Isaiah 42:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will bring {H3212} the blind {H5787} by a way {H1870} that they knew {H3045} not; I will lead {H1869} them in paths {H5410} that they have not known {H3045}: I will make {H7760} darkness {H4285} light {H216} before {H6440} them, and crooked things {H4625} straight {H4334}. These things {H1697} will I do {H6213} unto them, and not forsake {H5800} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The blind I will lead on a road they don't know, on roads they don't know I will lead them; I will turn darkness to light before them, and straighten their twisted paths. These are things I will do without fail.

Berean Standard Bible

I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.

American Standard Version

And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:16 presents a profound divine promise of guidance, transformation, and unwavering faithfulness. God declares His sovereign intent to lead those who are spiritually or physically disoriented through unknown territories, illuminating their darkness and straightening their obstacles. This verse assures His people that He will actively intervene to bring clarity and order to their lives, culminating in an unbreakable commitment never to abandon them, highlighting His providential care and steadfast covenant love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 42:16 is situated within the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah, specifically the first song (Isaiah 42:1-9). This section introduces the Lord's Servant, initially depicted as Israel, but ultimately pointing to the Messiah. The preceding verses (Isaiah 42:1-9) establish the Servant's mission: to bring justice to the nations, open blind eyes, and free prisoners, not with a loud cry but with gentle persistence. Verse 16 directly follows God's declaration of His unique sovereignty and His intention to perform new things (Isaiah 42:9-10). The promise of leading the blind and making darkness light is a direct fulfillment of the Servant's mission to open blind eyes (Isaiah 42:7), emphasizing God's active role in bringing about this spiritual and physical restoration. This promise of guidance and restoration sets the stage for the subsequent lament and renewed promises of redemption for Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah, particularly from chapter 40 onwards, are often understood as addressing the period of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return. The "blind" (H5787, _'ivvêr'_) in this context refers primarily to the spiritual blindness of Israel, who, despite being God's chosen people, repeatedly turned away from His covenant (Isaiah 42:18-20). It also extends to the nations who did not know the true God. The "way they knew not" and "paths they have not known" vividly describe the disorientation and hopelessness of exile, where the familiar paths to Jerusalem and their homeland were lost. God's promise to make "darkness light" and "crooked things straight" speaks to the miraculous intervention required for their return journey through the wilderness (a new exodus) and the restoration of their national and spiritual identity, rectifying the injustices suffered under foreign domination.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. **Divine Guidance and Sovereignty** are paramount, as God explicitly states, "I will bring... I will lead," underscoring His active and providential hand in directing the lives of His people, even through unforeseen and challenging circumstances. This highlights God's absolute control over history and individual destinies, a theme echoed in [Jeremiah 10:23](/jeremiah/10-23 "Jeremiah 10:23 - Man's Way Not His Own"). The promise to "make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight" signifies **Overcoming Obstacles and Bringing Clarity**, both physically and spiritually. It speaks to God's power to dispel confusion, rectify injustice, and transform seemingly impossible situations into clear paths, reflecting His character as a God of order and truth, as seen in [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my Light and Salvation"). Finally, the concluding phrase, "These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them," is a profound assurance of **God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Covenant Love**. It emphasizes His steadfast presence and His commitment never to abandon His people, regardless of their failures or present struggles, reinforcing the enduring nature of His covenant relationship, a promise foundational to [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail You").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blind (Hebrew, _'ivvêr'_):** (H5787) This term, derived from a root meaning to be blind, refers not only to physical sightlessness but, more significantly in prophetic contexts, to spiritual inability to perceive, understand, or respond to God's truth and ways. In Isaiah, it frequently describes Israel's spiritual insensitivity and rebellion against God's covenant instructions, despite having the Law. God's promise to "bring the blind" signifies His gracious initiative to restore spiritual sight and discernment to those who are lost and disoriented.
* **Darkness (Hebrew, _machshâk'_):** (H4285) This word denotes literal darkness or a dark place, but metaphorically, it represents confusion, ignorance, distress, adversity, or a state of moral and spiritual obscurity. In this verse, it vividly portrays the dire circumstances and lack of understanding faced by the "blind." God's promise to "make darkness light" is a powerful image of His divine intervention to bring clarity, hope, and salvation into situations of despair and ignorance, dispelling spiritual and existential gloom.
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _'âzab'_):** (H5800) This primitive root means to loosen, relinquish, permit, or leave. In the context of divine promises, it carries the strong implication of abandoning, neglecting, or failing to support. The negative "not forsake them" (וְלֹא אֶעֱזָבֵם) is a powerful affirmation of God's enduring commitment and covenant faithfulness. It underscores the unbreakable nature of His relationship with His people, assuring them of His constant presence, provision, and protection, even when they are most vulnerable or undeserving.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known:"** This opening clause highlights God's sovereign initiative and the unexpected nature of His guidance. The "blind" refers to those lacking spiritual discernment or direction, perhaps Israel in exile. God promises to lead them through unfamiliar territories, emphasizing that their deliverance and future path will be entirely of His devising, beyond human comprehension or planning. This speaks to a miraculous and unprecedented intervention.
* **"I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight."** This powerful parallelism describes the transformative impact of God's intervention. "Darkness" represents confusion, despair, and ignorance, while "light" signifies clarity, understanding, and hope. "Crooked things" (H4625, _maʻăqâsh'_) refers to twisted, difficult, or morally perverse situations and paths. God's promise to make them "straight" (H4334, _mîyshôwr'_) implies not only the removal of physical obstacles and the rectification of injustices but also the establishment of divine order, righteousness, and ease where there was previously chaos and difficulty.
* **"These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."** This concluding declaration serves as a divine guarantee. "These things" refers to the entire scope of guidance, illumination, and rectification promised in the preceding clauses. The emphatic "I will do" underscores God's unwavering resolve and power to fulfill His word. The final phrase, "and not forsake them," is a profound assurance of God's steadfast presence and covenant loyalty, emphasizing that His commitment is unbreakable and His love enduring, regardless of the challenges or the people's past failings.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:16 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Parallelism**, which amplify its theological message. The central metaphor of "the blind" (H5787, _'ivvêr'_) being led through "a way they knew not" and "paths they have not known" powerfully depicts spiritual and existential disorientation, while simultaneously highlighting God's role as the ultimate guide and illuminator. This is further reinforced by the vivid **Contrast** between "darkness" (H4285, _machshâk'_) and "light" (H216, _'ôwr'_), and "crooked things" (H4625, _maʻăqâsh'_) and "straight" (H4334, _mîyshôwr'_). This antithetical parallelism emphasizes the radical transformation God brings about, moving from confusion to clarity, from obstacle to smooth passage. The repeated "I will" (e.g., "I will bring," "I will lead," "I will make," "I will do") functions as **Anaphora**, underscoring God's sovereign initiative, active involvement, and unwavering commitment to His promises. The verse concludes with a strong **Affirmation** and **Assurance** in "These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them," solidifying the divine guarantee of His faithfulness and presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:16 stands as a powerful testament to God's active providence and unwavering covenant faithfulness. It reveals a God who does not merely observe but intimately intervenes in the lives of His people, especially when they are most vulnerable, lost, or spiritually blind. The promise of leading through unknown paths, transforming darkness into light, and straightening crooked ways speaks to God's sovereign power to rectify all circumstances, both internal (spiritual understanding) and external (life's obstacles and injustices). This divine initiative underscores His redemptive character, demonstrating His commitment to restore, guide, and sustain His chosen ones, ensuring they reach their divinely appointed destiny. It's a promise of hope and assurance that even in the deepest confusion or most challenging situations, God remains present and actively working on their behalf.

