Isaiah 42:14

KJV

I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, [and] refrained myself: [now] will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have long time {H5769} holden my peace {H2814}; I have been still {H2790}, and refrained {H662} myself: now will I cry {H6463} like a travailing woman {H3205}; I will destroy {H5395}{H8074} and devour {H7602} at once {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For a long time I have held my peace, I have been silent, restrained myself. Now I will shriek like a woman in labor, panting and gasping for air.

Berean Standard Bible

“I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant.

American Standard Version

I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry out like a travailing woman; I will gasp and pant together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:14 is a dramatic divine declaration, signaling a profound shift in God's disposition and action. After a prolonged period of apparent silence and self-restraint, the Lord proclaims an imminent and forceful intervention. This verse vividly portrays God's transition from patient forbearance to an overwhelming, decisive act of judgment and deliverance, likened to the unstoppable and intense cries of a woman in labor, culminating in immediate and comprehensive destruction of all that opposes His righteous will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the first of Isaiah's four "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9), which introduce the Lord's chosen Servant, a figure central to God's redemptive plan for Israel and the nations. The preceding verses (Isaiah 42:1-4) describe the Servant's gentle, just, and unwavering mission, emphasizing that He will not cry out or raise His voice in the streets. Following this depiction of the Servant's quiet yet powerful work, verse 14 shifts the focus back to God Himself, articulating a stark contrast to the Servant's gentle approach. It explains the divine patience that has characterized a certain period, and then announces a cataclysmic change, where God will no longer be silent but will act with overwhelming force to establish the justice that the Servant is commissioned to bring. This juxtaposition highlights the different facets of God's working: the quiet, persistent work of the Servant, and the ultimate, decisive intervention of God Himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah primarily addresses the kingdom of Judah during the 8th century BCE, a time marked by political instability, idolatry, and the looming threat of Assyrian and later Babylonian empires. The "long time" of God's silence could refer to the extended periods of Israel's apostasy, the oppression they endured, or the divine patience preceding the Babylonian exile and subsequent restoration. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, divine silence or seeming inactivity could be interpreted as weakness or indifference, leading people to question God's power or presence. Therefore, this declaration in Isaiah 42:14 serves as a powerful reassurance to the faithful and a stern warning to the wicked that God is neither weak nor indifferent. The imagery of a "travailing woman" would have been universally understood as a powerful, unavoidable, and intensely painful process, leading to a new birth—a metaphor that would resonate with the societal understanding of life-altering, transformative events.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 42:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah. It underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, asserting God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering commitment to executing righteousness, even after periods of apparent delay. The verse highlights **God's Patience and Forbearance**, revealing that His restraint is a deliberate choice, not an inability to act, often allowing time for repentance or for His plans to mature. This patience, however, has a limit, leading to the theme of **Imminent and Decisive Judgment**. The dramatic shift from silence to a "cry like a travailing woman" powerfully conveys the **Irrepressible Nature of God's Purpose**, indicating that His plans for judgment and deliverance will come to fruition with unstoppable force. This verse also implicitly points to the **New Era of Redemption and Restoration** that God will bring forth, as the "travailing" implies a birth, not just destruction. This new era is intricately linked to the mission of the Servant, described earlier in [Isaiah 42:1-4](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1-4 - The Servant's Gentle Mission"), who will bring justice to the nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **holden my peace (Hebrew, _châshâh'_ H2814):** This root signifies "to hush or keep quiet; to be silent, still." In this context, it describes God's deliberate and prolonged period of non-intervention or apparent inactivity. It's not a forced silence but a chosen restraint, indicating a divine patience that has characterized a specific duration of time.
* **still (Hebrew, _chârash'_ H2790):** While also meaning "to be silent," this word carries a broader semantic range, including "to engrave, plough," or "to devise." When applied to silence, it can imply a deeper, more intentional, or even secretive quietness. Here, it reinforces the idea of God's profound and deliberate restraint, suggesting that His silence was not empty but part of a deeper, hidden purpose that was being "devised" or prepared.
* **travailing woman (Hebrew, _yâlad'_ H3205):** This primitive root means "to bear young; to give birth." The imagery of a "travailing woman" (a woman in childbirth) is profoundly significant. It conveys an overwhelming, unavoidable, and intensely painful exertion. For God, it symbolizes an unstoppable, agonizing urge to bring forth His purposes, whether through the painful process of judgment against the wicked or the "birth" of a new era of justice and redemption for His people. It implies a process that is both necessary and purposeful, leading to a decisive and transformative outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself":** This opening clause establishes a historical reality: God has maintained a period of prolonged silence and self-restraint. The repetition of "holden my peace" and "been still" emphasizes the duration and deliberateness of this divine quietude. "Refrained myself" further highlights that this was an active choice, a containing of divine power and indignation, rather than an inability to act. This period of patience allowed human wickedness to run its course, or for God's larger redemptive plans to mature.
* **"now will I cry like a travailing woman":** This marks the dramatic turning point. The adverb "now" signals an immediate and decisive shift from silence to action. The simile "like a travailing woman" is a powerful and visceral image. It is not a cry of weakness or despair, but one of intense, unavoidable, and ultimately productive pain and exertion. Just as a woman in labor cannot stop the birth process once it begins, so too God's impending action is unstoppable, overwhelming, and destined to bring forth a new reality, whether through judgment or new creation.
* **"I will destroy and devour at once.":** This final clause describes the nature and immediacy of God's impending action. "Destroy" (Hebrew, _nâsham'_ H5395, also linked to _shâmêm'_ H8074 for desolation) and "devour" (Hebrew, _shâʼaph'_ H7602, meaning to inhale eagerly, swallow up) convey a comprehensive, swift, and consuming judgment. The phrase "at once" (Hebrew, _yachad'_ H3162, meaning unitedly, altogether) underscores the totality and instantaneousness of this divine intervention. It signifies that when God acts, His judgment will be complete and leave no doubt about its finality.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:14 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident as God is described with human actions and emotions: "holding peace," "being still," "refraining," "crying," "destroying," and "devouring." This makes the divine action relatable and impactful. The most striking device is the **Simile** "I will cry like a travailing woman." This vivid comparison creates a powerful image of intense, unavoidable, and ultimately purposeful exertion. It conveys the idea that God's impending action is not merely a decision but an overwhelming, internal necessity, akin to the irresistible force of childbirth. Furthermore, there is a strong **Juxtaposition** between the past ("long time holden my peace") and the future ("now will I cry"). This stark contrast highlights the dramatic shift in divine disposition and emphasizes the finality of the period of restraint. Finally, the concluding phrase "I will destroy and devour at once" employs **Hyperbole** and **Intensification** to convey the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's impending judgment, leaving no room for partiality or delay.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:14 profoundly illuminates the multifaceted character of God, revealing Him as both infinitely patient and ultimately decisive. His "silence" is not indifference but a sovereign act of forbearance, allowing time for repentance or for the full unfolding of His redemptive plan. Yet, this patience has a divine limit, after which His righteous indignation and commitment to justice will erupt with unstoppable force. The imagery of the travailing woman underscores that God's actions, even those involving judgment, are not chaotic or arbitrary, but are purposeful, leading to a "birth"—a new era of justice, restoration, and the establishment of His kingdom. This verse asserts God's absolute sovereignty, reminding humanity that He is neither passive nor delayed, but acts according to His perfect timing and unyielding will to set all things right.

* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord's Patience")
* [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")
* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight For You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 42:14 offers a powerful lens through which to understand God's character and our place within His unfolding drama. For those who feel oppressed, neglected, or that justice is delayed, this verse serves as a profound source of comfort and hope. It reminds us that God's apparent silence is not absence or apathy, but a strategic patience. He is not indifferent to the suffering of His people or the rampant injustice in the world. Rather, He is preparing for a decisive intervention, one that will be as powerful and unavoidable as the pangs of childbirth, bringing forth a new reality of righteousness and deliverance. This should cultivate a deep trust in His perfect timing, even when circumstances seem bleak. Conversely, for those who live in defiance of God's will, this verse serves as a solemn and urgent warning. God's patience is not an endorsement of sin, nor is it limitless. The day will come when His restraint will end, and His judgment will be swift, comprehensive, and inescapable. Therefore, this verse calls for immediate repentance and a turning towards the Lord, recognizing that His grace is available now, before the day of His decisive intervention. It challenges all of us to align our lives with His righteous purposes, living in anticipation of His ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or the world do you perceive God's "silence," and how does this verse challenge your understanding of that silence?**
* **How does the imagery of God "crying like a travailing woman" reshape your perception of divine power and emotion?**
* **What specific injustices or situations in the world today might evoke God's decisive "destroy and devour at once" action, and what does this imply for our prayers and actions?**
* **How does understanding God's past patience and future decisive action influence your sense of urgency regarding repentance or evangelism?**
* **In what ways can you actively trust in God's perfect timing, even when you long for immediate intervention?**

