Isaiah 41:17

KJV

[When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

KJV (with Strong's)

When the poor {H6041} and needy {H34} seek {H1245} water {H4325}, and there is none, and their tongue {H3956} faileth {H5405} for thirst {H6772}, I the LORD {H3068} will hear {H6030} them, I the God {H430} of Israel {H3478} will not forsake {H5800} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The poor and needy look for water in vain; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, ADONAI, will answer them. I, the God of Isra'el, will not leave them.

Berean Standard Bible

The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

American Standard Version

The poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst; I, Jehovah, will answer them, I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 41:17 provides a profound declaration of divine compassion and unwavering faithfulness, assuring immediate and steadfast intervention for the most vulnerable. It paints a vivid picture of the poor and needy in a state of extreme desperation, parched with thirst in a barren land, only to be met with the powerful promise that the LORD, the God of Israel, will hear their cry and never abandon them. This verse serves as a beacon of hope, highlighting God's attentive care for His afflicted people and His commitment to provide for them even in their direst circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 41:17 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section primarily addressed to Israel in the context of their future Babylonian exile. Chapters 40-48 specifically emphasize God's incomparable sovereignty, His role as the only true God, and His power to deliver His people. The immediate preceding verses in [Isaiah 41](/isaiah/41 "Isaiah 41 - God's Help for Israel") focus on God strengthening Israel and assuring them of victory over their adversaries, often personified as "worms" or "Jacob" (e.g., [Isaiah 41:14-16](/isaiah/41-14 "Isaiah 41:14-16 - God Strengthens Israel")). Verse 17 transitions from the broader promise of strength in battle to the specific, intimate promise of provision for the most vulnerable, demonstrating that God's care extends to every facet of His people's suffering, from national deliverance to individual distress. This verse sets the stage for further promises of miraculous provision, such as the opening of rivers in the desert in [Isaiah 41:18](/isaiah/41-18 "Isaiah 41:18 - Water in the Wilderness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic message of Isaiah 41:17 is deeply rooted in the historical reality of ancient Israel, particularly the anticipated period of exile in Babylon. Life in the ancient Near East, especially in arid regions like parts of Judah and the desert routes to Babylon, made water an essential and often scarce commodity. Thirst was not merely discomfort but a life-threatening condition, symbolizing ultimate vulnerability and desperation. The "poor and needy" (Hebrew: *ʻaniy* and *ʼebyôwn*) were the most susceptible to such hardships, often lacking resources to secure basic necessities. Furthermore, the concept of God as "the God of Israel" (H430, H3478) reinforces the covenant relationship established at Sinai, where God promised to be their God and they His people. This historical covenant undergirds the promise of unwavering faithfulness, reminding Israel of God's past acts of deliverance, such as providing water in the wilderness during the Exodus ([Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Isaiah's prophecy and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Compassion and Attention to the Vulnerable**, portraying God's specific concern for those in extreme distress, whose physical suffering (thirst) mirrors their spiritual and existential desperation. Secondly, it underscores **God's Immediate and Active Response**, as the promise "I the LORD will hear them" signifies not passive acknowledgement but an attentive listening that leads to decisive intervention. This resonates with the recurring biblical motif of God hearing the cries of His people ([Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Righteous Cry Out")). Thirdly, the declaration "I the God of Israel will not forsake them" emphasizes **God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Covenant Loyalty**. Despite Israel's past unfaithfulness or current suffering, God's commitment to His covenant people remains steadfast, a promise of enduring presence and support that echoes throughout scripture, from [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail or Forsake You") to the New Testament's assurance in [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You"). Finally, the verse implicitly points to **Divine Provision**, as God's hearing and not forsaking in a context of thirst implies miraculous and timely supply, reinforcing His omnipotence and benevolent care.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Poor / Needy (Hebrew, _ʻânîy'_ / _ʼebyôwn'_):** The use of both H6041 *ʻânîy* ("depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor") and H34 *ʼebyôwn* ("destitute; beggar, needy, poor man") creates a powerful emphasis on the depth of destitution. *ʻAniy* often denotes one who is physically or economically oppressed, but also carries a connotation of spiritual humility or affliction. *ʼEbyôwn* specifically refers to one who is in great want or need, often a beggar. Together, they describe individuals at the absolute lowest rung of society, utterly dependent and helpless, highlighting the extent of their desperation and, by contrast, the profound nature of God's compassion for those in such a state.
* **Seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** The root H1245 *bâqash* signifies an active, earnest searching or striving, often implying a desperate quest. When the poor and needy "seek water," it's not a casual desire but a fervent, life-or-death pursuit. This word underscores their active, though futile, efforts to find relief on their own, setting the stage for God's divine intervention as the only true source of sustenance. It can also imply seeking God Himself, particularly in prayer, as the definition includes "in worship or prayer."
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** The primitive root H5800 *ʻâzab* means "to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.; commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely." God's declaration "will not forsake them" is a powerful negation of abandonment. It assures His continuous, active presence and support, directly countering the fear of being left helpless and alone. This promise is a cornerstone of God's covenant faithfulness, guaranteeing His enduring commitment to His people, even when they are at their weakest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst,"**: This opening clause vividly sets the scene of extreme human desperation. "The poor and needy" (ʻaniy and ʼebyôwn) represent the most vulnerable and marginalized, whose very existence is precarious. Their "seeking water" underscores a fundamental, life-sustaining need that remains unmet, as "there is none." The phrase "their tongue faileth for thirst" is a powerful image of physical collapse and impending death, depicting a state where the body's most basic functions are ceasing due to dehydration. This paints a picture of utter helplessness and the limits of human endurance, emphasizing the dire circumstances that elicit God's intervention.
* **"I the LORD will hear them,"**: This is the first part of God's direct, emphatic response. The use of "I the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) emphasizes God's self-existent, covenantal name, signifying His unchanging nature and sovereign power. "Will hear them" (ʻânâh, H6030) implies more than simply perceiving sound; it denotes an attentive listening that leads to understanding, compassion, and active response. It is a promise of divine empathy and readiness to intervene, assuring that their desperate cries do not go unnoticed or unanswered by the Almighty.
* **"I the God of Israel will not forsake them."**: This second part of God's declaration further solidifies His commitment. "I the God of Israel" (ʼĕlôhîym, H430; Yisrâʼêl, H3478) reinforces His unique relationship with His chosen people, rooted in His covenant. The promise "will not forsake them" (ʻâzab, H5800) is an absolute assurance of His unwavering presence and support. It means God will not abandon, neglect, or leave them destitute, even in their most vulnerable state. This declaration is a powerful affirmation of God's enduring faithfulness and His determination to uphold His covenant promises, providing ultimate security and hope.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 41:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine comfort and assurance. **Imagery** is central, particularly the vivid depiction of "the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst." This creates a sensory experience of extreme suffering and desolation, allowing the reader to viscerally feel the desperation. The phrase "tongue faileth for thirst" also uses **Personification**, attributing a human action (failing) to a body part, emphasizing the severity of the dehydration and the near collapse of the individual. There is a strong **Contrast** established between the utter helplessness and impending death of humanity on one hand, and the omnipotent, compassionate, and faithful intervention of God on the other. Furthermore, the **Repetition and Emphasis** of God's identity ("I the LORD... I the God of Israel") serves to underscore the divine authority and unwavering nature of the promise. This self-identification by God acts as a divine oath, making the promise of hearing and not forsaking absolutely certain and trustworthy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 41:17 profoundly reveals the character of God as one who is not distant or indifferent to human suffering, but intimately involved and deeply compassionate. It underscores the theological truth that God's power is most gloriously displayed in His care for the weak and marginalized, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness even when His people are at their lowest. This verse establishes a foundational principle: true help comes from the sovereign LORD, who actively hears the cries of the afflicted and pledges never to abandon them. It challenges any notion of a passive or uncaring deity, presenting instead a God who is attentive, responsive, and utterly reliable. The desperation for water also serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual thirst, highlighting humanity's inherent need for divine sustenance and God's unique ability to provide it.