* [Psalm 23:3](/psalm/23-3 "Psalm 23:3 - He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 42:16 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities of life. When we find ourselves in situations that feel overwhelming, confusing, or when the path ahead is entirely unclear, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is not distant but actively engaged in leading us. It encourages us to embrace a posture of trust, even when our spiritual or physical sight is limited, knowing that God delights in making a way where there seems to be none. The promise to turn darkness into light and straighten crooked paths assures us that no obstacle is too great for His transformative power, and no confusion is beyond His clarity. This calls us to surrender our limited understanding and anxious striving, resting in His sovereign guidance and unwavering presence. Our response should be one of faith-filled expectation, allowing God to illuminate our next steps and rectify our circumstances, confident that He will never abandon those He has called His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "blind" or uncertain about the path forward?**
* **How does the promise of God making "darkness light" and "crooked things straight" speak to your current challenges or anxieties?**
* **What does "not forsake them" mean for your trust in God's faithfulness, especially during difficult times?**
* **How can you actively surrender your need for control and lean into God's sovereign guidance today?**

### FAQ
**Does "the blind" in this verse refer only to physical blindness?**

Answer: While the term "blind" (H5787, _'ivvêr'_) can refer to physical sightlessness, in the context of Isaiah's prophecies, it primarily carries a deeper, spiritual meaning. It often describes the spiritual insensitivity, rebellion, and lack of discernment among God's people, Israel, who failed to perceive and obey His truth despite having the Law. It can also extend to the nations who did not know the true God. Therefore, God's promise to "bring the blind" and "make darkness light" signifies a profound spiritual restoration, granting insight and understanding to those who were previously lost or disobedient, aligning with the broader mission of the Servant to open "blind eyes" found in [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes").

**How does God "make darkness light" and "crooked things straight" in our lives?**

Answer: God accomplishes this in various ways, both literally and figuratively. Spiritually, He illuminates our understanding through His Word and the Holy Spirit, dispelling confusion and granting wisdom (e.g., [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet")). Practically, He can intervene in our circumstances, removing obstacles, resolving seemingly impossible situations, and rectifying injustices. This might involve opening new doors, providing unexpected solutions, or changing hearts. It's a testament to His sovereign power to bring order out of chaos and clarity where there was obscurity, guiding us on a path of righteousness that we might not have seen ourselves, much like He led Israel through the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - God Leads Israel by Cloud and Fire")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant foretold throughout Isaiah. Jesus perfectly embodies the Servant who comes to "open the eyes of the blind" (Isaiah 42:7). He is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who came to dispel the spiritual darkness that enveloped humanity, guiding those lost in sin and ignorance into the path of truth and life. His ministry was characterized by making "darkness light" both literally, by restoring physical sight to the blind (e.g., [John 9:1-7](/john/9-1-7 "John 9:1-7 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind")), and spiritually, by revealing the Father and the way to salvation (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Furthermore, Jesus straightened the "crooked things" of human sin and injustice through His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, making a straight path for reconciliation with God. His sacrifice on the cross rectified the greatest crookedness—human rebellion against a holy God—and His resurrection guarantees that He will "not forsake" His followers, but will be with them "always, even to the end of the age" (e.g., [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). Thus, the promises of guidance, illumination, and unwavering presence in Isaiah 42:16 are fully realized in Christ, who perfectly leads His church into paths of righteousness and eternal life.

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 30:21

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

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;

Isaiah 35:8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].

Isaiah 60:19

The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

Isaiah 60:20

Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

Isaiah 40:4

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:

Luke 1:78

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,