Isaiah 51:14

KJV

The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

KJV (with Strong's)

The captive exile {H6808} hasteneth {H4116} that he may be loosed {H6605}, and that he should not die {H4191} in the pit {H7845}, nor that his bread {H3899} should fail {H2637}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The captive will soon be set free; he will not die and go down to Sh'ol; on the contrary, his food supply will be secure.

Berean Standard Bible

The captive will soon be freed; he will not die in the dungeon, and his bread will not be lacking.

American Standard Version

The captive exile shall speedily be loosed; and he shall not die and go down into the pit, neither shall his bread fail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 51:14 offers a poignant glimpse into the urgent longing for liberation and security felt by the exiled people of God. It expresses a fervent hope that the "captive exile" will swiftly be released from bondage, escaping the clutches of death and destitution. This verse, nestled within Isaiah's "Book of Comfort," serves as a divine assurance of impending restoration, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to deliver His people from oppression and provide for their every need, even in the most desperate circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 51 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-55), a section of Isaiah primarily addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Following powerful declarations of God's sovereignty and unique ability to save (Isaiah 40-48), chapters 49-55 focus on the Servant of the Lord and the glorious future of Zion. Specifically, Isaiah 51 begins with an exhortation to "listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord" (Isaiah 51:1) and encourages the people to remember their origins in Abraham and Sarah, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing forth a multitude from them. The chapter reassures the disheartened exiles that God, who created the heavens and the earth, is mighty enough to deliver them from their current plight and restore Zion. Verse 14, therefore, expresses the immediate, desperate need of the exiles within this larger framework of divine promise and comfort, contrasting their present suffering with God's ultimate plan for their salvation and flourishing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 51:14 is the Babylonian exile, a period following the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BC. The people of Judah were forcibly deported to Babylon, a foreign land with different gods, customs, and laws. This was a time of immense national and spiritual trauma, as they grappled with the loss of their homeland, their identity as God's chosen people, and the perceived abandonment by their God. Life in exile, while not always physically brutal, was characterized by subjugation, uncertainty, and a profound sense of displacement. The "pit" mentioned in the verse could refer to literal dungeons used for prisoners, but also metaphorically to the grave or a state of utter despair. The fear of "bread failing" speaks to the constant existential threat of starvation and lack of basic sustenance, a common anxiety for displaced populations. The urgency implied in "hasteneth" reflects the deep psychological and physical toll of prolonged captivity and the yearning for a swift end to their suffering and a return to their ancestral lands.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Restoration**. The longing for release from the "pit" and the provision of "bread" underscores the comprehensive nature of God's promised salvation, encompassing both physical freedom and material sustenance. This echoes God's past acts of liberation, such as the miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Deliverance at the Red Sea"), where He demonstrated His power to free His people from bondage and provide for them in the wilderness ([Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man lives by every word of God")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Covenant**. Despite Israel's disobedience leading to exile, God's promises to Abraham and David remain steadfast. Isaiah continually reminds the exiles that God has not forgotten His covenant people and will act to fulfill His redemptive plan, demonstrating His sovereignty over history and human affairs, even when circumstances seem bleak. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Hope in Despair**, as the "hasteneth" implies an active, urgent desire for God's intervention, even amidst the deep suffering of captivity. This hope is not a naive optimism but a confident expectation rooted in God's character and His revealed will to save His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hasteneth (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** From H4116, this primitive root means "to hurry" or "to be quick," often used adverbially to imply promptness. In this context, it conveys the intense, urgent longing of the captive exile for immediate release. It's not a passive waiting but an active, fervent desire for swift divine intervention, reflecting the deep suffering and impatience of those in bondage.
* **loosed (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** From H6605, this root means "to open wide," "to loosen," or "to let go free." It vividly portrays the desired state of liberation – a complete and unhindered release from the bonds of captivity. It implies not just an escape, but a divinely orchestrated opening that sets the prisoner entirely free, allowing them to move without constraint.
* **pit (Hebrew, _shachath'_):** From H7845, this word refers to a "pit" (especially as a trap) and figuratively to "destruction" or "the grave." It represents a place of ultimate despair, confinement, and death. The fear of dying in the "pit" signifies the profound existential threat faced by the exiles, who feared perishing in a foreign land without hope of burial or return to their homeland.
* **fail (Hebrew, _châçêr'_):** From H2637, this root means "to lack," "to fail," or "to be abated." When applied to "bread," it signifies the fear of utter destitution, starvation, and the complete absence of basic sustenance. It underscores the precariousness of their existence and the desperate need for God's provision to sustain life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The captive exile hasteneth":** This clause immediately establishes the subject and his urgent state. The "captive exile" (Hebrew: _tsa'ah_) refers to one who is both imprisoned and displaced, highlighting the dual nature of their plight. The verb "hasteneth" (Hebrew: _mahar_) conveys an intense, almost desperate longing for immediate relief, reflecting the profound suffering and impatience of those enduring prolonged bondage.
* **"that he may be loosed":** This expresses the primary desire of the captive – freedom. The word "loosed" (Hebrew: _pathach_) implies a complete unbinding or opening, suggesting a comprehensive liberation from all forms of restraint, not just physical chains but also the psychological and spiritual burdens of captivity.
* **"and that he should not die in the pit":** This clause articulates a profound fear and a plea for preservation of life. The "pit" (Hebrew: _shachath_) is a powerful metaphor for a dungeon, a trap, or even the grave, symbolizing ultimate despair and destruction. The fear of dying there underscores the life-threatening nature of their situation and their desire to avoid a hopeless end in a foreign land.
* **"nor that his bread should fail":** This final clause highlights the most basic human need – sustenance – and the fear of its absence. "Bread" (Hebrew: _lechem_) represents not just food but all essential provisions for life. The fear that it "should fail" (Hebrew: _chaser_) speaks to the constant threat of starvation and destitution, emphasizing the precariousness of their existence and the desperate need for divine provision.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 51:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is prominently used, particularly with the "pit" (**_shachath_**), which serves as a potent symbol not merely for a literal dungeon but for the grave, utter destruction, or a state of profound despair and hopelessness. This extends beyond physical confinement to spiritual and existential peril. The phrase "his bread should fail" also functions as a **Metonymy**, where "bread" represents all essential provisions and the very sustenance of life, thus signifying a complete lack of basic necessities and the threat of starvation. The verb "hasteneth" (Hebrew: **_mahar_**) imbues the "captive exile" with a sense of urgent, almost personified desire, reflecting the intense emotional state of the oppressed. This **Personification** of the exile's longing underscores the immediacy and depth of their suffering and their fervent hope for swift divine intervention. The entire verse, in its concise articulation of desperate need and fervent hope, functions as a **Synecdoche**, where the plight of one "captive exile" represents the collective suffering and longing of the entire exiled community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 51:14 powerfully articulates the human condition of vulnerability and dependence, particularly in times of oppression, while simultaneously affirming God's character as the ultimate Deliverer and Sustainer. Theologically, it underscores the biblical truth that God hears the cries of the afflicted and acts on behalf of His covenant people. It reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty over human history, even amidst the darkest periods of exile and suffering. The longing for liberation from the "pit" and the provision of "bread" points to God's holistic concern for humanity – not just spiritual salvation, but also physical well-being and freedom from oppression. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's redemptive plan encompasses every aspect of human need and extends to the restoration of His people from all forms of bondage and despair.

