Isaiah 55:10

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

For as the rain {H1653} cometh down {H3381}, and the snow {H7950} from heaven {H8064}, and returneth {H7725} not thither, but watereth {H7301} the earth {H776}, and maketh it bring forth {H3205} and bud {H6779}, that it may give {H5414} seed {H2233} to the sower {H2232}, and bread {H3899} to the eater {H398}:

For just as rain and snow fall from the sky and do not return there, but water the earth, causing it to bud and produce, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat,

For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

Commentary

Context

Isaiah 55 is a pivotal chapter within the book of Isaiah, often referred to as an "invitation to grace." It comes from the latter part of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), believed to be addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon or those facing similar despair. The prophet extends a gracious invitation from God, promising restoration, forgiveness, and a new covenant. Verse 10 sets the stage for the powerful declaration in the following verse (Isaiah 55:11), emphasizing the certainty and efficacy of God's word by drawing a parallel with the reliable processes of nature.

Key Themes

  • Divine Certainty and Efficacy: Just as natural phenomena like rain and snow are reliable and accomplish their purpose on earth, so too is God's word. It is not idle but actively works to fulfill His will.
  • Provision and Sustenance: The verse uses the essential life-giving properties of water to illustrate how God's word sustains and provides, leading to growth ("make it bring forth and bud") and ultimately, spiritual and physical nourishment ("seed to the sower, and bread to the eater").
  • Irreversible Purpose: Rain and snow do not return to the heavens until they have fulfilled their mission on earth, highlighting the unstoppable and purposeful nature of God's plans and declarations. His word, once sent forth, will achieve its intended outcome.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "rain" (geshem) and "snow" (sheleg) evoke powerful, familiar images for an agricultural society in the ancient Near East. The emphasis is on their predictable and essential function in the natural cycle. The phrase "returneth not thither" strongly conveys the idea of completion and fulfillment of purpose before returning to their source. This natural illustration sets up a profound spiritual parallel, asserting that God's spoken word carries the same inherent power and certainty of outcome.

Strategic Connections

This verse serves as a foundational analogy for understanding the power and reliability of God's promises. It directly precedes and explains Isaiah 55:11, which unequivocally states, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." The imagery of seed and bread also resonates with other biblical themes, such as the Parable of the Sower, where the seed represents the word of God, and Jesus as the Bread of Life, providing ultimate spiritual sustenance.

Practical Application

Isaiah 55:10 offers profound reassurance and encouragement for all who seek to understand God's will. It reminds us that God's word, whether spoken in prophecy, command, or promise, is not empty rhetoric but carries inherent power to accomplish its intended purpose. For believers, this means trusting in God's promises for salvation, provision, and guidance, knowing they are as certain and effective as the rain that waters the earth. It encourages patience and faith, recognizing that God's plans will inevitably bear fruit, providing spiritual nourishment and growth in due season, and that His word will always achieve what He purposes for it.

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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

  • 2 Corinthians 9:9 (21 votes)

    (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:11 (21 votes)

    Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

  • Deuteronomy 32:2 (18 votes)

    My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

  • Isaiah 30:23 (15 votes)

    Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.

  • Ezekiel 34:26 (13 votes)

    And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.

  • Hosea 10:12 (11 votes)

    Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

  • Isaiah 61:11 (9 votes)

    For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.