Isaiah 55:1

KJV

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ho {H1945}, every one that thirsteth {H6771}, come {H3212} ye to the waters {H4325}, and he that hath no money {H3701}; come {H3212} ye, buy {H7666}, and eat {H398}; yea, come {H3212}, buy {H7666} wine {H3196} and milk {H2461} without money {H3701} and without price {H4242}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You without money, come, buy, and eat! Yes, come! Buy wine and milk without money - it's free!

Berean Standard Bible

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!

American Standard Version

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 55:1 presents an urgent and universal divine invitation, beckoning all who are spiritually thirsty to come and partake of God's abundant provision. This profound call offers spiritual sustenance, symbolized by "waters," "wine," and "milk," freely and without cost, emphasizing God's boundless grace and the unmerited nature of His life-giving gifts, contrasting sharply with the futility of human striving for satisfaction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 55 stands as a pivotal chapter within the latter portion of the Book of Isaiah (often referred to as Second Isaiah, chapters 40-66), which primarily addresses the exilic or post-exilic community. Following chapters that emphasize God's sovereignty, His servant's suffering, and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration (e.g., [Isaiah 49](/isaiah/49 "Isaiah 49 - The Servant's Mission") and [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")), chapter 55 shifts to a direct, passionate invitation for the people to return to the Lord and receive His blessings. It serves as a climactic call to embrace the covenant promises, building on the themes of comfort and hope established earlier in this section. The verse immediately preceding it, [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon formed against you shall prosper"), concludes a passage affirming God's protection and vindication of His people, setting the stage for the gracious offer of spiritual nourishment and renewed covenant relationship in chapter 55.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of Isaiah 55 was likely the Jewish exiles in Babylon, or those who had recently returned to a desolate homeland. They faced spiritual weariness, economic hardship, and the temptation to seek satisfaction in worldly pursuits or false gods. In the arid ancient Near East, water was a symbol of life, sustenance, and blessing, making the invitation to "waters" incredibly potent. Wine and milk, often associated with feasting, prosperity, and rich nourishment, further underscore the abundance of God's provision. The concept of "buying without money" would have been particularly striking to a people struggling with scarcity, highlighting the radical generosity of God's offer in contrast to the typical commercial transactions of their time. This invitation implicitly critiques the societal norms where provision was contingent on wealth or labor, pointing instead to a divine economy of grace.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 55:1 introduces and reinforces several major theological themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Invitation and Accessibility**, emphasizing that God's grace is not exclusive but extended to "every one that thirsteth," regardless of their social standing or financial means. Secondly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Unmerited Grace and Freeness of Salvation**, as the gifts are offered "without money and without price," directly challenging any notion that spiritual blessings can be earned or purchased. This anticipates later New Testament teachings on salvation by grace (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Thirdly, the imagery of "thirst," "waters," "wine," and "milk" underscores the theme of **Spiritual Satisfaction and Abundant Provision**, portraying God as the sole source of genuine fulfillment for the deep longings of the human soul, in contrast to the unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits mentioned in [Isaiah 55:2](/isaiah/55-2 "Isaiah 55:2 - Why spend money on what is not bread?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ho (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This exclamation serves as an urgent, impassioned call to attention. Derived from a root akin to "woe" or "alas," it can express lament or warning, but here it functions as a powerful summons, demanding immediate notice. It signals that what follows is a message of profound importance and divine urgency, cutting through the distractions of daily life to capture the hearer's focus.
* **thirsteth (Hebrew, _tsâmê'_):** This word describes a state of intense physical or spiritual longing. It refers to a deep, unfulfilled need, a parched condition of the soul that yearns for satisfaction. In this context, it signifies not merely a physical desire for water but a profound spiritual hunger for truth, peace, righteousness, and the presence of God, which only He can truly satisfy.
* **buy (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** While typically meaning "to deal in grain" or "to purchase," its use here in conjunction with "without money and without price" creates a powerful paradox. This "buying" is not a commercial transaction based on human merit or wealth, but an act of receiving a free gift. It implies an active appropriation or acceptance on the part of the recipient, yet the cost is borne entirely by the giver, highlighting the radical nature of God's grace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ho, every one that thirsteth,"**: This opening phrase is an urgent, universal summons. "Ho" (H1945) is an interjection demanding attention, akin to "Listen!" or "Pay heed!" It immediately establishes the broad scope of the invitation, extending to "every one" who experiences a deep, unfulfilled longing—a spiritual thirst (H6771) that cannot be quenched by worldly means.
* **"come ye to the waters,"**: This is the initial, direct command and invitation. "Come ye" (H3212) is an imperative, urging active participation. "The waters" (H4325) are a primary metaphor for life-giving sustenance, representing God's provision for spiritual needs, cleansing, and renewal, essential for survival in an arid land.
* **"and he that hath no money;"**: This clause further clarifies the universality and freeness of the invitation. It explicitly includes those who are financially destitute (H3701), emphasizing that access to God's spiritual blessings is not contingent on wealth, status, or human merit. It underscores the grace-based nature of the offer.
* **"come ye, buy, and eat;"**: This reiterates the imperative "come ye" (H3212), followed by two more commands. "Buy" (H7666) is used paradoxically, as the following phrase clarifies it's "without money." It signifies an act of receiving or taking possession. "Eat" (H398) implies partaking of the nourishment, internalizing the spiritual provision for sustenance and satisfaction.
* **"yea, come, buy wine and milk"**: The invitation is repeated for emphasis ("yea, come"), and the provision is expanded. "Wine" (H3196) symbolizes joy, celebration, and abundance, while "milk" (H2461) represents pure nourishment, growth, and the foundational elements of life. These additions signify not just basic sustenance, but rich, delightful, and complete spiritual provision.
* **"without money and without price."**: This concluding phrase powerfully reiterates and cements the theme of divine grace. "Without money" (H3701) and "without price" (H4242) are emphatic parallel expressions, leaving no doubt that God's offer is entirely unmerited, a free gift that cannot be earned or purchased by human effort or worth.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 55:1 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. The opening **Exclamation** "Ho," immediately grabs the reader's attention, conveying urgency and importance. The verse employs powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, where "waters," "wine," and "milk" represent spiritual nourishment, joy, and abundant life, respectively. These are particularly potent in an arid ancient Near Eastern context, contrasting with the spiritual drought of human striving. There is clear **Parallelism** in the repeated invitation "come ye," and in the dual negation "without money and without price," which serves to emphasize the freeness of God's grace. The most striking device is **Paradox**, as the command to "buy" is immediately qualified by "without money and without price." This apparent contradiction highlights the unique nature of God's economy of grace, where the most valuable gifts are freely given, challenging conventional human understanding of transaction and worth. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("come," "buy," "eat") throughout the verse creates a direct, personal, and urgent appeal to the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 55:1 stands as a profound theological statement on God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God who is not distant or demanding, but one who actively seeks to provide for the deepest needs of His creation out of pure, unmerited grace. The universal scope of the invitation ("every one that thirsteth") underscores God's impartial love and desire for all to find satisfaction in Him, regardless of their past or present circumstances. This invitation to "buy without money" is a foundational declaration of the freeness of God's salvation, emphasizing that spiritual life and blessing are not commodities to be earned or purchased, but gifts to be received by faith. It sets a precedent for the New Testament understanding of grace, where salvation is "not by works, so that no one can boast" ([Ephesians 2:9](/ephesians/2-9 "Ephesians 2:9 - Not by works, but by grace")). The imagery of water, wine, and milk speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's provision—not just basic needs, but abundant joy, rich nourishment, and complete spiritual fulfillment.

