Isaiah 41:16

KJV

Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, [and] shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt fan {H2219} them, and the wind {H7307} shall carry them away {H5375}, and the whirlwind {H5591} shall scatter {H6327} them: and thou shalt rejoice {H1523} in the LORD {H3068}, and shalt glory {H1984} in the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As you fan them, the wind will carry them off, and the whirlwind will scatter them. Then you will rejoice in ADONAI, you will glory in the Holy One of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt winnow them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them; and thou shalt rejoice in Jehovah, thou shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 41:16 powerfully portrays God's decisive and comprehensive intervention on behalf of His chosen people, Israel, against all their adversaries. Through the vivid agricultural imagery of winnowing, the verse depicts the Lord's complete removal and scattering of every opposing force, rendering them as insubstantial as chaff. This divine act of deliverance frees His people to experience profound, unreserved spiritual joy and to find their ultimate glory and delight in the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, their faithful Deliverer and Protector.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant culmination of a significant prophetic section within Isaiah 41, which directly addresses Israel, God's chosen servant, amidst their fears and uncertainties. Beginning in [Isaiah 41:8](/isaiah/41-8 "Isaiah 41:8 - God's Chosen Servant, Israel"), the Lord reassures His people, promising His unwavering presence and support: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" ([Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise of Strength and Help")). The preceding verses, specifically [Isaiah 41:14-15](/isaiah/41-14-15 "Isaiah 41:14-15 - Israel as a New Threshing Sledge"), employ the potent metaphor of Israel as a "new sharp threshing sledge with teeth," empowered by God to "thresh the mountains and crush them, and will make the hills like chaff." Verse 16, therefore, illustrates the complete and final dispersion of this "chaff"—representing Israel's enemies and obstacles—and the resulting exultation of God's people in their Deliverer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-55, are often attributed to "Second Isaiah" and are primarily addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. These messages were intended to offer profound comfort, hope, and assurance of future restoration and deliverance from captivity. The imagery of "fanning," "wind," and "whirlwind" is deeply rooted in ancient agricultural practices, specifically the process of winnowing. After grain was threshed to separate the kernels from the stalks, the mixture of grain and chaff would be tossed into the air on a windy day. The heavier grain would fall back to the ground, while the lighter, worthless chaff would be carried away by the wind, leaving the pure grain behind. This was a common and easily understood process in ancient Israel, symbolizing purification, judgment, and the complete removal of undesirable elements. The title "the Holy One of Israel" is exceptionally prominent in Isaiah, emphasizing God's unique holiness, His moral purity, and His covenantal relationship with His people, setting Him apart from the powerless idols of the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme permeating this passage, and indeed the book of Isaiah, is **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**. God is not a passive observer but an active, omnipotent participant in history, orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive purposes for Israel. He is the one who empowers His seemingly weak and vulnerable people to overcome formidable foes, demonstrating His absolute control over all circumstances. This leads directly to the theme of **Triumphant Vindication and Joy**. The scattering of enemies is not an end in itself, but a means to bring about a state of security, peace, and profound joy for Israel. Their rejoicing is not in their own might or the destruction of their adversaries, but exclusively "in the LORD," recognizing His faithfulness and power as the sole source of their salvation. This resonates with the broader biblical truth that true and lasting joy is found in God alone, as articulated in passages like [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence"). Finally, the recurring title **"The Holy One of Israel"** underscores God's unique character—His absolute purity, transcendence, and unwavering covenant fidelity to His chosen nation. This title serves as a powerful reminder of His distinctness from pagan deities and His steadfast commitment to His people, a theme that pervades the entire book of Isaiah, from its opening chapters (e.g., [Isaiah 1:4](/isaiah/1-4 "Isaiah 1:4 - The Holy One of Israel Despised")) to its glorious prophetic conclusions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fan (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** This primitive root (H2219) means "to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow; cast away, compass, disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow." In the context of Isaiah 41:16, it vividly describes the agricultural process of separating grain from chaff, where the chaff is scattered and carried away by the wind. This action, performed by God, symbolizes His decisive, thorough, and purifying judgment against Israel's enemies, separating them from His people and rendering them utterly powerless and insubstantial.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _gîyl'_):** This primitive root (H1523) properly means "to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e. usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear; be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice." It conveys a sense of exuberant, even dancing, joy that is often unrestrained and deeply emotional. In this verse, it indicates the profound and unreserved gladness that Israel will experience as a direct result of God's victorious intervention and complete deliverance. Their joy is not superficial but deeply rooted in their experience of God's power, faithfulness, and the security He provides.
* **glory (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root (H1984) means "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify; (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine." Here, it signifies a celebratory boasting, praise, or exultation, specifically directed towards the "Holy One of Israel." It implies not only a verbal declaration of God's greatness but also a radiant display of His honor through the redeemed and victorious lives of His people. This is the root from which the word "hallelujah" (Praise the Lord) is derived, emphasizing a joyful, public acknowledgment of God's supreme worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them:"** This opening clause employs a powerful triple parallelism, using agricultural imagery to describe God's decisive and overwhelming action against Israel's enemies. "Fan" (winnow) initiates the process, indicating a deliberate separation and judgment. "The wind shall carry them away" emphasizes the complete removal of the adversaries, likening them to lightweight, worthless chaff that is utterly dispersed. "The whirlwind shall scatter them" intensifies the imagery, suggesting a violent, irresistible, and comprehensive force that utterly disperses and obliterates any opposition, leaving no trace. The "them" refers to the "mountains" and "hills" (representing formidable enemies or obstacles) mentioned in the preceding verse, now reduced to insubstantial "chaff."
* **"and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD,"** This marks a dramatic and redemptive shift from divine judgment upon enemies to the joyful response of God's people. The "thou" refers to Israel, the people of God, who are the beneficiaries of His powerful intervention. Their deliverance from overwhelming opposition is not merely a relief but a catalyst for profound, active, and exuberant joy. Crucially, this joy is not self-congratulatory or focused on the demise of their foes, but is directed "in the LORD" (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), acknowledging Him as the sole source of their victory, salvation, and security. It speaks to a deep, spiritual delight found in God's character and His mighty acts of redemption.
* **"and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel."** This final clause reinforces and expands upon the preceding declaration of joy, elevating it to a public declaration of praise and exultation. To "glory" (Hebrew, _hâlal'_) means to boast, praise, or celebrate in a way that brings honor. This is not a vain or arrogant boasting but a rightful and reverent exultation in the unique and sacred identity of God as "the Holy One of Israel." This title (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh Yisrâʼêl'_) emphasizes God's absolute moral purity, His transcendence, and His special, covenantal relationship with Israel. It signifies that Israel's ultimate honor, pride, and source of praise are found in their God, who is distinct from all pagan deities, utterly faithful to His promises, and uniquely powerful to save.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 41:16 is exceptionally rich with **Imagery**, particularly **Agricultural Imagery**, drawing on the familiar and culturally understood process of winnowing. The terms "fan," "wind," and "whirlwind" vividly paint a picture of God's powerful, decisive, and thorough judgment, likening Israel's enemies to worthless **Chaff** that is easily dispersed and obliterated. This creates a strong **Contrast** between the substantial, enduring people of God (the grain) and the ephemeral, insubstantial nature of their adversaries (the chaff). The verse also employs striking **Parallelism** in the first clause ("Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them"), where similar ideas of dispersion and destruction are expressed through different but reinforcing phrases, intensifying the sense of complete and irresistible divine action. Furthermore, the dramatic shift in focus from the violent scattering of enemies to the peaceful, exultant rejoicing of Israel demonstrates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the transformative effect of divine intervention from external threat to internal spiritual liberation and joy. The repeated emphasis on "the LORD" and "the Holy One of Israel" serves to underscore the singular and unique source of Israel's deliverance and ultimate joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 41:16 powerfully articulates the profound biblical truth that God is the ultimate Vindicator of His people, transforming their perceived weakness into insurmountable strength and their fear into exultant joy. The imagery of winnowing is a profound theological metaphor for divine judgment and purification, where God sovereignly separates the precious from the profane, ensuring the ultimate triumph of His righteous purposes and the security of His covenant people. This passage assures believers across all generations that even when surrounded by overwhelming opposition or facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, their unwavering trust in the sovereign Lord will inevitably lead to their deliverance and a deep, abiding joy that flows directly from His presence, His character, and His unfailing faithfulness. It underscores the vital theological principle that our ultimate boasting, our deepest delight, and our highest glory should be found in God alone, not in human strength, worldly achievements, or temporary circumstances, recognizing His unique holiness and unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

