Isaiah 49:20

KJV

The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place [is] too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost {H7923} the other, shall say {H559} again in thine ears {H241}, The place {H4725} is too strait {H6862} for me: give {H5066} place {H4725} to me that I may dwell {H3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The day will come when the children born when you were mourning will say to you, "This place is too cramped for me! Give me room, so I can live!"

Berean Standard Bible

Yet the children of your bereavement will say in your hearing, ‘This place is too small for us; make room for us to live here.’

American Standard Version

The children of thy bereavement shall yet say in thine ears, The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 49:20 offers a profound prophetic vision of Zion's future restoration, portraying the nation of Israel as a mother who, after experiencing devastating loss and desolation, will witness an astonishing influx of new inhabitants. These "children," whether returning exiles or a burgeoning population, will declare that the existing territory is utterly insufficient to contain them, demanding more room to settle. This vivid imagery signifies a miraculous reversal from barrenness and emptiness to abundant life, prosperity, and expansive growth, all guaranteed by God's unwavering promise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a pivotal section of Isaiah that shifts from judgment to themes of hope, restoration, and salvation for Israel after the Babylonian exile. Specifically, Isaiah 49 introduces the second of the Servant Songs, where the Servant of the Lord is presented as God's instrument for restoring Israel and bringing light to the nations. The immediate preceding verses (Isaiah 49:14-19) are crucial: Zion has lamented, believing God has forgotten her. God responds with tender, powerful assurances, declaring His indelible commitment to Zion, even stronger than a mother's love for her child. He promises that her desolate places, her ruins, and her waste places will soon be so crowded with inhabitants that they will burst at the seams. Verse 20 directly continues and amplifies this promise, illustrating the sheer magnitude of this repopulation. The phrase "The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other" directly contrasts past sorrow with future joy, demonstrating God's power to bring life out of death and abundance out of desolation, echoing the divine oath in [Isaiah 49:18](/isaiah/49-18 "Isaiah 49:18 - God's Promise to Zion") that Zion will be adorned with her children as a bride with her jewels.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 49 is the devastating Babylonian exile, a period of profound national trauma for the Israelites, marked by the destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the forced deportation of its people. This era fostered a deep sense of loss, abandonment, and existential despair. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, national identity, prosperity, and divine favor were intrinsically linked to a thriving population and secure land. A desolate land and a diminished populace signified divine judgment and national demise. Against this backdrop of despair, Isaiah's prophecies of restoration offered radical hope. The imagery of "children" returning or being born in such overwhelming numbers that the land could not contain them would have resonated profoundly with a people who had experienced the decimation of their families and the destruction of their homeland. A crowded city was a universally recognized sign of blessing, peace, and prosperity, standing in stark contrast to the desolation wrought by invading armies. This promise of overflowing population directly echoes ancient covenant promises of numerous descendants, such as those made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Abrahamic Covenant").
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 49:20 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. The most prominent is **Restoration and Reversal**, where God dramatically transforms a state of utter desolation, barrenness, and loss into one of overflowing abundance and flourishing. This highlights God's unwavering **Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, demonstrating that despite Israel's unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment, God remains committed to His people and His overarching redemptive plan. The vivid imagery of crowded spaces and numerous children underscores the theme of **Divine Fruitfulness and Blessing**, portraying a future where God's people are not merely sustained but multiply beyond expectation, symbolizing prosperity, security, and a renewed national identity. This echoes the promise of a "new heavens and a new earth" where God's people will rejoice and be glad forever, as described in [Isaiah 65:18-19](/isaiah/65-18 "Isaiah 65:18-19 - New Heavens and New Earth"). The verse also subtly touches upon **God's Sovereignty**, as He alone orchestrates this miraculous repopulation, confirming His ultimate control over the destiny of nations and individuals, and His ability to bring about His purposes regardless of human circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên_):** This word (H1121) is derived from a root meaning "to build," suggesting a son as a builder of the family name. It is a highly versatile term, meaning "son" but extending to include descendants, subjects, or even a quality or condition. In this context, it refers to the new generation or returning exiles who will populate Zion. The emphasis is on the sheer number and vitality of these "children," contrasting sharply with the "lost other" (H7923, _shikkulîym_, meaning childlessness by continued bereavements), highlighting a dramatic reversal from barrenness to abundant life.
* **strait (Hebrew, _tsar_):** This term (H6862) literally means "narrow" or "confined." While often used figuratively to describe distress or trouble, here it refers to the physical limitation of space. The declaration "The place is too strait for me" vividly conveys the overwhelming number of inhabitants, indicating that the land, once desolate and empty, is now bursting at the seams with life. It signifies a blessing so immense that it outgrows its previous boundaries, requiring expansion.
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab_):** This primitive root (H3427) properly means "to sit down," but broadly implies "to dwell," "to remain," or "to inhabit." In the context of "give place to me that I may dwell," it underscores the desire for permanent, settled habitation. It speaks not merely of a temporary visit but of a secure and lasting presence, signifying the re-establishment of a thriving community in a restored land, free from the threat of displacement or further exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other,"**: This clause establishes a profound contrast between Zion's past suffering and her future glory. "The other" refers to the children lost through war, famine, and exile, representing a period of national bereavement and barrenness. "The children which thou shalt have" prophesies a new generation or a massive return of exiles, signifying God's miraculous restoration and the complete reversal of Zion's fortunes from desolation to abundance.
* **"shall say again in thine ears,"**: This phrase emphasizes the directness, clarity, and undeniable nature of the future declaration. It is not a silent, unnoticed growth but an audible, joyous testament to the overwhelming population. "In thine ears" suggests that Zion, personified as a mother, will personally hear and experience this delightful "complaint" of overcrowding, a stark contrast to her previous lament of being forgotten.
* **"The place [is] too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell."**: This is the core declaration of the "children." "Too strait" means too narrow or confined, indicating that the restored land, once vast and empty, is now insufficient to contain its burgeoning population. The imperative "give place to me that I may dwell" is a plea for expansion, a joyful "complaint" that highlights the magnitude of God's blessing and the complete reversal of Zion's desolate state. It implies a need for more territory, symbolizing prosperity, security, and a thriving, re-established community.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 49:20 is rich with literary artistry, employing several devices to convey its powerful message of restoration. **Personification** is central, as Zion (representing Jerusalem and the nation of Israel) is addressed directly as a grieving mother who has lost her children but is promised a future where new "children" will fill her to overflowing. This device makes the abstract concept of national restoration deeply personal and emotionally resonant. The verse also employs striking **Contrast**, juxtaposing the past state of "lost other" children and desolate space with the future reality of abundant "children" and a "too strait" place. This stark opposition highlights the miraculous nature of God's redemptive work and the complete transformation He brings. Furthermore, **Hyperbole** is evident in the declaration "The place is too strait for me," which, while literally referring to physical space, also serves as an exaggerated expression to convey the immense, almost unbelievable, scale of the promised repopulation and blessing. This overstatement emphasizes the overflowing generosity and super-abundance of God's restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 49:20 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign power to bring life out of death. It speaks to the divine principle of restoration, where periods of judgment, desolation, and apparent abandonment are not the final word, but rather precursors to a greater outpouring of grace and blessing. The verse underscores that God's covenant promises of fruitfulness and multiplication, first given to Abraham, are ultimately fulfilled, even after national failure and severe discipline. It is a powerful affirmation that God remembers His people and has a glorious future planned for them, transforming their mourning into dancing and their barrenness into overflowing abundance. This prophetic vision extends beyond physical Israel, pointing to the expansive nature of God's kingdom and His desire to gather a multitude from all nations, demonstrating His universal redemptive purpose.

