Isaiah 43:16

KJV

Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, which maketh {H5414} a way {H1870} in the sea {H3220}, and a path {H5410} in the mighty {H5794} waters {H4325};

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says, who made a way in the sea, a path through the raging waves;

Berean Standard Bible

Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters,

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, who maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 43:16 is a powerful declaration from the LORD, affirming His unparalleled ability to accomplish the seemingly impossible. It serves as a profound reminder of God's sovereign power, specifically recalling His miraculous act of parting the Red Sea to create a path for His people. This verse functions as both a historical anchor and a prophetic assurance, establishing God's past faithfulness as the unwavering foundation for His future deliverance and provision, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 43 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section primarily addressed to the exiles in Babylon, offering hope and assurance of future restoration. Prior to this verse, God has declared His unique identity as the only Savior, emphasizing His foreknowledge and power (e.g., [Isaiah 43:10-13](/isaiah/43-10 "Isaiah 43:10-13 - God as the Only Savior")). He reminds Israel that He formed them for His praise and that He will blot out their transgressions (e.g., [Isaiah 43:21-25](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21-25 - God's Forgiveness and Purpose for Israel")). Verse 16 specifically harks back to the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history, setting the stage for the promise of a "new thing" (e.g., [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Forget the Former Things, Behold I Do a New Thing")), a new exodus from Babylon that will surpass the first in glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary audience for this message was the Jewish people enduring exile in Babylon, a period of immense despair and questioning of God's faithfulness. They were surrounded by the polytheistic culture of Babylon, with its mighty gods and empires. The memory of the Exodus from Egypt, where God miraculously delivered their ancestors from the world's most powerful empire by parting the Red Sea (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea")), was central to their national identity and understanding of God. By recalling this specific event, Isaiah grounds God's future promises in a tangible, undeniable historical act, directly challenging any doubts about His ability to deliver them from their current seemingly insurmountable predicament.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores God's **sovereignty and omnipotence**, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and circumstances, even the most formidable natural barriers like the sea. It highlights the theme of **divine deliverance and salvation**, portraying God as the one who actively intervenes to rescue His people from impossible situations. The reference to the past Exodus reinforces the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises**, assuring Israel that the God who acted mightily before will do so again. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **God making a way** where there seems to be no way, a concept central to understanding God's provision and guidance throughout history, from the Red Sea to the wilderness journey (e.g., [Psalm 77:19](/psalm/77-19 "Psalm 77:19 - God's Way Through the Sea")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often transliterated as Jehovah or Yahweh. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His personal relationship with His people. When Isaiah declares, "Thus saith the LORD," it signifies that this is not merely a human pronouncement but a direct, authoritative word from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose very name speaks of His unchanging faithfulness and power to be who He is and to do what He promises.
* **maketh (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This verb is a primitive root meaning "to give," but used with a vast latitude of application, including "put," "make," "appoint," or "bestow." In this context, it conveys God's active, intentional, and powerful agency in creating or establishing something. It's not a passive observation but a dynamic act of divine will and power, indicating that God doesn't just find a way; He *creates* it. This highlights His creative power even in seemingly impossible scenarios.
* **way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From a root meaning "to tread," this word refers to a road, path, or course. Figuratively, it can denote a course of life or mode of action. Here, it literally refers to a physical path through the sea, but it also carries the metaphorical weight of God providing a means of escape, a direction, or a solution where none existed. Paired with "path" (_nâthîyb_), it emphasizes the clear, traversable route miraculously established by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase serves as a divine oracle formula, signaling that the following words are a direct, authoritative message from God Himself. It establishes the absolute truthfulness and power of the declaration that follows, rooting it in the character of the covenant God, Yahweh.
* **"which maketh a way in the sea,"**: This clause immediately points to God's unparalleled power and creative ability. It specifically alludes to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - The Parting of the Red Sea")), an event that demonstrated God's mastery over nature and His commitment to His people's deliverance. The emphasis is on God's active role in *creating* a path where there was only an impassable barrier.
* **"and a path in the mighty waters;"**: This parallel clause reinforces the previous statement, using synonymous terms ("path" for "way," "mighty waters" for "sea") to amplify the miracle. "Mighty waters" conveys not just depth but also the immense power, turbulence, and overwhelming nature of the sea, making God's act of creating a traversable path through them all the more astounding and a testament to His supreme authority and strength.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 43:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Parallelism** is evident in the repetition of the idea of creating a passage through water: "a way in the sea" is echoed by "a path in the mighty waters." This synonymous parallelism intensifies the image and emphasizes the miraculous nature of God's intervention. **Allusion** is central, as the verse directly references the historical event of the Exodus and the parting of the Red Sea, a foundational narrative for Israel. This allusion serves to remind the audience of God's past faithfulness and power, building confidence for future acts of deliverance. Furthermore, the "sea" and "mighty waters" function as **symbols** of insurmountable obstacles, chaos, and danger, making God's act of "making a way" through them a powerful symbol of His ability to overcome any human impossibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 43:16 is a profound theological statement on God's omnipotence and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It asserts that the God who performed the ultimate act of deliverance in the past is the same God who will act in the present and future. This verse teaches us that God is not limited by natural laws or human limitations; He is the sovereign Creator who can defy all odds to fulfill His purposes. It underscores the biblical theme of God as the great Deliverer, who consistently intervenes on behalf of His people, turning impassable barriers into pathways of salvation. This divine characteristic is a source of immense hope and trust for believers facing their own "mighty waters."