* [John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Jesus offers living water")
* [Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - The water of life freely")
* [Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 55:1 serves as a timeless and deeply personal invitation from the heart of God to every individual. In a world that constantly tells us we must earn, achieve, or pay for what we desire, this verse radically declares that the most essential and satisfying provisions for our souls are freely given. It calls us to honestly assess our deepest longings: are we attempting to quench our spiritual thirst with the unsatisfying "waters" of worldly success, material possessions, or fleeting pleasures? This passage challenges us to recognize the futility of such pursuits and to turn instead to the inexhaustible wellspring of God's grace. To "come" implies an act of faith, a turning away from self-reliance and a turning towards the divine source. To "buy without money" means to receive by simple trust, letting go of the burden of earning God's favor and embracing His lavish, unmerited gift of life, peace, and joy. It is a call to humility, acknowledging our spiritual bankruptcy, and to joyful reception, accepting the immeasurable riches of His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "waters" you are currently pursuing to quench your spiritual thirst, and are they truly satisfying?**
* **In what areas of your life do you still try to "earn" or "buy" God's favor, rather than simply receiving His grace?**
* **How does the concept of "wine and milk without money and without price" challenge your understanding of God's generosity and provision?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to "come to the waters" and partake more deeply of God's free spiritual nourishment?**

### FAQ

**What does "Ho, every one that thirsteth" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Ho" (H1945) is an urgent, attention-grabbing exclamation, similar to "Listen!" or "Pay heed!" It signals a message of great importance. "Every one that thirsteth" (H6771) refers to anyone who experiences a deep spiritual longing or emptiness, a profound need for meaning, peace, and truth that cannot be satisfied by worldly means. It emphasizes the universal nature of God's invitation, extending to all who recognize their spiritual need, regardless of their background or status.

**How can one "buy" something "without money and without price" as the verse states?**

Answer: This phrase highlights a profound paradox and the radical nature of God's grace. To "buy" (H7666) typically implies a commercial transaction, but here, it signifies an act of receiving or appropriating. The addition of "without money" (H3701) and "without price" (H4242) emphatically declares that God's spiritual provisions—His life-giving "waters," "wine," and "milk"—are not earned through human effort, merit, or financial means. They are a free gift, offered out of God's boundless love and grace, requiring only humble acceptance and faith from the recipient. This concept foreshadows the New Testament teaching that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 55:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the gracious invitation. He is the living "waters" to which all thirsty souls are called to come. In [John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' invitation to the thirsty"), Jesus stands and cries out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink," directly echoing Isaiah's ancient call. He declares Himself to be the source of "living water," promising that whoever drinks of it will never thirst again ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus as living water")). The "wine" and "milk" offered "without money and without price" find their reality in the new covenant established through Christ's sacrifice. He offers the "new wine" of His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the new covenant")), and the pure "milk" of the Word, which nourishes new believers unto salvation ([1 Peter 2:2](/1_peter/2-2 "1 Peter 2:2 - Long for pure spiritual milk")). Jesus freely gives what humanity could never earn or purchase: eternal life, peace with God, and abundant spiritual satisfaction, all secured through His perfect obedience and atoning death on the cross, making Him the ultimate fulfillment of God's gracious, cost-free 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

John 7:37

¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

John 7:38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Revelation 21:6

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:17

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

John 4:10

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.