* [Isaiah 54:1-3](/isaiah/54-1-3 "Isaiah 54:1-3 - The Barren Woman's Children")
* [Psalm 107:35-38](/psalm/107-35-38 "Psalm 107:35-38 - God's Provision for the Needy")
* [Jeremiah 31:27-28](/jeremiah/31-27-28 "Jeremiah 31:27-28 - God's Promise to Build and Plant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 49:20 serves as a profound source of hope and encouragement for individuals and communities facing periods of desolation, loss, or barrenness. It reminds us that God's redemptive work is always greater than our present circumstances. Just as Zion experienced a dramatic reversal from emptiness to overflowing abundance, we too can trust that God is capable of bringing life, growth, and fruitfulness out of seemingly impossible situations. This verse invites us to expand our vision for what God can do, not to be limited by past failures, present constraints, or perceived barrenness. It challenges us to believe that even when we feel "straitened" or confined by our circumstances, God's plan is one of expansion and flourishing. It calls us to pray for and actively participate in the spiritual growth of the church, anticipating that God will continue to gather people to Himself until His spiritual dwelling place is "too strait" for the multitude of His redeemed. This passage encourages a posture of expectant faith, knowing that God's promises are always "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry have I experienced a sense of "loss," "desolation," or "barrenness"?**
* **How does the promise of God turning "strait" places into overflowing spaces encourage me in those specific areas?**
* **What might it look like for my spiritual life or my community to become "too strait" for the blessings God wants to pour out, requiring a "giving of place"?**
* **How can I actively participate in God's ongoing work of restoration and expansion, both personally and corporately, trusting in His abundance?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 49:20 imply a literal re-population of the land of Israel, or is it purely symbolic?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Isaiah 49:20 speaks to the literal return and repopulation of the land of Israel after the Babylonian exile, its prophetic scope extends beyond that historical event. The imagery of a desolate land becoming "too strait" for its inhabitants carries significant symbolic weight, representing God's comprehensive restoration of His people, both physically and spiritually. It foreshadows a future abundance that transcends mere geographical boundaries, pointing to the spiritual ingathering of God's people from all nations, as seen in the New Testament. Thus, it's both a literal promise for Israel's restoration and a powerful metaphor for the expansive growth of God's kingdom, where the church, the spiritual Zion, will be filled with a multitude that no one can number (see [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation")).