* [Psalm 107:10-14](/psalms/107-10 "Psalm 107:10-14 - Deliverance from Darkness and Chains")
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims Freedom for the Captives")
* [Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - Give Us Our Daily Bread")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 51:14 offers profound comfort and a call to trust for contemporary believers facing various forms of "captivity" or "pits" in their lives. Whether it's the bondage of sin, the oppression of systemic injustice, the despair of mental illness, or the anxiety of financial insecurity, this verse reminds us that God is intimately aware of our plight and hears our urgent cries for deliverance. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of active hope, "hastening" in prayer and expectation for God's intervention, rather than passively succumbing to despair. Just as God promised to loose the exiles and provide their bread, He promises to meet our deepest needs, both spiritual and physical. This verse challenges us to identify the "pits" in our own lives or in the world around us and to remember that God's power is not limited by our circumstances. It calls us to trust in His timing and His unfailing provision, knowing that He is our ultimate Redeemer who desires our freedom and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "pits" or forms of "captivity" (spiritual, emotional, physical, societal) do you or those around you currently experience?**
* **How does the "hastening" of the captive exile resonate with your own longing for deliverance or resolution in difficult situations?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust in God's provision for your "daily bread" and His promise to sustain you?**
* **How can you actively pray for and work towards the "loosing" of those who are oppressed or suffering in our world today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "pit" in Isaiah 51:14?**

Answer: The "pit" (Hebrew: _shachath_) in Isaiah 51:14 carries significant symbolic weight. While it could literally refer to a dungeon or a cistern used as a prison, its deeper meaning extends to a place of ultimate despair, destruction, or the grave. For the exiles, dying in the "pit" represented not only a physical death but also a hopeless, ignominious end in a foreign land, cut off from their people and their God. It symbolizes the profound existential threat and the deepest fears of those in captivity, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the deliverance they urgently sought. It's a powerful metaphor for any situation that traps, threatens, or leads to utter ruin.

**How does this verse relate to God's provision for His people?**

Answer: This verse directly addresses God's provision through the phrase "nor that his bread should fail." "Bread" (Hebrew: _lechem_) is a metonymy for all essential sustenance and basic needs for life. The fear of its failure underscores the precariousness of the exiles' existence and their absolute dependence on God. By promising that their bread would not fail, God reassures His people of His unwavering commitment to sustain them, even in the most desperate circumstances. This aligns with broader biblical themes of God as Provider, seen in His miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16:35](/exodus/16-35 "Exodus 16:35 - Manna in the Wilderness")) and Jesus' teaching on seeking God's kingdom first, with the promise that all needs will be met ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 51:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The "captive exile" yearning to be "loosed" from the "pit" and saved from perishing perfectly foreshadows humanity's universal predicament under the bondage of sin and the threat of eternal death. Humanity, exiled from God's presence, is indeed "hastening" towards a spiritual "pit" of destruction. Jesus, however, came to proclaim "liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). He is the one who entered the ultimate "pit" of death and the grave, not to be consumed by it, but to conquer it, rising triumphantly and thereby "loosing" all who believe from its power ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Delivers from the Fear of Death")). Furthermore, Jesus is the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), ensuring that those who come to Him will never spiritually "fail" or hunger. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ provides not only spiritual freedom but also eternal sustenance, fulfilling the deepest longings expressed in Isaiah 51:14 for ultimate liberation and unending provision.

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 48:20

Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

Zechariah 9:11

As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein [is] no water.

Isaiah 52:2

Shake thyself from the dust; arise, [and] sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

Acts 12:7

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands.

Acts 12:8

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

Isaiah 49:10

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Ezra 1:5

¶ Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all [them] whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem.