efforts with His divine purposes and resting in the comprehensive peace found under His sovereign and benevolent rule, even amidst the challenges of a fallen world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently "sowing" (investing effort, time, resources, or spiritual energy)?**
* **How does the imagery of "sowing beside all waters" encourage you about God's abundant provision and the potential for extraordinary fruitfulness in your spiritual and practical endeavors?**
* **What "oxen and asses" (i.e., gifts, talents, opportunities, or relationships) has God entrusted to you to "send forth" for His Kingdom, and what might be hindering you from deploying them fully?**
* **How does the promise of peace and security in this verse shape your perspective on daily work, future aspirations, and your reliance on God's providence?**

### FAQ
**What does "sow beside all waters" mean literally and figuratively?**

Answer: Literally, "sow beside all waters" describes an ideal and highly blessed agricultural condition where fields are abundantly watered, either by natural springs, rivers, or extensive, easily accessible irrigation systems. In ancient Israel, a land often dependent on unpredictable rainfall, this imagery signifies exceptional fertility, ease of cultivation, and a guaranteed bountiful harvest, representing a state of unprecedented agricultural prosperity. Figuratively, it represents a state of profound divine blessing and provision, where human efforts are met with extraordinary fruitfulness due to God's favor. Spiritually, it can signify the act of sowing the seeds of faith, truth, and good works in an environment made fertile and productive by God's grace and the abundant outpouring of His Spirit, ensuring spiritual growth and impact.

**Why are "ox and ass" specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Oxen and asses were the primary working animals in ancient agrarian societies, absolutely essential for farming and transport. Oxen were indispensable for heavy tasks like plowing, breaking up hard soil, and threshing grain, symbolizing arduous, foundational labor. Asses were used for lighter work, carrying burdens, and treading out grain, representing more versatile and accessible labor. Their specific mention in [Isaiah 32:20](/isaiah/32-20 "Isaiah 32:20 - Blessing of Abundant Labor") highlights the comprehensive nature of the agricultural activity and the blessing. The ability to "send forth" both types of animals freely, without any fear of invasion, theft, or scarcity of fodder, signifies a state of complete peace and security. It means that the necessary resources for work are readily available and can be deployed fully, leading to flourishing endeavors and a secure livelihood and abundant provision for the entire community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 32:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who is the righteous King foretold in [Isaiah 32:1](/isaiah/32-1 "Isaiah 32:1 - The Righteous King") and throughout Old Testament prophecy. He is the one through whom the Spirit is poured out without measure ([Isaiah 32:15](/isaiah/32-15 "Isaiah 32:15 - The Spirit Poured Out from On High")), transforming the spiritual wilderness of the human heart into a fertile field capable of bearing fruit for God's glory. The "waters" beside which we are blessed to sow are fully realized in Christ, who declares Himself the inexhaustible source of "living water" that eternally quenches spiritual thirst and flows out from within believers to others ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Living Water") and [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). The comprehensive blessing of this verse is experienced by those who are "in Christ," for He is our ultimate peace and security ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), enabling us to "sow" the seeds of the Gospel, righteousness, and good works in a world made fertile by His grace, without fear of ultimate failure or opposition. The "sending forth the feet of the ox and the ass" beautifully symbolizes the freedom, empowerment, and spiritual resources given to believers to engage in the vital work of the Kingdom—spreading the good news, serving others with love, and living righteously—knowing with full assurance that our labor in the Lord is never in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfast in the Lord")). In Him, we find the true abundance, security, and spiritual fruitfulness that Isaiah's prophecy foreshadowed, as He is the one who makes us truly "blessed" in every spiritual blessing ([Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes") and [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

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

Ecclesiastes 11:1

¶ Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Isaiah 30:23

Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.

Isaiah 30:24

The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.

Isaiah 55:10

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.

1 Corinthians 9:9

For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

1 Corinthians 9:11

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?