* [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - Moses Stretches Out His Hand Over the Sea")
* [Psalm 77:19](/psalm/77-19 "Psalm 77:19 - Your Way Was Through the Sea")
* [Jeremiah 32:27](/jeremiah/32-27 "Jeremiah 32:27 - Is Anything Too Hard for Me?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 43:16 offers a timeless message of hope and assurance for every believer. In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges and seemingly impossible situations—whether personal crises, global uncertainties, or spiritual battles—this verse reminds us that our God is the God who makes a way where there is no way. Just as He parted the Red Sea for ancient Israel, He is capable of navigating us through the "mighty waters" of our lives, creating paths through financial distress, relational brokenness, health struggles, or vocational dead ends. The call to us is to remember His past faithfulness, not just in biblical history but in our own lives, and to trust in His present power and future provision. This verse encourages us to shift our gaze from the size of our problems to the greatness of our God, believing that He is always at work, making a way for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mighty waters" are you currently facing that seem impassable?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both in Scripture and in your own life, strengthen your faith for present challenges?**
* **In what specific areas do you need to trust God to "make a way" for you today?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary historical event referenced in Isaiah 43:16?**

Answer: The primary historical event referenced in Isaiah 43:16 is the miraculous parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, as described in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"). This event is a foundational narrative in Israelite history, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people from bondage through an impossible act.

**How does this verse offer comfort to those in difficult situations?**

Answer: This verse offers profound comfort by reminding us that the God who performed such an extraordinary miracle in the past is still active and powerful today. For those facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, whether personal or collective, Isaiah 43:16 assures them that God is capable of "making a way" even through the most "mighty waters," providing hope that He can deliver them from their present difficulties, just as He did for Israel. It encourages trust in His omnipotence and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 43:16, with its declaration of God making a way through the sea, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament passage speaks of a physical deliverance through water, Christ is the one who makes a way for spiritual deliverance through the "mighty waters" of sin and death. He is the true and living "Way" (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), through whom humanity gains access to God. Just as God created a path through the Red Sea, Jesus, through His crucifixion and resurrection, cleared the path to eternal life, overcoming the ultimate barriers of sin and death (e.g., [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - By the Blood of Jesus We Have Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (e.g., [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making a way for reconciliation and new life where there was only separation and condemnation. Thus, the power displayed at the Red Sea is eclipsed by the greater power of Christ's atoning work, which provides a spiritual exodus for all who believe, leading them from the bondage of sin into the freedom of God's kingdom (e.g., [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")).

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 51:10

[Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

Psalms 77:19

Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Jeremiah 31:35

¶ Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, [and] the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts [is] his name:

Isaiah 63:11

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, [and] his people, [saying], Where [is] he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where [is] he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Isaiah 63:13

That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, [that] they should not stumble?

Nehemiah 9:11

And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.