Isaiah 40:4

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill lowered, the bumpy places made level and the crags become a plain.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 40:4 stands as a profound prophetic declaration within the "Book of Comfort," painting a vivid metaphorical landscape of radical transformation. This verse symbolizes the divine removal of all obstacles—spiritual, social, and physical—in anticipation of the Lord's glorious advent. It carries deep significance, pointing both to the historical return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity and, more profoundly, to the preparatory work for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the establishment of His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 40 marks a pivotal turning point in the book of Isaiah, shifting dramatically from prophecies of judgment and condemnation (chapters 1-39) to messages of profound hope, comfort, and restoration for God's people (chapters 40-66). The chapter opens with the tender divine command, "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God" [Isaiah 40:1](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1 - The Call to Comfort Israel"). This immediate preceding context sets the stage for a message of grace following a period of divine discipline. Verses 2-5 specifically describe a voice crying in the wilderness, preparing a highway for the Lord, culminating in the declaration that "the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" [Isaiah 40:5](/isaiah/40-5 "Isaiah 40:5 - The Revelation of God's Glory"). Isaiah 40:4, therefore, is an integral part of this preparatory imagery, detailing the specific leveling and straightening required for the divine procession.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 40-66 are primarily addressed to a people either in or anticipating the Babylonian exile, a period of immense suffering and despair for Judah. The imagery of preparing a "highway" for the Lord [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Preparing the Way of the Lord") would resonate deeply with ancient Near Eastern practices. It was customary for kings and deities to have roads prepared for their grand processions, especially after military victories or during royal visits. This often involved leveling terrain, removing obstacles, and making paths straight. For the exiles, this imagery would evoke the miraculous return from Babylon, a journey made possible by divine intervention, as if God Himself were leading them on a newly prepared, unobstructed path. It speaks to a divine act of clearing the way for their liberation and restoration to their homeland.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 40:4 contributes powerfully to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Divine Preparation and Intervention**, where God Himself actively clears all impediments, both literal and metaphorical, for His purposes to be realized. This verse underscores God's **Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating His absolute ability to transform circumstances, humble the proud, and exalt the lowly, as seen in the dramatic reshaping of the landscape. It also highlights **Restoration and Justice**, promising a reversal of fortunes where the downtrodden are lifted ("every valley shall be exalted") and oppressive structures are brought low ("every mountain and hill shall be made low"). Furthermore, the making "straight" of the "crooked" and "plain" of the "rough places" speaks to God's work of **Rectification and Moral Renewal**, smoothing out injustices and moral perversions, bringing order and clarity where chaos and difficulty once reigned. This comprehensive transformation anticipates a new era of divine presence and blessing, foundational to the "Book of Comfort" [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - The Book of Comfort Begins").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **valley (Hebrew, _gayʼ'_):** From H1516, meaning "a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent); valley." This term denotes a low, often confined place, symbolically representing humility, despair, or the downtrodden. The promise that such a place "shall be exalted" signifies a dramatic reversal of fortune and a lifting up of the lowly.
* **exalted (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, meaning "to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative... exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield." In this context, it specifically means to be lifted up, raised high, or elevated, indicating a divine act of promotion and restoration.
* **crooked (Hebrew, _ʻâqôb'_):** From H6121, meaning "in the original sense, a knoll (as swelling up); in the denominative sense; (transitive) fraudulent or (intransitive) tracked; crooked, deceitful, polluted." This word carries both a literal sense of uneven terrain and a strong metaphorical connotation of moral perversion, deceit, or injustice. The promise that the "crooked shall be made straight" implies not only the removal of physical obstacles but also the rectification of moral wrongs and the establishment of righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every valley shall be exalted":** This clause speaks to the lifting up of the lowly, the humble, and those in despair. Valleys, being low places, metaphorically represent conditions of oppression, suffering, or insignificance. The divine promise is that these will be elevated, signifying a reversal of fortune and a restoration of dignity and hope.
* **"and every mountain and hill shall be made low":** In contrast to the valleys, mountains and hills represent obstacles, pride, power, or anything that stands in the way of God's purposes or human flourishing. This clause signifies the humbling of the proud, the removal of barriers, and the leveling of inequalities, clearing the path for divine justice and accessibility.
* **"and the crooked shall be made straight":** "Crooked" refers to twisted, winding paths, but also carries the strong connotation of moral perversion, injustice, or deceit. To be "made straight" implies a divine act of rectifying wrongs, bringing clarity where there was confusion, and establishing righteousness and integrity.
* **"and the rough places plain":** "Rough places" denote rugged, difficult, or impassable terrain, symbolizing life's hardships, complexities, and obstacles. To be made "plain" (level, smooth) signifies the smoothing out of difficulties, the removal of impediments, and the creation of an unobstructed, clear path for progress and peace.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 40:4 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a transformed landscape that immediately conveys its profound message. The verse primarily employs **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, by contrasting opposing elements like "valley" and "mountain," "exalted" and "made low," and **Synthetic Parallelism** in the pairing of "crooked" with "straight" and "rough places" with "plain," where the second part develops the thought of the first. This structure emphasizes the comprehensive and radical nature of the divine transformation. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, where the physical leveling of the earth represents spiritual, social, and moral rectification. The landscape is a symbolic representation of human circumstances, societal structures, and the spiritual condition, all being prepared by God for His glorious manifestation. The use of **Hyperbole** (every valley, every mountain) underscores the absolute and universal scope of this divine work, leaving no obstacle untouched.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 40:4 is a profound declaration of God's sovereign power to bring about restoration and prepare the way for His presence. Theologically, it affirms that God is not only the Creator but also the active Sustainer and Redeemer, capable of reshaping reality—both physical and spiritual—to fulfill His promises. It speaks to the divine justice that exalts the humble and brings low the proud, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. This verse anticipates a time when all impediments to God's glory and the flourishing of His people will be removed, paving the way for a new era of covenant faithfulness and divine revelation. It encapsulates the core message of comfort and hope that marks the latter half of Isaiah, promising that God will indeed intervene decisively for His people.