* [Psalm 1:4](/psalms/1-4 "The Wicked are Like Chaff")
* [Psalm 34:2](/psalms/34-2 "My Soul Shall Make Its Boast in the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Rejoice in the Lord Always")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 41:16 offers profound comfort and a clear, compelling directive for our lives today. In a world filled with anxieties, opposition, and challenges that often feel overwhelming and insurmountable, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our God is not distant, passive, or indifferent. He is actively engaged in our lives, capable of "fanning" away the "chaff" of our troubles—whether they be spiritual attacks, relational conflicts, financial pressures, internal struggles with sin, or the crushing weight of despair. Just as He promised to scatter Israel's physical enemies, He promises to work all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Our appropriate response to His powerful, redemptive intervention should be one of profound, unreserved joy and glorying in Him. This isn't a superficial happiness dependent on fleeting circumstances, but a deep-seated spiritual delight that transcends all external pressures, rooted in the unwavering knowledge that the "Holy One of Israel" is our God, our Defender, our Provider, and our ultimate source of hope and security. Our focus shifts from the daunting problem to the omnipotent Problem-Solver, from our inherent weakness to His boundless strength, leading us to find our true identity, satisfaction, and purpose in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "chaff" in your life (e.g., fears, anxieties, temptations, obstacles, past failures) do you need to trust God to "fan away" and scatter through His sovereign power?**
* **How does recognizing God as "the Holy One of Israel"—unique in His purity, power, and covenant faithfulness—deepen your trust and joy in Him, especially when facing adversity?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can you intentionally "rejoice in the LORD" and "glory in the Holy One of Israel" in your daily circumstances, even amidst ongoing challenges or waiting periods?**