**How does the concept of "lost children" relate to the "children which thou shalt have" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "after thou hast lost the other" refers to the severe national trauma and bereavement experienced by Israel during the Babylonian exile, where many were killed, taken captive, or died in foreign lands. This period left Zion feeling barren and forgotten, a mother bereft of her offspring. The "children which thou shalt have" represent a miraculous reversal of this desolation. This refers to the new generation born in the land, the returning exiles, and ultimately, the vast multitude of God's redeemed people gathered into His spiritual family. It signifies God's power to bring life out of death, fruitfulness out of barrenness, and joy out of sorrow, demonstrating His faithfulness to restore what was lost and multiply His people beyond their former numbers. This divine promise of restoration and multiplication is a recurring theme in the prophets, such as in [Ezekiel 36:10-11](/ezekiel/36-10-11 "Ezekiel 36:10-11 - God's Promise to Multiply Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 49:20, with its vision of overwhelming restoration and expansion, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the growth of His church. While initially promising a physical return and repopulation for Israel after exile, the prophecy's expansive imagery points to a spiritual reality far grander. Christ is the true "Servant of the Lord" introduced in Isaiah 49, whose mission is not only to restore Israel but to be "a light for the Gentiles" ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Servant as Light to Gentiles")). Through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus gathers a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, transforming the spiritual "desolation" of humanity into a vibrant, ever-growing community. The "children" who declare the place "too strait" are the countless believers brought into God's family through faith in Christ, born again by the Spirit. The "place" that becomes "too strait" is the spiritual kingdom of God, which expands exponentially through the power of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the book of Acts where the church grew rapidly, adding thousands to its number ([Acts 2:41](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - Pentecost and the First Converts") and [Acts 4:4](/acts/4-4 "Acts 4:4 - Growth of the Early Church")). This divine expansion culminates in the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, where a multitude that no one can number will dwell in perfect communion with God, fulfilling the promise of a dwelling place so vast that it can contain all the redeemed ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude Before the Throne")). Thus, Isaiah 49:20 is a powerful prophetic glimpse into the glorious, ever-expanding reality of God's kingdom, built upon the foundation of Christ and populated by His redeemed people for all eternity.

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 60:4

Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side.

Hosea 1:10

Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God.

Galatians 4:26

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Galatians 4:28

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

Joshua 17:14

¶ And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

Joshua 17:16

And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, [both they] who [are] of Bethshean and her towns, and [they] who [are] of the valley of Jezreel.

Matthew 3:9

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.