Isaiah 43:16

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

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};

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

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

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

Commentary

This powerful declaration from Isaiah 43:16 in the King James Version speaks directly to the immense power and capability of God. It highlights His unique ability to accomplish the seemingly impossible, drawing on a historical act of salvation to assure His people of His ongoing power.

Context

Isaiah chapter 43 is part of a section where God is comforting and reassuring His people, Israel, who are facing the prospect or reality of Babylonian exile. Despite their failures, God reaffirms His covenant relationship with them and promises future restoration and deliverance. He reminds them of His past mighty acts, particularly the Exodus from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, as proof of His power and faithfulness to save. This verse specifically recalls that dramatic event to underscore that the same God who made a way through the sea can and will deliver them again.

Key Themes

  • God's Omnipotence: The verse emphasizes God's absolute power over nature and circumstances. He is not limited by physical barriers like a vast sea.
  • Impossible Deliverance: It highlights God's ability to create solutions and paths where none naturally exist, demonstrating His unique capacity for salvation.
  • Remembering Past Acts: By referencing the Red Sea, God reminds Israel (and us) of His historical faithfulness and power, building confidence for future challenges.
  • Making a Way: The core message is God's active intervention to clear obstacles and lead His people through impossible situations.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "maketh a way" is nathan derek (ื ึนืชึตึฅืŸ ื‘ึทึผื™ึธึผึ–ื ื“ึธึผึ‘ืจึถืšึฐ), which literally means "gives a way" or "places a path." This active verb highlights God's intentional and powerful action in creating the path. The "mighty waters" (ืžึทึฃื™ึดื ืขึทื“ึดึผื™ืจึดึฝื™ื - mayim 'addiriy) signifies not just deep water, but powerful, turbulent, and overwhelming seas, making the act of creating a path through them even more miraculous and a testament to God's supreme authority.

Reflection and Application

Isaiah 43:16 serves as a timeless reminder that the God we serve is capable of overcoming any obstacle. Just as He made a path through the Red Sea for Israel, He can make a way through the "mighty waters" of our lives โ€“ be it financial crisis, health issues, relational brokenness, or spiritual struggles. This verse encourages us to trust in His power when facing impossible situations, knowing that He is the same God who delivered His people in the past and promises to always provide a way of escape or a path forward. It calls us to remember His past faithfulness and rely on His present power.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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.
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