40:3 40:3

Isaiah 40:4

40:5 40:5

Bible Versions

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Every valley {H1516} shall be exalted {H5375}, and every mountain {H2022} and hill {H1389} shall be made low {H8213}: and the crooked {H6121} shall be made straight {H4334}, and the rough places {H7406} plain {H1237}:
Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill lowered, the bumpy places made level and the crags become a plain.
Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain:

Isaiah 40:4 is a powerful prophetic verse from the "Book of Comfort" within the prophet Isaiah's writings. It paints a vivid picture of a landscape transformed, symbolizing the removal of all obstacles in preparation for the glorious coming of the Lord. This verse carries deep significance, pointing both to the immediate return of Israel from Babylonian exile and, more profoundly, to the spiritual preparation for the Messiah's arrival.

Context

Chapter 40 marks a pivotal shift in the book of Isaiah, moving from prophecies of judgment and warning to messages of hope, comfort, and restoration for God's people. It begins with the tender command, "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God" (Isaiah 40:1). The preceding verses speak of Jerusalem's warfare being accomplished and her iniquity pardoned. Isaiah 40:3-5 then describes a voice crying in the wilderness, preparing a highway for God, a passage famously quoted in the New Testament concerning the ministry of John the Baptist.

Key Themes

  • Preparation for the Lord: The primary theme is the clearing of a path, both literally and metaphorically, for the arrival of God. The dramatic leveling of the terrain signifies that nothing will hinder the divine purpose or the Lord's advent.
  • Divine Intervention and Sovereignty: This transformation is not human effort but God's sovereign act. He is the one who "shall be exalted," "made low," "made straight," and "made plain," demonstrating His absolute power to shape circumstances and fulfill His promises.
  • Reversal of Fortunes and Restoration: "Every valley shall be exalted" speaks to the lifting up of the humble, the downtrodden, and those in despair. Conversely, "every mountain and hill shall be made low" signifies the humbling of the proud, the removal of barriers, and the leveling of inequalities. This promises a complete restoration and rectification.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: The "crooked" paths made "straight" and "rough places plain" symbolize the smoothing out of life's difficulties, injustices, and moral perversions. God is able to bring order and clarity where there was chaos and confusion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse are highly descriptive:

  • "Exalted" (רום - rum): Means to be high, lifted up, or elevated.
  • "Made low" (שפל - shaphel): Implies being humbled, brought down, or abased.
  • "Crooked" (עקב - aqov): Can refer to something twisted, devious, or even morally perverse. Making it "straight" (מישור - mishor) means to rectify or make upright.
  • "Rough places" (רכסים - rechasim): Denotes rugged, steep, or difficult terrain. Making them "plain" (בקעה - biq'ah) means transforming them into a smooth, broad valley or level ground.

These vivid terms emphasize the radical and complete transformation God brings about, not just physically but also spiritually and morally.

Related Scriptures

This verse is highly significant because it is directly referenced in the New Testament Gospels to describe the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus Christ:

The theme of God bringing down the proud and exalting the humble is also echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1:52.

Practical Application

Isaiah 40:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers:

  • Spiritual Preparation: Just as a physical path is cleared, we are called to prepare our hearts for God's presence and will. This involves removing obstacles like sin, pride, doubt, and self-sufficiency.
  • Humility and Hope: The verse reminds us that God exalts the humble and brings low the proud. It offers immense hope to those in "valleys" of despair or difficulty, assuring them that God can lift them up. It also serves as a warning against spiritual arrogance.
  • Trust in God's Power: It encourages faith that God can smooth out the "rough places" and straighten the "crooked" paths in our lives, bringing order and purpose even amidst chaos.
  • Anticipation of Christ's Return: Ultimately, this prophecy points to the glorious second coming of Jesus Christ. The call to prepare the way remains relevant as we await His return, striving to live in a manner worthy of His coming.
  • Social Justice: Metaphorically, the verse inspires a call to dismantle systems of injustice and inequality, working towards a world where the marginalized are elevated and oppressive structures are brought low, aligning with God's desire for righteousness.
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.

  • Luke 3:5

    Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways [shall be] made smooth;

  • Ezekiel 21:26

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this [shall] not [be] the same: exalt [him that is] low, and abase [him that is] high.

  • Luke 18:14

    I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

  • Isaiah 45:2

    I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

  • Isaiah 42:15

    I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.

  • Isaiah 42:16

    And I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

  • Ezekiel 17:24

    And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].
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