* [Psalm 34:6](/psalms/34-6 "Psalm 34:6 - This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him")
* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous... for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - I will never leave you nor forsake you.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 41:17 offers immense comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating the "wildernesses" of life today. It assures us that our deepest needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, are seen and heard by a compassionate God. When we feel overwhelmed by scarcity, despair, or a profound sense of helplessness—when our "tongue faileth for thirst" in a metaphorical sense—this verse reminds us that our cries do not fall on deaf ears. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging our limitations and turning to the only One who can truly satisfy our deepest longings. Furthermore, it strengthens our faith in God's unwavering faithfulness; even when circumstances seem bleak or we feel abandoned, the promise "I the God of Israel will not forsake them" stands firm. This should inspire us to persevere in prayer, trusting that God is actively working on our behalf, providing sustenance and presence in ways we may not immediately perceive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like the "poor and needy," desperately seeking something that seems unavailable?**
* **How does the promise "I the LORD will hear them" impact your approach to prayer and your trust in God's responsiveness?**
* **What does "I the God of Israel will not forsake them" mean for you personally when facing feelings of loneliness, abandonment, or despair?**
* **How can this verse encourage you to extend compassion and practical help to the truly poor and needy in your community today?**

### FAQ

**What does "their tongue faileth for thirst" truly signify beyond physical dehydration?**

Answer: While literally describing extreme physical dehydration, "their tongue faileth for thirst" (H3956, H5405, H6772) serves as a powerful metaphor for utter desperation and the point of collapse, not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually. In biblical contexts, thirst often symbolizes a deep, unfulfilled longing or a state of spiritual barrenness. Therefore, the failing tongue represents the inability to articulate one's needs, to cry out for help, or even to sustain life. It signifies a complete depletion of resources and hope, reaching a point where human effort or self-sufficiency is utterly exhausted. This emphasizes that God's intervention in [Isaiah 41:17](/isaiah/41-17 "Isaiah 41:17 - God Hears the Poor and Needy") comes at the absolute nadir of human capability, highlighting His grace and power when all other avenues have failed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 41:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the compassionate God who hears the cries of the poor and needy and never forsakes His own. Jesus identifies with the marginalized, declaring, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")). He is the "living water" that satisfies every spiritual thirst, as He promised the Samaritan woman at the well, "whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). Just as God heard the desperate cries for physical water in the wilderness, Jesus hears the cries of those burdened and weary, inviting them, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me")). His ministry was characterized by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and bringing good news to the poor, demonstrating God's active intervention for the afflicted. Moreover, Jesus' promise to His disciples, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")), perfectly echoes the Old Testament assurance that God "will not forsake them." Through His incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, Christ became the ultimate provision for humanity's deepest spiritual thirst—forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life—ensuring that those who trust in Him will never be abandoned by the faithful God of Israel.

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

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 30:19

For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

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.

John 4:10

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

John 4:15

The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.