### FAQ
**What does "long time holden my peace" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Long time holden my peace" signifies a prolonged period of divine restraint and apparent inactivity. It refers to a time when God, despite witnessing injustice, idolatry, and the suffering of His people, chose not to intervene immediately or overtly with His full power. This was not due to weakness or indifference, but a deliberate act of patience and forbearance, allowing human events to unfold or for His larger, hidden purposes to mature. It implies a strategic silence, preparing for a future, decisive action.

**Why is God compared to a "travailing woman"?**

Answer: The comparison of God to a "travailing woman" (a woman in childbirth) is a powerful and intentional metaphor. It is not meant to imply weakness or despair, but rather an overwhelming, unavoidable, and intensely purposeful exertion. Just as a woman in labor experiences unstoppable contractions that lead to a new birth, God's impending action will be equally irresistible and productive. It conveys the idea that His divine purpose, whether in judgment or in bringing forth a new era of righteousness, is an internal, agonizing necessity that must come to fruition. It speaks to the intensity, inevitability, and transformative nature of His intervention.

**What is the significance of "destroy and devour at once"?**

Answer: The phrase "destroy and devour at once" emphasizes the comprehensive, swift, and decisive nature of God's impending judgment. "Destroy" (Hebrew, _nâsham'_ H5395, also related to _shâmêm'_ H8074, meaning to devastate or stupefy) and "devour" (Hebrew, _shâʼaph'_ H7602, meaning to inhale eagerly or swallow up) indicate a complete and consuming act. "At once" (Hebrew, _yachad'_ H3162, meaning unitedly or altogether) further stresses the totality and instantaneousness of this divine intervention. It signifies that when God's patience ends, His action will be absolute, leaving no doubt about the finality of His judgment against all that opposes His righteous will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:14, while a declaration from God about His own impending action, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment within the broader context of the Servant Songs. The Servant, identified as Jesus Christ, embodies a different kind of divine "silence" in His first advent. Unlike the loud, destructive cry of God in this verse, the Servant is described in [Isaiah 42:2](/isaiah/42-2 "Isaiah 42:2 - The Servant Will Not Cry Out") as one who "shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street." This foreshadows Christ's quiet, humble, and non-confrontational ministry, even His silence before His accusers, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted, Yet He Opened Not His Mouth"). Yet, this patient, suffering Servant is the very one through whom God's ultimate justice and new creation are "birthed." The "travailing woman" metaphor, signifying intense, unavoidable bringing forth, finds its ultimate echo in Christ's suffering on the cross, the "birth pangs" that brought forth redemption and new life for humanity ([John 16:21](/john/16-21 "John 16:21 - A Woman Giving Birth")). The "destroy and devour at once" aspect, though not fulfilled in Christ's first coming, points to His second advent, where He will return, not as the silent Lamb, but as the conquering King, to execute swift and decisive judgment upon His enemies and establish His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Sword from His Mouth")). Thus, the divine shift from patience to decisive action in Isaiah 42:14 is ultimately realized in the two comings of Christ: His first, characterized by patient suffering and quiet establishment of grace, and His second, marked by powerful, comprehensive judgment and the glorious "birth" of the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

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

2 Peter 3:9

¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Psalms 83:1

¶ A Song [or] Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.

Psalms 83:2

For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

Jeremiah 44:22

So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, [and] because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.

Jeremiah 15:6

Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

Luke 18:7

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?