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.

When thou passest through {H5674} the waters {H4325}, I will be with thee; and through the rivers {H5104}, they shall not overflow {H7857} thee: when thou walkest {H3212} through {H1119} the fire {H784}, thou shalt not be burned {H3554}; neither shall the flame {H3852} kindle {H1197} upon thee.

When you pass through water, I will be with you; when you pass through rivers, they will not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you will not be scorched - the flame will not burn you.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

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.

Commentary

This powerful verse from Isaiah 43 offers immense comfort and assurance, speaking directly to the unwavering presence and protection of God amidst life's most challenging circumstances. It is a cornerstone promise for believers facing hardship.

Context

Isaiah chapters 40-55 contain messages of hope and restoration for Israel, following prophecies of judgment and exile. God is speaking to His people, who are facing or have experienced severe trials (symbolized by water and fire), promising their future redemption and return. This verse is part of a declaration of God's unique identity as the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, who has chosen and called them by name. It follows a declaration that Israel belongs to God (Isaiah 43:1). The imagery used—passing through waters and fire—reflects historical and future trials the nation faced, including the journey through the Red Sea and the Babylonian exile, but also serves as a timeless promise for individual believers.

Key Themes

  • God's Presence: The central promise is "I will be with thee." This isn't just a passive presence but an active, protective companionship through difficulties.
  • Protection Through Trials: The verse does not promise exemption *from* trials (passing *through* the waters and fire) but rather protection *in* them. The waters will not overflow, and the fire will not burn.
  • Assurance and Faithfulness: It is a divine guarantee from God to His chosen people, underscoring His faithfulness to His covenant promises even when they face overwhelming danger.
  • Redemption and Deliverance: Within the broader context of Isaiah 43, this protection is linked to God's ultimate plan to redeem and deliver His people.

Linguistic Insights

The imagery of "waters," "rivers," and "fire" are common biblical metaphors representing overwhelming danger, chaos, judgment, or severe testing. Passing "through" (עָבַר - 'avar) implies movement *through* the midst of the trial, not around it. The phrase "I will be with thee" (אִתְּךָ - 'ittəḵā) is a profound declaration of intimate divine companionship, a promise echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., Genesis 28:15, Matthew 28:20). The promise that the water "shall not overflow" and the fire "shalt not be burned" highlights the supernatural nature of God's protection.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 43:2 is a powerful reminder that following God does not guarantee a life free from trouble. We may still pass through deep "waters" of grief, financial crisis, illness, or relational conflict, and walk "through the fire" of persecution, temptation, or intense suffering. However, this verse assures us that in these moments, God is with us. His presence is our protection, not necessarily shielding us from the experience of trials, but preserving us *through* them so that we are not destroyed by them. It calls us to trust in His faithfulness and find courage knowing that He is our constant companion and protector in every storm and fiery test. This promise encourages perseverance and faith, knowing that with God, we can endure anything.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 41:10 (110 votes)

    ¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Joshua 1:9 (93 votes)

    Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

  • Psalms 66:12 (87 votes)

    Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy [place].

  • Psalms 23:4 (76 votes)

    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

  • Daniel 3:25 (63 votes)

    He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

  • Daniel 3:27 (63 votes)

    And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 (59 votes)

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.