* [Matthew 3:3](/matthew/3-3 "Matthew 3:3 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way")
* [Luke 3:4-6](/luke/3-4-6 "Luke 3:4-6 - John the Baptist's Ministry Quoting Isaiah")
* [Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52-53 "Luke 1:52-53 - Mary's Magnificat on God's Reversal of Fortunes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 40:4 offers timeless spiritual principles for believers today, urging us to recognize God's transformative power in our lives and the world. Just as a physical path is cleared for a king, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for the continuous work of God's Spirit and the anticipation of Christ's return. This involves a profound act of spiritual introspection, identifying and removing the "mountains" of pride, self-sufficiency, and stubbornness, and allowing God to lift us from the "valleys" of despair, insecurity, or perceived insignificance. It also challenges us to confront the "crooked" paths of injustice, deceit, and moral compromise in our own lives and in society, striving for righteousness and integrity. Ultimately, this verse instills immense hope, reminding us that no obstacle is too great for God to overcome, and He is actively working to smooth out the "rough places" of our lives, bringing order, clarity, and purpose even amidst chaos and difficulty. This divine assurance empowers us to live with expectant faith, knowing that God is always preparing the way for His glory to be revealed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" or "hills" (obstacles, pride, self-sufficiency) in your life need to be brought low by God's transformative power?**
* **In what "valleys" (areas of despair, humility, or feeling overlooked) do you need God to exalt and lift you up?**
* **What "crooked" paths (dishonesty, injustice, moral compromise) in your character or circumstances need to be made straight by the Lord?**
* **How does the promise of God making "rough places plain" encourage you when facing difficult or challenging seasons in life?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in preparing the way for the Lord's work in your own life and in the world around you?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Isaiah 40:4?**

Answer: The primary message of Isaiah 40:4 is a prophetic declaration of God's sovereign power to remove all obstacles—both physical and metaphorical—and to level all inequalities in preparation for His glorious advent and the fulfillment of His promises. It signifies a complete transformation of circumstances, exalting the humble and bringing low the proud, making clear and straight paths for divine intervention and restoration.

**How does this verse relate to John the Baptist?**

Answer: Isaiah 40:4, along with the preceding verses [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - The Voice in the Wilderness"), is famously quoted in the New Testament Gospels to describe the ministry of John the Baptist. John is presented as the "voice crying in the wilderness" who came to "prepare the way of the Lord" [Matthew 3:3](/matthew/3-3 "Matthew 3:3 - John's Role as Preparer"). His call to repentance and baptism was the spiritual leveling of "valleys" and "mountains" in people's hearts, making them ready to receive Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Specifically, [Luke 3:5](/luke/3-5 "Luke 3:5 - Luke's Quote of Isaiah 40:4") directly quotes Isaiah 40:4 in describing John's preparatory work.

**Does this verse have a literal or symbolic meaning?**

Answer: While the language of Isaiah 40:4 uses vivid literal imagery of landscape transformation, its meaning is primarily symbolic and metaphorical. It speaks to a spiritual and moral transformation, as well as a historical one (the return from exile). The "valleys," "mountains," "crooked," and "rough places" represent human conditions, societal injustices, spiritual obstacles, and moral failings that God will rectify. The New Testament's application of this verse to John the Baptist's ministry confirms its deeper, spiritual significance in preparing hearts for the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:4 finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "voice crying in the wilderness" that prepares the way for the Lord [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - The Voice Preparing the Way") is unequivocally identified in the Gospels as John the Baptist, whose mission was to announce the coming of the Messiah [Matthew 3:1-3](/matthew/3-1-3 "Matthew 3:1-3 - John the Baptist's Ministry"). Jesus Himself is the Lord for whom the way was prepared, and through His ministry, death, and resurrection, the spiritual "valleys" were exalted and the "mountains" of sin and separation were brought low. He is the one who makes the "crooked" paths of human sin and injustice "straight" through His atoning sacrifice and the establishment of His righteous kingdom [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ"). The "rough places" of a fallen world are made "plain" by His grace, offering a clear path to God for all who believe [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Thus, Isaiah 40:4 is a powerful prophecy pointing to the salvific work of Christ, who removes all spiritual impediments, reconciles humanity to God, and establishes a new, level ground of grace and righteousness for all who walk with Him. His first coming initiated this leveling, and His glorious second coming will bring about its complete and final fulfillment [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

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

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].