### FAQ
**What does the imagery of "fanning," "wind," and "whirlwind" signify in this verse?**

Answer: This imagery draws from the ancient agricultural practice of winnowing, a common and easily understood process in biblical times. After grain was threshed to separate the kernels from the stalks, the mixture of grain and chaff was tossed into the air on a windy day. The heavier, valuable grain would fall back to the ground, while the lighter, worthless chaff would be carried away by the wind. In [Isaiah 41:16](/isaiah/41-16 "God's Victory and Israel's Joy"), this process symbolizes God's decisive, thorough, and complete judgment against Israel's enemies or any formidable obstacles they faced. He will utterly remove and disperse them, just as worthless chaff is scattered by the wind, leaving His people secure, purified, and unhindered. This powerful metaphor assures God's people that their adversaries are no match for His sovereign power and will be completely swept away.

**Why is "the Holy One of Israel" a significant title for God in this context?**

Answer: "The Holy One of Israel" (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh Yisrâʼêl'_) is a profoundly significant title, particularly prominent in the book of Isaiah, where it appears more frequently than in all other Old Testament books combined. It emphasizes two crucial aspects of God's character and relationship with His people. First, it highlights His absolute **holiness**—His moral purity, transcendence, and His separateness from all creation and sin. He is utterly unique and distinct. Second, it underscores His special, **covenantal relationship** with Israel. In the context of [Isaiah 41](/isaiah/41 "God's Assurance to Israel"), where Israel is surrounded by pagan nations and their powerless idols, this title powerfully reminds them that their God is uniquely powerful, righteous, and utterly faithful—unlike the impotent gods of the Gentiles. It serves to reinforce that their God is worthy of their trust, their joy, and their glory, as He is the one who will deliver them and uphold His covenant promises, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His chosen nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 41:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks of God's physical deliverance of Israel from earthly enemies, the spiritual reality foreshadowed is Christ's decisive victory over the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as God promised to "fan" and "scatter" Israel's adversaries like worthless chaff, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, decisively defeated the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the true Lamb of God who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), effectively "winnowing" sin and its devastating consequences from the lives of all who believe in Him. The promise that "thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel" is gloriously fulfilled in believers who find their complete joy, boast, and ultimate satisfaction in Christ alone. Our salvation is not achieved by our own might or merit but is entirely by His finished work, leading us to "boast in the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "Let the One Who Boasts, Boast in the Lord")). He is the true "Holy One of Israel" ([Acts 2:27](/acts/2-27 "The Holy One Will Not See Decay")), the very embodiment of God's holiness and faithfulness, in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Through Him, we are not merely delivered from external threats but are purified, reconciled to God, and brought into an eternal rejoicing in His glorious presence ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "The Great Multitude Worshipping God")).

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

Jeremiah 51:2

And will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about.

Isaiah 45:24

Surely, shall [one] say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: [even] to him shall [men] come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

Isaiah 45:25

In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Isaiah 61:11

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Jeremiah 15:7

And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave [them] of children, I will destroy my people, [since] they return not from their ways.